Diaspora Vote and New Parties Bring Air of Uncertainty to Albanian Election
The Socialists and Democrats are still likely to dominate the Albanian political landscape after elections on May 11, but a cluster of new parties and the introduction of diaspora postal votes are threatening to shake things up. Original post Here
Kosovo’s Kurti Sued for Keeping Prime Ministerial Post Despite Resigning
The Democratic League of Kosovo has filed 17 lawsuits in a fresh legal challenge against the outgoing prime minister, Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti, and his ministers. Original post Here
‘Third Parties’: Albanian Election Campaign Marred by Online Scheming
Anonymous social media accounts, a lack of financial transparency and the unethical use of AI could have an impact on voter opinion ahead of Albania’s May 11 parliamentary election, BIRN has found. Original post Here
Albanian Ex-Negotiator Says PM’s Pledge of EU Accession in 2030 ‘Delusional’
In an interview with BIRN, Zef Mazi, Albania’s former chief negotiator with the EU, poured cold water on Prime Minister Edi Rama’s election promise of EU accession by 2030. Original post Here
Albanian Elections – New Political Forces Challenge Albania’s Political Duopoly
TIRANA, Albania , May 6th (Tirana Times ) — On May 11, Albanians will head to the polls for parliamentary elections marked by a crowded field of contenders: 53 political parties and over 2,000 candidates will vie for 140 seats in the national legislature. While this diversity may signal political …
Jordan’s King Abdullah II Makes Rare Visit to Albania Amid Sparse Bilateral Ties
President Begaj welcomes His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with a solemn ceremony. May 2, 2025 | TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times In a visit marked more by symbolism than substance, Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein arrived in Tirana on Friday for …
Saudi Cultural Heritage Celebrated in Prishtina with Opening of “Urat” Exhibition
Tirana Times | May 2nd | Prishtina, Kosovo — A unique cultural bridge between Kosovo and Saudi Arabia was inaugurated on Thursday with the opening of the “Urat” exhibition in central Prishtina, showcasing the Kingdom’s rich Islamic and cultural heritage. Organized in partnership between the Islamic Community of Kosovo and …
Criminal Enterprise and Investment Policy in Albania
The involvement of individuals with criminal backgrounds or ties to the underworld among Albania’s so-called strategic investors must be examined in a broader context. Politically, this phenomenon represents one of the clearest signs of the symbiosis between crime and politics — and of the state being effectively captured by organized …
RSF Report: Media Freedom Tumbling in Most Balkan Countries
Press freedom has continued a downward slide in most Balkan countries according to the latest report by Reporters Without Borders – although Albania, Montenegro and Serbia have bucked the trend. Original post Here
The EU Court’s Verdict on Golden Passports: Implications for Albania
Genc Pollo – President of the Paneuropa Albania MovementFormer Minister and MP April 2025 “Whatever the European Court decides—if it says it can’t be done, we won’t do it; if it says it can, we will.” This was, roughly speaking, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s stance in March 2023, expressed at …
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 …