Italy Sends Second Migrant Ship to Albania as Legal Disputes Continue
After an initial attempt to send refugees and migrants for processing in Albania failed, owing to Italian court rulings, a second ship with eight on board arrived in Shengjin port on Friday. Original post Here
Donald Trump’s Comeback is Bad News for Bosniaks and Kosovars
Bosniaks and Kosovo Albanians will be lucky if all Washington does is ignore them under Donald Trump’s new administration, while Serb leaders and populists like Hungary’s Viktor Orban will feel emboldened. Original post Here
Central and Southeast Europe’s Populists Celebrate Trump Win
The region’s populists could hardly contain their glee at the return of the former president to the White House. Original post Here
Bosnian Serb Leaders Hold Cocktail Party to Toast Trump Victory
The US-sanctioned president of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, threw a cocktail party in honour of Trump’s victory in the American presidential elections, saying his win “symbolises a return to values we hold dear”. Original post Here
‘Like Prison’: How African Migrant Workers Suffer Exploitation in Albania
Migrant workers from Africa have told BIRN about having to surrender their passports on arrival in Albania, working unpaid overtime and facing deportation once they are no longer required. Many are left with debts to the agencies that act as middlemen. Original post Here
How Allocation of EU Rapporteur Jobs Might Impact Western Balkan Accession Hopes
The names of the new EU rapporteurs for each of the six Western Balkan countries will emerge over the coming weeks. The relative strength of the various party groupings in the European parliament indicates how some countries might fare better than others. Original post Here
Baku hosting Global Summit of Religious Leaders within the framework of COP29
Baku, Azerbaijan – On November 5-6, 2024, the city of Baku is hosting the Global Summit of Religious Leaders within the framework of COP29, a highly significant event that brings together religious leaders and prominent figures from around the world to discuss the challenges of the climate crisis and the …
Albanian Premier Edi Rama’s Diaspora Tour: Outreach or Electioneering?
From New York to Thessaloniki, Prime Minister Edi Rama has been travelling the world to hold meetings with Albanian diaspora communities ahead of next year’s elections. Opponents say he’s trying to avoid discontent at home. Original post Here
UNED Campus in Gjirokastra: A European Hub in the Western Balkans
By Jerina Zaloshnja It is a beautiful, joyous day in Gjirokastra. October 30, 2024. The sun shines brightly in the warm, clear blue air. From the loudspeakers at the campus of UNED, Spain’s new university in the country, Spanish music reverberates slowly. Young students dressed in traditional Gjirokastra costumes …
The UNED Campus in Gjirokaster a gateway to global academic excellence and a bridge to Europe
By Ricardo Mairal Uson It is an immense honor and privilege for me to stand before you today, on this momentous occasion—the inauguration of the UNED Center in the historic and culturally significant city of Gjirokaster. This event marks the beginning of a new chapter in the strong relationship between …
A German media outlet has described Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive emerging travel destinations for 2026. According to Baden24, Albania is gaining increasing international attention thanks to its turquoise waters, unspoiled coastline, and affordable prices. As a result, many travelers now view the country as an appealing alternative …
TIRANA, June 17 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi described the justice reform as one of the deepest and most ambitious reforms ever undertaken by the Albanian state during a ceremony marking the conclusion of the Vetting process. In his address, Peleshi said the event closes an important chapter in the …
Visitors to Art Basel 2026 will see a public artwork by Albanian Prime Minister and artist Edi Rama. His bronze sculpture, Untitled (2026), is on display in the “Parcours” public art section at the end of Clarastrasse, overlooking the Rhine River. According to The Art Newspaper, Rama presents a new …
TIRANA, June 17 – The Venice Commission published its opinion on Albania’s draft law on political party financing. It described the reform as an important step toward modernizing the political finance system. At the same time, it called for further improvements to ensure legal clarity, proportionality, and effective implementation. The …
TIRANA, June 17 – The U.S. Senate confirmed retired Lieutenant General Eric Wendt as the next U.S. ambassador to Albania with 51 votes in favour and 47 against. The full Senate vote followed approval by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where Wendt secured majority support from committee members. Authorities now …
TIRANA, June 17 – Kosova and the European Commission held the annual meeting of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Monitoring Committee. Participants reviewed the implementation of European Union financial and technical support for Kosova. They also discussed reforms that support Kosova’s European integration path. The European Union has provided …
TIRANA, June 17 – Saranda is experiencing a strong influx of tourists in the early summer season. Foreign visitors praise local offers, services, and relatively affordable prices. Beaches along the Ionian coast are already crowded in June. Many travelers choose the destination for its clear waters and natural scenery. Several …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj attended the “Green & Digital Innovation” event and highlighted the growing role of startups in transforming Albania’s economy. She said startups are helping drive innovation, technology, and sustainable development across the country. Moreover, Ibrahimaj noted that government support and cooperation with European partners are …
TIRANA, June 17 – The European Union, the Albanian government and UNDP held the closing conference of the EU4Schools programme. The initiative repaired and rebuilt 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities affected by the 2019 earthquake. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro thanked all partners who contributed to the programme. She said …
The National Center of Culture for Children (QKKF) will take part in the 27th International Meeting of Juvenile Art – Évora 2026 in Portugal. The center will represent Albania with 21 artworks created by children attending its painting course. The event is one of the most recognized international gatherings dedicated …