Balkan Prison Overcrowding Worsening – Report
Prison populations and incarceration rates in the Balkans are too high and continuing to grow, according to new research. Original post Here
Albanian, Spanish Police Bust Illegal Scheme to Help Albanians Enter UK
Albanian and Spanish Police in a two-year investigation have uncovered a crime group that forged documents to enable Albanians to illegally enter the UK and Ireland. Original post Here
Albanian Court Hands Opposition Democratic Party Back to Berisha
Tuesday’s court ruling effectively ends a two-year battle for control of Albania’s once-mighty Democratic Party. Original post Here
Albania-Greece Tensions Intensify as Jailed Mayor-Elect Becomes European MP
Fredi Beleri, a mayor-elect in Albania who has been in prison since May 2023, is expected to enter the European parliament after standing as a Greek MEP, further complicating already strained relations between Albania and Greece. Original post Here
‘Administrative Silence’: FOI Requests Go Unanswered in Balkans, BIRN Report Says
Public institutions in the six Western Balkan countries routinely refuse to respond to freedom of information requests, and it’s getting worse, a new report from the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network warns. Original post Here
Balkan Countries Push for Record Tourism Year, Despite Growth Concerns
As beaches, historic sites and natural beauties in Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece and Turkey draw increasing numbers of tourists, governments eye bumper profits – though experts warn that relentless growth in the sector comes with costs. Original post Here
Albania’s Former PM Berisha Loses Appeal Against UK Ban
UK court dismisses appeal by opposition leader Sali Berisha to lift sanctions against him for alleged corruption, ruling that the ban was based on sufficient information. Original post Here
No Children, No Schools: Emigration Empties Northern Albania
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
Turkish-Albanian YouTuber Wanted in Turkey Denies Insulting Islam
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
Growing Diaspora Vote Becomes Game-Changer in Balkan Elections
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
Kosovo’s Anti-Corruption Agency has published the annual asset declaration of Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The report shows that his rent has increased by €100, while his personal savings have decreased. There are no significant changes in his movable or immovable assets. Under real estate, Kurti lists an apartment owned by …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj, during an official visit to Washington, held a meeting at the U.S. Department of State with Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary for Economic Affairs. The visit took place במסגרת the annual meetings of the Albanian delegation with leaders of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. …
Doctors have denied complaints regarding the alleged malfunctioning of the Emergency Department at Kefalonia Hospital, following the death of 19-year-old Albanian woman, Myrto. The allegations were made by an anonymous woman, while the Hospital Workers’ Union of the General Hospital of Kefalonia has called for an investigation into the case. …
The Order of Pharmacists in Albania, in cooperation with the Chamber of Pharmacists of Kosovo, has opened the 8th Pharmaceutical Conference titled “Together for Pharmaceuticals.” Key topics discussed included the need for concrete reforms to address recurring issues in the pharmaceutical sector, as well as calls to establish European standards …
The General Directorate of Prisons has released details about a large-scale inspection carried out this Saturday at Peqin Prison, during which prohibited items were seized. Authorities also identified a suspected case involving narcotic substances and confirmed that two high-risk inmates serving life sentences have been transferred. Full statement: Under the …
Minister Hoxha Attends Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Focus on Dialogue and Western Balkans EU Integration
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, took part in the 3rd Meeting of the Peace Platform for the Balkans, at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. Strengthening regional cooperation, the prospects for European integration, economic development, and energy security were among the main topics discussed. Ministers …
An evening filled with emotion and art was experienced at the “Lasgush Poradeci” theater hall in Pogradec, where the monodrama “Mother Teresa’s Dream – The Divine Human” was staged, serving as an artistic tribute to the iconic figure of Mother Teresa. The performance by actress Justina Aliaj, directed by Gëzim …
TIRANA, April 18 – Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the “In Defence of Democracy” summit in Barcelona, where he met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the opening of the event. Rama described Sanchez in a social media post as “a wise and courageous leader” and a valued partner. …
TIRANA, April 18 – Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the fourth “In Defence of Democracy” summit held in Barcelona, Spain, joining leaders and officials for discussions on global democratic challenges. At the start of the summit, Rama met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. In a social media …
Gent Sejko met senior officials from the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. He met Antonella Bassani, Xiaoqing Yu, and Alfonso García Mora. They discussed Albania’s latest economic and financial developments. They assessed them as positive. The economy showed steady growth. Inflation remained low. Financial stability strengthened. They highlighted …