Lawyers and Journalists Need Protection, Urges Council of Europe Chief
The secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, tells BIRN why the European rights body recently adopted the first-ever international treaty aimed at protecting lawyers from harassment and threats. Original post Here
Young Voters Must Stop Albania Stagnating and Lead the Way to the EU
The low youth turnout at Albania’s parliamentary election was an alarm call. Without young voices demanding reform, the country cannot tackle corruption and democratic backsliding, end the brain drain and move towards EU membership. Original post Here
Share Your Experience: Menstrual Poverty in the Balkans and France
Are you a woman saving up on menstrual products? Trying to make them last longer than prescribed, or using reusable products? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Albania’s Small Parties Defy Odds to Challenge Electoral Duopoly
Despite an electoral system designed to keep them down, small parties won almost 10 per cent of the votes and a few seats in the parliamentary elections – taking on the big parties’ stranglehold on Albanian politics. Original post Here
Albanian Opposition Rejects Election Results as Socialists Score Major Victory
After Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Socialist Party won a record fourth term in office with a big majority, opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha said he would refuse to accept the results and announced a street protest. Original post Here
Free and Fair? Albania’s Flawed Election Reflects Worrying Global Trend
In a world where interest-driven foreign policies take precedence over democratic standards, the abuses documented during Albania’s parliamentary election are unlikely to meet much criticism – allowing the ruling Socialist Party to consolidate power. Original post Here
International Observers Condemn ‘Abusive Practices’ in Albania’s Elections
International observers criticised ‘widespread intimidation and abuse of public resources’ in Sunday’s election – which Edi Rama’s ruling Socialist Party looks set to win by a landslide. Original post Here
Edi Rama’s Socialist Party Leads in Albanian Parliamentary Elections
With vote-counting continuing from Sunday’s election, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s party appears to be on track to win an unprecedented fourth term in office, although Sali Berisha’s opposition Democratic Party is showing gains. Original post Here
Balkan Church Leaders Embrace Leo, the First American Pope
Balkan members of the Catholic Church have praised “broad-minded, spontaneous” Pope Leo XIV for his education, experience and openness. Original post Here
May 11 Elections: Albania at a Democratic and European Crossroads
Tirana Times, May 8,– On May 11, 2025, Albania will hold its tenth parliamentary elections since the fall of communism in 1991 – a moment expected to be decisive not only for the political fate of the main parties but also for the democratic future and European orientation of the …
The Albanian government approved new procedures for drafting the National Plan for Regional Development and Cohesion and regional operational programs. Under the decision, the National Committee for Regional Development and Cohesion will prepare the national plan and the operational program for the entire territory of Albania. Regional monitoring boards will …
Eric Wendt outlined four main priorities if confirmed as the next US ambassador to Albania. Wendt made the remarks before the United States Senate. He said his main goal would be to protect American citizens and advance US interests. Wendt praised Albanian special forces. He said he worked closely with …
The European Commission granted Albania €49 million under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The Commission also approved €44.2 million for Montenegro and €65.7 million for North Macedonia through the Reform and Growth Facility. The European Union Delegation to Albania said the funding follows the third payment request …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the Asian Leadership Conference in Seoul during his official visit to South Korea. The conference focused on global cooperation and leadership. Rama said he felt privileged to return to Seoul after more than two decades. He praised South Korea’s transformation and development. Rama said …
The European Commission confirmed the disbursement of €49 million to Albania under the Reform and Growth Facility. The funding follows Albania’s implementation of reforms under the National Reform Agenda. The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination said Albania leads the region with €212.8 million disbursed so far. North …
President Bajram Begaj visited Slovakia. He met President Peter Pellegrini. They discussed bilateral relations. They discussed Albania’s EU integration. They also discussed regional security as NATO allies. Begaj thanked Slovakia for strong support. He said Slovakia is an important partner for Albania’s EU path. He said Albania has made fast …
Chairman of the Socialist Party parliamentary group Taulant Balla said Germany supports Albania’s EU membership. He met German Minister of State for Europe Gunther Krichbaum together with Igli Hasani. They discussed Albania’s EU integration progress. They also discussed justice reform. Balla thanked Germany for strong support. He said Albania is …
Andromaqi Gjergji was born on May 20, 1928 in Korçë. She became the first Albanian woman member of the Academy of Sciences of Albania in 1999. She is widely recognized as Albania’s first female academician. She studied in Korçë and later attended the Higher Pedagogical Institute in Tirana. She specialized …
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said it is closely following the situation of Albanian citizen Baki Goxhaj. Authorities said he was detained in Israel after participating in the “Sumud” flotilla. The ministry confirmed that he has been transferred to Israel. The Albanian Embassy in Tel Aviv remains in …
The European Union Delegation in Albania holds a productive meeting with EU member state ambassadors and Foreign Minister Igli Hasani. They discuss Albania’s EU accession negotiations. They also discuss anti-corruption, organized crime, environment and reform implementation. EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato says Albania must accelerate reforms. He says the country must …