OSCE Questions Efficiency, Quality of Balkan Organised Crime, Graft Trials
An exhaustive analysis of organised crime and corruption trials in five Western Balkan countries identified a lack of efficiency, staffing, fairness and quality. Original post Here
Italy Eyes August Start Date for Albania Asylum Centres
Italy’s right-wing prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, inspected work on two asylum centres being built in Albania under a controversial deal between the two countries. Original post Here
As Palestine Recognitions Grow, Balkan States’ Stances Shaped by Geopolitics
Slovenia has recognised war-ravaged Palestine as independent, but some Balkan countries prefer to stay quiet and follow the United States’ lead – while others recognised Palestinian statehood decades ago while they were under communist rule. Original post Here
Albania Leader’s New Anti-Corruption Initiative Branded a PR Project
Prime Minister Edi Rama has pushed through a resolution setting up a new Special Anti-Corruption Commission – but critics claim it’s a partisan initiative, established to combat negative publicity over graft cases involving former ruling party politicians. Original post Here
Balkan Prison Overcrowding Worsening – Report
Prison populations and incarceration rates in the Balkans are too high and continuing to grow, according to new research. Original post Here
Albanian, Spanish Police Bust Illegal Scheme to Help Albanians Enter UK
Albanian and Spanish Police in a two-year investigation have uncovered a crime group that forged documents to enable Albanians to illegally enter the UK and Ireland. Original post Here
Albanian Court Hands Opposition Democratic Party Back to Berisha
Tuesday’s court ruling effectively ends a two-year battle for control of Albania’s once-mighty Democratic Party. Original post Here
Albania-Greece Tensions Intensify as Jailed Mayor-Elect Becomes European MP
Fredi Beleri, a mayor-elect in Albania who has been in prison since May 2023, is expected to enter the European parliament after standing as a Greek MEP, further complicating already strained relations between Albania and Greece. Original post Here
‘Administrative Silence’: FOI Requests Go Unanswered in Balkans, BIRN Report Says
Public institutions in the six Western Balkan countries routinely refuse to respond to freedom of information requests, and it’s getting worse, a new report from the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network warns. Original post Here
Balkan Countries Push for Record Tourism Year, Despite Growth Concerns
As beaches, historic sites and natural beauties in Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece and Turkey draw increasing numbers of tourists, governments eye bumper profits – though experts warn that relentless growth in the sector comes with costs. Original post Here
President Bajram Begaj visited Boston and met local authorities and members of the Albanian community. He praised strong Albanian-American ties and the contribution of the diaspora. During the visit, Massachusetts officials welcomed Begaj, while Worcester Mayor Joe Petty presented him with the Key to the City. The president also visited …
President Bajram Begaj strongly condemned the armed incident targeting U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump during the White House Correspondents’ Dinner at the Washington Hilton. In a post on X, Begaj said such attacks undermine democracy and fundamental values. He stressed that differences in democracies must be …
Prime Minister Edi Rama strongly condemned the armed attack in a hotel in Washington, D.C. during a presidential event with journalists. He described the incident as shocking and said it strikes at freedom and democratic values everywhere. Rama said he was relieved that U.S. President Donald Trump and all attendees …
The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, has reacted to the shooting reported during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Osmani wrote that Kosovo believes in the resilience of the United States and its institutions, and that they remain steadfast partners in promoting peace, security, and stability around the world. She …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted through a post on X regarding the shooting reported during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner at the Washington Hilton. Rama wrote that such an attack strikes at freedom and the democratic way of life everywhere. Among other things, he condemned the attack, emphasizing that …
The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, reacted through a post on Facebook regarding the shooting reported during the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner. Berisha described the attack as a “horror act.” Among other things, he added that the Democratic Party strongly condemns the attack, which according to him …
A bomb threat was reported around midday this Sunday at a shopping mall in the capital, where all employees and citizens inside the premises were immediately evacuated. Following the alert, police forces arrived at the scene and began the necessary checks and verifications to determine whether it was a false …
The President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, reacted following the shooting that occurred in the United States during an event attended by Donald Trump along with his wife, Melania Trump. Begaj condemned the incident, emphasizing that violence is unacceptable and goes against the fundamental values of democracy. According to him, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama took part this Sunday in the final of the National Science Festival. Rama awarded the three top prizes of the festival, which were won by the high schools “Zhani Ciko” (Patos), “28 Nëntori” (Shkodër), and “Asim Zeneli” (Gjirokastër). During his speech, Rama stated that the improvement …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said this Sunday during his podcast “Flasim” that he spoke about his visit to Greece as part of his participation in the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama emphasized that during his meeting with his Greek counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, they expressed confidence that they will properly address long-standing …