Digital Rights Worsened in Central, Southeast Europe in 2024: BIRN Report
From Budapest to Ankara, online freedoms are being compromised by government legislation, emerging technologies and tech giant algorithms, says BIRN’s new annual report on digital rights violations in Central and Southeast Europe. Original post Here
Illicit Finance: Western Balkans Must Act to Clean Up Dirty Money Problems
National laws may be compliant with international standards but weak oversight, corruption and cash economies hamper an effective battle against money-laundering, says the author of a new report on illicit finance in the Western Balkans. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: December 2, 2024
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Albanians ‘Deliberately Forgetting’ Horrors of Communist Past, Writer Says
In his new book, political scientist Ermal Hasimja says Albanians have deliberately decided to ‘forget’ the criminal nature of the country’s former communist regime, as a kind of defence mechanism. Original post Here
Freed Albanian Opposition Leader Demands New Govt Ahead of Elections
After being freed from house arrest, the opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha demanded the formation of a new ‘technical’ caretaker government to steer the country ahead of 2025 elections. Original post Here
Robert Budina: Filmmaker Whose Risky Escape from Albania Shaped His Work
The son of an army general in communist Albania, Robert Budina was part of the student protests that helped bring down the regime, only to flee to Italy on an overcrowded boat. The experience has informed his work ever since. Original post Here
Albania Drug Trafficking Probe Targets Top Policeman, Ex-Judge, Journalists
Prosecutors are investigating an Elbasan-based organised crime group that trafficked drugs from Latin America and whose suspected members and associates include a former judge, a senior police official and two journalists. Original post Here
Hundreds of Albanians Still Waiting for Homes, Five Years After Earthquake
The state promised everyone left homeless by a 2019 earthquake a new home in 2020. Some are still living in squalor. Original post Here
THE HISTORY OF AN ART GALLERY
ON THE OCCASION OF 10th ANNIVERSARY OF GALERIAKALO With the exhibition titled PROMENADE organized last week, FONDACIONI KALO ART and GALERIAKALO celebrated their 10th anniversary. A selected number of artworks by Masters, and other well-established artists were displayed on that occasion. GALERIAKALO was founded in November 2014 to support …
Environment Paying Price of Albania’s Failure to Rehabilitate after Mining
A law requiring mining companies to rehabilitate the environment after their operations shut down is being almost completely ignored, and the state has failed to step in. Original post Here
Europe Day: EU Ambassador, Gonzato says Albania plays key role in European Union security and future
TIRANA, May 9 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato marked Europe Day during the opening of Europe Week under the motto “Open Space”. Speaking at the event, Gonzato said the European Union has taken steps to protect stability and democratic values at a time when global conflicts threaten …
TIRANA, May 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama marked Europe Day during the opening of Europe Week, describing 9 May as a symbol of European courage and cooperation. Speaking at the event, Rama said the European Union represents a space where different cultures live and cooperate in peace and equality. …
Tirana protest unfolds amid EU concerns over shrinking parliamentary oversight. TIRANA, May 08, 2026 — Albania’s opposition staged a national protest in Tirana on Friday evening, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and what it described as his corrupt government, while accusing the ruling majority of abuse of …
TIRANA, May 9 – President of the Council of Europe Antonio Costa sent a message to Albania on Europe Day, describing the occasion as a moment to reflect on shared European values and the progress of aspiring countries toward integration. Addressing Albanian citizens as future members of the European Union, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama urged Elbasan to become a leading city for startups and innovation during a meeting with winners of Albania’s national startup program for 2025 and new applicants for 2026. During the event, young innovators presented projects in technology and the digital economy. Meanwhile, organizers highlighted the rapid …
Mayor of Elbasan Gledian Llatja said startups will transform into concrete development models for Elbasan during a meeting with winners of Albania’s 2025 startup program and new applicants for 2026. The event took place at the newly renovated “Onufri” arts high school in Elbasan. Young innovators presented promising technology projects …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met today in Elbasan with winners of Albania’s 2025 startup program and applicants for 2026, who presented promising projects in technology and innovation. During the meeting, Rama said technology is rapidly transforming economic development and innovation. He explained that the world has moved from linear growth …
Albania inaugurated its National Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia with the presentation of “A Place in the Sun” by artist Genti Korini, curated by Małgorzata Ludwisiak. During the opening ceremony, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports Blendi Gonxhja described Albania’s participation as a …
Minister of Interior Besfort Lamallari addressed the International Migration Forum at the United Nations and reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to safe, orderly, and legal migration. During his speech, Lamallari stressed that Albania supports migration policies based on human rights, international cooperation, and stronger engagement with the Albanian diaspora. Furthermore, he said …
Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj met today with Dame Dimitrovski, adviser to the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, and Raimund Jehle during the regional conference United for Climate. During the meeting, Jaupaj discussed a regional forestry initiative supported by the Green Climate Fund and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Furthermore, …