In a depopulating Albania, why is the PM campaigning on a promise to make it easier for young people to leave?
If Rama wants to be the prime minister who ushers Albania into the European Union, he must first be the leader who makes Albania worth staying in. By ANDI BALLA In his recent campaigning for the upcoming May parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Edi Rama has come up with an interesting …
‘Make Albania Great’: Opposition Chief Plots Return with Trump-Style Campaign
Opposition leader Sali Berisha hopes that borrowing MAGA-style rhetoric will being him victory in May’s elections – but many experts doubt that will work. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 31, 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
Money Laundering Causes Poverty, Income Disparity in Balkans, Says BIRN Film
A new BIRN documentary shows how money laundering has been increasing poverty, prices and income inequality in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. Original post Here
Diaspora Vote Might Shake Up Albanian Politics, But Big Parties Likely to Prevail
For the first time, Albanians abroad will be able to vote by post in the country’s May parliamentary election; some hope the change will help end the domination of the two big parties, but experts are not so sure. Original post Here
Jailed Albanian Mayor Hires US Law Firm That Worked for Trump
While behind bars and under investigation for graft and money laundering, Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj and his businessman brother have engaged hard-hitting New York law firm Kasowitz Benson Torres to assist his case. Original post Here
Albanian Rights Organisations Take TikTok Ban to Court
BIRN Albania, along with a civil rights group and a journalists’ association, have urged the country’s top court to declare a controversial law banning TikTok in Albania for a year unconstitutional. Original post Here
Italy to Albania, and Back: A Migrant’s Journey Through Italy’s Asylum Experiment
Italy’s right-wing government called it a magic wand for the migrants arriving on its shores, but a deal with Albania to outsource and accelerate asylum processing has run afoul of Italian courts. Critics say it flies in the face of international humanitarian law. Original post Here
Albanian Orthodox Church Gets First Ethnic Albanian Leader in Generations
The new Primate will need to be savvy, navigating between conflicting pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian currents in the small but opinionated Albanian Orthodox Church. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 23, 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
Albanian brand Ola Foods marked another success with its participation in the largest food industry trade fair, TuttoFood Milano 2026. Following the event, the company’s Export Director, Mr. Luis Palluqi, spoke about the interest Ola Foods received from various markets and partners during Italy’s biggest food industry exhibition. According to …
TIRANA, May 18 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Jan Braathu spoke at a media freedom conference. He said free, independent and secure journalism represents a foundation for society and democracy. He also said ethical and transparent journalism is essential for any democratic system. He stressed that free …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the Shkodër Historical Museum, showing it filled with local and foreign visitors. He described the museum as having a lively and pleasant atmosphere. The museum began its organization in 1947 under the name “People’s Museum” and was fully established in 1949. It was …
TIRANA, May 18 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the 11th OSCE South East Europe Media Conference in Tirana. The event is titled “Strengthening Journalism as a Public Good” and focuses on media freedom and journalist safety. He said Albania remains committed to strengthening …
TIRANA, May 18 – e-Albania 2.0 introduces a redesigned platform for public services in Albania. It enables easier access for citizens. It also improves usability for persons with disabilities. In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the platform. He described it as a new step in the digital …
TIRANA, May 18 – Albania took part in the 25th meeting of the Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe Insurance Supervision Initiative in Warsaw, Poland. The meeting brought together supervisory authorities from across the region. The delegation of the Albanian Financial Supervisory Authority included Merita Gurabardhi, Aranit Muja and Lusjana …
TIRANA, May 18 – The Forensic Science Institute took part for the first time as a full member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes in Zurich, Switzerland. The meeting gathered directors of European forensic science institutes. Institute Director Perlat Çullaj presented the institute’s role and development. He outlined …
TIRANA. May 18 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the “Museum Week 2026” initiative in a social media post. He said the event will take place from 18 to 24 May across Albania. During the week, museums, archaeological parks and cultural heritage sites will open their …
TIRANA, May 18 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Civil Emergencies Support Base. He met Armed Forces personnel engaged in emergency response operations. The visit focused on wildfire preparedness ahead of the summer season. Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Arben Kingji attended the event. National Civil Protection …
TIRANA, May 18 – President Bajram Begaj met participants of the Higher Security and Defence Course held at the Armed Forces Defence and Security College. He praised the college for organising the programme. He also highlighted the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding among participants. In addition, he stressed the …