Bird-Hunting Tourism Threatens to Wipe Out Balkan Quails
Routine use of illegal ‘lures’ by visiting European hunters who love to shoot migrating birds in the Balkans is pushing some species to the brink – while weak policing allows the crime to continue unchecked, conservationists warn. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 10, 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
Balkan Cold Cases #3: Young Men Killed in Crackdown as Albanian Communism Fell
When police attacked the first demonstrations against Albania’s repressive communist regime in April 1991, four students were killed. The officials who were initially convicted were amnestied, and there has never been a proper investigation into what happened. Original post Here
‘Lifeless’: Pollution Threatens the Drin and its Tributaries in Three Balkan States
Without concerted action, pollution threatens to leave the Drin River and its main tributaries “lifeless”, environmentalists in Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia warn. Original post Here
Albania’s Marginalised Small Parties Spy Opportunity in 2025 Elections
In a system that favours the two big players, their smaller rivals have traditionally stood no chance – but might things be different in the looming May 2025 elections? Original post Here
Albanian Politician’s Arrest Lays Bare Organised Crime’s Electoral Influence
Corruption charges against a former MP of the ruling Socialist Party represent a case study in the transactional relationship between organised crime and politics in Albania, a relationship with the power to tip the electoral scales, experts say. Original post Here
Albanian Cannabis Gangs Exploit Poverty to Hire Female Day Labourers
Women from impoverished parts of Albania are being lured into work as day labourers on illegal cannabis plantations; if caught, they face paying a high price for what their lawyers say is effectively ‘modern slavery’. Original post Here
Afghan Refugees in Albania Alarmed as Trump Slams US Doors
New US administration’s freeze on foreign aid and crackdown on immigration has left Afghan refugees in Albania in a state of limbo. Original post Here
2025- Tirana the Mediterranean capital of culture and dialogue
On top of celebrations, the city will serve also as a agora of open debate Tirana, the capital of Albania, has started its year as the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue for 2025. This title recognizes the city’s cultural growth and its importance in the Mediterranean region. Tirana and …
Albanian ‘Smart City’ Deal with UAE Firm Flagged as ‘Serious’ Surveillance Risk
Digital rights groups have sounded the alarm over a city ‘smart camera’ deal between Albania and an Abu Dhabi-based company with links to UAE security services and – allegedly – China. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 5 – Albania’s Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met with Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in Rome to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and security. The two ministers discussed deeper cooperation between Albania and Italy, focusing on increasing the interoperability of the Armed Forces and exploring new opportunities …
TIRANA, August 5 – Albania will experience stable and hot weather conditions on Wednesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain clear across the country, with occasional light clouds expected in mountainous areas from midday to afternoon hours. Winds will blow from the southeast to southwest at …
TIRANA, August 5 – The American travel magazine “Islands” has presented Albania as a rising destination where wild landscapes, breathtaking coastlines and thousands of years of history come together. Writing for “Islands”, Rebecca High described Albania as a lesser-known Balkan country that is increasingly attracting visitors from North America. She …
TIRANA, August 5 – The Albanian Road Authority announced a temporary traffic closure on the Tirana-Durrës road during the nights of August 6 and 7, 2026, as part of the second phase of expansion works on the main road corridor. The closure will be in force from 00:00 to 04:30, …
TIRANA, August 5 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja said the national program “Double Your Business” aims to improve access to financing for businesses and farmers. The scheme supports investments that increase productivity, modernization, innovation and competitiveness. Gonxhja highlighted tourism and agro-tourism as sectors with major potential …
TIRANA, August 5 – Dinamo lost 1-0 to Latvian side Auda in the first match of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The narrow defeat keeps the qualification battle open ahead of the return leg. The match in Latvia remained balanced, while the Albanian team created the …
TIRANA, August 5 – Egnatia lost 3-1 to Irish side Shamrock Rovers in the first match of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. The result leaves the qualification battle open ahead of the return leg. The hosts took the lead in the 29th minute when Burke converted …
TIRANA, August 5 – Albania recorded another strong tourism month in July. Passenger flows increased during the peak summer season. More than 2.05 million passengers used Tirana International Airport “Mother Teresa” and the country’s main ports. Meanwhile, data from the Media and Information Agency (MIA) shows that Tirana International Airport …
TIRANA, August 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today images from Gjuhadol, one of the most characteristic areas in the centre of Shkodër. The historic district remains one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Its architecture and atmosphere continue to attract visitors. Meanwhile, several private homes have turned into …
TIRANA, August 5 – Albania is expanding its public management model for healthcare support services, Health Minister Evis Sala said after inspecting the facilities of the Integrated Sterilisation Services Operator (OSHIS). Meanwhile, OSHIS has already taken over the integrated sterilisation service. It will also manage the National Basic Medical Check-Up …