Albania in 2025: Parliamentary Elections Approach, But ‘No Real Alternatives’ Appear
Many expect the ruling Socialist Party to win this year’s parliamentary elections again, and are placing their hopes in anti-corruption bodies to bring some genuine change by battling high-level graft. Original post Here
The Departed: Balkan Personalities Who Left the Stage in 2024
From a diplomat who fought in World War II to a Turkish cleric accused of subverting the state and a Bulgarian rock star who raised his voice for democracy, these are some of the key figures who passed away this year in the Balkans. Original post Here
Albania’s TikTok ban draws debate
TIRANA, Dec. 26, 2024 – The Albanian government’s recent announcement that will ban for at least a year the use within the country of the popular social media platform TikTok has generated debate over the impact of social media on society and the decision’s impact on free speech. According to …
1980s icon Simaku returns to the spotlight after decades of emigration hardship
TIRANA, Dec. 26, 2024 – Parashqevi Simaku, once Albania’s darling of song and stage, has re-emerged in the public eye after years of hardship, including a period of homelessness in New York City. The beloved singer, known for her velvety voice and electrifying performances during the 1980s, is now reclaiming …
Digital Rights Review: TikTok Backlash in Romania, Spyware Revelations in Serbia
TikTok became the focus of criticism for boosting a far-right contender in Romania’s elections, while in Serbia, evidence of the use of spyware emerged amid the largest student protests in the country in years. Original post Here
As Justice Vetting Ends, Albania Urged to Maintain New Anti-Graft Standards
A seven-year vetting process in Albania has been hailed as setting new standards in the fight against judicial graft. Can the country maintain them? Original post Here
Museum Honours Woman Who Challenged Albania’s Brutal Communist Takeover
Musine Kokalari paid a heavy price for opposing Albania’s slide into totalitarianism; a newly opened museum recalls her largely forgotten struggle for a more liberated society. Original post Here
Bechtel Bespoke: US Engineering Giant’s Modus Operandi in the Balkans Causes Concern
Over the past two decades, US engineering giant Bechtel has won billions of euros worth of infrastructure work across the Balkans, often on the basis of bespoke laws that bypass public procurement rules and keep the deals’ key details under wraps. Original post Here
Regional Youth shares a vision of Peace, Development and European Integration
Tirana, 13.12.2024 Young people seek a region where their voices are heard, where they can decide about their future and where peace and cultural cooperation trump division, hate speech and prejudice. The European integration as a vessel of relevant reforms and incentives can be decisive toward achieving this noble goals. …
Higher Pay Lures Albanians to Booming Montenegrin Resort
A flow of workers from northern Albania to the expanding town of Ulcinj on Montenegro’s coast is leaving their hometowns short of labour. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama, Israeli Ambassador Galit Peleg, and Agriculture Minister Andis Salla visited the experimental farm at the “Mihal Shahini” vocational school in Cërrik. MASHAV developed the project to support education, training, and innovation in agriculture. Ambassador Peleg said the project represents more than an agricultural investment. She called …
Arbjan Mazniku spoke at a public hearing on territorial reform in Fier. He said municipalities still face major challenges in efficiency and service delivery. Mazniku stressed that local governments must provide equal and quality services for all citizens. “The main challenge remains the efficiency of municipal functions and the real …
Albania launched the “EU for Democracy” project at Parliament in Tirana. The European Union program aims to strengthen Parliament’s role in Albania’s EU integration process. Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi joined EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato and International IDEA Regional Director Sam van der Staak at the presentation ceremony. Peleshi called the …
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of Albania has presented the National Mining Strategy 2026–2040 in Tirana. The plan sets a long-term vision for a modern and sustainable mining sector aligned with European Union standards. The strategy is based on three key frameworks: NSDI 2030, the EU Critical Raw Materials Act …
General Directorate of Customs of Albania hosted the 31st meeting of the EU Customs Coordinators Network in Tirana, in cooperation with the European Commission. In addition, representatives from EU member states and candidate countries took part in the discussions. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between customs administrations. It also …
President Bajram Begaj received the Chief of General Staff of North Macedonia, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, in Tirana. The two sides focused on strengthening defense and security cooperation between the two NATO allies. In addition, they discussed the importance of regional coordination in addressing current security challenges. Begaj praised North …
Taulant Balla said that Albania is advancing at record speed in its EU integration process during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs in Tirana. He stated that the country could complete accession negotiations with the European Union by next Christmas. In addition, Balla praised the …
Ferit Hoxha attended the High-Level Meeting of the “Friends of the Western Balkans” Group in Bratislava. He said the meeting confirmed a shared understanding that EU integration of the Western Balkans is no longer a long-term aspiration but a geostrategic necessity. He stressed that a stronger, safer, and more united …
Ferit Hoxha clarified his earlier remarks regarding the possible renewal of the migration protocol between Albania and Italy. He explained that a journalist in Brussels asked whether the agreement would be renewed after its initial five-year period. Hoxha said he responded: “I am not sure.” He added that he assumed …
Pirro Vengu met with Ali Ahmeti in Tetovo. He stressed the role of Albanians as a force for stability and European integration. Vengu praised Ahmeti as a key political figure. He called him a reference point in changing times. He said Ahmeti represents wisdom and long-term vision. He added that …