Latest News from Albania
"Western Balkans belong to Europe"
He told the Croatian Express that the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU is a process based on merit and that as such, it is in the true interest of the EU.
"It's about 'exporting stability instead of importing instability,'" Hahn, a former commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and enlargement negotiations, had pointed out.
Big Source of Illicit Cannabis, Albania Mulls Legalising Medical Use
Yet, even with 22 countries in Europe already allowing the use of cannabis for medical purposes, Albania's announcement has raised eyebrows.
Why a Theatre’s Demolition Has Sparked Outrage in Albania
Critics say the demolition of the National Theatre is an old project of Prime Minister Edi Rama, since the time when he was Culture Minister in 1998 and proposed to build a tower in its place and incorporate the theatre inside.
The renewed bid to demolish the theatre divided artists and activists, and raised concerns among anti-corruption and heritage watchdogs.
ForMin Aurescu supports adoption at EU level of documents regarding negotiation frameworks with Albania, North Macedonia
Foreign Affairs Minister Bogdan Aurescu participated on Tuesday in the regional videoconference at ministerial level on the topic of managing the social-economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, in which context he voiced support for the adoption, at European level, in the next period, of documents representing the negotiation frameworks with Albania and the Republic of North Macedonia, follow
Albania PM Tries to Defuse Anger Over Theatre Demolition
The ruins of the National Theatre of Albania on May 18 2020. Photo: Gjergj Erebara/BIRN
An excavator removed rubble from the site on Monday morning, forming a contrasting image to billboards still inviting theatre-goers to come and see stage plays.
Worldwide Travel: Which Countries are Open
With travel being disrupted almost constantly by COVID-19 (aka coronavirus), we will share which borders are closed, and where in the world is still open to travellers...
Please note: this article is correct as of 11:00 am on 17th May. Check back Wanderlust tomorrow morning for the latest update.
Protesters, Police Clash over Theatre Demolition in Tirana
Demolition workers bulldozing the National Theatre in Tirana, Albania, on May 17, 2020. Photo: Nensi Bogdani/BIRN
The demolition was bitterly opposed by activists, opposition politicians and artists who wanted the buildings originally constructed during World War II during the Italian occupation to be renovated.
No contest: In corona era, Eurovision seeks to unite Europe
This was no contest. Shut down by the coronavirus crisis, Europe's annual musical spectacular that pits countries against one another instead sought to unite them on May 16.
The Eurovision Song Contest whose final was scheduled for May 16 night was canceled amid restrictions aimed at reining in the global pandemic.
No Quarantine for Bulgarians in Need of Medical Treatment in Turkey
From May 20, 2020, Turkey will freely allow all Bulgarian citizens in need of treatment in Turkish hospitals to come in the country with up to two escorts without being placed under a 14-day quarantine. We were informed about this by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkey with a note sent to our embassy in Ankara.
Turkey to open doors to 31 countries for health tourism
Turkey will accept patients from 31 countries as of May 20 as it loosens coronavirus restrictions, according to the country's Health Ministry.
An official letter from the ministry lists acceptance conditions for patients, entry to the country, admission to hospital, treatment, discharge and isolation rules.
Flight bans extended for seven countries
Greek authorities on Friday announced they were extending a ban on passenger flights to and from Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain and the Netherlands until May 31.
Tiodorovic: The virus is still there; Nearly 3.000 "JURA" workers will be tested
"There are fewer infected people and less risk of infection. But there is still that possibility. There are people who are virus carriers without even knowing it. Therefore, our emphasis will be on testing to reach these asymptomatic people," Tiodorovic said.
Serbia opens borders with four countries on June 1st
Free movement between North Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro will be fully liberalized.
Turkey sends medical virus aid to Balkan countries
A Turkish military plane carrying medical supplies arrived in North Macedonia on May 12 to support the country's battle against the coronavirus pandemic.
"Turkish Armed Forces aircraft carrying medical supplies for use against COVID-19 has arrived at the Republic of North Macedonia," the Turkish Defense Ministry said on Twitter.
Democracy Digest: Frustration Looms Over Western Balkans
Live: Coronavirus Updates
Pandemic Boosts Support for Europe's Autocrats
Linda Van Gelder, the World Bank's director for the Western Balkans, was unequivocal in stating that the coronavirus "is wreaking havoc on lives around the region — taxing health care systems, paralysing economic activity and undermining the wellbeing of people".