‘Caged like a dog’; Russian Blogger Accused of Espionage Languishes in Albanian Prison
An eccentric Russian blogger or a dangerous spy? Friends of Svetlana Timofeeva and lawyers are asking why she has been kept for six months in isolation in pre-trial detention in Albania and still has no prospect of facing a court. Original post Here
Hoax Bomb Threats Leave Balkan Region Frustrated, Unnerved
Security agencies face growing questions – but also criticism – over the wave of false bomb threats that’s been shaking the region since March Original post Here
Year in Pictures: 2022 in the Balkans
From political protests to rising inflation and living costs, a new war in Europe and milestones in European Union integration processes, BIRN has selected photographs from across the region that highlight some key events of 2022. Original post Here
French Museum Keeps Memory of Long-Ago Balkans Alive
A vast treasure trove of photos of the Balkans, taken more than a century ago as part of a rich banker’s project, has been lovingly preserved in a Paris museum. Original post Here
Albania Opposition Says Theft Exposes Alleged Officials’ Ill-Gotten Wealth
The theft of over a hundred thousand euros from a governing official has stirred an opposition outcry about government corruption. Original post Here
Divided Albanian Democrats Row over Appointment of Election Officials
Concerns are growing over the credibility of Albania’s May local elections due to an ongoing court battle over control of the opposition Democrats. Original post Here
Old Albanian Woman Keeps Ancient Dress-Making Tradition Alive
A 70-year-old woman from northern Albania is one the few women still making the ancestral dress called the Xhubleta – which UNESCO recently added to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Original post Here
Turkish Medical Leader Sentenced for Terror Propaganda Exits Prison
Turkish Medical Association leader and senior human rights activist – jailed for two years and eight months for terrorist propaganda – walks free on account of time already served. Original post Here
HRW Report: Southeast, Central Europe Backsliding on Human Rights
Annual report shows that human rights record of several Southeast and Central European countries deteriorated, with autocratic rulers cracking down on critics, journalists and LGBT groups amid increase in violence against women and high political tensions. Original post Here
Gay Couple in Albania Eyes Strasbourg in Battle over Parental Rights
A gay couple in Albania girds for a long legal fight for the right to register both women as parents of their young twins. Original post Here
Europe House hosted the launch ceremony of “Weaving Digital Safety – Albania’s Women in Media Network Initiative (WISA)” today. The project aims to empower women in media and boost digital security in the sector. WISA responds to the challenges and needs of women working in media. It builds on their …
TIRANA, April 1 – Albanian President Bajram Begaj marked the 17th anniversary of the country’s NATO membership, calling it a historic achievement. He said joining the alliance strengthened Albania’s security, sovereignty, and role in the Euro-Atlantic community. In a social media post, Begaj highlighted Albania’s contribution as a reliable ally …
The fourth edition of the “School Sports Teams” project has started. The initiative promotes physical activity and sports in pre-university schools. Matches are underway between schools in every region. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared highlights from this year’s championship. The event features 608 teams from nine-year schools and high schools …
TIRANA, April 1 – Albania marks 17 years of NATO membership, a milestone that strengthened its Euro-Atlantic course and national security. In a post on X, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha described the anniversary as a decisive step toward the country’s future. He said Albania has proven …
TIRANA, April 1 – Ahead of its revival at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB), Albanian news agency, ATSH recalls one of the first performances of Cavalleria Rusticana in the capital with a historic photo gallery. The photographs date back to 1958, showing the opera’s protagonists and chorus. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said no mayor can run in the next local elections without implementing the 10 initiatives of the “Mountain Package.” At the Socialist Party Assembly in Unit 7, Rama called the program key for encouraging returnees to invest savings in agrotourism. He explained the package targets landowners, …
TIRANA, April 1 – The Military Weather Service announced that Albania will experience unstable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. Clouds will range from moderate to dense, with brief sunny intervals over the Western Lowlands. Rain will occur intermittently during the first 24 hours and remain generally light across much of the …
Kosovo faces Turkey tonight at 20:45 at Prishtina’s “Fadil Vokrri” Stadium. The match is part of the 2026 World Cup play-offs, hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. President Bajram Begaj wished the Kosovo team success. “Heart in Prishtina. Go, Kosovo!” Begaj wrote on social media. The match is seen …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, also Socialist Party leader, announced the creation of a state oil company. He said it will transform the hydrocarbon market and protect consumers. At the Socialist Party Assembly in Unit 7, Rama addressed rising fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict. He explained that removing …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, also Socialist Party leader, said today that Albania fights corruption more than ever. He credited government reforms that make systems less vulnerable to corruption. At the Socialist Party Assembly in Unit 7, Rama highlighted that Albania leads the region in public procurement quality. Ministries and agencies …