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
The parliamentary committees on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora and on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development held a joint meeting in Struga, North Macedonia, on May 12-13. The OSCE organized the event. The meeting brought together MPs from Albania and North Macedonia, along with ambassadors and senior OSCE officials. During …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met today in Tirana with a delegation from the Swedish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Morgan Johansson. During the meeting, Hoxha praised Sweden’s continued support for Albania’s European Union integration process. He also highlighted Sweden’s contribution to Albania’s democratic, institutional and …
Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu met with Albanian students in Struga and Tetovo during his two-day visit to North Macedonia. During the meetings, Vengu said Albanian students are not asking for ethnic privileges. Instead, he said they are demanding what he called “European normality” by seeking to take state exams …
The University of Arts marked its 60th anniversary today. It awarded certificates of appreciation to more than 30 personalities. These individuals contributed to the institution’s development. The ceremony took place in Tirana. Students, alumni, professors and cultural figures attended the event. Among the honorees was sculptor Kristaq Rama. He was …
A parliamentary dialogue on EU enlargement between Albania and Sweden was held today in Tirana at the “House of Europe”. The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group Taulant Balla said Albania is closer than ever to full EU membership. He stated that the country’s goal is to close accession …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu presented a package of measures in Saranda to ensure a safe and successful tourism season. She said Albania has seen a sharp increase in tourist numbers over the past five years. However, she stressed that the country has managed the flow without major problems. Moreover, …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met today with the new Turkish Ambassador to Albania Barış Ceyhun Erciyes. Peleshi said Albania and Turkey share a long-standing friendship and a consolidated strategic partnership. Moreover, he stressed that the relationship continues to strengthen in support of peace, security and economic development. In addition, …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu visited the “Welcome Center” in Saranda, a multifunctional facility that will open soon. She said the project combines modern infrastructure and European standards with Albania’s tradition of hospitality. Moreover, Koçiu toured the new building together with Saranda Mayor Oltion Çaçi. The site includes 100 public …
Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in an interview marking the 35th anniversary of the newspaper “Koha Jonë” and 29 years since its burning. The interview was conducted by publisher Nikollë Lesi. Rama said the conversation reflects a period when free speech, as he put it, was threatened under an …
Prime Minister Edi Rama gave an interview marking the 35th anniversary of the newspaper “Koha Jonë” and 29 years since its burning. The interview was conducted by publisher Nikollë Lesi. During the discussion, Rama commented on the political opposition. He focused on the Democratic Party. Moreover, he said the Democratic …