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Privatization of Butrint: How Albania is Selling Off Its Archaeological Heritage

Butrint is one of the most prestigious archaeological sites in Albania. However, the government has decided to entrust its management to a private foundation, at the risk of jeopardizing its classification on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Ilda Mara Courrier des Balkans   The archaeological site of Butrint, listed as …

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BIRN Reality Check: Pollution Continues Unabated in Albania’s Oldest Oilfield

BIRN reported in 2022 on the scourge of pollution in the area of Albania’s oldest oilfield. A subsequent inspection resulted in a 10,000-euro fine for the culprit, but the leaks continue. Original post Here

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Tirana’s ‘Heat Island’ Moment

It’s late July 2024 in Albania. An ever-present heat weighs down the air around you. Summers always get hot, but this time, it feels more draining than before. You’ve cranked the AC in your house, so the inside is safe. One step through those doors, however, and you’re right back …

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Digital Rights Worsened in Central, Southeast Europe in 2024: BIRN Report

From Budapest to Ankara, online freedoms are being compromised by government legislation, emerging technologies and tech giant algorithms, says BIRN’s new annual report on digital rights violations in Central and Southeast Europe. Original post Here

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Illicit Finance: Western Balkans Must Act to Clean Up Dirty Money Problems

National laws may be compliant with international standards but weak oversight, corruption and cash economies hamper an effective battle against money-laundering, says the author of a new report on illicit finance in the Western Balkans. Original post Here

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: December 2, 2024

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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Albanians ‘Deliberately Forgetting’ Horrors of Communist Past, Writer Says

In his new book, political scientist Ermal Hasimja says Albanians have deliberately decided to ‘forget’ the criminal nature of the country’s former communist regime, as a kind of defence mechanism. Original post Here

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Freed Albanian Opposition Leader Demands New Govt Ahead of Elections

After being freed from house arrest, the opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha demanded the formation of a new ‘technical’ caretaker government to steer the country ahead of 2025 elections. Original post Here

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Robert Budina: Filmmaker Whose Risky Escape from Albania Shaped His Work

The son of an army general in communist Albania, Robert Budina was part of the student protests that helped bring down the regime, only to flee to Italy on an overcrowded boat. The experience has informed his work ever since. Original post Here

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Albania Drug Trafficking Probe Targets Top Policeman, Ex-Judge, Journalists

Prosecutors are investigating an Elbasan-based organised crime group that trafficked drugs from Latin America and whose suspected members and associates include a former judge, a senior police official and two journalists. Original post Here