The long-term relationship between Greece and Albania is on the rocks due to Tirana’s upcoming administrative reform plans, which threaten the demographics of Greek minorities in Albania.
The main problem appears to stem from the changes planned in Chimarra, where there is a significant Greek minority. According to the Albanian government plans, the merger of provinces with Greek minorities with more distant provinces will alter national and religions balances. A recent nationalist resurgence in local media has complicated talks.
The Greek government has argued that the particular merger does not have a practical purpose and is pressuring for an amicable solution. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Evangelos Venizelos has tried to negotiate solutions for other thorny issues, such as maritime borders and zones, however the Albanian side appears reluctant.
