MP Expulsions Deepen Political Polarisation in Albania
Dozens of opposition MPs have been temporarily expelled from Albania’s parliament under new rules pushed through by the ruling Socialist Party, deepening a political crisis just when parties should be coming together to reform the electoral law. Original post Here
Separate Kitchen, Private Gym – Life Behind Bars Comes with Perks for Albania’s VIP Prisoners
Former ruling party officials and convicted organised crime gangsters enjoy privileged treatment in Albania’s jails, a BIRN investigation has found. Original post Here
‘Even Bees Will Die’: River Diversion Threatens Albania’s Shushica Valley
Locals fear plan to divert water from a river in southern Albania to feed demand in nearby tourist resorts will dry out their valley and ruin their livelihoods. Original post Here
Ukraine’s Zelensky Calls for Defence ‘Co-Production’ With Balkan Countries
Volodymyr Zelensky in Tirana urged Balkan countries to ‘co-produce’ arms and proposed a joint defence industry forum to be held in Kyiv or a Balkan capital. Original post Here
Greek Police Closer to Cracking Gang Behind 2020 Mafia Murders
Greek police working in the context of an international police operation arrested an Albanian citizen allegedly involved in four murders of Montenegro mafia members in Greece in 2020 – increasing the number of suspects behind bars in several countries. Original post Here
Tensions Over ‘Gulenist’ Claims Mar Election of Albania’s Muslim Leader
The election of Bujar Spahiu as the new head of the Albanias an Muslim Community was marred by opponents’ allegations that he supports Turkish cleric Fetullah Gulen, who is wanted for arrest by the Ankara government. Original post Here
Albania Convicts Ethnic Greek Politician Fredi Beleri of Vote-Buying
After a high-profile trial that caused a diplomatic rift between Albania and Greece, the ethnic Greek mayor-elect of the Albanian town of Himara, Fredi Beleri, was sentenced to two years in prison for vote-buying. Original post Here
Albanian Public Broadcaster Fires Programme Director for Social Media Post
A programme director at the Albanian public broadcaster RTSH was fired by the new head of the station, Alfred Peza, a former ruling party MP who has been criticised for other dismissals since he took the job. Original post Here
TikTok Used Across Balkans to ‘Slutshame’ Women and Girls
A BIRN analysis of hundreds of videos uploaded by TikTok users in eight Balkan countries shows the platform has become a hub for abuse of women and girls based on their appearance and actual or perceived sexual behaviour – ‘slutshaming’. Original post Here
Online Video in Albania of Prince’s Fight Raises Privacy Concerns
Experts say leak of video showing fight between prince and ex-wife serves no public interest – and raises serious legal and ethical questions about standards of media in Albania. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government has a concrete investment plan to accredit laboratories that control milk and dairy by-products. Rama warned that Albania’s milk sector would struggle to meet EU standards if the country were already a member. He said the entire production chain must be guaranteed. He …
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker met Kosovo leaders to discuss the security situation. He also held talks with the KFOR mission commander. Prime Minister Albin Kurti discussed U.S. support and cooperation with the Kosovo Security Force. He highlighted training programs and efforts to increase defense capacities. Kurti said security …
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the “Plis” guesthouse in the Valbona Valley as an example of sustainable mountain tourism. Rama said the guesthouse preserves the spirit of traditional Alpine homes while meeting modern standards. He described it as an ideal place to enjoy fresh air, cool weather, and the natural …
Andis Salla and German Ambassador Karl Bergner signed the EU4FoodSafety agreement in Tirana. The European Union and the German government co-finance the project. It strengthens food safety standards in Albania and improves consumer protection. Salla calls the project a key step toward EU integration. He says it marks progress in …
Shpëtim Bajoku and Donjeta Sadiku represent Kosovo at the World Boxing Cup Brazil 2026 in Foz do Iguaçu. The tournament runs from April 20 to April 27, 2026, and brings together elite boxers from around the world. It features 49 countries and 342 athletes, making it the largest edition in …
Ferit Hoxha invites Albanian professionals to join the diplomatic team in Brussels under the “Albania 2030” initiative. He says Albania advances its EU accession process and now needs highly skilled and dedicated professionals. He stresses that diplomats must represent the country with professionalism, integrity, and vision. Hoxha urges candidates with …
Edi Rama attends the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece on a three-day working visit from April 21–23. He participates in the Delphi Economic Forum, where global leaders, business representatives, academics, and experts meet to discuss major international challenges and promote cooperation. Rama meets Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to strengthen …
Toni Gogu meets OSCE Presence head Michel Tarran in Tirana to discuss justice reform and security sector priorities. Both sides reaffirm strong cooperation in advancing judicial reforms and strengthening Albania’s justice system. They focus on key areas such as the 2024–2030 Justice Strategy, victim protection, and institutional capacity building for …
Silvio Gonzato says Albania enters a decisive phase in EU accession negotiations, with food safety as one of the most complex reforms. Then, he speaks at a meeting with food business operators attended by Edi Rama. He explains that food safety protects citizens, strengthens consumer trust, and ensures fair competition. …
Arbjan Mazniku continues his official visit in Rome with an intensive agenda at the Italian Parliament. First, he meets members of the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies, where he focuses on Albania–Italy strategic relations, EU integration, and economic cooperation. Then, Italian representatives express strong and unconditional support for Albania’s …