Latest News from Albania

July migrant repatriations bring yearly total over 11,000

Greek authorities oversaw the voluntary return of 1,645 people to their homelands in July, according to data published Monday. The repatriations were made via a voluntary scheme run by the International Organization for Migration, as well as through returns carried out by the Greek police.

'Lucifer' heatwave keeps parts of Europe in red alert

Swathes of southern and eastern Europe sweltered in temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius (104F) on Aug. 4 in a heatwave nicknamed "Lucifer" that has fanned forest fires, triggered weather warning alerts and damaged crops.

Albanian Catholic Archbishop Stops Sunday Weddings

The archbishop of Shkoder-Pult, Angelo Massafra, announced on Thursday that from January 1, he will not allow people to get married on Sundays, causing surprise and some dismay among Catholics in Albania.

Artur Jaku, a priest in Shkodra, told Albanian Public Television, RTSH that the most important reason was that on Sundays, Catholics should go to Mass.

Jean-Claude Juncker Against the Rapid Entry of the Western Balkans into the EU

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker said in an interview with the European edition "Politico" that he does not support the rapid accession of the Western Balkan countries to the EU, but if they are deprived of a "European perspective" it will lead to tragic events similar to those that occurred as a result of the break-up of the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s.

Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva to Visit Bosnia and Herzegovina

After visiting Serbia, Albania, Macedonia and Romania, Bulgaria's Foreign Minister Ekaterina Zaharieva is continuing her Balkan tour with a visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The principal objective of Minister Zaharieva's visit is to present the priorities in the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2018, reported the Bulgarian National Radio.

Serbia Pledges to Respect Albanian Drone Suspect's Rights

Serbia's Justice Ministry told BIRN that it would guarantee alleged drone pilot Ismail Morina the same rights as others whose extradition Belgrade is seeking, but offered no additional assurances for his safety, which his family fears is under threat if he is sent to Serbia.

Croatia's Raised Import Tax Angers Neighbours

Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia sent a joint letter to the European Commission on Wednesday, complaining about Croatia's imposition of so-called non-tariff barriers which hamper their exports of agricultural products to the country.

Mike Pence: 'The Future of the Western Balkans Lay in the West'

US Vice President Mike Pence said Wednesday that the future of the Western Balkans lay "in the West", on the last leg of a tour aimed at reassuring Eastern European allies worried by Russia.

After visiting Baltic state Estonia and the Caucasus nation of Georgia, Pence arrived on Tuesday in NATO's newest member Montenegro on the Adriatic Sea.

US VP Pence Praises Montenegro's NATO Member Status

American Vice President Mike Pence praised Montenegro's NATO membership as a "historical achievement" during a meeting with Montenegrin Prime Minister Dusko Markovic in Podgorica on Wednesday.

"NATO is made up of big and small states, but the US does not have small allies," Pence said, adding that his visit illustrates the US' support for the Western Balkans.

Flow of Albanians Seeking Asylum Worries France

Albanian increasingly see France as their preferred destination to seek asylum in a time where their first destination of choice, Germany seems determined to reject almost every request coming from Albanian citizens.

"Greater Albania" drone operator seeks asylum in Croatia

Photo: Tanjug

Ismail Morina, arrested in Croatia on Serbia's warrant over a scandal during a football game played in Belgrade in 2014, is seeking political asylum in Croatia.

Albanian Drone Flyer Seeks Political Asylum in Croatia

Darko Butigan, a lawyer for Ismail Morina - who is accused of flying a drone carrying a flag of Greater Albania at a football match in Belgrade in 2014 - told BIRN on Monday that his client is seeking political asylum in Croatia to avoid extradition to Serbia.

Hungary's 'Slavic-Looking' Skanderbeg Shocks Albanians

News that a monument to the Albanian national hero, Gjergj Kastriot Skenderbej/ Skanderbeg was to be erected in the central park of Budapest was initially welcomed by Albanians in the media.

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