As Palestine Recognitions Grow, Balkan States’ Stances Shaped by Geopolitics
Slovenia has recognised war-ravaged Palestine as independent, but some Balkan countries prefer to stay quiet and follow the United States’ lead – while others recognised Palestinian statehood decades ago while they were under communist rule. Original post Here
Albania Leader’s New Anti-Corruption Initiative Branded a PR Project
Prime Minister Edi Rama has pushed through a resolution setting up a new Special Anti-Corruption Commission – but critics claim it’s a partisan initiative, established to combat negative publicity over graft cases involving former ruling party politicians. Original post Here
Balkan Prison Overcrowding Worsening – Report
Prison populations and incarceration rates in the Balkans are too high and continuing to grow, according to new research. Original post Here
Albanian, Spanish Police Bust Illegal Scheme to Help Albanians Enter UK
Albanian and Spanish Police in a two-year investigation have uncovered a crime group that forged documents to enable Albanians to illegally enter the UK and Ireland. Original post Here
Albanian Court Hands Opposition Democratic Party Back to Berisha
Tuesday’s court ruling effectively ends a two-year battle for control of Albania’s once-mighty Democratic Party. Original post Here
Albania-Greece Tensions Intensify as Jailed Mayor-Elect Becomes European MP
Fredi Beleri, a mayor-elect in Albania who has been in prison since May 2023, is expected to enter the European parliament after standing as a Greek MEP, further complicating already strained relations between Albania and Greece. Original post Here
‘Administrative Silence’: FOI Requests Go Unanswered in Balkans, BIRN Report Says
Public institutions in the six Western Balkan countries routinely refuse to respond to freedom of information requests, and it’s getting worse, a new report from the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network warns. Original post Here
Balkan Countries Push for Record Tourism Year, Despite Growth Concerns
As beaches, historic sites and natural beauties in Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece and Turkey draw increasing numbers of tourists, governments eye bumper profits – though experts warn that relentless growth in the sector comes with costs. Original post Here
Albania’s Former PM Berisha Loses Appeal Against UK Ban
UK court dismisses appeal by opposition leader Sali Berisha to lift sanctions against him for alleged corruption, ruling that the ban was based on sufficient information. Original post Here
No Children, No Schools: Emigration Empties Northern Albania
In Albania’s northern Kukes and Shkodra regions, dozens of schools have shut their doors over the past several years as a result of staggering rates of emigration. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 24 – The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, held a phone call with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Jetten posted details of the conversation on social media platform X, describing Albania as a key strategic partner in the Western Balkans for both the Netherlands and the …
Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presented in Parliament a draft law to create the National Agency for Education Services. The reform aims to transform how education services are delivered to citizens. She said the reform is the result of work and reflection that started in 2019. The new agency will …
The Albanian Parliament organized the promotion of the publication “Parliamentary Committees of Albania over the Years (1920–2025)” on the occasion of International Book Day. The event was held by the Parliamentary Library and Publications Service and brought together academics, deputies, and students. Participants included Prof. Dr. Teki Kurti, Prof. Dr. …
TIRANA, April 24 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania brings strategic value to the European Union through predictability, alignment and regional cooperation. He made the remarks during a panel at the Delphi Economic Forum titled “From responsibility to benefit: How can Western Balkans EU membership become a European geopolitical …
TIRANA, April 24 – Albanian public broadcaster Albanian Radio and Television confirmed the return of the “Spring Festival”, a historic light-music event that promotes Albanian artists. The broadcaster designed the festival to revive its role in supporting music production. It also prioritises live performance as the core format of the …
TIRANA, April 24 – The Port of Durrës received a NATO delegation of 60 representatives during preparations for the Steadfast Dart 27 exercise. Officials held briefings at the “Hysni Aruçi” conference hall in Durrës. NATO representatives reviewed Albania’s infrastructure and support capacities for allied operations. Inspection teams then visited the …
The Skanderbeg Museum in Kruja has become an important stop for foreign tourists visiting Albania. The museum attracts large groups from countries such as Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and others. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that more than 1,000 Austrian tourists visited the museum in April alone. The museum “Gjergj …
TIRANA, April 24 – The Albanian government has approved new measures increasing financial rewards for elite athletes and their coaches, with implementation expected in April 2026. The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Blendi Gonxhja, said the revised scheme introduces higher and more structured support for athletes across multiple disciplines. …
TIRANA, April 24 – Albania recorded a 10.8% rise in foreign tourist arrivals in March, as more than 600,000 foreign nationals visited the country, official data showed. The national statistics agency reported that the increase followed a slower start to the year. Travel activity recovered during March, with stronger flows …
TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s special parliamentary committee on administrative-territorial reform continued nationwide consultations, focusing on concerns over municipal competencies. In Lezha, local hearings highlighted concerns raised by municipal leaders regarding the scope of local government powers. During the discussion, the Minister of State for Local Governance, Ervin Demo, addressed …