Saudi Arabia at the center of global foreign policy hosting USA-Russia talks
Saudi Arabia has consolidated its rising position in the global affairs arena, emerging as a focal point for the ongoing talks between USA the Russia for a variety of issues including recalibrating their bilateral relations and ultimately reaching an agreement about stopping the war in Ukraine. Representatives from the US …
Albania will not shelter Palestinians from Gaza
The Albanian PM denies claims, provides no value statements over the proposal despite EU wide condemnation Feb 16,2025 – At the Munich Security Conference, Albanian PM Edi Rama denied any claims that Albania will shelter Palestinians from Gaza. When asked about the controversial proposal of American President Donald Trump to …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 17, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Mayor’s Arrest Deals Albania’s Ruling Party a Pre-Election Blow
Erion Veliaj’s arrest for alleged corruption, alongside his wife, has enraged the ruling Socialist Party – and could undermine its chances in the May elections. BIRN looks at the charges and their political impact. Original post Here
Albanian PM Accused of Undermining Special Prosecution’s Independence
After Edi Rama criticised the Special Prosecution over the arrest for alleged corruption of his political ally, Tirana’s mayor, the country’s top judicial body delivered a stinging rebuke. Original post Here
Erion Veliaj, Rising Star in Albania, Felled by Corruption Charges
The mayor of Tirana was once tipped to be Albania’s next prime minister. Now he’s behind bars after being arrested on graft charges, possibly facing a very different future. Original post Here
Public Perceptions of Corruption in Balkans Continue to Worsen: Report
Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index makes grim reading for most Balkan countries, with Kosovo and Albania as rare exceptions to a worsening trend. Original post Here
Tirana Mayor Arrested on Corruption and Money-Laundering Charges
The mayor of Albania’s capital, Erion Veliaj, a key figure in the ruling Socialist Party, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of corruption and money-laundering. Original post Here
Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj arrested on corruption charges
TIRANA, Feb. 10, 2025 – The mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, was arrested Monday afternoon by order of the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). Judicial police officers entered Veliaj’s office at around 2 p.m. and escorted him to a detention facility. An arrest warrant has also …
Vetvendosje wins Kosovo elections, loses comfortable majority
Feb 10, 2025 The Vetvendosje Party led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti has claimed victory in the round of general elections held in Kosovo on February 9. With around 90 percent of the ballots counted, VV has reached about 41 percent whereas the opposition parties achieved lower figures of 22 …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, Israeli Ambassador Galit Peleg, and Agriculture Minister Andis Salla visited the experimental farm at the “Mihal Shahini” vocational school in Cërrik. MASHAV developed the project to support education, training, and innovation in agriculture. Ambassador Peleg said the project represents more than an agricultural investment. She called …
Arbjan Mazniku spoke at a public hearing on territorial reform in Fier. He said municipalities still face major challenges in efficiency and service delivery. Mazniku stressed that local governments must provide equal and quality services for all citizens. “The main challenge remains the efficiency of municipal functions and the real …
Albania launched the “EU for Democracy” project at Parliament in Tirana. The European Union program aims to strengthen Parliament’s role in Albania’s EU integration process. Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi joined EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato and International IDEA Regional Director Sam van der Staak at the presentation ceremony. Peleshi called the …
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of Albania has presented the National Mining Strategy 2026–2040 in Tirana. The plan sets a long-term vision for a modern and sustainable mining sector aligned with European Union standards. The strategy is based on three key frameworks: NSDI 2030, the EU Critical Raw Materials Act …
General Directorate of Customs of Albania hosted the 31st meeting of the EU Customs Coordinators Network in Tirana, in cooperation with the European Commission. In addition, representatives from EU member states and candidate countries took part in the discussions. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between customs administrations. It also …
President Bajram Begaj received the Chief of General Staff of North Macedonia, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, in Tirana. The two sides focused on strengthening defense and security cooperation between the two NATO allies. In addition, they discussed the importance of regional coordination in addressing current security challenges. Begaj praised North …
Taulant Balla said that Albania is advancing at record speed in its EU integration process during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs in Tirana. He stated that the country could complete accession negotiations with the European Union by next Christmas. In addition, Balla praised the …
Ferit Hoxha attended the High-Level Meeting of the “Friends of the Western Balkans” Group in Bratislava. He said the meeting confirmed a shared understanding that EU integration of the Western Balkans is no longer a long-term aspiration but a geostrategic necessity. He stressed that a stronger, safer, and more united …
Ferit Hoxha clarified his earlier remarks regarding the possible renewal of the migration protocol between Albania and Italy. He explained that a journalist in Brussels asked whether the agreement would be renewed after its initial five-year period. Hoxha said he responded: “I am not sure.” He added that he assumed …
Pirro Vengu met with Ali Ahmeti in Tetovo. He stressed the role of Albanians as a force for stability and European integration. Vengu praised Ahmeti as a key political figure. He called him a reference point in changing times. He said Ahmeti represents wisdom and long-term vision. He added that …