Latest News from Albania
Berlin, Athens, and the Beleri case
As EU leaders meet in Brussels this week, their focus is largely on Ukraine and its ties to the EU. In the buildup to the summit, however, the Western Balkans also caught their attention. This includes the case of Albania and the imprisoned mayor-elect of Himare Fredi Beleri, which has not only caused a rift in Greek-Albanian relations, but also between Athens and Berlin this week.
Berlin backs Albania’s EU bid despite Athens’ opposition over jailed mayor
The public position taken on Wednesday by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in favor of Albania's candidacy to the EU revealed a slight crack in relations between Athens and Berlin.
Greece has clarified that Tirana's intransigence in the case of jailed ethnic Greek mayor-elect Fredi Beleri is in conflict with the European acquis.
“Shame on you, we have a dictatorship” – The Greek minority in Albania are angry after the court’s decision on Beleris (video)
Dozens of member of the ethnic Greek minority of Albania gathered outside the court that denied the mayor-elect to swear-in: “The court decision was orchestrated by Rama”
European Views on EU Expansion: Ukraine Favored, Balkans and Turkey Face Hurdles
A recent EU survey by YouGov and Datapraxis conducted across six member states highlights contrasting opinions on potential expansions. Support for Ukraine's accession emerges, but skepticism looms over Turkey and the Western Balkans. The findings impact upcoming decisions at the European Council summit regarding EU enlargement and budget allocation.
The Survey's Key Insights:
Beleri oath request gets rejected
Fredi Beleri's request to be sworn in as mayor of Himare was rejected by Albania's Special Appeals Court for Corruption and Organized Crime on Monday.
Beleri was arrested in May on voting fraud charges just before winning the municipal election in the predominantly ethnic-Greek southern Albanian region of Himare. He is currently in pretrial detention.
Genetic Study Reveals Strong Slavic Ancestry in Bulgarians, Romanians, and Croats Across the Balkans
Groundbreaking DNA research spanning Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Serbia, Romania, Albania, and Greece has unveiled striking revelations about the genetic makeup of Balkan populations. The study, conducted collaboratively by scientists from Serbia, Spain, and the US, sheds light on the prevalence of Slavic genes in the region.
Serbia narrowly avoided Croatia and Albania in the EURO 2024 draw
The Serbian national team, which is participating in the continental competition for the first time since 2000, will play in group C with England, Slovenia and Denmark.
Group B is also interesting, where Croatia, Albania, Spain and Italy are, and the Croatian media are aware that the "Blazers" will play in the "group of death".