Digital Rights Review: Privacy and Freedom of Expression Threatened
From data leaks and criminal hacks to smear campaigns, BIRN’s digital rights monitoring team documented widespread privacy violations and assaults on freedom of speech across Southeast Europe in July. Original post Here
Money to Burn: Albania’s Nexus of Organised Crime and Rubbish Collection
As fires rage at overflowing and often illegal landfills in Albania, companies with criminal connections keep securing waste management contracts with the state. Original post Here
Week in Review: Alarm Bells and Struggles
Across the region, our selection of this week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories suggests that alarm bells are going off in many countries – and not only because of the wildfires. Original post Here
With Investment Favours, Albania’s Government Chips Away at Media Freedom
The owners of the biggest broadcasters in Albania have all benefitted from ‘strategic investor’ status granted by the government for other projects, raising doubts about editorial independence. Original post Here
Albania Battles Deadly Wildfires Amid Heatwave
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times) , August 13,2025— Fierce wildfires swept across Albania this week, killing one person, injuring at least 10 and forcing mass evacuations from southern towns to central mountain villages, as much of the Mediterranean battles deadly blazes fueled by extreme summer heat. Authorities said more than 10,000 …
News24 TV’s Shutdown in Albania Sends a Worrying Signal
The Albanian police’s action – forcing the country’s largest news broadcaster off air without a court order – sets an alarming precedent. Original post Here
Alarm in Albania at Proposed Criminal Code Changes; Govt Denies Involvement
Albania wants to align its Criminal Code with EU law, but critics, including media associations, say a proposed draft falls far short – and could limit press freedom. Original post Here
Media Unions Criticise Albanian Police Operation Targeting TV Station
Media organisations say Albanian police action, surrounding the News 24 TV station building and seizing journalists’ computers amid a property dispute with a government ministry, is ‘heavy-handed’ and lacks a clear legal basis. Original post Here
News 24 Raid and Blackout: Press Freedom or Property Dispute?
Tirana Times, 11 August, 2025 The forcible shutdown of Albania’s leading all-news television channel, News 24, and the blockade of the Focus Media Group headquarters by police and later military forces on August 9 has ignited national and international debate about press freedom, political retaliation, and the limits of state …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: August 11, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Albania enters a new phase of tourism development and strengthens its position as one of Europe’s most dynamic destinations, according to Travel and Tour World (TTW). After a record of more than 12 million international visitors, the country prepares for another strong tourist season. It expects further growth driven by …
Prime Minister Edi Rama today shared images from the 8th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the European Union, held in Brussels. He expressed pride in what he described as an increasingly European Albania. During the press conference with EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and Cyprus Deputy Minister for European Affairs …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said today that Albania’s EU integration process is moving forward through merit, reforms, and lasting institutional change. In a post on X, Hoxha referred to progress in Albania’s negotiations with the European Union after the 8th Intergovernmental Conference on IBAR. Hoxha said …
Eid al-Adha is one of the two most important holidays for Muslim believers, together with Eid al-Fitr. It marks a special moment in the Islamic calendar. Moreover, it is a day of reflection, sacrifice, and solidarity. Religious Meaning and Origins According to Islamic tradition, Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of …
Muslim believers across Albania are celebrating Eid al-Adha today, the holiday that symbolizes the great sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, the father of prophets. Muslims across the country began the celebration early in the morning by gathering in mosques for prayers. In Tirana, hundreds of worshippers performed prayers on “Dëshmorët e …
Muslims across Albania today celebrate Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s most important holidays. The holiday symbolizes sacrifice, devotion, and solidarity. Early in the morning, believers gathered in mosques across the country to perform Eid prayers. In Tirana, hundreds of worshippers prayed on “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard. After the prayer, the …
President Bajram Begaj today congratulated Muslim believers on Eid al-Adha. He wished Albanian families more prosperity, health, harmony, and kindness. He also highlighted the values that the holiday represents. Begaj said Eid al-Adha reminds people of sacrifice, devotion to God, solidarity, and care for those in need. Furthermore, he stressed …
Prime Minister Edi Rama tonight congratulated Muslim believers on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. Rama shared images from the celebration at the Grand Mosque of Tirana and wrote, “Blessed day, bright night. Happy Eid al-Adha.” Today, believers performed the Eid prayer on “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard in Tirana. The Albanian …
Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti visited the Mufti of Kosovo, Naim Tërnava, at the headquarters of the Islamic Community of Kosovo on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. He said the holiday obliges people to show solidarity and generosity for the common good. Kurti also recalled the sacrifice of …
President Bajram Begaj welcomed the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference on Monday. He called it a historic moment for Albania’s European path. The conference officially opens the closing phase of accession talks with the European Union. Begaj said Albania took another important step toward the European family. He described EU integration …