Italy Eyes August Start Date for Albania Asylum Centres
Italy’s right-wing prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, inspected work on two asylum centres being built in Albania under a controversial deal between the two countries. Original post Here
As Palestine Recognitions Grow, Balkan States’ Stances Shaped by Geopolitics
Slovenia has recognised war-ravaged Palestine as independent, but some Balkan countries prefer to stay quiet and follow the United States’ lead – while others recognised Palestinian statehood decades ago while they were under communist rule. Original post Here
Albania Leader’s New Anti-Corruption Initiative Branded a PR Project
Prime Minister Edi Rama has pushed through a resolution setting up a new Special Anti-Corruption Commission – but critics claim it’s a partisan initiative, established to combat negative publicity over graft cases involving former ruling party politicians. Original post Here
Balkan Prison Overcrowding Worsening – Report
Prison populations and incarceration rates in the Balkans are too high and continuing to grow, according to new research. Original post Here
Albanian, Spanish Police Bust Illegal Scheme to Help Albanians Enter UK
Albanian and Spanish Police in a two-year investigation have uncovered a crime group that forged documents to enable Albanians to illegally enter the UK and Ireland. Original post Here
Albanian Court Hands Opposition Democratic Party Back to Berisha
Tuesday’s court ruling effectively ends a two-year battle for control of Albania’s once-mighty Democratic Party. Original post Here
Albania-Greece Tensions Intensify as Jailed Mayor-Elect Becomes European MP
Fredi Beleri, a mayor-elect in Albania who has been in prison since May 2023, is expected to enter the European parliament after standing as a Greek MEP, further complicating already strained relations between Albania and Greece. Original post Here
‘Administrative Silence’: FOI Requests Go Unanswered in Balkans, BIRN Report Says
Public institutions in the six Western Balkan countries routinely refuse to respond to freedom of information requests, and it’s getting worse, a new report from the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network warns. Original post Here
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
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Socialist lawmakers and all Members of the European Parliament supported recommendations backing Albania’s European Union membership during the EU–Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee meeting in Strasbourg. Rama said all MEPs voted in favour of Albania’s European integration, alongside members of the Socialist Party, describing …
Albania has joined the European Council of Legal and Forensic Medicine (ECLFM), the highest European body for forensic medicine. Justice Minister Toni Gogu said the membership strengthens Albania’s position within the European forensic medicine community and creates new opportunities for professional and scientific development. Through this membership, Albania will officially …
German Ambassador Karl Bergner met with Albania’s Ombudsman Endrit Shabani and praised the institution’s work to protect human rights and promote European values. During the meeting, Bergner congratulated Shabani on his new role and highlighted the Ombudsman’s contribution to building a fairer and more inclusive society. The two officials discussed …
The French Cultural Week will begin this Sunday and continue until July 24, bringing a diverse program of artistic activities across Albania. The event will showcase French culture through impressionist painting, classical theatre, ballet, cinema, literature, music and other forms of artistic expression. As one of the world’s leading cultural …
Composer Aldo Shllaku brought the magic of Hollywood film music to his hometown of Shkodër, performing his internationally acclaimed works for the first time before a local audience. The concert featured emotional soundtracks created by Shllaku, an artist who has built a successful career in the global film industry while …
The fifth edition of the Gjon Mili Jazz & Blues Festival brought international jazz performances to the “Mirush Kabashi” open-air theatre near Tirana’s Artificial Lake. The festival welcomed artists from Italy, Austria, Germany, Greece, Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, alongside some of Albania’s most renowned jazz musicians. The evening opened …
New digital rights monitoring report published by BIRN reveals an increasingly hostile digital landscape – especially for journalists and civil society – across the Western Balkans and Turkey. Original post Here
TIRANA, July 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met on Thursday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace, Cumhurbaskanlıgı Kulliyesi, in Ankara. Rama shared images from the meeting on social media. He described Erdogan as a valued friend and said the talks followed the NATO Summit and …
TIRANA, July 9 – President Bajram Begaj visited the Presheva Valley in southern Serbia on Thursday, where he met local representatives and residents in Presheva and Bujanoc. During his meetings with Presheva Mayor Ardita Sinani, Bujanoc Mayor Arbër Pajaziti, Albanian National Council Chairman Enkel Rexhepi and Albanian MP in Serbia’s …
TIRANA, July 9 – The Institute of Statistics of Albania, in cooperation with line ministries and partners, reviewed the preliminary results of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey and discussed the preparation of the final report. The meeting marked an important stage in transforming collected data into analysis and recommendations for …