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FDI SCREENING AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR PROTECTING ALBANIAN NATIONAL INTERESTS AND ENHANCING ALIGNMENT WITH THE EU

Navigating Albania-China Relations amid Euro-Atlantic Commitments During the post-communist period, Albania’s priorities were largely defined by the need to rebuild its economy, modernize infrastructure, and reintegrate into the global political and economic systems. In its pursuit of development and modernization, the Albanian government sought partnerships with a wide array of …

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Albania in 2025: Parliamentary Elections Approach, But ‘No Real Alternatives’ Appear

Many expect the ruling Socialist Party to win this year’s parliamentary elections again, and are placing their hopes in anti-corruption bodies to bring some genuine change by battling high-level graft. Original post Here

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The Departed: Balkan Personalities Who Left the Stage in 2024

From a diplomat who fought in World War II to a Turkish cleric accused of subverting the state and a Bulgarian rock star who raised his voice for democracy, these are some of the key figures who passed away this year in the Balkans. Original post Here

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1980s icon Simaku returns to the spotlight after decades of emigration hardship

TIRANA, Dec. 26, 2024 – Parashqevi Simaku, once Albania’s darling of song and stage, has re-emerged in the public eye after years of hardship, including a period of homelessness in New York City.  The beloved singer, known for her velvety voice and electrifying performances during the 1980s, is now reclaiming …

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Albania’s TikTok ban draws debate

TIRANA, Dec. 26, 2024 – The Albanian government’s recent announcement that will ban for at least a year the use within the country of the popular social media platform TikTok has generated debate over the impact of social media on society and the decision’s impact on free speech.  According to …

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Digital Rights Review: TikTok Backlash in Romania, Spyware Revelations in Serbia

TikTok became the focus of criticism for boosting a far-right contender in Romania’s elections, while in Serbia, evidence of the use of spyware emerged amid the largest student protests in the country in years. Original post Here

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As Justice Vetting Ends, Albania Urged to Maintain New Anti-Graft Standards

A seven-year vetting process in Albania has been hailed as setting new standards in the fight against judicial graft. Can the country maintain them? Original post Here

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Museum Honours Woman Who Challenged Albania’s Brutal Communist Takeover

Musine Kokalari paid a heavy price for opposing Albania’s slide into totalitarianism; a newly opened museum recalls her largely forgotten struggle for a more liberated society. Original post Here

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Bechtel Bespoke: US Engineering Giant’s Modus Operandi in the Balkans Causes Concern

Over the past two decades, US engineering giant Bechtel has won billions of euros worth of infrastructure work across the Balkans, often on the basis of bespoke laws that bypass public procurement rules and keep the deals’ key details under wraps. Original post Here

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Regional Youth shares a vision of Peace, Development and European Integration

Tirana, 13.12.2024 Young people seek a region where their voices are heard, where they can decide about their future and where peace and cultural cooperation trump division, hate speech and prejudice. The European integration as a vessel of relevant reforms and incentives can be decisive toward achieving this noble goals. …