A government proposal to extend the abortion time limit by two weeks and allow surrogacy was criticised by an opposition MP who called the practice a form of modern slavery for poor women. Original post Here

Four Balkan states slipped down the latest press freedom rankings compiled by Reporters Without Borders. Original post Here

The government of Edi Rama has been talking up the potential of a major oil discovery beneath Mount Shpirag, but the discovery has yet to materialise. Original post Here

Several opposition groups have rejected PM Edi Rama’s invitation for them back a parliamentary commission tasked with undertaking a more systemic fight against corruption, saying Rama has no crerdibility in this field Original post Here

Experts say legislation is needed to address toxic social media content that too often turns into offline violence in Albania, but there are fears authorities will seek again to exploit the issue for political gain. Original post Here

Prime Minister Edi Rama says he’ll visit Greece to address the diaspora community there, despite a continuing row over Albania’s prosecution of an ethnic Greek mayor-elect – but Greek officials have reacted coldly and reiterated criticism of the Albanian judiciary. Original post Here

The current defensive approach to Sino-Russian disinformation isn’t working; it’s time for a change in strategy. Original post Here

The aftermath of elections in Turkey and Croatia and the electoral campaign in North Macedonia prompted politically-motivated digital rights violations in the region this month, while Kosovo and Montenegro saw an increase in misogynistic attacks on women online. Original post Here

Farmers in Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia face similar challenges when trying to access funds from the European Union’s IPARD programme. Original post Here

Ukrainian Foreign Minister says Kyiv delegation’s two-day visit to Serbia – a friend of Russia’s – ended with agreement to restore bilateral trade to pre-war levels. Original post Here