Latest Albania News
Albania's former prime minister Sali Berisha is formally charged with corruption
TIRANA, Albania (AP) — Former Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha on Wednesday said he was formally charged with corruption in connection with a property deal, describing the move as politically motivated. In October, prosecutors publicly put him under investigation for allegedly...
How the Balkans region grappled with the hottest summer in more than a century
BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) — Jelena Popovic normally loves summer and all it brings along, including the hot weather. But this year it was just too much. “This summer was too hot, you couldn't walk in the city. It was only pleasant when you swim," said Popovic, a resident of...
An ethnic Greek politician and EU lawmaker is released on probation in Albania
TIRANA, Albania (AP) — A former ethnic Greek mayor of an Albanian town, whose imprisonment on vote-buying charges has strained Albanian-Greek ties, has been released on probation, his office and a lawyer said Monday. Fredis Beleris was freed after a court in Fier, 100 kilometers...
UNHCR to monitor implementation of Italy-Albania accord to ensure migrants' asylum rights respected
ROME (AP) — The U.N. refugee agency, which has expressed serious concerns about Italy’s deal to process some migrants’ asylum requests at holding centers in Albania, has agreed to monitor the first three months of the agreement. UNHCR recalled that it wasn't a party to the...
Albania's governing Socialist Party wins mayoral poll in a town with ethnic Greek minority
QEPARO, Albania (AP) — Preliminary results Monday showed Albania's governing Socialist Party candidate Vangjel Tavo won the mayoral election in the southwestern town of Himara after the previous mayor was removed in a case that has sparked tensions with Greece. Results at the...
Albanians vote for new mayor of ethnic Greek town in a case that has sparked tensions with Athens
QEPARO, Albania (AP) — Albanians in the southwestern town of Himara voted for a new mayor Sunday after their previous choice, a member of the country's ethnic Greek minority, was stripped of his title, convicted and imprisoned on vote-buying charges. He and neighboring Greece have claimed his...
Italy confirms construction delays in Albania will push back opening of migrant processing centers
ROME (AP) — Italian officials confirmed that Italy’s controversial new migrant processing centers in Albania, o riginally scheduled to open Thursday, won’t be operational for several more weeks because of construction delays. Cabinet undersecretary Alfredo Mantovano cited the...
Croatia reports its toughest day for firefighters as Balkan nations battle wildfires in a heat wave
ZAGREB, Croatia (AP) — Balkan countries on Wednesday battled wildfires stoked by high temperatures, winds and a weekslong drought, as firefighters in Croatia cited their toughest day so far this season and North Macedonia suggested it might seek help from NATO. Croatia’s...
From August, migrants seeking refuge in Italy could be taken to Albania pending asylum decisions
GJADER, Albania (AP) — Migrants rescued at sea while attempting to reach Italy may see themselves transported to Albania beginning next month while their asylum claims are processed, under a controversial deal in which the small Balkan country will host thousands of asylum-seekers on Italy’s...
Ethnic Greek politician returns to prison in Albania after attending European Parliament opening
TIRANA, Albania (AP) — A member of Albania’s ethnic Greek minority returned to prison Saturday after a five-day reprieve to attend the opening session of the European Parliament where he was elected to represent Greece's ruling party. Fredis Beleris, who holds dual Greek-Albanian...
