Latest News from Albania
Bulgaria and Austria Share a Common Vision For the Danube Strategy
The Presidents of Bulgaria and Austria called for a revival of the Danube Strategy and more active cooperation between the countries located along the Danube. Rumen Radev made an official visit to Austria at the invitation of his colleague Alexander Van der Bellen.
Week in Review: Would-be Candidates and Wannabe Leaders
High Hopes
At the end of September, the members of the German Bundestag overwhelmingly voted in support of setting a date for opening accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia, even if, in the case of the former, there were some stiff conditions attached.
Predrag Milincic, Market Director of Mars Bulgaria: Nutrition trends on the industry challenge the food producers all over the world
Predrag Milincic is a market director of Mars Bulgaria and also of the other countries from the region - Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Albania. Before joining the team of the food producer he worked for Coca Cola for 15 years. Predrag Milincic holds a master degree on management from Sheffield University.
When Albanian Migrant Ships Tugged Malta’s Heart
"Looking at these photographs after so many years, it certainly provokes emotions," recalls Ndricim Baci, who was then 22 and had left for Malta with his 15-year-old brother, Avni.
"Twenty-eight years have passed but I still remember those dramatic moments," adds Baci, who together with his family now lives and works in Italy.
Albania, North Macedonia EU Hopes Depend on Big Players
Despite the optimism created by the German vote in favour, the battle to secure a start date for North Macedonia's and Albania's EU accession talks is far from over.
Albanian PM Dismisses Claim of Illegal Donation to Obama
Prime Minister Edi Rama's spokesperson Endri Fuga told BIRN on Tuesday that he did not think it was necessary to comment on the allegation that the Albanian premier was behind an illegal foreign donation of $80,000 to President Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign.
President, Prime Minister and Ministers Discuss Bulgarian Position on Northern Macedonia (OVERVIEW)
Bulgaria supports the European perspective of Northern Macedonia, but our country must immediately develop a new position in which to link support for European Union membership to resolving controversial issues between Sofia and Skopje related to our common history. This is the result of a presidential consultation meeting.
Drugs found in cave in Alonissos
A total of 103 boxes containing more than a ton of cannabis were found by Hellenic Coast Guard sniffer dogs and divers in a cave on the islet of Piperi off the coast of the central Aegean island of Alonissos, authorities said Monday.
Bulgaria Conditions Support for North Macedonia’s EU Bid
Bulgaria's continued support for Skopje's EU accession bid - including its support for a start to its EU membership talks that will be decided at the European Council in October - depends on whether the two countries can resolve their disputes over history, Bulgarian leaders said on Monday at a meeting in Sofia held by President Rumen Radev.
Bulgaria’s Support for North Macedonia’s Accession to the EU is not Unconditional
The consultative summit meeting convened by President Rumen Radev in connection with the invitation expected to be extended to North Macedonia to start EU accession negotiations in October, decided that a national position on the matter should be developed with clear-cut requirements and criteria that will uphold Bulgaria's national interest, BNR reported.
Bulgaria Will Have a New Position on Northern Macedonia's European Integration
An advisory meeting to discuss the results of the work of the Joint Committee on Historical and Educational Affairs between Bulgaria and Northern Macedonia was held with President Rumen Radev. Prior to the invitation to Skopje to begin EU membership talks, the head of state requested that Bulgarian support should not be at the expense of native history, language and identity.
Skopje and Tirana Need to be Evaluated Separately, the Dutch Foreign Minister Said
Dutch Foreign Minister Stef Blok says Skopje and Tirana need to be evaluated separately as regards the start of accession talks with the European Union, according to MIA, citing Albanian Top Channel television.
German Parliament Backs Albania, North Macedonia EU Talks
In a major boost to the EU membership hopes of both Balkan countries, the German Bundestag on Thursday night voted to support the start of EU accession talks for North Macedonia and Albania.
The vote means the German government should be "in favour" of a start date for the two countries at the European Council meeting on October 17-18.
Earthquake Causes Panic in Istanbul, Turkey
An earthquake measuring 5.8 in magnitude on Thursday struck Istanbul, the largest city and main economic centre of Turkey and the region. The epicentre was around 70 kilometres west of the city in the Marmara Sea.
After the quake struck, many people panicked and fled from their homes and sought safety in parks and the streets.
Four Foreign Ministers Supported the Western Balkans Accession Negotiations
We reaffirm our strong support for a credible perspective on the accession of the Western Balkan countries and their future in the EU. We firmly believe that EU enlargement is a mutually beneficial process for both the EU and the Western Balkans, and is a strategic investment in the security, stability and prosperity of Europe.