European Political Community Summit in Tirana – Substance, Symbolism, and Domestic Contradictions
Tirana, 17 May 2025 The Sixth Summit of the European Political Community (EPC), held in Tirana on 16 May 2025, convened 47 European leaders in a highly symbolic gathering that showcased continental unity in the face of geopolitical volatility. Under the banner “New Europe in a New World: Unity – …
Albania’s 2025 Elections: Triumph of the Socialists or the Fall of Democracy?
The May 11 parliamentary elections delivered a further consolidationof the Socialist government under Edi Rama’s leadership, while simultaneously revealing adeterioration in democratic standards across the country: unequal representation, abuse ofstate resources, media capture, and pressure on the opposition. The near-absolute majoritythat the Socialist Party has effectively secured in these elections …
Lawyers and Journalists Need Protection, Urges Council of Europe Chief
The secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, tells BIRN why the European rights body recently adopted the first-ever international treaty aimed at protecting lawyers from harassment and threats. Original post Here
Young Voters Must Stop Albania Stagnating and Lead the Way to the EU
The low youth turnout at Albania’s parliamentary election was an alarm call. Without young voices demanding reform, the country cannot tackle corruption and democratic backsliding, end the brain drain and move towards EU membership. Original post Here
Share Your Experience: Menstrual Poverty in the Balkans and France
Are you a woman saving up on menstrual products? Trying to make them last longer than prescribed, or using reusable products? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Albania’s Small Parties Defy Odds to Challenge Electoral Duopoly
Despite an electoral system designed to keep them down, small parties won almost 10 per cent of the votes and a few seats in the parliamentary elections – taking on the big parties’ stranglehold on Albanian politics. Original post Here
Albanian Opposition Rejects Election Results as Socialists Score Major Victory
After Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Socialist Party won a record fourth term in office with a big majority, opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha said he would refuse to accept the results and announced a street protest. Original post Here
Free and Fair? Albania’s Flawed Election Reflects Worrying Global Trend
In a world where interest-driven foreign policies take precedence over democratic standards, the abuses documented during Albania’s parliamentary election are unlikely to meet much criticism – allowing the ruling Socialist Party to consolidate power. Original post Here
International Observers Condemn ‘Abusive Practices’ in Albania’s Elections
International observers criticised ‘widespread intimidation and abuse of public resources’ in Sunday’s election – which Edi Rama’s ruling Socialist Party looks set to win by a landslide. Original post Here
Edi Rama’s Socialist Party Leads in Albanian Parliamentary Elections
With vote-counting continuing from Sunday’s election, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s party appears to be on track to win an unprecedented fourth term in office, although Sali Berisha’s opposition Democratic Party is showing gains. Original post Here
The Albanian Parliament approved today the resolution on Albania’s European Union membership process. Lawmakers passed the resolution with 114 votes in favor and one abstention. The ruling majority and the opposition joined votes to support the resolution. Meanwhile, Democratic Party MP Bujar Leskaj abstained. The resolution calls for broad cooperation …
Alis will represent Albania tonight at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with the song “Nân”. The song delivers an emotional message about motherhood. Albanians living abroad can support Alis by voting with code 13 during the live semifinal televote. Meanwhile, Albanians living in non-participating countries can vote online through esc.vote. …
Ferit Hoxha said today that Albania’s European integration remains a non-negotiable strategic objective. Speaking in Parliament, Hoxha responded to an interpellation requested by Democratic Party MP Tritan Shehu. The discussion focused on a joint article published in a German newspaper by Prime Minister Edi Rama and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …
Bajram Begaj received today the credentials of the Ambassador of Palestine, Rana Abusibaa, in Tirana. He welcomed the ambassador and wished her success in her diplomatic mission in Albania. Furthermore, Begaj said he is confident she will help strengthen friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries. He also said …
Bajram Begaj received today the credentials of the Ambassador of Kuwait, Mohsen Alajmi, in Tirana. He welcomed the ambassador and expressed confidence in strengthening relations between the two countries. Furthermore, Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s solidarity with Kuwait in the face of recent attacks from Iran. He described them as a clear …
Edi Rama attended the Charlemagne Prize ceremony in Aachen, Germany, where Mario Draghi was honored. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Rama described his participation as a special privilege. He praised Draghi as a key European figure in moments of crisis and difficult decision-making. Rama said Draghi represents European courage …
Erjona Ismaili said today in Parliament that European Union integration must remain a national project above political divisions. She called on the opposition to contribute constructively to Albania’s path toward the EU. Furthermore, she said Albania is at a historic moment, aiming to close negotiations by 2027 and achieve full …
Petrit Malaj said today in Parliament that Albania achieved strong macroeconomic progress. He referred to international reports from the U.S. Department of State and the European Commission. Furthermore, Malaj said Albania recorded 4% economic growth in 2024. He added that inflation remained controlled at 2.2%. In addition, he noted that …
Alis performed “Nan” on the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 semifinal. The audience across Europe applauded the performance. The song delivered a strong emotional message about motherhood. The staging included powerful visuals, including references to the Albanian mother figure. Furthermore, the performance attracted attention from international media as …
TIRANA, May 14 – Albania has secured a place in the Grand Final of Eurovision 2026 after Alis qualified from the second semi-final in Vienna with the song “Nân”. Alis delivered an emotional performance that combined Albanian musical elements with a modern stage presentation, earning Albania one of the 10 …