As Borders Tighten, Violence Rises on Migrant Route Through the Balkans
With the EU tightening its borders, violent transnational smuggling groups have strengthened their grip on the smuggling route that brings refugees and migrants to Europe through the Balkans. Original post Here
Balkan Countries at UN Climate Summit: Touting Renewables, Chasing Gas Deals
The COP29 climate change summit in Baku has proven a lucrative side hustle for the host – gas-producing, oil-rich Azerbaijan – with Balkan visitors lining up to strike deals. Original post Here
The Re-election of Donald Trump and its Implications
By Bernd J. Fischer Professor Emeritus ,Indiana University On November 6th the world woke to what was, for many, an unexpected event, the re-election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. Since then, there has been considerable speculation generated concerning how this happened, and some anxiety about what …
Albanian Minister’s Bargain Lakeside Land Purchase ‘Raises Red Flags’
Experts say the details of a 2021 land deal involving Albania’s current justice minister warrant investigation. Original post Here
Reality Bites: Illegal, Isolated, Overworked Albanians Count Cost of UK Dream
Though numbers are down, Albanians are still being drawn to British shores by the social media promise of a better life. The reality is often very different. Original post Here
Italy-Albania Migrant Deal Branded ‘Failure’ After Court Ruling
After Italian judges scuppered a second attempt to send migrants for processing in Albania, critics say the ‘offshoring’ agreement between the two countries is in deep trouble. Original post Here
Digital Rights Review: ‘Foreign Agent’ Laws Target Online Media
BIRN’s monitoring of digital rights violations in October highlighted new threats to freedom of expression online in south-east and eastern Europe as countries embraced legislation against foreign-funded NGOs and media. Original post Here
Trump will not sap the strength of US democratic institutions
Ilir Ikonomi, author, journalist, AIIS Associate In your opinion what were the factors that prompted Trump’s election victory? Donald Trump had a strong, dedicated, and enthusiastic base of support throughout the election process. His message was focused heavily on issues, such as immigration, the economy, and national security, that …
Kosovo is not fashionable!
By Sylë Ukshini The greatest ambassador of the Albanian nation in the world, of all time, has been and will remain, without any doubt, our world-renowned writer, Ismail Kadare. In an article written exclusively for the well-known French newspaper “Le Monde” on December 14, 1999, he recounted ten years earlier, …
Italy Sends Second Migrant Ship to Albania as Legal Disputes Continue
After an initial attempt to send refugees and migrants for processing in Albania failed, owing to Italian court rulings, a second ship with eight on board arrived in Shengjin port on Friday. Original post Here
TIRANA, May 14 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will visit Prishtina on Friday. The trip marks her first visit to Kosova since she took office in 2024. She arrives on Thursday evening from London, where she holds two meetings earlier in the day. Kos will hold three …
TIRANA, May 14 – Kosova on Wednesday marked the 27th anniversary of the Qyshk massacre, one of the crimes committed during the 1998–1999 war. Serbian forces killed 44 Albanian men in the village on May 14, 1999. The attack ranks among the many massacres reported during the conflict in Kosova. …
A new space dedicated to young people passionate about technology and innovation has opened in the city of Lushnjë. The center is called “Youth Tech” and is located near the city museum. It has already attracted strong interest from local youth. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared moments from the center …
TIRANA, May 14 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha told parliament on Wednesday that Albania remains on track for European Union membership by 2030 if the current pace of reforms continues. He made the remarks during discussions on a draft resolution on Albania’s European integration process. Hoxha said European Union support …
TIRANA, May 14 – “Courtyards That Speak” is a cultural project that invites visitors to discover an authentic side of Himara through local memories, songs, traditional recipes and stories passed down across generations. The initiative opens several traditional courtyards in the coastal area to the public for a limited period. …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja inspected the beaches of Jalë and Dhërmi ahead of the upcoming summer season. He reviewed readiness on the ground. He said some work and adjustments are still needed. Moreover, he stressed that local authorities and businesses must ensure clean, orderly and hygienic …
TIRANA, May 14 – In an article in “Luxus Magazine”, the publication describes Albania as one of Europe’s fastest-growing luxury tourism destinations. It cites rapid development along the Ionian coast, rising international visibility and expanding investment in hospitality. The article highlights the transformation of the Albanian Riviera. It describes clear …
The photographic exhibition “Albania 1921 – Eugène Pittard” has opened in Durrës. It presents rare images of Albania from the early 20th century. The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Klodiana Spahiu and Swiss Ambassador Ruth Huber. The exhibition is a joint project between the Swiss Embassy …
TIRANA, May 14 – Albanian Eurovision representative Alis performs tonight in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. He takes the stage with the song “Nan” [Mother], as Albania competes for a place in the Grand Final. The show airs live on Albanian Radio and Television …
Albanian Football Federation President Armand Duka has marked the 10th anniversary of Kosovo’s membership in FIFA and UEFA. He described the decision as a historic achievement that confirmed Kosovo’s place in international football. Moreover, Duka praised the late former Football Federation of Kosovo president Fadil Vokrri, highlighting his key role …