TikTok Used Across Balkans to ‘Slutshame’ Women and Girls
A BIRN analysis of hundreds of videos uploaded by TikTok users in eight Balkan countries shows the platform has become a hub for abuse of women and girls based on their appearance and actual or perceived sexual behaviour – ‘slutshaming’. Original post Here
Online Video in Albania of Prince’s Fight Raises Privacy Concerns
Experts say leak of video showing fight between prince and ex-wife serves no public interest – and raises serious legal and ethical questions about standards of media in Albania. Original post Here
Women in Albanian Textile Sector Pay High Price for Lek’s Rally
Critics say the government is not doing enough to protect Albanian textile exporters from the rapidly strengthening lek currency. Most of the industry’s employees are women at risk of sliding into poverty. Original post Here
More Soldiers, Jets and Javelins: Southeast Europe Seeks Defence Upgrade
Whether through compulsory military service or new hardware, some countries in southeast Europe are trying to bolster their defences in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine. But not all states can afford it. Original post Here
Albanian Parties’ Possible Deal Sparks Fears About Justice Reform
The ruling Socialist Party and opposition Refoundation Democratic Party told BIRN they are nearing an agreement to end the ongoing disruption of parliament, but concerns have been raised that a deal could derail judicial reform and the fight against corruption. Original post Here
Nowhere to go: Albanian Women Reporting Domestic Violence Risk Homelessness
Too many municipalities in Albania lack shelters for domestic violence victims – which are needed to encourage victims to speak out. Original post Here
Albanians Abroad Start Campaign to Vote for 2025 Elections
Campaigners say it is high time the 1.68 million Albanians living and working outside the country had a right to vote in the country’s elections without having to travel home. Original post Here
Albania Road Authority Chief Held on Corruption, Money Laundering, Charges
In a high-profile anti-corruption case, prosecutors arrested Evis Berberi, General Director of the Albania Road Authority, after uncovering a scheme involving corruption and money laundering. Original post Here
Albania Parties Reach Agreement to End Opposition Protests
Opposition MP Gazmend Bardhi confirmed to BIRN that an agreement had been reached with the ruling Socialists that will enable them to return to normal work in the country’s parliament. Original post Here
Albanian PM’s ‘Intimidation’ of Woman Journalist Condemned
Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama declined to answer questions from journalist Ambrozia Meta and instead touched her face – a gesture condemned as intimidating by media rights organisations. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama stated this Sunday on the podcast “Flasim” that the price of fuel in the country is not set arbitrarily, clarifying the role of the Transparency Board. According to him, the Transparency Board is actively working to reflect the impact of the conflict involving Iran on oil …
Opposition leader Sali Berisha accused Prime Minister Edi Rama of misleading citizens over fuel prices and of concealing failures in attracting foreign investments. In a video message published today, Berisha criticized the increase in fuel prices set by the fuel board, emphasizing that this demonstrates the government’s direct influence on …
The Government of Kosovo has approved the review of a draft decision to deploy the Kosovo Security Force (KSF) on an international stabilization mission in Gaza. The decision to send troops was approved unanimously, with no votes against and no abstentions. The approval paves the way for the decision to …
The drugstore chain Rossmann & Lala, a German brand present in Albania since 2008, has launched a new development strategy that combines expanding its market presence with reducing prices for Albanian consumers. At a time when the rising cost of living remains one of the main concerns for Albanian families, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, at the opening of a conference at the Prime Minister’s Office presenting an overview of negotiations with the European Union, emphasized that Albania is moving forward with concrete steps to fulfill the necessary reforms in line with European standards. “It is important to keep in mind …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has stated that by 2027, Albania should have achieved concrete results in order to join the European Union. Among other things, he said that significant progress has been made in public procurement, but added that the country is still not within a solid framework of good …
The Minister of Finance, Petrit Malaj, held a press conference today where he presented an overview of the country’s economic growth. Increasing revenues, improving digital services, and developing systems through Artificial Intelligence are strategic objectives aimed at meeting European standards. During his remarks, Minister Malaj stated that the Albanian economy …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking during a conference with negotiators on Albania’s path toward the European Union, stated that the process carries significant weight. According to him, it is historic and transformative for the Albanian state. “This process substantially increases the institutional capacities of the state. It brings extraordinary benefits …
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, announced that he will invite leaders of opposition parties to meetings in an effort to secure the necessary votes for the election of the country’s new president. He stated that so far he has not had enough time to conduct internal consultations regarding …
The Constitutional Court has declared inadmissible the request of the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, regarding the appointment of members of the Central Election Commission (CEC). Osmani had requested an assessment of a “conflict between constitutional competencies under Article 113” of the Constitution—specifically between herself and “parliamentary groups as bodies …