‘Hope Dies Last’: The Bosnian Wartime Sexual Violence Survivor Fighting for Justice
In the second of BIRN’s series about women’s wartime activism, Midheta Kaloper explains how she survived sexual violence during the Bosnian war and now helps other survivors to fight for their rights – and bring the perpetrators to justice. Original post Here
Albania’s Anti-Corruption “Success”: A Manufactured Illusion
By Zef Preçi What kind of political system are we living in today? Even though we have a weak state, authoritarian tendencies in governance have become more pronounced, and in a synthesized way this is reflected in the increasing number of MPs of the ruling party from one mandate to …
Week in Review: Surprises and Standoffs
As the year draws towards its end, our Balkan Insight Premium stories show that there is no shortage of political surprises, unexpected twists and new standoffs across the region. Original post Here
How Albanians in America Lobbied for Freedom Back Home
Albanian-American writer Fron Nahzi’s new book explains how the Albanian diaspora used its newfound freedom in the United States to campaign for a range of nationalist causes. Original post Here
Rebuilt Housing Estate for Albanian Quake Survivors Hosts Just One Family
The earthquake that hit Albania in November 2019 left many families homeless. But a rural housing estate built to accommodate some of them remains almost empty due to problems with infrastructure and insecure terrain. Original post Here
Albania’s Political Absurdity:Doomsday – The Day Albania “Lost” Its Deputy PM
O tempora, o mores. After Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku faced criminal charges, and after the court suspended her from office and banned her from leaving the country, what one would normally expect is either her immediate resignation or her immediate dismissal by Prime …
The Limits of Spectacle Diplomacy in the UK–Albania Migration Row
The clash between Edi Rama and Shabana Mahmood over the fate of 700 Albanian families in the UK exposes a deeper truth about modern diplomacy: visibility is not the same as influence. When the Home Secretary singled out Albanian families while announcing sweeping asylum reforms, she was not improvising. She …
Albania: Between Reform Dynamics and Democratic Fragility
Elez Biberaj Thirty-five years after Albania’s emergence from one of Europe’s most repressive communist regimes, the country’s democratic trajectory remains emblematic of post-authoritarian transformation, reflecting the promise of political renewal while exposing the challenges of durable consolidation. In this context, the May 2025 parliamentary elections stand out as a test …
Opposition Rejects EU Commissioner’s “Free and Fair” Assessment of Elections
By Tirana Times Staff TIRANA, Albania , November 22, (Tirana Times). Albania’s main opposition party sharply criticized European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos for describing the country’s May 11 parliamentary elections as “free and fair,” arguing that her assessment contradicts the findings of international election monitors. In a statement delivered …
Week in Review: TikTokcracy, Labyrinths and an Anniversary
New leaders, old challenges, the threat of ‘TikTokracy’ and – not least – a look at the Dayton Peace Accords thirty years later, are all themes that preoccupy our selection of Premium stories this week. Original post Here
Albania’s Ministry of Justice hosted representatives from partner institutions in Kosovo and North Macedonia during the Regional Forum on Strengthening Mediation Mechanisms. During the event, officials officially launched the “SEE Mediation – Strengthening Mediation Systems in Southeast Europe” project. The forum brought together justice sector representatives, judges, prosecutors, and mediators …
Taulant Balla meets residents of Bago in Kavaja and discusses key issues affecting daily life. He focuses on agriculture, legalization, and pensions. He says the government restores attention to irrigation systems under Prime Minister Edi Rama. He explains that investments bring around 300,000 hectares of agricultural land back under irrigation …
The latest episode of the podcast “Flasim” highlights Albanian success stories in medical tourism, sustainable construction, and tourism entrepreneurship. The program focuses on how these sectors support economic growth and expand Albania’s international profile. Edi Rama hosts the episode and presents guests who share their experiences and business developments. He …
Edi Rama highlights the importance of vocational education and human capital as key drivers of Albania’s economic development over the next decade. He opens the latest episode of the podcast “Flasim” and stresses that a strong workforce determines much of the country’s future economic success. First, he explains that Albania …
Edi Rama states that the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party finds Albania in its strongest position ever and closer than ever to European Union membership. He opens the podcast “Flasim” and explains that the anniversary was planned in advance. He also frames the moment as both a celebration and …
Ermal Nufi meets senior officials at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, where both sides reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. He holds talks with Sonata Coulter and Rachel Schiller. During the meetings, he focuses on cooperation within the NATO alliance. …
Entrepreneur Hudi Shehu says technology and the Albanian diaspora play a decisive role in helping young people build careers and businesses in global markets. He explains that technology reduces geographical barriers and allows entrepreneurs to operate internationally from anywhere. As a result, he says location matters less than skills and …
The exhibition “Gjon Mili: Retrospective” opens at the National Museum of Photography Marubi National Museum of Photography and brings the work of photographer Gjon Mili back to Albania. The museum presents original works curated by Howard Greenberg. It showcases Mili as a pioneer of modern photography. First, the exhibition displays …
Two nights of concerts by Yll Limani bring tens of thousands of young people to Tirana and turn the capital into a major center of music and entertainment. The events take place at the Athletics Track near the Grand Park of Lake Tirana. As a result, the concerts attract audiences …
Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that the recent protests are negatively affecting the tourism sector, leading to cancellations of bookings by foreign tourists for the summer season. Speaking on the podcast “Flasim,” Rama said he has received complaints and messages from tourism operators across different parts of the country, who …