Week in Review: Polls and Storms
A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here
Gjergj Fishta: The Pen That Gave Voice to Albania’s National Soul
Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …
EU and Western Balkans leaders to meet in Brussels on November 25
European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …
PM Rama urges young people to distance themselves from violent protests
Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged young people to distance themselves from violent protests. He called on them to express their views through peaceful democratic means. In remarks on social media, Rama defended the right to peaceful protest. He said citizens could challenge the government through debate and elections. He …
Defense minister meets Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi has met Colonel Murat Ilhan, Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana. Turkish Ambassador to Albania Bariş Ceyhun Erciyes also attended the meeting. According to the Ministry of Defense, the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey and their shared commitment to closer cooperation in …
Institute of Statistics: Albania records 10.7 million foreign arrivals in nine months
Albania recorded around 17.4 million entries by Albanian and foreign citizens from January to September 2026, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Foreign citizens accounted for 10.7 million entries, while Albanian citizens accounted for 6.7 million. Compared with the same period in 2025, foreign arrivals rose by 4.9%, while …
Students continue protest outside prime minister’s office
Students continued their protest outside the prime minister’s office in Tirana for an 11th day. University lecturers and other citizens joined them again today. Lecturers and students first gathered outside the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Aleksandër Kovaçi, head of the University Lecturers’ Union, called for greater cooperation among intellectuals in …
Albania holds 2026 National Water Rescue Championship
The Albanian Water Rescue Federation held the 2026 National Water Rescue Championship with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The competition tested speed, technique and endurance through events that combine sport with life-saving skills. A total of 34 competitors took part. The championship has taken place annually …
Conference League: Egnatia draw 1-1 away to Aarhus
Albanian champions Egnatia drew 1-1 away to Denmark’s Aarhus in their second Conference League group-stage match, extending their unbeaten run in European competition. Egnatia took the lead in the 13th minute when Gruda scored after Adjesa’s assist. Aarhus had already lost Kahl to a red card in the third minute …
Albania and Italy seek stronger defence and security partnership
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation with Italy. Nufi made the statement while recognising Italian Military Attaché Colonel Agostino Piccirillo at the end of his mission in Albania. He praised Piccirillo’s professionalism and contribution to bilateral defence ties. The minister also …
Albania will present its tourism potential at World Travel Market London 2026, one of the world’s leading international tourism events. The fair will take place from November 3 to 5 at ExCeL London in the United Kingdom. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja said the event offers an …
Albania plans to establish around 5,000 collection points for portable batteries as part of a new national waste management system. The proposal also introduces digital battery passports and QR codes to improve tracking and recycling. The Ministry of Environment has launched the draft decision for public consultation. It aims to …
Kosovo and Albania are looking to deepen scientific cooperation and strengthen ties between their academic institutions. Kosovo President Justina Shiroka Pula held a meeting with academics Anastas Angjeli from the Academy of Sciences of Albania, Besnik Krasniqi from the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo, and academician Lulzim Tafa, …
Albania plans to introduce a unified national examination for recruitment into the public administration, based on the Cambridge testing model. The initiative is part of a broader reform aimed at strengthening merit-based recruitment, professional performance and the quality of public services. Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the new plan alongside …
Albania ranks among the most advanced countries in digital government, according to the World Bank’s GovTech assessment. However, Prime Minister Edi Rama says the country must now ensure that public institutions respond to citizens on time and take responsibility for their requests. Speaking alongside Minister of State for Public Administration …
Albania is seeking stronger parliamentary ties with the Czech Republic as it advances towards European Union membership. During an official visit to Prague, Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi met with Tomio Okamura, Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, and Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Czech Senate. The …
Albania has started evaluating the performance of public institution leaders as part of a broader reform aimed at strengthening meritocracy and accountability in public administration. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the process during the presentation of the new “Merit Scale” initiative, alongside Minister of Public Administration Adea Pirdeni. Rama stressed …
Kosovo’s government has approved a €4.27 billion draft budget for 2027. The plan includes higher public sector wages, increased child benefits, a 13th salary and major infrastructure investments. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the new budget exceeds the revised 2026 budget by €200 million. The government will now submit it …
Kosovo President Justina Shiroka Pula met on Monday with academics Anastas Angjeli from the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Albania, Besnik Krasniqi from the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo (ASHAK), and academician Lulzim Tafa, an external member of ASHASH. The President shared details and photos from the …
The Kosovo government approved a €4.27 billion budget for 2027 on Monday. According to the announcement, next year’s budget is €300 million higher than this year’s baseline budget. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced during the government’s ninth meeting that the draft budget for 2027 provides for an increase in …