Ukraine’s Zelensky Calls for Defence ‘Co-Production’ With Balkan Countries
Volodymyr Zelensky in Tirana urged Balkan countries to ‘co-produce’ arms and proposed a joint defence industry forum to be held in Kyiv or a Balkan capital. Original post Here
Greek Police Closer to Cracking Gang Behind 2020 Mafia Murders
Greek police working in the context of an international police operation arrested an Albanian citizen allegedly involved in four murders of Montenegro mafia members in Greece in 2020 – increasing the number of suspects behind bars in several countries. Original post Here
Tensions Over ‘Gulenist’ Claims Mar Election of Albania’s Muslim Leader
The election of Bujar Spahiu as the new head of the Albanias an Muslim Community was marred by opponents’ allegations that he supports Turkish cleric Fetullah Gulen, who is wanted for arrest by the Ankara government. Original post Here
Albania Convicts Ethnic Greek Politician Fredi Beleri of Vote-Buying
After a high-profile trial that caused a diplomatic rift between Albania and Greece, the ethnic Greek mayor-elect of the Albanian town of Himara, Fredi Beleri, was sentenced to two years in prison for vote-buying. Original post Here
Albanian Public Broadcaster Fires Programme Director for Social Media Post
A programme director at the Albanian public broadcaster RTSH was fired by the new head of the station, Alfred Peza, a former ruling party MP who has been criticised for other dismissals since he took the job. Original post Here
TikTok Used Across Balkans to ‘Slutshame’ Women and Girls
A BIRN analysis of hundreds of videos uploaded by TikTok users in eight Balkan countries shows the platform has become a hub for abuse of women and girls based on their appearance and actual or perceived sexual behaviour – ‘slutshaming’. Original post Here
Online Video in Albania of Prince’s Fight Raises Privacy Concerns
Experts say leak of video showing fight between prince and ex-wife serves no public interest – and raises serious legal and ethical questions about standards of media in Albania. Original post Here
Women in Albanian Textile Sector Pay High Price for Lek’s Rally
Critics say the government is not doing enough to protect Albanian textile exporters from the rapidly strengthening lek currency. Most of the industry’s employees are women at risk of sliding into poverty. Original post Here
More Soldiers, Jets and Javelins: Southeast Europe Seeks Defence Upgrade
Whether through compulsory military service or new hardware, some countries in southeast Europe are trying to bolster their defences in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine. But not all states can afford it. Original post Here
Albanian Parties’ Possible Deal Sparks Fears About Justice Reform
The ruling Socialist Party and opposition Refoundation Democratic Party told BIRN they are nearing an agreement to end the ongoing disruption of parliament, but concerns have been raised that a deal could derail judicial reform and the fight against corruption. Original post Here
Himara will open the tourist season on May 1–3. The coastal city will welcome local and foreign visitors. The three-day event will create a festive atmosphere in the southern destination. The program will promote the area’s history, cultural heritage, pristine beaches, traditions, and rich Albanian cuisine. Minister of Tourism, Culture, …
Traffic has resumed in the Llogara Tunnel after a temporary closure caused by a collision between two vehicles. The Albanian Road Authority said police, ambulance, and firefighters arrived quickly and managed the situation. Authorities reopened the tunnel shortly after clearing the scene. The Llogara Tunnel includes a main tunnel and …
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos reported positive developments for Albania and Montenegro on their path to EU membership. She met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens. They discussed EU enlargement and the Western Balkans. Mitsotakis said enlargement had not made the expected progress but noted a new momentum. He …
Academic Rexhep Qosja passed away at the age of 89. He wrote a final letter before his death and stated his last wishes. He asked for a simple burial ceremony. He rejected religious rituals and official attendance. He requested that only close family members attend the funeral. He chose to …
At the Delphi Economic Forum, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi. Hoxha said the meeting gave both sides a chance to exchange views on EU accession. He stressed that Albania actively engages in the European integration process. He …
The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, announced in a post on X that he held a meeting with Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mihai Popșoi, during the Delphi Economic Forum. Hoxha wrote that during the meeting they exchanged views and shared their assessments regarding their …
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, published a lengthy post following the death of academician Rexhep Qosja. Kurti stated that the Albanian people do not have another contemporary academic who contributed as much to the language and the nation, adding that Qosja was often criticized by politics and even …
Enkileda Carja delivered a dominant performance at the European Youth Weightlifting Championships in Batumi, setting two European records. She first broke the record in the snatch with a lift of 103 kilograms. Then she continued her strong performance in the clean and jerk, lifting 123 kilograms. As a result, she …
Emiriana Sako met farmers in Katundi i Ri to discuss agricultural development. She said farmers should form Agricultural Cooperation Societies to strengthen the sector. She explained that these groups help farmers access financing, subsidies, and rural development programs more easily. Moreover, she stressed the role of the local government. She …
TIRANA, April 23 – Customs administrations from the region and international partners met in Moldova at a CEFTA (Central European Free Trade Agreement) working group session. The meeting focused on authorised economic operators and customs risk management as part of regional efforts to facilitate trade. Participants discussed the development of …