A legal and moral Victory against unjust detention in Albania
ECHR Rules in Favor of Thoma Gëllçi Tirana Times, Februar 25.The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg ruled today in favor of Thoma Gëllçi, confirming that his arrest was unlawful. This decision represents a significant legal and moral victory for the former director of Albania’s national broadcaster, RTSH, …
Albanian Mayor Takes Aim at Corruption Prosecutor from Detention
Tirana’s mayor Erion Veliaj, who is in custody facing corruption charges, has been mounting daily verbal assaults on his case prosecutor and the judge via his social media accounts. Original post Here
At an Albanian Market, Fruit, Veg and Claims of Organised Crime
In Albania’s Elbasan, prosecutors say the town’s only fruit and vegetable market is the base of a powerful organised crime gang. That hasn’t stopped the local council from giving its owner permission to expand. Original post Here
Serbia Arrests Former Mayor of Nis for Alleged Corruption
In the latest in a series of corruption arrests in Serbia, the former mayor of Nis was held for allegedly offering contracts to companies for construction work in the southern Serbian city, bypassing laws on procurement. Original post Here
Internet Freedoms ‘Deteriorated Again in Southeast Europe in 2024’
AI caused an increase in digital rights violations in 2024 while discrimination, genocide denial and disinformation continued to flourish, a webinar held by BIRN and the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom heard. Original post Here
THE UNITED STATES AND KOSOVA: FROM A SPECIAL TO A MORE COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP
Elez Biberaj Having made such huge investments in Kosova, the U.S should now help it get to the finishing line in its efforts to cement its sovereignty and achieve lasting peace with Serbia. The United States and Kosova have had a unique, multi-faceted, special relationship. As any bilateral, asymmetrical relationship, …
Lutfi Dervishi It is not easy to summarize three eras in one sentence: post-war, post-wall, post-west. Historian, commentator, and author Timothy Garton Ash articulated this postulate two years ago in his book “Homelands.” Among these three eras, in one, we have been the luckiest country on earth. From a war-weary …
Film Exposes Persecution of Kosovo Albanian Writers in Hoxha’s Albania
Many Albanians in Yugoslavia came to see Albania as a promised land, but Albania’s treatment of ethnic Albanian writers and artists from outside its borders was often brutal. Original post Here
Balkan Countries Must Respond Proactively to Evolving Cyber Threats: Report
As cyberattacks in the region become ever more sophisticated and daring, Western Balkan governments need to improve their cybersecurity frameworks and cooperate, a new BIRN report warns. Original post Here
Fostering a thirst for knowledge: the key to building the world of tomorrow
H.E Alvaro Renedo Zalba, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Albania It is a true pleasure to speak to you today on this rainy November morning. The dim light of today’s overcast Tirana sky seems just right for inspiring fruitful academic exchanges and soulful musings. First and foremost, I …
A delegation from Albania’s Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR) joined the 65th edition of the Panta Rhei Conference in Dublin. The conference brought together technology, innovation and public administration experts from EU paying agencies, member states and candidate countries. During the event, the Albanian delegation explored the latest …
Prime Minister Edi Rama awarded renowned violinist and musician Tedi Papavrami with the “Star of the Officer of the Supreme Order of the Eagle” on behalf of the President of the Republic. The ceremony took place at Eden Park inside the Prime Minister’s Office. Rama described Papavrami as “a shining …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, met with Andreas Schieder during his visit to Brussels. Hoxha praised Schieder’s work and continued commitment following the recent resolution on Albania adopted by the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET). He said the report sends a strong and encouraging …
Renowned violinist Tedi Papavrami said he has never lost his connection with Albania, despite the difficult and contradictory chapters of his life linked to the country. Papavrami spoke during a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tirana, where Prime Minister Edi Rama presented him with the “Star of the …
TIRANA, May 11 – BBC has published an extensive guide to the 35 competing songs in Eurovision Song Contest 2026 and has given special attention to Albania’s entry “Nan” by Alis. The British broadcaster placed Albania in its category of songs with culturally rich lyrics and described “Nan” as one …
Albania’s Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo held an official meeting with Greece’s ambassador to Albania, Lambrini Komini. During the talks, Demo highlighted the strong good-neighbourly relations between Albania and Greece. He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of shared interest. He said the partnership …
Delina Ibrahimaj attends the Western Balkans employment conference in Berlin under the Berlin Process. She joins ministers and international partners. Germany’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs organizes the event. The conference launches the Joint Action Plan for Employment and Social Policies for the Western Balkans. The plan strengthens …
Representatives from Albania, Italy, and Portugal gather in Tirana and discuss inclusive governance in rural and mountain areas. They exchange experiences and share best practices on civic engagement and democratic participation. The conference “Mountain Voices for Engaged and Sustainable Democracy” (MOVES) takes place in Tirana and brings together local and …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha meets Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard in Brussels. The meeting takes place during the EU Foreign Affairs Council session. First, Hoxha confirms excellent relations between Albania and Sweden. He also highlights their partnership as NATO allies. In addition, both sides exchange views …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj attends the “Strengthening Internal Audit” conference in Tirana. The Institute of Internal Auditors Albania organizes the event. Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko and IIA Global President Anthony Pugliese also attend. Malaj says internal audit is a key pillar of good governance, transparency, and financial integrity. …