Digital Rights Review: ‘Foreign Agent’ Laws Target Online Media
BIRN’s monitoring of digital rights violations in October highlighted new threats to freedom of expression online in south-east and eastern Europe as countries embraced legislation against foreign-funded NGOs and media. Original post Here
Trump will not sap the strength of US democratic institutions
Ilir Ikonomi, author, journalist, AIIS Associate In your opinion what were the factors that prompted Trump’s election victory? Donald Trump had a strong, dedicated, and enthusiastic base of support throughout the election process. His message was focused heavily on issues, such as immigration, the economy, and national security, that …
Kosovo is not fashionable!
By Sylë Ukshini The greatest ambassador of the Albanian nation in the world, of all time, has been and will remain, without any doubt, our world-renowned writer, Ismail Kadare. In an article written exclusively for the well-known French newspaper “Le Monde” on December 14, 1999, he recounted ten years earlier, …
Italy Sends Second Migrant Ship to Albania as Legal Disputes Continue
After an initial attempt to send refugees and migrants for processing in Albania failed, owing to Italian court rulings, a second ship with eight on board arrived in Shengjin port on Friday. Original post Here
Donald Trump’s Comeback is Bad News for Bosniaks and Kosovars
Bosniaks and Kosovo Albanians will be lucky if all Washington does is ignore them under Donald Trump’s new administration, while Serb leaders and populists like Hungary’s Viktor Orban will feel emboldened. Original post Here
Central and Southeast Europe’s Populists Celebrate Trump Win
The region’s populists could hardly contain their glee at the return of the former president to the White House. Original post Here
Bosnian Serb Leaders Hold Cocktail Party to Toast Trump Victory
The US-sanctioned president of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, threw a cocktail party in honour of Trump’s victory in the American presidential elections, saying his win “symbolises a return to values we hold dear”. Original post Here
‘Like Prison’: How African Migrant Workers Suffer Exploitation in Albania
Migrant workers from Africa have told BIRN about having to surrender their passports on arrival in Albania, working unpaid overtime and facing deportation once they are no longer required. Many are left with debts to the agencies that act as middlemen. Original post Here
How Allocation of EU Rapporteur Jobs Might Impact Western Balkan Accession Hopes
The names of the new EU rapporteurs for each of the six Western Balkan countries will emerge over the coming weeks. The relative strength of the various party groupings in the European parliament indicates how some countries might fare better than others. Original post Here
Baku hosting Global Summit of Religious Leaders within the framework of COP29
Baku, Azerbaijan – On November 5-6, 2024, the city of Baku is hosting the Global Summit of Religious Leaders within the framework of COP29, a highly significant event that brings together religious leaders and prominent figures from around the world to discuss the challenges of the climate crisis and the …
The Albanian Interior Minister shared photos from the visit on social media. He described the museum as a tribute to one of the most shocking events in modern history. Besfort Lamallari paid respect to the victims and honored the courage of those who served during the attacks. He said the …
Edi Rama announced increased financial support for farmers, introducing a new scheme that could reach up to 55 million euros depending on invoicing levels. Speaking at the Socialist Party Assembly in Elbasan, he said the government has replaced the former 18-million-euro fuel subsidy with a new system that rewards farmers …
TIRANA, May 11 – Attention shifts to 14 May as the 70th Eurovision Song Contest prepares to take place in Vienna, Austria. Albania competes with Alis and the song “Nan”, aiming for a place in the Grand Final. Earlier, Alis won first prize at the 64th edition of the Festival …
Artificial Lake Park remains one of the most popular and attractive areas in the Albanian capital. The lake offers a peaceful space for both residents and foreign tourists visiting Tirana. The area combines nature, sports, and relaxation in the heart of the city. Edi Rama shared images this Sunday from …
Edi Rama highlighted several strategic investments in the Elbasan County, with a special focus on Corridor VIII. Speaking at a meeting of the Socialist Party assembly in Elbasan, Rama said the region holds a strategic geographic position because of major infrastructure projects. He stressed that the European Union officially recognized …
Tourists visit a historic exhibition at Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATSH) in Tirana Castle. First, they explore rare photographs and archival materials that show Albania’s media history. Then, they see old equipment used in photo processing and news production. Meanwhile, visitors from Italy describe the exhibition as highly informative and unique. …
Arbër Gashi, a member of the Swedish Parliament with roots in Drenica, was the guest on Edi Rama’s podcast “Flasim.” First, Gashi shared his political journey in Sweden, which began at the age of 14 when he founded a local branch of the Social Democratic Party. Then, he explained how …
TIRANA, May 11 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will face relatively unstable atmospheric conditions today. The weather will feature periods of clear skies combined with moderate and at times dense cloudiness. The cloud cover will be more pronounced in the eastern mountainous areas. During midday and afternoon hours, …
TIRANA, May 11 – Albania and Italy agreed on a technical solution to address issues affecting Italian wine imports into Albania. The agreement enables the normal continuation of procedures for economic operators. In a formal statement, Albanian Customs said the Italian Customs Agency accepted the proposal submitted by the Albanian …
TIRANA, May 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in an informal meeting between EU foreign ministers and counterparts from the Western Balkans, held at the invitation of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. At the meeting, Hoxha said Albania …