Latest News from Albania
Albanian PM to Sue Kosovo’s Haradinaj for Libel
Albania Premier Edi Rama speaking in Tirana on 24 October 2019. Photo: LSA
"In the courts of Kosovo, the gentleman should prove the allegation of about 10 billion euros that would have been divided between me, [Kosovo President] Hashim Thaci and [Serbian President Aleksandar] Vucic," Rama told the audience of Opinion TV show.
"I will sue Ramush for slander, a liar who left Kosovo without visas"
Haradinaj claimed that Rama would "share the sum of ten billion euros with Vucic and Thaci, for dividing Kosovo", the KoSSev website reported.
‘Strict – but Fair?’: Dutch Approach to EU Enlargement
No, is the answer, according to the Netherlands, at least when it comes to Albania. While most of the blame was placed on French President Emmanuel Macron, the question arises why the position of the Netherlands differs from the overwhelming majority of other member states.
EP Adopts Negotiating Resolution with Northern Macedonia and Albania
The European Parliament has adopted, by a large majority, a resolution to support the opening of negotiations with Northern Macedonia and Albania.
The text expresses disappointment at the failure of last week's summit after France, the Netherlands and Denmark blocked the decision. The lack of a solution is a strategic mistake, the resolution underlines.
EP Supports Accession Talks with Albania and Northern Macedonia
The European Parliament has adopted, by a large majority, a resolution in support of the opening of negotiations with Northern Macedonia and Albania for EU accession.
Macron offers special partnership to the Balkans?
A privileged special partnership would be a substitute for a full membership.
According to the proposal, financial support, special arrangements for access to European markets and other benefits would be offered to the Western Balkan countries in exchange for a "silent withdrawal" of full membership.
Hahn laments failure to green-light North Macedonia, Albania accession talks
The European Union commissioner for enlargement, Johannes Hahn, on Thursday lamented last week's decision not to open accession talks with North Macedonia and Albania as "a matter of deep disappointment."
In opening remarks at the European Parliament plenary debate on opening the accession talks, Hahn said that EU leaders have "failed to live up to their commitment."
Bulgaria Allocates BGN 40,000 in Humanitarian Aid to Korca in Albania and BGN 10,000 to the DPRK
Bulgaria will provide BGN 40,000 in humanitarian aid to deal with the aftermath of the earthquake in Korca Prefecture of Albania and BGN 10,000 to overcome food shortages in the DPRK, the government decided at today's meeting.
Albania Police Expose ‘Terrorist Cell’ Targeting Iranian Exiles
Ardi Veliu, Albanian Police General Director, speaking during a ceremony in Tirana on 21 October 2019. Photo: LSA
Police General Director Ardi Veliu told journalists that they had identified the alleged terrorists from "sources inside the cell".
Proposed Euro Parliament Resolution Advocates Balkan Enlargement
MEPs from the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament on Wednesday submitted a motion for a resolution condemning France for vetoing the opening of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia during the European Council summit last week.
Vucic for "Financial Times": They are more honest now
President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic stated this, adding that the only responsible approach is to rely on ourselves.
Such a decision, despite reform efforts taken by Albania and Northern Macedonia, made it clear to the region that "it is not all up to us", Vucic said in an interview given to the Financial Times, entitled "Balkan nations bank on regional ties after EU snub".
"If they rule out Pristina, Albania withdraws immediately"
"Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama had an essential condition that will not be subject to negotiations, which is that if Kosovo is excluded from the newly established co-operation, Albania will immediately withdraw", Cakaj said in an interview with KTV.
Juncker and Tusk: Delaying Talks with Skopje and Tirana Was a Huge Mistake
Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk have made statements on Brexit's conclusions at last week's European Council, the European Union reported. They were also joined by Manfred Weber, with statements on Turkey and its Syrian operation. The issue of rejection of negotiations with Northern Macedonia and Albania was also addressed.
US Embassy Threatens to Sanction ‘Corrupt’ Albanian Officials
The US embassy in Tirana said on Tuesday that it is working on a blacklist of current and former officials in Albania who it considers corrupt and to be working against the interests of the United States.
Is the rejection of Macedonia and Albania actually Macron's revenge?
"Observers in the region see France and The Netherlands' policy as not being fair and motivated by domestic politics and stereotypes," Bieber said. "This undermines the EU as being a fair player and having clear criteria, especially since the commission has given the green light for negotiation."