Balkan Countries Push for Record Tourism Year, Despite Growth Concerns
As beaches, historic sites and natural beauties in Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece and Turkey draw increasing numbers of tourists, governments eye bumper profits – though experts warn that relentless growth in the sector comes with costs. Original post Here
Albania’s Former PM Berisha Loses Appeal Against UK Ban
UK court dismisses appeal by opposition leader Sali Berisha to lift sanctions against him for alleged corruption, ruling that the ban was based on sufficient information. Original post Here
No Children, No Schools: Emigration Empties Northern Albania
In Albania’s northern Kukes and Shkodra regions, dozens of schools have shut their doors over the past several years as a result of staggering rates of emigration. Original post Here
Turkish-Albanian YouTuber Wanted in Turkey Denies Insulting Islam
YouTuber Diamant Tema, who faces an arrest warrant in Turkey for alleged insults to Islam and Muhammad, has denied the accusations, saying he is being ‘judged without a court hearing’. Original post Here
Growing Diaspora Vote Becomes Game-Changer in Balkan Elections
Balkan diaspora communities are expanding in size, becoming more interested in electoral battles back home – and are increasingly aware of their key role in shaping outcomes in an important year for elections across the region. Original post Here
Anti-Corruption Fight in Balkans Sees Progress, But Also Regression: Report
A new report on the Western Balkans and Turkey by watchdog organisation Transparency International says the progress against corruption made by a number of countries is counter-balanced by backsliding in others. Original post Here
Euro 2024 Becomes Arena for Balkan Nationalist Score-Settling
Matches at Euro 2024 involving Albania, Croatia and Serbia have been marred by nationalist chants and banners that are not uncommon in the Balkans, but were given a bigger stage by the showpiece football tournament. Original post Here
27,000 euros through fraud at the workplace, one arrested
A 34-year-old man was arrested by the Tirana police for the criminal offenses of “Fraud”, “Forgery of documents” and “Forgery of seals, stamps or forms”. Rizar Alibali from Shkodra is accused of embezzling 27,000 euros through fraud and presenting suspected falsified documents (mandates) at his workplace. The 34-year-old, being employed …
The extradition of Durim Bami from Dubai/ Balla: We have all the instruments to bring him before Albanian justice
A few days ago, the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) submitted the request to the Ministry of Justice for the extradition of Durim Bami. In this regard, Interior Minister Taulant Balla has declared that the authorities have all the tools to bring Bami and all cases like him to justice. “This …
“Berisha cannot be the political offer that Albanians deserve”, Alibeaj leaves the Democratic Party group
Enkelejd Alibeaj will no longer be part of the Parliamentary Group of the Democratic Party. Through a long post on social networks, Alibeaj said that his election comes as a sign of respect for the court’s decision, which gave Sali Berisha the seal of the Democratic Party. According to Alibeaj, …
TIRANA, July 8 – According to projections by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European economy is expected to maintain moderate growth rates during the remaining years of this decade. For the 2027–2031 period, the eurozone economy is forecast to expand by an average of 1.2% annually, while the European …
TIRANA, July 8 – During these hot July days, many foreign tourists fill the streets of Shkodër. Their travel gear and backpacks easily identify them as nature and adventure tourism enthusiasts. Many visitors use Shkodër as a starting point to explore some of northern Albania’s most popular mountain destinations. Meanwhile, …
TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Wednesday that the next NATO Summit will take place in Tirana, following the conclusion of the Alliance’s meeting in Ankara. PM dismissed speculation that Albania would not host the summit. He said the country had moved beyond a time when …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro highlighted the achievements of this year’s teacher qualification process, with more than 4,000 educators across Albania completing professional training programs. Kumbaro congratulated the teachers who participated in the qualification process, describing their commitment as an important step toward improving teaching quality and strengthening the education system. …
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressed his support for Kosovo’s European future, saying he hopes the country will become part of the European family one day. “I hope that Kosovo will become part of the European family one day, yes,” Jetten told Euronews Albania. Jetten made the statement while attending …
TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the official reception for heads of state and government hosted by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the NATO Summit in Ankara. Rama shared images from the reception on social media. He described the event …
TIRANA, July 8 – Three fire outbreaks affected the Porto Palermo area in Himarë Municipality overnight, putting emergency structures on alert. According to official information, authorities received the alert around 23:00. Firefighters immediately sent a fire engine and a water tanker to the scene. Meanwhile, the entire firefighting service was …
Spanish media outlet El Generacional has listed Albania among the most affordable travel destinations in Europe this summer, alongside countries such as Romania, Portugal and Bulgaria. According to the article, Albania attracts visitors with its combination of crystal-clear beaches, rich cultural heritage and affordable travel costs, making it an ideal …
TIRANA, July 8 – Albania has significantly increased its defence and security investments as part of its commitments as a NATO member. The additional funding supports the modernization of the Armed Forces and the strengthening of defence capabilities. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj published data on defence spending trends, showing that …
Kosovo’s hotel sector recorded significant growth in May 2026, with the number of visitors increasing compared to the same period last year. According to data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS), hotels across the country welcomed 69,081 visitors in May, including 25,026 domestic tourists and 44,055 international visitors. Compared …