Prison populations and incarceration rates in the Balkans are too high and continuing to grow, according to new research. Original post Here

Prime Minister Edi Rama has pushed through a resolution setting up a new Special Anti-Corruption Commission – but critics claim it’s a partisan initiative, established to combat negative publicity over graft cases involving former ruling party politicians. Original post Here

Slovenia has recognised war-ravaged Palestine as independent, but some Balkan countries prefer to stay quiet and follow the United States’ lead – while others recognised Palestinian statehood decades ago while they were under communist rule. Original post Here

Italy’s right-wing prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, inspected work on two asylum centres being built in Albania under a controversial deal between the two countries. Original post Here

An exhaustive analysis of organised crime and corruption trials in five Western Balkan countries identified a lack of efficiency, staffing, fairness and quality. Original post Here

Matches at Euro 2024 involving Albania, Croatia and Serbia have been marred by nationalist chants and banners that are not uncommon in the Balkans, but were given a bigger stage by the showpiece football tournament. Original post Here

A new report on the Western Balkans and Turkey by watchdog organisation Transparency International says the progress against corruption made by a number of countries is counter-balanced by backsliding in others. Original post Here

Balkan diaspora communities are expanding in size, becoming more interested in electoral battles back home – and are increasingly aware of their key role in shaping outcomes in an important year for elections across the region. Original post Here

YouTuber Diamant Tema, who faces an arrest warrant in Turkey for alleged insults to Islam and Muhammad, has denied the accusations, saying he is being ‘judged without a court hearing’. Original post Here

In Albania’s northern Kukes and Shkodra regions, dozens of schools have shut their doors over the past several years as a result of staggering rates of emigration. Original post Here