Italy Eyes August Start Date for Albania Asylum Centres
Italy’s right-wing prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, inspected work on two asylum centres being built in Albania under a controversial deal between the two countries. Original post Here
As Palestine Recognitions Grow, Balkan States’ Stances Shaped by Geopolitics
Slovenia has recognised war-ravaged Palestine as independent, but some Balkan countries prefer to stay quiet and follow the United States’ lead – while others recognised Palestinian statehood decades ago while they were under communist rule. Original post Here
Albania Leader’s New Anti-Corruption Initiative Branded a PR Project
Prime Minister Edi Rama has pushed through a resolution setting up a new Special Anti-Corruption Commission – but critics claim it’s a partisan initiative, established to combat negative publicity over graft cases involving former ruling party politicians. Original post Here
Balkan Prison Overcrowding Worsening – Report
Prison populations and incarceration rates in the Balkans are too high and continuing to grow, according to new research. Original post Here
Albanian, Spanish Police Bust Illegal Scheme to Help Albanians Enter UK
Albanian and Spanish Police in a two-year investigation have uncovered a crime group that forged documents to enable Albanians to illegally enter the UK and Ireland. Original post Here
Albanian Court Hands Opposition Democratic Party Back to Berisha
Tuesday’s court ruling effectively ends a two-year battle for control of Albania’s once-mighty Democratic Party. Original post Here
Albania-Greece Tensions Intensify as Jailed Mayor-Elect Becomes European MP
Fredi Beleri, a mayor-elect in Albania who has been in prison since May 2023, is expected to enter the European parliament after standing as a Greek MEP, further complicating already strained relations between Albania and Greece. Original post Here
‘Administrative Silence’: FOI Requests Go Unanswered in Balkans, BIRN Report Says
Public institutions in the six Western Balkan countries routinely refuse to respond to freedom of information requests, and it’s getting worse, a new report from the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network warns. Original post Here
Balkan Countries Push for Record Tourism Year, Despite Growth Concerns
As beaches, historic sites and natural beauties in Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece and Turkey draw increasing numbers of tourists, governments eye bumper profits – though experts warn that relentless growth in the sector comes with costs. Original post Here
Albania’s Former PM Berisha Loses Appeal Against UK Ban
UK court dismisses appeal by opposition leader Sali Berisha to lift sanctions against him for alleged corruption, ruling that the ban was based on sufficient information. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government has a concrete investment plan to accredit laboratories that control milk and dairy by-products. Rama warned that Albania’s milk sector would struggle to meet EU standards if the country were already a member. He said the entire production chain must be guaranteed. He …
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker met Kosovo leaders to discuss the security situation. He also held talks with the KFOR mission commander. Prime Minister Albin Kurti discussed U.S. support and cooperation with the Kosovo Security Force. He highlighted training programs and efforts to increase defense capacities. Kurti said security …
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the “Plis” guesthouse in the Valbona Valley as an example of sustainable mountain tourism. Rama said the guesthouse preserves the spirit of traditional Alpine homes while meeting modern standards. He described it as an ideal place to enjoy fresh air, cool weather, and the natural …
Andis Salla and German Ambassador Karl Bergner signed the EU4FoodSafety agreement in Tirana. The European Union and the German government co-finance the project. It strengthens food safety standards in Albania and improves consumer protection. Salla calls the project a key step toward EU integration. He says it marks progress in …
Shpëtim Bajoku and Donjeta Sadiku represent Kosovo at the World Boxing Cup Brazil 2026 in Foz do Iguaçu. The tournament runs from April 20 to April 27, 2026, and brings together elite boxers from around the world. It features 49 countries and 342 athletes, making it the largest edition in …
Ferit Hoxha invites Albanian professionals to join the diplomatic team in Brussels under the “Albania 2030” initiative. He says Albania advances its EU accession process and now needs highly skilled and dedicated professionals. He stresses that diplomats must represent the country with professionalism, integrity, and vision. Hoxha urges candidates with …
Edi Rama attends the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece on a three-day working visit from April 21–23. He participates in the Delphi Economic Forum, where global leaders, business representatives, academics, and experts meet to discuss major international challenges and promote cooperation. Rama meets Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to strengthen …
Toni Gogu meets OSCE Presence head Michel Tarran in Tirana to discuss justice reform and security sector priorities. Both sides reaffirm strong cooperation in advancing judicial reforms and strengthening Albania’s justice system. They focus on key areas such as the 2024–2030 Justice Strategy, victim protection, and institutional capacity building for …
Silvio Gonzato says Albania enters a decisive phase in EU accession negotiations, with food safety as one of the most complex reforms. Then, he speaks at a meeting with food business operators attended by Edi Rama. He explains that food safety protects citizens, strengthens consumer trust, and ensures fair competition. …
Arbjan Mazniku continues his official visit in Rome with an intensive agenda at the Italian Parliament. First, he meets members of the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies, where he focuses on Albania–Italy strategic relations, EU integration, and economic cooperation. Then, Italian representatives express strong and unconditional support for Albania’s …