Albanian Opposition MPs Slam Govt for Sidelining Constitutional Court
Opposition MPs claimed the government is ignoring Council of Europe experts’ advice urging parliament to let the Constitutional Court review the mandate of a former minister who has been accused of abuse of office. Original post Here
Privatization of Butrint: How Albania is Selling Off Its Archaeological Heritage
Butrint is one of the most prestigious archaeological sites in Albania. However, the government has decided to entrust its management to a private foundation, at the risk of jeopardizing its classification on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Ilda Mara Courrier des Balkans The archaeological site of Butrint, listed as …
BIRN Reality Check: Pollution Continues Unabated in Albania’s Oldest Oilfield
BIRN reported in 2022 on the scourge of pollution in the area of Albania’s oldest oilfield. A subsequent inspection resulted in a 10,000-euro fine for the culprit, but the leaks continue. Original post Here
Tirana’s ‘Heat Island’ Moment
It’s late July 2024 in Albania. An ever-present heat weighs down the air around you. Summers always get hot, but this time, it feels more draining than before. You’ve cranked the AC in your house, so the inside is safe. One step through those doors, however, and you’re right back …
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
Taulant Balla, head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, welcomes students and teachers from the “Mehmet Akif” school in Lipjan, Kosovo, to the Albanian Parliament. The group visits Tirana on a friendly and educational trip. Balla highlights the strong ties between Albania and Kosovo. He stresses the importance of national …
TIRANA, May 12 – Albanian Radio and Television launches the programme “Prag Eurovision”, presented as “On the Eve of Eurovision”, dedicated to the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Meanwhile, the broadcaster said the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest begins in a few hours. In this context, it added that …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko highlights internal audit as a key pillar of financial stability and transparency. He speaks at the International Conference of Auditors in Tirana. Moreover, he stresses its role in strengthening integrity and credibility in the financial system. First, he says Albania hosts high-level global and …
TIRANA, May 12 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. In a post on social media platform X, Hoxha said diplomacy does not remain limited to formal meeting rooms. He added that it also takes place in informal moments, including while waiting …
TIRANA, May 12 – Albanian Mail and IdentiTek signed a cooperation agreement on improving service delivery for citizens in Albania and abroad. The two institutions aim to strengthen access, security, and efficiency in identity-related services. The agreement was signed by Albanian Mail Administrator Etjen Xhafaj and IdentiTek Administrator Silda Anagnosti …
TIRANA, May 12 – New archaeological findings have emerged at the Amantia Archaeological Park, following excavations carried out in 2025 on the eastern terrace of the fortification site. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport said the latest excavations, conducted by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage and the …
TIRANA, May 12 – The Committee for Europe and Foreign Affairs held a hearing with Minister of State and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka on the Council of Ministers’ report on Albania’s accession process to the European Union. She presented progress achieved in 2025. Albania opened negotiations on all chapters. The …
TIRANA, May 12 – Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania’s economy stands at a strong development stage. She said the government works to direct growth toward innovation, digitalisation, and deeper European integration through partnerships with international financial institutions. At a signing ceremony for a new financing line …
Albania presents its national pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2026. The pavilion is titled “A Place in the Sun” by artist Genti Korini. It highlights Albania’s cultural identity on a major international art stage. Prime Minister Edi Rama shares photos from the event. He expresses pride in Albania’s participation. He …
TIRANA, May 12 – Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the signing of a financing agreement between the European Investment Bank and Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania. The agreement targets small and medium enterprises in innovation, digitalisation, technology, and green investments. At the ceremony, Rama said the government will support …