Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 31, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Money Laundering Causes Poverty, Income Disparity in Balkans, Says BIRN Film
A new BIRN documentary shows how money laundering has been increasing poverty, prices and income inequality in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. Original post Here
Diaspora Vote Might Shake Up Albanian Politics, But Big Parties Likely to Prevail
For the first time, Albanians abroad will be able to vote by post in the country’s May parliamentary election; some hope the change will help end the domination of the two big parties, but experts are not so sure. Original post Here
Jailed Albanian Mayor Hires US Law Firm That Worked for Trump
While behind bars and under investigation for graft and money laundering, Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj and his businessman brother have engaged hard-hitting New York law firm Kasowitz Benson Torres to assist his case. Original post Here
Albanian Rights Organisations Take TikTok Ban to Court
BIRN Albania, along with a civil rights group and a journalists’ association, have urged the country’s top court to declare a controversial law banning TikTok in Albania for a year unconstitutional. Original post Here
Italy to Albania, and Back: A Migrant’s Journey Through Italy’s Asylum Experiment
Italy’s right-wing government called it a magic wand for the migrants arriving on its shores, but a deal with Albania to outsource and accelerate asylum processing has run afoul of Italian courts. Critics say it flies in the face of international humanitarian law. Original post Here
Albanian Orthodox Church Gets First Ethnic Albanian Leader in Generations
The new Primate will need to be savvy, navigating between conflicting pro-Russian and pro-Ukrainian currents in the small but opinionated Albanian Orthodox Church. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 23, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Albania’s Controversial TikTok Ban Still Not Fully Working
A government order to ban TikTok to protect children from violent material came into force more than a week ago, but the mobile phone app for the video-sharing platform is still partially working in Albania. Original post Here
Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo Sign Defense Agreement: A New Military Alliance in the Balkans?
By Tirana Times TIRANA, Albania, March 19th— Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo have signed a joint declaration aimed at strengthening defense and security cooperation, marking a significant geopolitical development in the Western Balkans. The agreement, announced this week in Tirana, signals an increased level of military collaboration but stops short of …
TIRANA, August 6 – The Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania kept the key interest rate unchanged at 2.5% on Wednesday. The council said the current monetary policy stance supports price stability and economic growth. The decision followed the approval of the Quarterly Monetary Policy Report. Governor Gent Sejko …
TIRANA, August 6 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will experience stable and hot weather conditions on Thursday. The weather will remain clear across the country. Meanwhile, light passing clouds may appear over mountainous areas from midday to afternoon. Winds will blow from the southeast to southwest at an …
TIRANA, August 6 – The “Washington Post” has published a travel feature by reporter Natalie Compton, highlighting Albania’s growing popularity while exploring the country beyond its image on social media. The article follows a journey through northern and southern Albania, from the quiet landscapes of the Shkodër region to the …
TIRANA, August 6 – More than 349,000 passengers travelled through the Ferry Terminal of Durrës Port during January-July 2026, confirming its role as Albania’s main maritime gateway for passenger transport. The Durrës Port Authority told the Albanian Telegraphic Agency that 349,423 passengers used the terminal during the first seven months …
TIRANA, August 6 – The State Enforcement Service operates through 22 local offices across Albania to implement final court decisions, Minister of Justice Toni Gogu said. Gogu highlighted the role of the institution, saying that winning a court case represents only half of the process. He said a decision gains …
TIRANA, August 6 – August 6 marks the 118th anniversary of the birth of linguist and Albanologist Prof. Eqrem Çabej, one of the founders of modern Albanian studies. Çabej was born on August 6, 1908, in Gjirokastër, where he completed his early education. He attended high school in Klagenfurt, Austria, …
TIRANA, August 6 – Albania reported 28 wildfires in the past 24 hours, with 5 fires still active, according to the Ministry of Defence. The National Civil Protection Agency, local authorities and the Armed Forces are coordinating firefighting operations across the country. A total of 64 firefighting vehicles, 631 operational …
TIRANA, August 6 – The US Senate has confirmed Eric Wendt as the new US ambassador to Albania. Wendt received 50 votes in favour and 44 against. Wendt becomes the first US ambassador to Albania since Yuri Kim left the post in June 2023. President Donald Trump nominated him for …
TIRANA, August 6 – The Blue Eye natural monument is attracting a growing number of domestic and foreign visitors during the summer season. Tourists choose the destination for its crystal-clear waters, untouched nature and unique landscapes. Visitors describe the spring as a rare natural phenomenon emerging from deep underground. They …
TIRANA, August 6 – Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko said the TIPS Clone instant payment system will reduce transfer costs and bring major benefits to citizens, businesses and the Albanian economy. The Bank of Albania plans to launch the system in November. It developed the project with the Bank …