Trial of Former KLA Leaders: Defense Witness Says Prosecutor Pressured Her
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”eddee727-177e-4677-aa4b-303b07f10679″ data-turn-id-container=”eddee727-177e-4677-aa4b-303b07f10679″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-23″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Forensic linguistics expert Helen Fraser stated that Special Prosecutor Joshua Hafetz exerted pressure on her during yesterday’s questioning in an attempt to make her admit that Artificial Intelligence tools had been essential to her evaluations. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” …
Albania Says Italy Migration Deal Ends in 2030
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha says Tirana will not extend the controversial agreement beyond 2030, arguing that Albania expects to be inside the European Union by then Tirana Times, May 12, 2026 – Albania does not intend to extend its controversial migration agreement with Italy beyond 2030, Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha …
Gjirokastër Castle welcomes 48,000 visitors in four months, 70% foreigners
TIRANA, May 12 – Gjirokastër Castle continues to attract visitors from around the world as interest in cultural tourism grows in southern Albania. The historic site recorded strong visitor numbers during the first months of the year. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared images from the castle …
Albania shows phenomenal progress, European Investment Bank expands business support
TIRANA, May 12 – Nadia Calvino, President of the European Investment Bank, said Albania achieved phenomenal progress over the past decade and described the European Union as a clear direction for the country’s future during a ceremony in Tirana. She spoke at the signing of a financing agreement with Intesa …
Twenty Albanian films screened at Babylon cinema in Berlin
TIRANA, May 12 – Twenty Albanian films have been screened at the “Babylon” cinema in Berlin since May 7. The selection includes restored classics from the former “Shqipëria e Re” [New Albania] film studio and recent Albanian productions, including documentaries and short films. Meanwhile, the programme continues for six consecutive …
Albania reports progress in anti-corruption fight, six criminal investigations into senior officials
TIRANA, May 12 – Minister of State and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka addressed measures against corruption during a hearing at the Committee for Europe and Foreign Affairs. She outlined legislative and enforcement progress during 2025. Authorities implemented a package of five draft laws in the anti-corruption framework. To begin with, …
Early warning systems key for environmental risk management
TIRANA, May 12 – Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj highlighted early warning systems as a key tool in managing environmental risks during the international conference “United for Climate”, in a podcast moderated by Blendi Salaj, where he discussed the National Climate Adaptation Plan 2026–2036. He said the national plan includes 66 …
PM Rama says Albania has no “Plan B” on European Union integration
TIRANA, May 12 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has never had a “Plan B” regarding European Union integration during the signing of a financing agreement between the European Investment Bank and Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania, which targets support for small and medium-sized enterprises. He said Albania continues to …
European Investment Bank provides 20 million euros to support Albanian businesses in innovation and green transition
TIRANA, May 12 – The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania signed a 20 million euro financing agreement in Tirana to support Albanian small and medium-sized enterprises in innovation, digitalisation, technology, and green investment. Roberto Crod, Vice President of the European Investment Bank, and Giuseppe Janpiero, Director …
Defense Minister Nufi hosts North Macedonia Armed Forces Chief of Staff, focus on defense and security cooperation
TIRANA, May 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi hosted Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of North Macedonia Major General Sashko Lafchiski in Tirana on Monday. The meeting highlighted the importance of close cooperation on Corridor VIII, which both sides described as critical for military mobility and security in …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
A delegation of the Albanian Parliament took part in the Regional Parliamentary Anti-Corruption Clinic in Beciq, Montenegro, on September 24–26. MPs Milva Ekonomi, Antoneta Dhima and Kliti Hoti represented the Parliament. The National Democratic Institute organised the event with the Parliament of Montenegro. The meeting brought together MPs and parliamentary …
Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi said direct engagement with citizens and communities in EU member states is essential for the success of Albania’s EU integration process. He made the remarks at a conference with representatives of Albanian institutions and the European Parliament. Peleshi said enlargement cannot rely only on political …
Health and Social Protection Minister Klodiana Spahiu visited health facilities in Mallakastër to review investments, services and staff work. The visit took place as part of a process to restructure and reorganise health facilities. The process aims to align their capacities with community needs. Spahiu said the reorganisation aims to …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has called on the European Union not to leave the Western Balkans behind again. He said failure to integrate the region would also be a major failure for Europe. Rama spoke at the Inter-parliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership”. He said Albania …
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is on the right track toward European Union membership in an interview with France 24. She included Albania among four countries currently making the most progress in the accession process. Kos described 2026 as a high-paced year for EU enlargement. She said …
Andreas Schieder, the European Parliament rapporteur for Albania, said the country has entered the final phase of its EU membership negotiations. He said Albania can close the remaining chapters within the set deadlines. Schieder spoke at the Interparliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership” in Tirana. He …
European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said Albania has entered a new phase of its EU membership process. She noted that the country has opened all six negotiating clusters and provisionally closed three. Moreira de Sousa spoke at a conference with representatives of Albanian institutions and the …
European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman David McAllister said the European Union should advance membership negotiations whenever countries meet reform conditions. He spoke at the Interparliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership” in Tirana. McAllister said Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has increased the strategic importance of EU …
Autumn has begun to paint Tirana’s mountains in golden colors. After a long and scorching summer, golden grass now covers the slopes, while red shrubs add warmer tones. At the same time, green trees still dominate parts of the landscape, creating striking combinations of green, yellow, brown and red. A …