Women on Albanian Councils Told to ‘Shut Up’, Study Reveals
Albania has approved gender equality quotas for local councils since 2015. However, undemocratic practices by party leaders make women less willing to speak out and, when they do, more prone to be told: “Shut up”, a study has found. Original post Here
School’s Out: In Albania, Segregation of Minority Pupils Fuels High Dropout Rate
Evidence shows that schools with a large concentration of Roma and ethnic Egyptian pupils underperform – but Albania’s Education Ministry doesn’t see a problem. Original post Here
OSCE Questions Efficiency, Quality of Balkan Organised Crime, Graft Trials
An exhaustive analysis of organised crime and corruption trials in five Western Balkan countries identified a lack of efficiency, staffing, fairness and quality. Original post Here
Italy Eyes August Start Date for Albania Asylum Centres
Italy’s right-wing prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, inspected work on two asylum centres being built in Albania under a controversial deal between the two countries. Original post Here
As Palestine Recognitions Grow, Balkan States’ Stances Shaped by Geopolitics
Slovenia has recognised war-ravaged Palestine as independent, but some Balkan countries prefer to stay quiet and follow the United States’ lead – while others recognised Palestinian statehood decades ago while they were under communist rule. Original post Here
Albania Leader’s New Anti-Corruption Initiative Branded a PR Project
Prime Minister Edi Rama has pushed through a resolution setting up a new Special Anti-Corruption Commission – but critics claim it’s a partisan initiative, established to combat negative publicity over graft cases involving former ruling party politicians. Original post Here
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
President Bajram Begaj met Turkish Chief of General Staff Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu in Tirana on Saturday. They highlighted strong NATO alliance ties. They reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey. They described political, economic, and defense relations as excellent. Begaj praised defense cooperation. He said collaboration remains consolidated and at …
Prime Minister Edi Rama arrived in Abu Dhabi on an official visit. He expressed solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The visit comes during a tense period in the Arab Gulf. Rama said regional partners will emerge stronger after current challenges and tensions. …
The Muse-X festival ended today in Tirana after three days of events at Piramida e Tiranës. The platform brought together hundreds of companies and professionals from over 24 countries. It created a space for ideas, talent, and creative opportunities. The program featured music battles, film screenings, and premieres. It also …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja announced new cultural heritage decisions. First, the Council of Ministers approved several new “Immovable Cultural Heritage” sites. Next, it declared the Urban Architectural Ensemble in Delvinë as protected heritage. The decision aims to preserve the city’s historical identity. Then, authorities listed the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on social media that he is visiting Abu Dhabi. He said the trip aims to express brotherly solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed. Furthermore, the visit comes at a tense time for the Gulf region. Rama also reaffirmed Albania’s …
Albania is launching its first official internship program for young filmmakers and art students. Jonid Jorgji, head of the National Center of Cinematography (QKK), announced the news alongside Minister Blendi Gonxhja at the Muse-x event. This initiative requires every QKK-funded production to include young creators in their professional crews. Students …
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 …