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Commemorating the Restoration of China’s Legitimate Seat at the United Nations, Preserving and Advancing the Traditional China–Albania Friendship

— Article by the Chinese Ambassador to Albania, Pang Chunxue On 25 October 1971, at the 26th Session of the UN General Assembly, Resolution 2758 was adopted by an overwhelming majority, restoring all the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations and recognizing the representatives …

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US Academic Challenges National Narratives with Study of Race in Albania

In her new book based on her travels in Albania, Black American academic Chelsi West Ohueri looks at how people in the country see race and ethnicity – and the racial divides between Albanians and the marginalised Roma minority. Original post Here

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: November 3, 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

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Albania’s Former Prime Minister Fatos Nano Dies at 73

Albania’s president praised the legacy of the three-times prime minister, an important figure in the country’s post-communist politics, who died on Friday. Original post Here

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Albania’s Deputy PM Investigated for Violating Public Procurement Rules

Anti-corruption prosecutors said they are investigating deputy premier and infrastructure minister Belinda Balluku for violating tender rules, linked to the construction of a road in 2020. Original post Here

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Albania, China and the Case for a Balanced Foreign Policy

By Ambassador Fatmir Çela Diplomacy has always been the lifeline of small nations, and Albania is no exception. From Fan Noli’s influence in Washington to the decisive interventions of diplomats in 1913, Albania’s survival and recognition have often depended less on force and more on skillful negotiation and credibility. For …

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Syria Recognizes Kosovo in Diplomatic Breakthrough Backed by Saudi Arabia

TIRANA, October 29, 2025   In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Syria has officially recognized the Republic of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the 120th country to do so. The announcement was made in Riyadh during President Vjosa Osmani’s visit, marking one of the most significant moments in …

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Albanian Volleyball Authority Slammed for Suspending Player Over Gender Claims

The Albanian Volleyball Federation has been accused of discrimination and prejudice over its decision to suspend a Brazilian women’s volleyball player based on unsupported allegations about her gender. Original post Here

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Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama Meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama Meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh Riyadh, October 27, 2025 . Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama is paying an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he was received at the Royal Palace in Riyadh by the Crown Prince and …

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State Capture and Electoral Manipulation

ODIHR Report on Albania’s 2025 Elections Tirana, October 25, 2025.  The final report of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on Albania’s May 11 parliamentary elections paints a deeply troubling picture of a country where democratic standards remain systematically undermined. The document exposes extensive evidence of …

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Letter from Washington: Buying Friends and Finding Common Foes

As Milorad Dodik comes in from the cold, Albanians impress on Trump that they have an enemy in common. Original post Here

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Strategic-Sector Governance Under Strain:The Bankers Petroleum Case and China-Linked Risk Exposure in Albania

Tirana Times, February 25 2026 – Domestic governance gaps are the primary entry points through which foreign actors can generate corrosive outcomes in strategic sectors. The Bankers Petroleum illustrates how this happens: when fiscal terms are unclear, cost verification is weak and enforcement is irregular, revenue disputes can last for …

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Balkan Leaders Vow Solidarity with Ukraine on Anniversary of Invasion

Croatian’s premier paid a visit to Kyiv alongside other EU leaders, while most Balkan leaders voiced strong support for Ukraine’s self-defence on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s military assault. Original post Here

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Croatian President and Govt Wrangle over Israel Arms Sales

As Defence Minister talks defence sector collaboration with Israel, President Milanovic reminds government that last year he ordered an end to all cooperation with the Israeli army, citing its ‘unacceptable behaviour’. Original post Here

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Growing Pains: Albania’s Farmers Find Pathway to EU Markets Hard to Follow

Albania’s huge agricultural sector is seeking to expand into European markets to flourish – but issues over old-fashioned methods, low productivity, banned pesticides and corruption stand in the way. Original post Here

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 23, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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Share Your Experience: Overtourism from Spain to Turkey and the Balkans

Are you living in a hotspot destination? Struggling with rising rent in a popular neighbourhood or frustrated by the disruption caused by tourists? Tell us your story. Original post Here

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Opposition protests mark renewed political tensions in Albania

Protest against the government on the anniversary of the fall of dictator Enver Hoxha’s statue Tirana Times, February 21, 2026 – The national opposition protest held in Tirana on 20 February 2026 marked a new and more volatile phase in Albania’s political confrontation, as long-standing institutional disputes spilled decisively into …

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Albania to Contribute Troops to Gaza

PM Rama urges Trump to act on The Hague court and Kosovo leaders. Tirana Times, February 20 2026 – Albania has confirmed it will contribute troops and police personnel to the international stabilization mission in Gaza under the newly created Peace Board, an initiative announced by U.S. President Donald Trump …

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Balkan Leaders Heap Praise on Trump’s Board of Peace at Ceremonial Launch

Balkan and Turkish leaders lauded the Board of Peace at its Washington launch on Thursday – while the participation of an EU Commissioner from Croatia drew criticism from some EU states about her presence. Original post Here

News

Letter from Washington: Buying Friends and Finding Common Foes

As Milorad Dodik comes in from the cold, Albanians impress on Trump that they have an enemy in common. Original post Here

News

Strategic-Sector Governance Under Strain:The Bankers Petroleum Case and China-Linked Risk Exposure in Albania

Tirana Times, February 25 2026 – Domestic governance gaps are the primary entry points through which foreign actors can generate corrosive outcomes in strategic sectors. The Bankers Petroleum illustrates how this happens: when fiscal terms are unclear, cost verification is weak and enforcement is irregular, revenue disputes can last for …

News

Balkan Leaders Vow Solidarity with Ukraine on Anniversary of Invasion

Croatian’s premier paid a visit to Kyiv alongside other EU leaders, while most Balkan leaders voiced strong support for Ukraine’s self-defence on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s military assault. Original post Here

News

Croatian President and Govt Wrangle over Israel Arms Sales

As Defence Minister talks defence sector collaboration with Israel, President Milanovic reminds government that last year he ordered an end to all cooperation with the Israeli army, citing its ‘unacceptable behaviour’. Original post Here

News

Growing Pains: Albania’s Farmers Find Pathway to EU Markets Hard to Follow

Albania’s huge agricultural sector is seeking to expand into European markets to flourish – but issues over old-fashioned methods, low productivity, banned pesticides and corruption stand in the way. Original post Here

News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 23, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

News

Share Your Experience: Overtourism from Spain to Turkey and the Balkans

Are you living in a hotspot destination? Struggling with rising rent in a popular neighbourhood or frustrated by the disruption caused by tourists? Tell us your story. Original post Here

News

Opposition protests mark renewed political tensions in Albania

Protest against the government on the anniversary of the fall of dictator Enver Hoxha’s statue Tirana Times, February 21, 2026 – The national opposition protest held in Tirana on 20 February 2026 marked a new and more volatile phase in Albania’s political confrontation, as long-standing institutional disputes spilled decisively into …

News

Albania to Contribute Troops to Gaza

PM Rama urges Trump to act on The Hague court and Kosovo leaders. Tirana Times, February 20 2026 – Albania has confirmed it will contribute troops and police personnel to the international stabilization mission in Gaza under the newly created Peace Board, an initiative announced by U.S. President Donald Trump …

News

Balkan Leaders Heap Praise on Trump’s Board of Peace at Ceremonial Launch

Balkan and Turkish leaders lauded the Board of Peace at its Washington launch on Thursday – while the participation of an EU Commissioner from Croatia drew criticism from some EU states about her presence. Original post Here