Blog
News

Film Exposes Persecution of Kosovo Albanian Writers in Hoxha’s Albania

Many Albanians in Yugoslavia came to see Albania as a promised land, but Albania’s treatment of ethnic Albanian writers and artists from outside its borders was often brutal. Original post Here

Read More
News

Balkan Countries Must Respond Proactively to Evolving Cyber Threats: Report

As cyberattacks in the region become ever more sophisticated and daring, Western Balkan governments need to improve their cybersecurity frameworks and cooperate, a new BIRN report warns. Original post Here

Read More
News

Fostering a thirst for knowledge: the key to building the world of tomorrow

H.E Alvaro Renedo Zalba, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Albania It is a true pleasure to speak to you today on this rainy November morning. The dim light of today’s overcast Tirana sky seems just right for inspiring fruitful academic exchanges and soulful musings. First and foremost, I …

Read More
News

Saudi Arabia at the center of global foreign policy hosting USA-Russia talks

Saudi Arabia has consolidated its rising position in the global affairs arena, emerging as a focal point for the ongoing talks between USA the Russia for a variety of issues including recalibrating their bilateral relations and ultimately reaching an agreement about stopping the war in Ukraine. Representatives from the US …

Read More
News

Albania will not shelter Palestinians from Gaza

The Albanian PM denies claims, provides no value statements over the proposal despite EU wide condemnation  Feb 16,2025 – At the Munich Security Conference, Albanian PM Edi Rama denied any claims that Albania will shelter Palestinians from Gaza. When asked about the controversial proposal of American President Donald Trump to …

Read More
News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 17, 2025

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

Read More
News

Mayor’s Arrest Deals Albania’s Ruling Party a Pre-Election Blow

Erion Veliaj’s arrest for alleged corruption, alongside his wife, has enraged the ruling Socialist Party – and could undermine its chances in the May elections. BIRN looks at the charges and their political impact. Original post Here

Read More
News

Albanian PM Accused of Undermining Special Prosecution’s Independence

After Edi Rama criticised the Special Prosecution over the arrest for alleged corruption of his political ally, Tirana’s mayor, the country’s top judicial body delivered a stinging rebuke. Original post Here

Read More
News

Erion Veliaj, Rising Star in Albania, Felled by Corruption Charges

The mayor of Tirana was once tipped to be Albania’s next prime minister. Now he’s behind bars after being arrested on graft charges, possibly facing a very different future. Original post Here

Read More
News

Public Perceptions of Corruption in Balkans Continue to Worsen: Report

Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index makes grim reading for most Balkan countries, with Kosovo and Albania as rare exceptions to a worsening trend. Original post Here

Read More
News
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos to visit Prishtina on Friday

TIRANA, May 14 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will visit Prishtina on Friday. The trip marks her first visit to Kosova since she took office in 2024. She arrives on Thursday evening from London, where she holds two meetings earlier in the day. Kos will hold three …

News
Kosova marks 27th anniversary of Qyshk massacre

TIRANA, May 14 – Kosova on Wednesday marked the 27th anniversary of the Qyshk massacre, one of the crimes committed during the 1998–1999 war. Serbian forces killed 44 Albanian men in the village on May 14, 1999. The attack ranks among the many massacres reported during the conflict in Kosova. …

News
“Youth Tech Center” opens in Lushnjë for young innovators

A new space dedicated to young people passionate about technology and innovation has opened in the city of Lushnjë. The center is called “Youth Tech” and is located near the city museum. It has already attracted strong interest from local youth. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared moments from the center …

News
Foreign minister says Albania on track for European Union membership by 2030

TIRANA, May 14 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha told parliament on Wednesday that Albania remains on track for European Union membership by 2030 if the current pace of reforms continues. He made the remarks during discussions on a draft resolution on Albania’s European integration process. Hoxha said European Union support …

News
“Courtyards That Speak” project brings authentic Himara closer to visitors

TIRANA, May 14 – “Courtyards That Speak” is a cultural project that invites visitors to discover an authentic side of Himara through local memories, songs, traditional recipes and stories passed down across generations. The initiative opens several traditional courtyards in the coastal area to the public for a limited period. …

News
Gonxhja inspects Jalë and Dhërmi beaches ahead of new tourist season

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja inspected the beaches of Jalë and Dhërmi ahead of the upcoming summer season. He reviewed readiness on the ground. He said some work and adjustments are still needed. Moreover, he stressed that local authorities and businesses must ensure clean, orderly and hygienic …

News
In an article in Luxus Magazine, Albania is described as an emerging luxury tourism destination

TIRANA, May 14 – In an article in “Luxus Magazine”, the publication describes Albania as one of Europe’s fastest-growing luxury tourism destinations. It cites rapid development along the Ionian coast, rising international visibility and expanding investment in hospitality. The article highlights the transformation of the Albanian Riviera. It describes clear …

News
Exhibition “Albania 1921 – Eugène Pittard” opens in Durrës

The photographic exhibition “Albania 1921 – Eugène Pittard” has opened in Durrës. It presents rare images of Albania from the early 20th century. The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Klodiana Spahiu and Swiss Ambassador Ruth Huber. The exhibition is a joint project between the Swiss Embassy …

News
Eurovision 2026, second semi-final tonight, Alis performs “Nan” as Albania targets Grand Final spot

TIRANA, May 14 – Albanian Eurovision representative Alis performs tonight in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. He takes the stage with the song “Nan” [Mother], as Albania competes for a place in the Grand Final. The show airs live on Albanian Radio and Television …

News
10 years since Kosovo joined FIFA and UEFA, Duka recalls historic moment

Albanian Football Federation President Armand Duka has marked the 10th anniversary of Kosovo’s membership in FIFA and UEFA. He described the decision as a historic achievement that confirmed Kosovo’s place in international football. Moreover, Duka praised the late former Football Federation of Kosovo president Fadil Vokrri, highlighting his key role …

News

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos to visit Prishtina on Friday

TIRANA, May 14 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will visit Prishtina on Friday. The trip marks her first visit to Kosova since she took office in 2024. She arrives on Thursday evening from London, where she holds two meetings earlier in the day. Kos will hold three …

News

Kosova marks 27th anniversary of Qyshk massacre

TIRANA, May 14 – Kosova on Wednesday marked the 27th anniversary of the Qyshk massacre, one of the crimes committed during the 1998–1999 war. Serbian forces killed 44 Albanian men in the village on May 14, 1999. The attack ranks among the many massacres reported during the conflict in Kosova. …

News

“Youth Tech Center” opens in Lushnjë for young innovators

A new space dedicated to young people passionate about technology and innovation has opened in the city of Lushnjë. The center is called “Youth Tech” and is located near the city museum. It has already attracted strong interest from local youth. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared moments from the center …

News

Foreign minister says Albania on track for European Union membership by 2030

TIRANA, May 14 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha told parliament on Wednesday that Albania remains on track for European Union membership by 2030 if the current pace of reforms continues. He made the remarks during discussions on a draft resolution on Albania’s European integration process. Hoxha said European Union support …

News

“Courtyards That Speak” project brings authentic Himara closer to visitors

TIRANA, May 14 – “Courtyards That Speak” is a cultural project that invites visitors to discover an authentic side of Himara through local memories, songs, traditional recipes and stories passed down across generations. The initiative opens several traditional courtyards in the coastal area to the public for a limited period. …

News

Gonxhja inspects Jalë and Dhërmi beaches ahead of new tourist season

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja inspected the beaches of Jalë and Dhërmi ahead of the upcoming summer season. He reviewed readiness on the ground. He said some work and adjustments are still needed. Moreover, he stressed that local authorities and businesses must ensure clean, orderly and hygienic …

News

In an article in Luxus Magazine, Albania is described as an emerging luxury tourism destination

TIRANA, May 14 – In an article in “Luxus Magazine”, the publication describes Albania as one of Europe’s fastest-growing luxury tourism destinations. It cites rapid development along the Ionian coast, rising international visibility and expanding investment in hospitality. The article highlights the transformation of the Albanian Riviera. It describes clear …

News

Exhibition “Albania 1921 – Eugène Pittard” opens in Durrës

The photographic exhibition “Albania 1921 – Eugène Pittard” has opened in Durrës. It presents rare images of Albania from the early 20th century. The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Klodiana Spahiu and Swiss Ambassador Ruth Huber. The exhibition is a joint project between the Swiss Embassy …

News

Eurovision 2026, second semi-final tonight, Alis performs “Nan” as Albania targets Grand Final spot

TIRANA, May 14 – Albanian Eurovision representative Alis performs tonight in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. He takes the stage with the song “Nan” [Mother], as Albania competes for a place in the Grand Final. The show airs live on Albanian Radio and Television …

News

10 years since Kosovo joined FIFA and UEFA, Duka recalls historic moment

Albanian Football Federation President Armand Duka has marked the 10th anniversary of Kosovo’s membership in FIFA and UEFA. He described the decision as a historic achievement that confirmed Kosovo’s place in international football. Moreover, Duka praised the late former Football Federation of Kosovo president Fadil Vokrri, highlighting his key role …