Cyberattacks and Ethnically-Fuelled Harassment Mark Start of Year
Public institutions faced cyberattacks as countries battled misinformation amid political crises in the region. Original post Here
Albanian Court Detains Controversial Acting Mayor on Corruption Charge
Jorgo Goro, who became acting mayor of Himara municipality amid a diplomatic row between Albania and Greece over his election rival’s arrest, was ordered into detention on suspicion that he transferred state land to private individuals. Original post Here
‘It’s Devastating’: BIRN Maps Illegal Landfills Blighting the Balkans
Authorities in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and North Macedonia are failing in the fight against illegal landfills; the environment and the public are paying the price. Original post Here
With Two Mayors Behind Bars, Albanian Municipality Elects Caretaker
Blerina Bala was elected caretaker mayor of Himara by the municipal council after previous acting mayor Jorgo Goro resigned following his arrest for alleged corruption and election-winner Fredi Beleri was convicted of vote-buying. Original post Here
When Crossing Borders was a Death Sentence for Albanians
Crossing borders has become safer for Albanians, but many still are haunted by the new, less visible, frontiers of a capitalist and racist Europe. Original post Here
Seven Migrants Killed in Car Crash While Fleeing Albanian Police
Seven suspected migrants and an alleged people-smuggler were killed when the vehicle in which they were travelling crashed at high speed as the driver was trying to get away from the Albanian police. Original post Here
‘R and M’: Albanian Officials Accused of Siphoning Public Funds via Frontmen
Two senior public officials in the Albanian capital, Tirana, stand accused of fixing state tenders to enrich a company they owned through front men. Original post Here
‘Coordinated’ Cyber Attack Targets Albania’s Online Citizens Channel
A major cyber attack on the online media outlet Citizens Channel by unknown perpetrators has raised fresh concerns about media freedom and access to independent information in Albania. Original post Here
UK Must Ensure Albanian Returnees’s Dignity, Expert Says
Communications expert from Tirana tells BIRN that Britain must ensure returnees’ ‘dignity, safety, and respectful treatment’, after a UK report said some Albanians returning voluntarily were kept waiting for weeks in detention. Original post Here
Albania Builds Migrant Centre and Camp as Criticism Continues
Work has started in Albania to build a reception centre and camp to receive migrants from Italy – but activists and locals in both countries remain highly critical of the plan. Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 27 – A Kosova Security Force team deployed to Gaza to conduct reconnaissance before troop deployment. The Kosova Security Force said the visit assessed conditions on the ground. It also coordinated operational preparations for the planned contingent deployment. The unit will operate within the International Stabilization Forces peacekeeping …
TIRANA, April 27 – Warm spring weather has increased visitor numbers along the coastline of Durrës, with both domestic and foreign tourists choosing the seaside for leisure. The Prime Minister shared images from recreational areas on the Durrës beaches, where many citizens have spent time during recent warm days. The …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Jarna, a new space promoting traditional cuisine and local products in Tirana. He described it as a beautiful corner that highlights taste, tradition, and the work of local producers. Rising visitor numbers and demand for authentic culinary experiences are driving new openings in …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the “Mountain Package” is driving a new phase of rural development in Albania. He described it as a growing engine for the tourism industry and a key tool for unlocking the economic potential of mountain areas. Rama said applications for the program are increasing, especially …
Albania is rapidly transforming into a leading Mediterranean destination, blending untouched nature with growing luxury tourism. International media describe the country as a rising alternative to overcrowded European hotspots. The capital Tirana now presents a cosmopolitan image, where modern design mixes with communist-era heritage. Museums, underground bunkers, and cultural sites …
Edi Rama visits Bulqizë and highlights rising investments in agrotourism as a driver of rural development. He inspects the new “Temla Retreat” project, an accommodation and leisure complex designed to support year-round tourism. The facility includes lodging units, a restaurant, relaxation areas, and outdoor activities such as horseback experiences. The …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government will significantly increase funding for startups. He made the announcement at the National Science Festival final held at the Congress Palace in Tirana. Students from high schools presented research projects, engineering prototypes, and digital solutions. Rama praised the students’ innovation and stressed the …
TIRANA, April 27 – Kosova moved closer to early parliamentary elections after political parties failed to agree on a new president. Meanwhile, the ruling Vetevendosje [Self-Determination] Movement and the main opposition Democratic Party of Kosova and Democratic League of Kosova kept deep divisions over the process. Prime Minister Albin Kurti …
TIRANA, April 27 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a new credit programme called “Double Your Enterprise” aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses with more favourable financing conditions. He introduced the initiative during his weekly podcast and said the scheme will offer reasonable interest rates for entrepreneurs seeking to …