No Children, No Schools: Emigration Empties Northern Albania
In Albania’s northern Kukes and Shkodra regions, dozens of schools have shut their doors over the past several years as a result of staggering rates of emigration. Original post Here
Turkish-Albanian YouTuber Wanted in Turkey Denies Insulting Islam
YouTuber Diamant Tema, who faces an arrest warrant in Turkey for alleged insults to Islam and Muhammad, has denied the accusations, saying he is being ‘judged without a court hearing’. Original post Here
Growing Diaspora Vote Becomes Game-Changer in Balkan Elections
Balkan diaspora communities are expanding in size, becoming more interested in electoral battles back home – and are increasingly aware of their key role in shaping outcomes in an important year for elections across the region. Original post Here
Anti-Corruption Fight in Balkans Sees Progress, But Also Regression: Report
A new report on the Western Balkans and Turkey by watchdog organisation Transparency International says the progress against corruption made by a number of countries is counter-balanced by backsliding in others. Original post Here
Euro 2024 Becomes Arena for Balkan Nationalist Score-Settling
Matches at Euro 2024 involving Albania, Croatia and Serbia have been marred by nationalist chants and banners that are not uncommon in the Balkans, but were given a bigger stage by the showpiece football tournament. Original post Here
27,000 euros through fraud at the workplace, one arrested
A 34-year-old man was arrested by the Tirana police for the criminal offenses of “Fraud”, “Forgery of documents” and “Forgery of seals, stamps or forms”. Rizar Alibali from Shkodra is accused of embezzling 27,000 euros through fraud and presenting suspected falsified documents (mandates) at his workplace. The 34-year-old, being employed …
The extradition of Durim Bami from Dubai/ Balla: We have all the instruments to bring him before Albanian justice
A few days ago, the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) submitted the request to the Ministry of Justice for the extradition of Durim Bami. In this regard, Interior Minister Taulant Balla has declared that the authorities have all the tools to bring Bami and all cases like him to justice. “This …
“Berisha cannot be the political offer that Albanians deserve”, Alibeaj leaves the Democratic Party group
Enkelejd Alibeaj will no longer be part of the Parliamentary Group of the Democratic Party. Through a long post on social networks, Alibeaj said that his election comes as a sign of respect for the court’s decision, which gave Sali Berisha the seal of the Democratic Party. According to Alibeaj, …
Begaj meeting with his counterpart: Germany, support for the advancement of reforms in Albania
The President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, held a face-to-face meeting in Berlin with the President of the FRG, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. They have held discussions on the strengthening of bilateral cooperation and the integration of Albania in the EU. Therefore, Begaj thanked President Steinmeier for his contribution to strengthening relations and …
SPAK requests the extradition of Durim Bami from Dubai, submits the request to the Ministry of Justice
The Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has submitted the request to the Ministry of Justice for the extradition of Durim Bami. Durim Bami was arrested a few days ago in Dubai following an arrest warrant issued by the Special Prosecutor’s Office. “SPAK has submitted the request to the Ministry of Justice. …
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 …