Albania and North Macedonia, after announcing a collaboration and the return of stolen artworks and icons, also discussed the possibility of joining the European Union.
The returned stolen artworks and icons were allegedly from churches and cultural centers of both countries. (Photo: Goshen News)
Returning Of Stolen Artworks And Icons
Albania and North Macedonia have concluded a decade-long collaboration by returning stolen artworks and 20 stolen icons. These icons and more than 1,000 other stolen artworks were confiscated in 2013.
The stolen artworks and icons were also suspected to have been stolen from churches and cultural centers in both countries. In 2018, North Macedonia formally requested their repatriation, leading to the signing of an agreement in 2022 and now the return of the stolen artworks and icons.
Returning the stolen artworks and icons showcases Albania’s dedication to combating the illicit trade of cultural heritage items.
According to a published article by Fox News, aside from the return of the stolen artworks and icons, both Albania and North Macedonia are presently engaged in discussions to join the European Union.
End Of A Decade-Long Process
In a published article by KXRA, the return of the stolen artworks and icons marks the end of a decade-long process that required cooperation between various institutions and countries.
The handover ceremony of the stolen icons and artworks in the capital city of Tirana highlighted Albania’s dedication to fighting against cultural heritage trafficking.
In 2013, Albanian authorities seized over 1,000 stolen religious and secular artworks from the 15th to the mid-20th century and arrested two individuals who were suspected of planning to sell them internationally.
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