Spurned by Stakeholders, Albanian Govt’s Anti-Graft Initiative Unravels
In Albania, a new commission ostensibly created to spur reform and tackle corruption has been rebuffed by the justice system and civil society and criticised by the EU. Original post Here
Albanian Anti-Govt Protesters Throw Molotov Cocktails, Clash with Police
Opposition supporters demonstrating in Tirana about the jailing of an MP threw incendiary devices at the prime minister’s office and the ruling Socialist Party headquarters and clashed with police outside parliament. Original post Here
Will any other Western Balkans country join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) on the same day as Montenegro?
by Marija Stojanović Journalist at European Western Balkans According to the recent announcement by Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), Montenegro is poised to become the first country in the Western Balkans to join the Single Euro Payments Area …
How Much Has Organised Crime Penetrated Albania’s Police?
A number of high-ranking police officers have been arrested, charged or sentenced for involvement in organised crime networks after an underworld phone app was hacked. BIRN examines what is known about the suspects so far. Original post Here
Floods and Landslides Leave 14 Dead in Bosnia
A state of natural disaster has been declared in Bosnia after heavy rainfall overwhelmed homes and roads, leaving many dead, including a baby. Original post Here
In the Eye of the Storm – Farmers of Albania
What Albania has a lot of is agricultural potential. Fertile lands and excellent weather. We can produce twice, even thrice a year. Yet, productivity is low and financial security for farmers is inexistant. Because of that, cropland abandonment has become a staple, as has urban migration and even emigration. The …
Lenin’s footsteps in Tirana
By Veto Surroi The debate about beliefs with the “Bektashi Vatican” and the imprisonment of MP Salianji as a punishment for free speech are new and completely unnecessary problems for a state that, with major problems such as organized crime, will begin EU membership negotiations 1. Albania can paraphrase the …
Albanians Fighting Cancer – AFC USA – Gala Concert with Impromptu Singalongs Elevates Pride Craving More Encores
Rafaela Prifti “The first time I heard the name Albanians Fighting Cancer AFC, it was through a GoFundMe page that someone launched for a relative with a cancer diagnosis,” said Fotini Kokeri of the Kosloski Family Foundation at the Gala Concert Saturday night featuring two remarkable Albanian performers, tenor Rame …
Before He’s Even Started, Albania’s New Police Chief Has Phone Seized in Probe
Days before he is due to officially start the role, Albania’s police chief-elect, Ilir Proda, has had his mobile phone seized by anti-corruption prosecutors over a suspected leak of information to a notorious organised crime group. Original post Here
Albanian MPs Reported to Special Prosecution over Parliament Violence
Police have accused 25 opposition lawmakers of destruction of property following violent scenes at parliament. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 24 – European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania ranks among the leading countries in the EU accession process. Speaking in an interview with Klan News, she pointed to recent progress and said authorities could soon meet interim benchmarks on rule of law. She added that this …
Albania and Germany concluded Development Cooperation negotiations. They signed a new Cooperation Protocol for 2026–2028. This marks a key step in strengthening their long-term partnership. Eridana Çano, Director General of SASPAC, signed the protocol. Heike Backofen-Warnecke, representative of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), also signed it. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met Matthew Whitaker today in Tirana. Rama said they discussed the close ties between the two countries. He stressed the strategic partnership. He highlighted strong diplomatic and military relations. He said both sides see their strengthening as a shared priority. They also discussed the upcoming NATO …
Marta Kos said Albania ranks among the leading countries in the EU integration process. In an interview with Klan News, she spoke about Albania’s progress. She said the EU may approve interim rule of law benchmarks in May. Then the process of closing chapters can begin. She praised Albania’s progress. …
Ferit Hoxha met Marta Kos at the Delphi Economic Forum. They discussed Albania’s EU integration process. Hoxha said the EU membership process never stops. It requires constant work and energy. He stressed the role of both Albania and its partners. He said they discussed key issues for steady progress. They …
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week tells a story of political change in key countries in the region, but associated uncertainty about future political directions. Original post Here
The General Directorate of Archives (DPA) organized a special exhibition in Tirana to mark World Book and Copyright Day. The event showcased rare diaries and original manuscripts of prominent Albanian figures for the first time. The exhibition took place in the cultural space “Auditor” and brought together officials, writers, critics, …
TIRANA, April 24 – Businesses in Albania have 37 days left to meet legal requirements for cashless payments through POS terminals in selected sectors. The obligation applies to accommodation services, transport operators, and public institutions. The deadline for tourism and transport businesses is set for 30 May 2026. Separate provisions …
TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s Financial Supervisory Authority held talks with the European Investment Bank on developing a national green investment guide and strengthening sustainable finance standards. The meeting brought together experts from the European Investment Bank, led by Alessandro de Concini, the institution’s representative in Albania. Discussions focused on …
TIRANA, April 24 – Dinamo City have qualified for the Albanian Cup final after defeating Vllaznia 1–0 at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium in Shkodër. The result followed a tightly contested semi-final second leg, where both sides created early chances but failed to convert in the first half. The first leg …