From political protests to rising inflation and living costs, a new war in Europe and milestones in European Union integration processes, BIRN has selected photographs from across the region that highlight some key events of 2022. Original post Here

The theft of over a hundred thousand euros from a governing official has stirred an opposition outcry about government corruption. Original post Here

A 70-year-old woman from northern Albania is one the few women still making the ancestral dress called the Xhubleta – which UNESCO recently added to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Original post Here

Concerns are growing over the credibility of Albania’s May local elections due to an ongoing court battle over control of the opposition Democrats. Original post Here

Annual report shows that human rights record of several Southeast and Central European countries deteriorated, with autocratic rulers cracking down on critics, journalists and LGBT groups amid increase in violence against women and high political tensions. Original post Here

Turkish Medical Association leader and senior human rights activist – jailed for two years and eight months for terrorist propaganda – walks free on account of time already served. Original post Here

Three top Albanian Finance Ministry officials face bribery and abuse of office charges for the double compensation of the same private property. Original post Here

A gay couple in Albania girds for a long legal fight for the right to register both women as parents of their young twins. Original post Here

As Albania confronts the tough task of accession talks with the European Union, there are concerns about how the state of the opposition Democrats is affecting the state of Albanian democracy. Original post Here

The British ambassador in Albania on Monday was handed a protest note from the Albanian Foreign Ministry over the statement a British Minister made recently about illegal Albanian migrants in the UK. Original post Here