Growing Diaspora Vote Becomes Game-Changer in Balkan Elections
Balkan diaspora communities are expanding in size, becoming more interested in electoral battles back home – and are increasingly aware of their key role in shaping outcomes in an important year for elections across the region. Original post Here
Anti-Corruption Fight in Balkans Sees Progress, But Also Regression: Report
A new report on the Western Balkans and Turkey by watchdog organisation Transparency International says the progress against corruption made by a number of countries is counter-balanced by backsliding in others. Original post Here
Euro 2024 Becomes Arena for Balkan Nationalist Score-Settling
Matches at Euro 2024 involving Albania, Croatia and Serbia have been marred by nationalist chants and banners that are not uncommon in the Balkans, but were given a bigger stage by the showpiece football tournament. Original post Here
27,000 euros through fraud at the workplace, one arrested
A 34-year-old man was arrested by the Tirana police for the criminal offenses of “Fraud”, “Forgery of documents” and “Forgery of seals, stamps or forms”. Rizar Alibali from Shkodra is accused of embezzling 27,000 euros through fraud and presenting suspected falsified documents (mandates) at his workplace. The 34-year-old, being employed …
The extradition of Durim Bami from Dubai/ Balla: We have all the instruments to bring him before Albanian justice
A few days ago, the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) submitted the request to the Ministry of Justice for the extradition of Durim Bami. In this regard, Interior Minister Taulant Balla has declared that the authorities have all the tools to bring Bami and all cases like him to justice. “This …
“Berisha cannot be the political offer that Albanians deserve”, Alibeaj leaves the Democratic Party group
Enkelejd Alibeaj will no longer be part of the Parliamentary Group of the Democratic Party. Through a long post on social networks, Alibeaj said that his election comes as a sign of respect for the court’s decision, which gave Sali Berisha the seal of the Democratic Party. According to Alibeaj, …
Begaj meeting with his counterpart: Germany, support for the advancement of reforms in Albania
The President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, held a face-to-face meeting in Berlin with the President of the FRG, Frank-Walter Steinmeier. They have held discussions on the strengthening of bilateral cooperation and the integration of Albania in the EU. Therefore, Begaj thanked President Steinmeier for his contribution to strengthening relations and …
SPAK requests the extradition of Durim Bami from Dubai, submits the request to the Ministry of Justice
The Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has submitted the request to the Ministry of Justice for the extradition of Durim Bami. Durim Bami was arrested a few days ago in Dubai following an arrest warrant issued by the Special Prosecutor’s Office. “SPAK has submitted the request to the Ministry of Justice. …
Tnt explosive to the officer’s car in Shkodër, first details
A quantity of explosives was planted in the vehicle of a police officer in Shkodër. According to preliminary information, the incident happened around 04:00, in the “Tepe” neighborhood of the city. The vehicle of the 59-year-old Kastriot Selimaj – a traffic policeman in DVP Shkodër, was parked in the yard …
Llogara tunnel to be opened on July 5
The Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, informed Tuesday that the tunnel of Llogara will be opened on July 5. In a message in the social media, Rama said that this new infrastructure will reduce the distance towards South of the country. The tunnel will be opened first for the vehicles …
Prime Minister Edi Rama urged Elbasan to become a leading city for startups and innovation during a meeting with winners of Albania’s national startup program for 2025 and new applicants for 2026. During the event, young innovators presented projects in technology and the digital economy. Meanwhile, organizers highlighted the rapid …
Mayor of Elbasan Gledian Llatja said startups will transform into concrete development models for Elbasan during a meeting with winners of Albania’s 2025 startup program and new applicants for 2026. The event took place at the newly renovated “Onufri” arts high school in Elbasan. Young innovators presented promising technology projects …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met today in Elbasan with winners of Albania’s 2025 startup program and applicants for 2026, who presented promising projects in technology and innovation. During the meeting, Rama said technology is rapidly transforming economic development and innovation. He explained that the world has moved from linear growth …
Albania inaugurated its National Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia with the presentation of “A Place in the Sun” by artist Genti Korini, curated by Małgorzata Ludwisiak. During the opening ceremony, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports Blendi Gonxhja described Albania’s participation as a …
Minister of Interior Besfort Lamallari addressed the International Migration Forum at the United Nations and reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to safe, orderly, and legal migration. During his speech, Lamallari stressed that Albania supports migration policies based on human rights, international cooperation, and stronger engagement with the Albanian diaspora. Furthermore, he said …
Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj met today with Dame Dimitrovski, adviser to the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, and Raimund Jehle during the regional conference United for Climate. During the meeting, Jaupaj discussed a regional forestry initiative supported by the Green Climate Fund and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Furthermore, …
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn attended the “Battle of the Bands” concert in Tirana featuring the Flagship and the Orchestra of the Albanian Armed Forces. During her opening remarks, VanHorn said the event celebrated “Freedom 250,” a global initiative launched by Donald Trump to honor 250 years of American independence, …
Ura e Kamarës is a historic medieval bridge located near the village of Mirakë, along the Elbasan–Librazhd national road. To reach it, visitors follow the old Egnatia Road and pass through a narrow village path. Then they arrive at the bridge site. The bridge measures about 40 meters in length …
TIRANA, May 8 – An opposition protest took place in central Tirana on Friday evening, gathering supporters along “Dëshmorët e Kombit” boulevard in front of the Prime Minister’s Office. The demonstra ion started at around 19:30 and formed part of a series of opposition rallies against the government. Unlike previous …
While some events covered in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week suggest that possible changes are afoot, other parts of the region seem stuck in the same rut. Original post Here