Albanian border blocks Macedonian VLEN officials, prompting calls for explanation

On 8–9 July 2026 three officials of North Macedonia’s Albanian‐focused parliamentary group VLEN – members Bekim Qoku, Adnan Azizi and government deputy‑general secretary Hasim Murtezani – were detained for about an hour at the Qafë Thanë crossing on the Albanian‑Macedonian border. All three held diplomatic passports, yet Albanian border police barred them from proceeding and allowed only a fourth travelling companion, whose documents were deemed problematic, to continue. After the hour‑long wait the trio chose to return to Macedonia. No official notice or legal basis for the restriction was provided.

VLEN has demanded that Albanian authorities clarify whether a ban exists, on what legal grounds, and why it was applied to elected representatives. The party’s statement reads, “VLEN demands Albanian authorities inform the public whether such a measure really exists.” Macedonian parliamentary speaker Afrim Gashi also called for a transparent explanation, emphasizing the need to preserve bilateral trust. Albanian officials have suggested the incident may be linked to recent protests in Tirana (the “Flamingo Revolution”), but no formal connection has been confirmed.

The episode has sparked diplomatic tension, with VLEN and Macedonian officials seeking answers and Albanian authorities maintaining that the refusal concerned only the companion with passport issues.