Albania, China and the Case for a Balanced Foreign Policy
By Ambassador Fatmir Çela Diplomacy has always been the lifeline of small nations, and Albania is no exception. From Fan Noli’s influence in Washington to the decisive interventions of diplomats in 1913, Albania’s survival and recognition have often depended less on force and more on skillful negotiation and credibility. For …
Syria Recognizes Kosovo in Diplomatic Breakthrough Backed by Saudi Arabia
TIRANA, October 29, 2025 In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Syria has officially recognized the Republic of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the 120th country to do so. The announcement was made in Riyadh during President Vjosa Osmani’s visit, marking one of the most significant moments in …
Albanian Volleyball Authority Slammed for Suspending Player Over Gender Claims
The Albanian Volleyball Federation has been accused of discrimination and prejudice over its decision to suspend a Brazilian women’s volleyball player based on unsupported allegations about her gender. Original post Here
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama Meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama Meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh Riyadh, October 27, 2025 . Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama is paying an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he was received at the Royal Palace in Riyadh by the Crown Prince and …
State Capture and Electoral Manipulation
ODIHR Report on Albania’s 2025 Elections Tirana, October 25, 2025. The final report of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on Albania’s May 11 parliamentary elections paints a deeply troubling picture of a country where democratic standards remain systematically undermined. The document exposes extensive evidence of …
SPAK Summons Deputy Prime Minister Balluku
SPAK Summons Deputy Prime Minister Balluku A Major Test for Albania’s Anti-Corruption Drive Tirana, October 27, 2025 .The Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has officially summoned Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku for questioning, marking one of the most politically sensitive moments in Albania’s ongoing …
No Silver Bullet: Sanctions in Western Balkans Risk Becoming Empty Gestures
International sanctions can be a useful tool for holding powerful figures accountable – but if they’re not followed up with action in their home countries, their effect may be limited. Original post Here
Moving Albanian Drug Money, on Trust or in Crypto
Investigators have documented the use of foreign exchange offices in Albania to move drug money, either in crypto or via a centuries-old, trust-based system called Hawala. Original post Here
Obituary
Remembering Janusz Bugajski: Scholar, Mentor, and Lifelong Friend of the Balkans Janusz Bugajski (1954–2025) The international academic and analytical community has lost one of its most lucid and principled voices. Janusz Bugajski, the distinguished American analyst of Eurasian and Balkan affairs, passed away on October 18, 2025, at the age …
How Albania Became a Hub of the Global Fraud Industry
Organised crime networks are using call centres in Albania to defraud people across Europe, conning them with promises of big profits from scam investments and employing sophisticated social-engineering techniques. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 24 – The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed Albania’s support for Ukraine on its Independence Day. The ministry said the Ukrainian people have the right to determine their future as a free nation. It also praised Ukraine’s courage and resilience in defending its sovereignty and …
Albania has celebrated a historic success at the Mediterranean Games “Taranto 2026” as wrestler Islam Dudaev won the country’s first gold medal of the Games. Dudaev claimed the title in the men’s freestyle 74-kilogram category. He reached the final and secured the gold after his opponent, Fati Vejseli of North …
Albania has celebrated a major success at the Mediterranean Games “Taranto 2026”, with wrestler Islam Dudaev winning the country’s first gold medal. Dudaev triumphed in the men’s freestyle wrestling event in the 74-kilogram category. He secured the title after his opponent, North Macedonia’s Fati Vejseli, withdrew from the final because …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said citizen protests can challenge the government and help improve governance and its relationship with the public. Speaking after a government cabinet meeting in Pogradec, Rama said the recent protests over a tourism project in Zvërnec had provided a real challenge for the government. He argued …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has outlined new government priorities focused on improving living standards and strengthening social policies across Albania. Following a cabinet meeting in Pogradec, Rama said the government will give particular attention to healthcare and education. He also called for stronger policies that directly improve the quality of …
President Bajram Begaj has called for stronger efforts to preserve the memory of the victims of Albania’s communist regime. During a visit to Lushnjë, Begaj paid tribute to people who suffered political persecution and internment. He laid flowers at the Memorial of Political Persecution and visited the former internment camp …
Albania has celebrated a strong start in wrestling at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, winning three medals. Islam Dudaev secured the gold medal, giving Albania its first gold at the Games. Zelimkhan Abakarov followed with a silver medal, while Ardit Zeneli won bronze. President Bajram Begaj congratulated the Albanian …
The Tirana Traffic Police announced that it issued 11,420 administrative fines over the past week as part of checks aimed at preventing road accidents and managing traffic on major roads, as well as at the entry and exit points of the capital. During the inspections, 55 people were arrested or …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:abd5f9c3-e6f6-4ffd-a368-acf87625c22f-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:abd5f9c3-e6f6-4ffd-a368-acf87625c22f-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> Former U.S. Congressman Joe DioGuardi has said that Kosovo needs to elect a president as soon as possible. Speaking in Pristina, he said that the ongoing political crisis is putting Kosovo in a difficult situation. “I am here, as you know, …
This Monday, President Bajram Begaj honored the victims of internment under Albania’s communist regime in Lushnje, where he called for the preservation of historical memory as both a lesson and a responsibility to future generations. On the occasion of the International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Totalitarian Regimes, …