Albanian Government Shuts Down TikTok, Opposition and Experts Call It Censorship
The Albanian government announced on Wednesday a one-year suspension of the social media platform TikTok, arguing that the measure is necessary to protect children and enhance online security. However, the opposition and independent experts have labeled the decision as an act of censorship that could impact the electoral campaign planned …
Albanian Ministry Confirms One-Year Ban on TikTok ‘to Protect Children’
Albania’s Minister of Education confirmed the prime minister’s previous announcement of a year-long ban on social media site TikTok, saying that it will be imposed within days. Original post Here
Drita Hajdari: Pioneering Prosecutor Who Battled Injustice in Kosovo
After a career littered with firsts, retired Kosovo prosecutor Drita Hajdari says the pursuit of justice for the crimes committed during the collapse of Yugoslavia is far from over. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 3, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
PM’s Attacks on Prosecutors Turn Albania’s Justice Reform Into Election Issue
Following the arrest of a key ally, Prime Minister Edi Rama has launched a campaign targeting the judiciary in a bid to turn the tables ahead of May’s elections, experts say. Original post Here
Justice and Realpolitik: Trump, Thaci and the Kosovo Special Court
Donald Trump’s sympathy for Hashim Thaci – and his propensity to take bold action – could end the ordeal of Kosovo’s former president before the Hague court, over which the US has significant leverage. Original post Here
Albania’s Food Safety Scandal Highlights Rule of Law Deficiencies Amid EU Accession Talks
A recent scandal involving 10 tons of pesticide-laden mandarins distributed across Albania has once again exposed the country’s weak enforcement of food safety regulations and broader rule-of-law challenges. As Albania progresses in its European Union accession negotiations, the case underscores persistent governance issues that threaten the country’s path to EU …
New Book “The Lisbon Treaty and Transatlantic Dialogue: Significance and Inefficiencies”
A new book, The Lisbon Treaty and Transatlantic Dialogue: Significance and Inefficiencies, recently published by the EU Publications Office, provides a unique insight into the complex diplomatic dynamics between the European Union and the United States over the past three decades. Written by Dr. Álvaro Renedo, a Spanish diplomat, researcher …
UAE President’s Historic Visit to Albania Strengthens Bilateral Ties, Sparks Debate
In a rare and tightly scheduled diplomatic visit, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in Tirana on Friday for a two-hour stay, marking the first-ever visit by a UAE leader to Albania. The trip, which included high-level meetings and the signing of …
Serbian Prosecutors Move Against Construction Graft, on President’s Order
For years, prosecutors in Serbia have been sitting on evidence of graft in the Belgrade real estate sector. Only when the country’s embattled president announced a crackdown on corruption was the man at the top finally arrested. Original post Here
Taulant Balla, head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, welcomes students and teachers from the “Mehmet Akif” school in Lipjan, Kosovo, to the Albanian Parliament. The group visits Tirana on a friendly and educational trip. Balla highlights the strong ties between Albania and Kosovo. He stresses the importance of national …
TIRANA, May 12 – Albanian Radio and Television launches the programme “Prag Eurovision”, presented as “On the Eve of Eurovision”, dedicated to the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Meanwhile, the broadcaster said the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest begins in a few hours. In this context, it added that …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko highlights internal audit as a key pillar of financial stability and transparency. He speaks at the International Conference of Auditors in Tirana. Moreover, he stresses its role in strengthening integrity and credibility in the financial system. First, he says Albania hosts high-level global and …
TIRANA, May 12 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. In a post on social media platform X, Hoxha said diplomacy does not remain limited to formal meeting rooms. He added that it also takes place in informal moments, including while waiting …
TIRANA, May 12 – Albanian Mail and IdentiTek signed a cooperation agreement on improving service delivery for citizens in Albania and abroad. The two institutions aim to strengthen access, security, and efficiency in identity-related services. The agreement was signed by Albanian Mail Administrator Etjen Xhafaj and IdentiTek Administrator Silda Anagnosti …
TIRANA, May 12 – New archaeological findings have emerged at the Amantia Archaeological Park, following excavations carried out in 2025 on the eastern terrace of the fortification site. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport said the latest excavations, conducted by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage and the …
TIRANA, May 12 – The Committee for Europe and Foreign Affairs held a hearing with Minister of State and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka on the Council of Ministers’ report on Albania’s accession process to the European Union. She presented progress achieved in 2025. Albania opened negotiations on all chapters. The …
TIRANA, May 12 – Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania’s economy stands at a strong development stage. She said the government works to direct growth toward innovation, digitalisation, and deeper European integration through partnerships with international financial institutions. At a signing ceremony for a new financing line …
Albania presents its national pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2026. The pavilion is titled “A Place in the Sun” by artist Genti Korini. It highlights Albania’s cultural identity on a major international art stage. Prime Minister Edi Rama shares photos from the event. He expresses pride in Albania’s participation. He …
TIRANA, May 12 – Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the signing of a financing agreement between the European Investment Bank and Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania. The agreement targets small and medium enterprises in innovation, digitalisation, technology, and green investments. At the ceremony, Rama said the government will support …