A new territorial dispute has emerged between Greece and Albania after Google Maps altered the border between the two countries, effectively dividing the glacial Lake of Gramoz. The controversy follows Greek media claims that Albania had initially changed the border to include the entire lake within its territory, prompting Greek authorities to react strongly.
The Greek accusations suggest that Albania has moved border markers, thereby "stealing" the lake, also known as Lake Beznja. This body of water, one of the largest glacial lakes in the Balkans, is located on Mount Gramoz at an altitude of 2,350 meters above sea level. It is considered a natural landmark of significance for both nations.
The dispute intensified after Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama recently shared images showcasing the beauty of the lake, located near the village of Starje. This led to heightened Greek concerns, culminating in an official request for Google to intervene. In response, Google adjusted the border representation, splitting the lake between the two countries. However, Greek officials, including Christos Gkosliopoulos, the mayor of Nestorio in Kastoria, have continued to challenge this decision, demanding that the lake be recognized as entirely Greek territory.
This incident has reignited debates about the fluidity and security of the Greek-Albanian border, raising concerns about the influence of digital platforms like Google Maps in territorial disputes. The uncertainty has also been reflected on Wikipedia, where two different versions of the lake’s classification exist—one placing it in Greece and another in the Kolonjë region of Albania.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how it will affect diplomatic relations between Greece and Albania and whether further geopolitical tensions will arise from this digital border adjustment.