Vidovdan: A Dangerous Myth Turned Political Weapon
By Syle Ukshini For more than a century, the Serbian state and Church have mythologized the Battle of Kosovo of 1389 as a defining moment of Serbian identity—a narrative culminating each year in the celebration of Vidovdan, Serbia’s national and religious holiday observed on June 28. Originally linked to the …
One Man’s Rule: Governance by Ultimatum
by Vilson Blloshmi From the way it was announced to its substance, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s latest ultimatum to “clear public spaces within 2 weeks” is neither a law, nor a public policy, nor a government decision. It is a personal order, a voice over the phone that, in any …
“Wherever I travel, Greece wounds me.”
Ὅπου κι ἂν ταξιδέψω, ἡ Ἑλλάδα μὲ πληγώνει. Jerina Zaloshnja This is what Giorgos Seferis wrote — and thus, before I even truly knew who Seferis was, I began to love Greece. That verse — simple, clear, ablaze with love and pain — was, for me, once a gateway to …
Digital Rights Review: AI-Driven Violations Go Unchecked in South-East Europe
Across south-east Europe last month, BIRN’s digital rights monitors documented how AI is being used for protest surveillance, election manipulation, enabling digital sexual abuse and committing fraud, sparking calls for urgent action. Original post Here
Forum of Alumni from Saudi Universities in the Balkans
Saudi Ambassador Faisal Ghazi Ismail Hifzi, Highlights Kingdom’s Commitment to Global Educational Ties through Balkan Alumni Gathering Tirana Times Sunday, July 6, 2025, The Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Albania Faisal Ghazi Ismail Hifzi, announced that on Monday, July 7, Tirana will …
Toxic Smoke and Broken Promises: Albania’s Waste Crisis Exposes Deep Rot in Governance
ELBASAN, Albania, July 5,— For days, thick plumes of toxic smoke have risen from the burning landfill on the outskirts of Elbasan, one of Albania’s largest industrial cities. The stench of melting plastic, rotting waste, and scorched earth now hangs over entire neighborhoods. But this is not an isolated accident. …
Serbia on Edge as Vučić’s Legitimacy Crumbles
As Serbia grapples with one of its most volatile moments in recent political history, the warning signs of regime decay are hard to ignore. The recent student-led protests, marred by repression, nationalist hijacking, and social unrest, are more than a youth revolt—they are a reckoning. Sonja Biserko, the longtime chair …
Albanian MPs Adopt National Anti-Disinformation Strategy Amidst Opposition
Opposition parties and media unions condemn new strategy adopted by parliament, claiming the government wants to use it to exert more control over the media. Original post Here
Week in Review: Anniversaries, Challenges and Conflicts
As BIRN celebrates two decades of work, there never seems to be a dull moment in the region, as our selection of Premium stories this week shows. Original post Here
Arrests at Bankers Petroleum Spark Questions Over Albania’s Oil Industry and Accountability
By Tirana Times Staff FIER/TIRANA, July 2, 2025 — In a stunning development that has shaken Albania’s oil sector, police arrested the current CEO of Bankers Petroleum, Chinese national Hongping Xiao, and the company’s former director, Leonidha Çobo, during a surprise raid on the company’s headquarters in Fier on Tuesday. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania expects to complete the opening phase of European Union membership negotiations on Tuesday in Brussels. Rama spoke at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Durrës on Monday. He said Albania has opened all negotiation chapters in record time. He added that the country …
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias visited Tirana on Monday and met Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. The two officials discussed the wider geopolitical situation in the region. Dendias also spoke about Himarë, which he said is linked to his family origins. He said the Greek ethnic minority remains a bridge …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s economic growth reflects the country’s broader transformation. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Durrës, Rama said Albania’s economic output has increased from less than 10 billion euros to 27 billion euros. He said the average salary has reached 912 euros. The …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the Socialist Party has never stepped back when it comes to Albania’s national interest. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Durrës, Rama said protecting the national interest has been part of the party’s identity since its founding. He described the Socialist Party …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the Socialist Party guaranteed stability and brought Albania closer to the European Union over the past 35 years. Speaking at the anniversary event in Durrës, Rama called the milestone an important moment for reflection and celebration. He thanked party members for their contribution through the …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met tourism businesses in Durrës on Monday to discuss sector challenges and cooperation with tax authorities. Malaj said stronger dialogue with businesses remains essential to improve competitiveness and further formalize the tourism sector. He added that these efforts will bring more value to Albania’s economy. He …
Taulant Balla met law students from European Law Students’ Association in Tirana on Sunday. The meeting took place within the National Council for European Integration. Balla said Albania has entered a decisive stage in the EU integration process. He pointed to the upcoming 8th Intergovernmental Conference with the European Union …
Ermal Nufi met Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias in Tirana on Monday. The two ministers discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and security. They agreed to continue close dialogue between the two countries. They reaffirmed support for stability in the Western Balkans. They described regional security as a strategic priority …
Albania continues to record growth in entries and exits across its territory during the month of April. According to data published by INSTAT, more than 1.4 million Albanian and foreign citizens entered the country in April 2026, marking an increase compared to the same period a year earlier. The data …
A new draft decision “On Waste Landfills” aims to change the way waste is disposed of and treated in Albania. The proposal, which has been opened for public consultation, introduces restrictions on the types of waste that may end up in landfills. The document sets out new rules for the …