European Education Conference/Rama: The future cannot be defended by weapons, let’s build a “NATO” for education
This Wednesday, for the first time in the region, the Ministerial Conference of the European Higher Education Area, with the participation of all countries. This meeting aims to approach the basic values of education, internationalization, academic freedom, institutional autonomy, social dimension and public responsibility of higher education. During his speech …
118 years in prison for the group of hired killers
A group of contract killers who operated in the area of Kurbini and not only have been sentenced by the Court of Lezha to 118 years in prison for serious charges such as “Premeditated murder” committed in cooperation for interest but remaining in the attempt, “Theft in cooperation ” and …
“Gerdeci” case, is postponed again the hearing session for Fatmir Mediu
In the process against former defense minister Fatmir Mediu, this Wednesday in the Special Court, 5 experts who determined the damage of the demolition in 2008 appeared to testify. The session did not take place due to the absence of two prosecutors, Arben Kraja and Klodian Braho, who had informed …
Albanians continue to lead W. Balkans list of EU asylum applications
TIRANA, May 28, 2024 — Nationals from Albania and Kosovo top the list of asylum seekers from the Western Balkans applying in European Union countries during the first quarter of 2024, according to the latest report by the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). The report indicates that the number …
Property prices on Albanian coast soar, partially driven by foreign buyers
TIRANA, May 29, 2024 – Demand for coastal properties in Albania has surged by 20-30 percent compared to last year, according to the Albanian Builders Association. Key areas like Vlora, Palasa and Saranda are particularly popular, with 40 percent of buyers being foreigners attracted by lower prices compared to neighboring …
Attempt attack on the former prosecutor Ndoja/ SPAK closes the investigations
The Special Prosecutor’s Office against Corruption and Organized Crime has closed the investigations for Plaurent Dervishaj and five other people accused of the assassination of former prosecutor Arian Ndoja and Aleksandër Lahos. The attack in which the driver Andi Maloku was killed. These people are also accused of theft, possession …
Annual report of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko: Informality, negative impact!
The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, reports to the Economy Commission, regarding the annual report of the BSH. During his speech, he emphasized that problem loans have been decreasing, while underlining that inflation marked a continuous gradual decline during 2023. According to him, the fall in inflation …
Dozens protest out Tirana municipality
The opposition has once again held a protest in front of the Municipality of Tirana. The police have increased security measures in order to prevent incidents, meanwhile what is noticed is that there is a low number of participants. Earlier, the Tirana police repeated the call to the organizers, leaders …
Rama: The anti-corruption resolution is what the country needs for EU
“The anti-corruption resolution is what the republic and citizens need from this parliament today to support EU membership in 2030.” This is how Prime Minister Rama began his speech from the floor of the Assembly regarding the anti-corruption resolution, an initiative proposed by the socialist majority. “The anti-corruption resolution is …
Anti-corruption resolution/ Rama: After the approval, the commission will be established
The anti-corruption resolution passed the agenda only with majority votes during the meeting of the Conference of Presidents, after the opposition abstained. Prime Minister Edi Rama, during his speech from the floor of the Assembly, said that after the approval of the anti-corruption resolution, the commission will be established. So …
Tirana Times, March 26 , 2026 – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has awarded its prestigious annual “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize for 2025 to historian and translator Ilir Ikonomi, recognizing his outstanding contribution to bringing major works of international scholarship to the Albanian audience. Ilir Ikonomi received the award …
From a political spying scandal to MAGA alignment and a brewing collision with the law, selection of BIRN Premium stories this week makes for an exciting read. Original post Here
The now-notorious hacker group Homeland Justice claimed that it had breached the computer defences of Albania’s postal service following its attack on parliament’s systems earlier this month. Original post Here
Charged with corruption, money laundering and concealment of wealth, ex-politician Monika Kryemadhi is rebranding herself as a showbiz celebrity on the Big Brother reality show, but can it keep her out of prison? Original post Here
An appeals court upheld the verdict jailing the former Socialist Party mayor of Himara, Jorgo Goro, who was at the centre of a political storm during a controversial election in 2023. Original post Here
The prime minister’s moves to shield his deputy from arrest feel like the beginning of the end of an era for Albanians’ hopes that the powerful would finally be held accountable. Original post Here
V Dem places Albania in a category dominated by African states, with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina the only Western Balkan countries in the same group. Tirana Times, March 23, 2026 – Albania has been placed in the category of electoral autocracy in the latest Democracy Report 2026 by the …
As oil and gas prices surge amid the Iran war, Balkan countries are pondering ways to reduce the impact on households and businesses. Original post Here
The controversy over Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku has put the spotlight on prosecution efforts to target high-level corruption – but she is only the latest senior politician to face charges. Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here