Latest News from Albania

Greek Defense Min urges Albania to adhere to EU acquis

Defense Minister Nikos Dendias conveyed a message to Albania on Wednesday, urging the country to respect the European Union standards and regulations as it progresses towards EU accession.

Albania Gripped by Anti-Government Unrest: Clashes and Arrests Rock Tirana

Tensions escalated in Albania as anti-government protests erupted into clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement in the capital city of Tirana. Thousands of supporters of the opposition Democratic Party converged outside the parliament building, demanding the immediate release of party leader Sali Berisha, who has been under house arrest since December 31 on charges of corruption.

The anatomy of a Kafkaesque drama

For the past nine months, Kathimerini has been drawing attention to the judicial odyssey of Fredi Beleri, the mayor-elect of the predominantly ethnic Greek city of Himare in southern Albania, and to the violations of human rights, the rule of law and the principles of democracy entailed in his persecution.

Man found in possession of arms stash remanded in custody

A 54-year-old from the northern city of Florina who was founded in possession of an extensive arsenal of military-grade firearms, ammunition and hand grenades last week has been remanded in custody pending trial.

Vucic receives credentials of seven new ambassadors

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic received the credentials of seven new ambassadors to Belgrade on Friday.

In a post on his buducnostsrbijeav Instagram account, Vucic wrote that he had cordially welcomed the ambassadors and wished them success during their work in Serbia.

FM wraps up Balkan tour with focus on Gaza

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan concluded his three-day Balkan tour in Romania on Jan. 31, rounding off his diplomatic mission with a call for international action regarding the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

The focus of the conference remained on Israel's actions in Gaza, echoing Fidan's earlier statements during his visit to Albania and Bulgaria.

Albania’s top court allows Italy migrant pact

Albania's top court gave the green light on Monday to a deal letting Italy build migrant processing centers on Albanian territory, a scheme that has faced criticism from opposition and rights groups.

North Macedonia parliament OKs caretaker cabinet with first-ever ethnic Albanian PM

North Macedonia's parliament on Sunday approved a caretaker government with a mandate to organize a general election in May.

The government of the small Balkan country of 1.8 million people will be headed by the country's first-ever ethnic Albanian prime minister, current parliament speaker Talat Xhaferi, 61.

Foreign minister embarks on Balkan tour

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan commenced a four-day diplomatic tour of the Balkans today, aiming to address regional and global issues of mutual concern.

The tour, scheduled from Jan. 28 to 31, will see Fidan engaging with officials in Albania, Bulgaria and Romania, according to a statement released by the Turkish ministry.

UN rights chief voices concerns over Italy-Albania migrant pact

A deal allowing Italy to build reception camps in Albania for thousands of migrants arriving by sea raises concerns about arbitrary detention and living conditions, the UN human rights chief said on Thursday.

Pernik Welcomes 30th Anniversary of 'Surva' International Masquerade Festival

For three exciting days, beginning today and culminating on Sunday, Pernik hosts the prestigious International Festival of Masquerade Games, "Surva," celebrating its 30th anniversary. The festival brings together traditional masquerade customs and games from Bulgaria and beyond, with over 10,000 participants showcasing their artistry.

EU growth plan potential ‘game changer’ for Western Balkans, official says

Leaders of the six Western Balkan countries, including Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia, met on Monday in Skopje, North Macedonia to discuss reforms needed to access the European Union growth plan presented last October.

Pages