What’s driving Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans – and what should be done about it?
12 June 2025 Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans has increased substantially, but won’t catch up with EU FDI any time soon. Governments must ensure that China’s investments comply with environmental and labour standards. Attracting high-quality FDI should be the goal image credit: unsplash.com/vxhorse By Branimir Jovanović This article draws on …
The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals
William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid. His central thesis focused on scrutinising the idealistic sentiment behind foreign aid, and the harsh reality of its lacklustre execution. In his cutting and astute observations, Easterly points to the fact that …
With their Healthcare System in Decline, Some Albanians Look to Kosovo
Albanians in the north say they find cheaper treatment and a more pleasant experience if they go to hospital across the border in Kosovo. Original post Here
Detention of Tirana Mayor Without Charges Highlights Rule-of-Law Concerns in Albania
TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times — The prolonged pre-trial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj — still held without formal charges — is raising fresh questions about Albania’s judicial practices, as critics point to growing divergence from European legal standards. Veliaj, once a key figure in the ruling Socialist Party and …
Italy and Albania: Building a Shared Future Through Action and Partnership
By Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania The Italian anthem was written by Goffredo Mameli, a young man who sacrificed his life for Italy’s freedom— the same desire for freedom that has always characterized the Albanian people. This sense of freedom unites us. The very first word of our …
Russian Propaganda Campaign Targets European Summit in Albania
By Vladimir Karaj TIRANA, Albania— A Kremlin-aligned propaganda network unleashed a flurry of disinformation targeting last month’s European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana, seeking to mock Western leaders, amplify Russian narratives, and sow distrust — even as Albania, a staunch NATO ally, hosted the high-profile event. In the days …
Village Schools Left Behind by Albania’s Digital Rollout
Schools in rural parts of Albania are being left behind when it comes to the use of digital tools in teaching and communication. Original post Here
Albania-Serbia Match Highlights Political Fault Lines Amid Fragile Rapprochement
Tirana Times, June 8, 2025 ,The goalless draw between Albania and Serbia on Saturday in Tirana was more than just a World Cup qualifying fixture. Played under the shadow of history, unresolved political tensions, and previous violent episodes between fans, this match offered a revealing glimpse into the complex relationship …
Albania’s Healthcare Plagued by High-Level Corruption and Broken Promises
Tirana Times, 5 June 2025 — More than a decade after promising “free healthcare” to all citizens, Albania’s Socialist government faces mounting public outrage and a credibility crisis, as a new report reveals that 8 in 10 Albanians believe the country’s healthcare system is deeply corrupt. The study, conducted by …
Albania, Greece Signal Readiness to Restart Maritime Talks Amid Lingering Tensions
Albania (Tirana Times) — June 5, 2025, Albania and Greece may be poised to revive negotiations over their long-disputed maritime border, a development that could mark a turning point in relations marred by legal battles, ethnic tensions, and political provocations. The possible reopening of talks was hinted at during a …
TIRANA, May 16 – Albanian singer Alis Kallaçi sent a video message from Vienna to the RTSH1 programme “Në Kohë Reale” [In Real Time] after qualifying for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final. He thanked supporters and said the competition had not ended yet. Alis invited viewers to vote for …
TIRANA, May 16 – Europe’s attention turns to Vienna this Saturday as the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 grand final takes place at the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Austria. Albania will perform fifth among the 25 competing countries with singer Alis Kallaçi and the song “Nân” [Mother]. Alis qualified for the …
Silvio Gonzato met with Albania’s Prosecutor General Olsian Çela to discuss stronger institutional cooperation in delivering justice and fighting crime. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed support for Albania’s prosecution system at all levels. They also highlighted assistance for the Case Management System. Moreover, both sides agreed that justice and …
Albana Koçiu attended the UN80 initiative conference and highlighted the importance of reforming and modernizing the United Nations system. First, Koçiu said global challenges require stronger international cooperation. Therefore, she stressed that reforms within the UN are essential for supporting Albania’s European aspirations. Moreover, Koçiu reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to stronger …
Edi Rama said U.S. President Donald Trump pushed Europe to recognize its weaknesses and rethink its future security strategy. He made the remarks during the Lennart Meri Conference in Estonia. First, Rama argued that Europe should take Trump seriously, even if not every statement should be interpreted literally. According to …
Edi Rama warned that Europe risks weakening its economic priorities if security concerns dominate political decision-making. He delivered the remarks during the Lennart Meri Conference in Estonia. First, Rama reaffirmed Albania’s strong commitment to NATO. He described Albanians as “Western Taliban,” explaining that Albania remains fully loyal to the transatlantic …
Representatives of the diplomatic corps and senior Albanian government officials gathered in Tirana to discuss how United Nations reform can deliver concrete improvements at the national level. During the discussions, participants highlighted the important role of the UN both globally and in Albania. Moreover, Silvio Gonzato stressed that the European …
Bajram Begaj visited the Mediterranean University of Albania, where he met with academics, professors, and students. He also toured classrooms, IT laboratories, and medical science facilities. During the visit, Begaj encouraged public and private universities to face modern challenges and prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Moreover, he said …
Nancy VanHorn welcomed the family of Loni Adami at the U.S. Embassy in Tirana. She honored his courage and sacrifice as symbols of the struggle for freedom. Loni Adami and his colleague Kol Kuqali worked for the American embassy during Albania’s communist regime. Moreover, both men faced imprisonment and torture …
Besmir Beja held an official meeting at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in Geneva to discuss the modernization of Albania’s customs systems and their alignment with European Union standards. During the meetings with ASYCUDA program officials, participants highlighted the progress made by the Albanian customs administration in …