Balkan States Fall in Press Freedom Rankings
Four Balkan states slipped down the latest press freedom rankings compiled by Reporters Without Borders. Original post Here
Parts of Albania’s Opposition Spurns Call to Join Anti-Corruption Commission
Several opposition groups have rejected PM Edi Rama’s invitation for them back a parliamentary commission tasked with undertaking a more systemic fight against corruption, saying Rama has no crerdibility in this field Original post Here
New Probe of Albanian Protesters’ Killings Gives Hope for Justice
Families of demonstrators shot dead by security forces at an anti-government protest in 2011 have renewed hopes of justice after the Supreme Court transferred the case to a powerful special prosecution service that deals with high-level crime. Original post Here
Albanian PM’s Greek Odyssey Sparks Discord in Tirana and Athens
Prime Minister Edi Rama says he’ll visit Greece to address the diaspora community there, despite a continuing row over Albania’s prosecution of an ethnic Greek mayor-elect – but Greek officials have reacted coldly and reiterated criticism of the Albanian judiciary. Original post Here
West Must Take the Offensive in Balkan Info Wars
The current defensive approach to Sino-Russian disinformation isn’t working; it’s time for a change in strategy. Original post Here
Albania, Serbia Plan Joint Bid for 2027 European Youth Football Tournament
Albania’s Football Federation said it has teamed up with its Serbian counterpart to organise the European Under-21 football competition together with its neighbour in three years’ time. Original post Here
Balkan Farmers Struggle to Access Tens of Millions of Euros in EU Funds
Farmers in Albania, Montenegro and North Macedonia face similar challenges when trying to access funds from the European Union’s IPARD programme. Original post Here
Ukrainian Visit to Serbia Yields Pledges to Revive Trade
Ukrainian Foreign Minister says Kyiv delegation’s two-day visit to Serbia – a friend of Russia’s – ended with agreement to restore bilateral trade to pre-war levels. Original post Here
Political Attacks, Misogynistic Insults Continue to Pollute Balkan Online Space
The aftermath of elections in Turkey and Croatia and the electoral campaign in North Macedonia prompted politically-motivated digital rights violations in the region this month, while Kosovo and Montenegro saw an increase in misogynistic attacks on women online. Original post Here
Balkan Support for EU Accession High, Except in Serbia – Survey
Corruption remains a serious concern for people across the Western Balkans, where trust in politicians is low but support for EU accession high, except in Serbia. 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 …