FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
The German media have dealt a strong blow to Prime Minister Rama regarding the clashes of the last few days with the company that took over the Port of Durrës, over toxic waste. "Focus.de" has made a long and striking article. According to her, the Albanian prime minister, instead of working to absorb foreign investments, hits companies coming from abroad.
Albania's government is in the spotlight again - and this time it's not about Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's controversial plans to build a refugee camp in the country. No, it is the new developments around the port of Durrës, where investors are also in the game. The question that everyone raises now is: How safe are foreign investments in Albania?
The Port of Durrës, Albania's gateway to the world, was partially privatized in 2013 under the government of Prime Minister Sali Berisha. At that time, the German company EMS Shipping and Trading GmbH took over the concession for the eastern quay in order to increase efficiency. But what started promisingly ended in chaos. In 2024, EMS said goodbye to the project and sold the concession for only 13 million euros to the Croatian company SCAPHA DOO, headed by Filip Rogosić.
But instead of a clean delivery, a real disaster broke out. Reports of potentially harmful materials being exported from the port of Durrës to Asia began to circulate. The Albanian government was quick to point the finger at EMS. But the German company did not stand for this and explained that it was never responsible for approving such exports.
Government vs. investors: luxury instead of logistics
However, tensions between EMS and the Albanian government had been building long before 2024. As early as 2022, the German company resisted plans to move port operations to Porto Romano. The reason? Creating space for a glamorous prestige project: "Durres Marina", a luxury complex that was apparently more important than functional infrastructure. EMS went to the International Court of Arbitration and demanded 40 million euros in damages. The issue was eventually resolved when EMS sold the concession to SCAPHA - but the underlying issues remained unresolved.
Uncertainty scares investors
The chaos surrounding the port of Durrës is a prime example of what many critics accuse the Albanian government of: lack of transparency, unpredictable decisions and weak protection for investors. EMS and Croatian SCAPHA DOO are just two examples of how dependent Albania is on foreign capital - and how carelessness drives away investors.
In addition, there are now concerns for new operators. Filip Rogosić, the man behind SCAPHA, has links to trade networks in Europe and Latin America that are raising alarm bells among observers. How clean is the business that takes place through Durrës? And how much control does the Albanian government really have?
Brussels and Berlin are watching closely
There are many characters in the game for Albania. If the country continues to rely on foreign investments - and it undoubtedly does - Prime Minister Edi Rama must prove that Albania is not a risk for investors. Because one thing is certain: Berlin and Brussels will not simply ignore the chaos in the port of Durrës.
Anyone who wants to invest in Albania needs strong nerves – and maybe a good lawyer. / Adapted "Pamphlet" from " Focus.de "
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