What’s driving Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans – and what should be done about it?
12 June 2025 Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans has increased substantially, but won’t catch up with EU FDI any time soon. Governments must ensure that China’s investments comply with environmental and labour standards. Attracting high-quality FDI should be the goal image credit: unsplash.com/vxhorse By Branimir Jovanović This article draws on …
The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals
William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid. His central thesis focused on scrutinising the idealistic sentiment behind foreign aid, and the harsh reality of its lacklustre execution. In his cutting and astute observations, Easterly points to the fact that …
With their Healthcare System in Decline, Some Albanians Look to Kosovo
Albanians in the north say they find cheaper treatment and a more pleasant experience if they go to hospital across the border in Kosovo. Original post Here
Detention of Tirana Mayor Without Charges Highlights Rule-of-Law Concerns in Albania
TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times — The prolonged pre-trial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj — still held without formal charges — is raising fresh questions about Albania’s judicial practices, as critics point to growing divergence from European legal standards. Veliaj, once a key figure in the ruling Socialist Party and …
Italy and Albania: Building a Shared Future Through Action and Partnership
By Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania The Italian anthem was written by Goffredo Mameli, a young man who sacrificed his life for Italy’s freedom— the same desire for freedom that has always characterized the Albanian people. This sense of freedom unites us. The very first word of our …
Russian Propaganda Campaign Targets European Summit in Albania
By Vladimir Karaj TIRANA, Albania— A Kremlin-aligned propaganda network unleashed a flurry of disinformation targeting last month’s European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana, seeking to mock Western leaders, amplify Russian narratives, and sow distrust — even as Albania, a staunch NATO ally, hosted the high-profile event. In the days …
Village Schools Left Behind by Albania’s Digital Rollout
Schools in rural parts of Albania are being left behind when it comes to the use of digital tools in teaching and communication. Original post Here
Albania-Serbia Match Highlights Political Fault Lines Amid Fragile Rapprochement
Tirana Times, June 8, 2025 ,The goalless draw between Albania and Serbia on Saturday in Tirana was more than just a World Cup qualifying fixture. Played under the shadow of history, unresolved political tensions, and previous violent episodes between fans, this match offered a revealing glimpse into the complex relationship …
Albania’s Healthcare Plagued by High-Level Corruption and Broken Promises
Tirana Times, 5 June 2025 — More than a decade after promising “free healthcare” to all citizens, Albania’s Socialist government faces mounting public outrage and a credibility crisis, as a new report reveals that 8 in 10 Albanians believe the country’s healthcare system is deeply corrupt. The study, conducted by …
Albania, Greece Signal Readiness to Restart Maritime Talks Amid Lingering Tensions
Albania (Tirana Times) — June 5, 2025, Albania and Greece may be poised to revive negotiations over their long-disputed maritime border, a development that could mark a turning point in relations marred by legal battles, ethnic tensions, and political provocations. The possible reopening of talks was hinted at during a …
Greece is increasing efforts to restart talks with Albania on maritime borders. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias will visit Tirana next week for high-level meetings. He will meet Albanian Defense Minister Ermal Nufi and Prime Minister Edi Rama. The visit aims to revive talks on maritime border delimitation. In October …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania will officially open the final phase of European Union membership negotiations on May 26 in Brussels. He said Albania successfully completed the opening phase of the process. During his weekly remarks, Rama highlighted the discussions between the European Commission and EU member states in …
The Albanian Football Federation took part in the “UEFA Grow for Human Resources and Financial Management” conference in Warsaw. The event brought together representatives from European football federations. The conference focused on human resources and financial management inside football federations. Participants discussed organizational structures, internal processes and strategic planning. They …
Igli Hasani praised Italy’s support for Albania as steady, concrete and sincere. He said the backing extends across Italy’s political spectrum. During an official visit to Rome, Hasani met senior Italian officials. They focused on Albania’s path toward European integration and parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. Hasani met with …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha thanked U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for honoring Mother Teresa. He praised her as a saint of Albanian origin who left a strong legacy of compassion, humility and service to humanity. In a social media post, Hoxha said Mother Teresa’s life …
Parliamentary Group Chair of the Socialist Party Taulant Balla said Albania’s European Union integration requires continued reforms and strong citizen involvement. He spoke during a discussion with students of the European University of Tirana held at Preza Castle. Balla focused on the progress of reforms and the fulfillment of conditions …
Three young innovators presented their projects on the podcast “Flasim”, hosted by Prime Minister Edi Rama. First, they introduced ideas focused on technology, research and agriculture. Then, they explained how innovation can become industry in Albania. Fabjola presented a self-healing concrete technology. She said the material uses industrial waste. It …
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio paid tribute to the legacy of Mother Teresa during a visit to the Missionaries of Charity. The U.S. Embassy in Tirana shared Rubio’s statement on social media. Rubio said Mother Teresa left an extraordinary legacy of compassion and service. He said he was honored …
The European Union Delegation in Albania has condemned the latest Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine. It said the strikes targeted Kyiv during the night and caused several casualties. It also said the residential complex where the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania in Ukraine lives was hit. The …
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs summoned the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Tirana, Alexey Zaitsev, to deliver a strong protest. The ministry responded to massive drone and missile attacks overnight in Ukraine. It said the attacks hit the residential complex where …