Film Exposes Persecution of Kosovo Albanian Writers in Hoxha’s Albania
Many Albanians in Yugoslavia came to see Albania as a promised land, but Albania’s treatment of ethnic Albanian writers and artists from outside its borders was often brutal. Original post Here
Balkan Countries Must Respond Proactively to Evolving Cyber Threats: Report
As cyberattacks in the region become ever more sophisticated and daring, Western Balkan governments need to improve their cybersecurity frameworks and cooperate, a new BIRN report warns. Original post Here
Fostering a thirst for knowledge: the key to building the world of tomorrow
H.E Alvaro Renedo Zalba, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Albania It is a true pleasure to speak to you today on this rainy November morning. The dim light of today’s overcast Tirana sky seems just right for inspiring fruitful academic exchanges and soulful musings. First and foremost, I …
Saudi Arabia at the center of global foreign policy hosting USA-Russia talks
Saudi Arabia has consolidated its rising position in the global affairs arena, emerging as a focal point for the ongoing talks between USA the Russia for a variety of issues including recalibrating their bilateral relations and ultimately reaching an agreement about stopping the war in Ukraine. Representatives from the US …
Albania will not shelter Palestinians from Gaza
The Albanian PM denies claims, provides no value statements over the proposal despite EU wide condemnation Feb 16,2025 – At the Munich Security Conference, Albanian PM Edi Rama denied any claims that Albania will shelter Palestinians from Gaza. When asked about the controversial proposal of American President Donald Trump to …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 17, 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
Mayor’s Arrest Deals Albania’s Ruling Party a Pre-Election Blow
Erion Veliaj’s arrest for alleged corruption, alongside his wife, has enraged the ruling Socialist Party – and could undermine its chances in the May elections. BIRN looks at the charges and their political impact. Original post Here
Albanian PM Accused of Undermining Special Prosecution’s Independence
After Edi Rama criticised the Special Prosecution over the arrest for alleged corruption of his political ally, Tirana’s mayor, the country’s top judicial body delivered a stinging rebuke. Original post Here
Erion Veliaj, Rising Star in Albania, Felled by Corruption Charges
The mayor of Tirana was once tipped to be Albania’s next prime minister. Now he’s behind bars after being arrested on graft charges, possibly facing a very different future. Original post Here
Public Perceptions of Corruption in Balkans Continue to Worsen: Report
Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index makes grim reading for most Balkan countries, with Kosovo and Albania as rare exceptions to a worsening trend. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the opposition’s support for a parliamentary resolution on Albania’s European Union integration process. Speaking on the “FLASIM” podcast, Rama described the joint vote in Parliament as a positive step for Albania’s European future. He said opposition parties unexpectedly joined the ruling majority in backing the …
The Academy of Sciences commemorated writer, publicist, and patriot Haki Stërmilli on the anniversary of his birth. Stërmilli was born on May 17, 1895, in Dibër e Madhe. He studied in Manastir but could not finish school due to the Balkan Wars. After Dibra was left outside Albania’s borders, he …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has achieved strong progress in public procurement, ranking first in the region based on European Union assessments. Speaking on the “FLASIM” podcast, Rama described public procurement as one of the most important chapters in the EU integration process. He said international evaluations show significant …
The concert “Brez pas Brezi” brought back the legacy, emotion, and artistic heritage of the National Ensemble at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania, uniting past, present, and future on one stage. The event gathered veteran artists and young performers in a live dialogue between tradition and …
The joint training exercise between Albanian Special Operations Forces and instructors from United States Special Forces has been highlighted by NATO on social media. The Alliance shared images of the exercise focused on movement in difficult terrain and low-visibility operations. NATO stated: “Before the mission comes training. Before pressure comes …
Cannes Film Festival hosts a historic agreement between Albania and France on film co-productions. Minister Blendi Gonxhja signs the deal and calls it a strategic step for Albanian cinema. He says the agreement opens new doors for Albanian filmmakers in Europe and beyond. French officials welcome the partnership. They say …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announces that Albania develops the National Diaspora Strategy 2026–2030 after the 4th Diaspora Summit. He says the government finalizes the strategy and action plan through consultations with an inter-institutional working group. The strategy promotes investment, strengthens the Albanian language and culture, and …
The grand final of Eurovision was also marked by an incident at the Media Center. During the performance of Albanian singer Alis Kallaci, a member of the Serbian delegation allegedly tried to prevent the waving of the Kosovo flag. Albert Limani, a member of Eurovision Kosova who was present in …
Through an official telegram sent to local police directorates and departments, Police Chief Skënder Hita has ordered increased security measures in schools and stronger action against the distribution of narcotics within the security perimeter of educational institutions. It is learned that Hita’s order came after an analysis of issues during …
Vlora is bringing back traffic lights after many years in an effort to ease traffic on the city’s most problematic roads. For the first time in a long period, traffic lights will be installed at several key road intersections as part of measures aimed at improving circulation and preventing heavy …