Year in Pictures: 2022 in the Balkans
From political protests to rising inflation and living costs, a new war in Europe and milestones in European Union integration processes, BIRN has selected photographs from across the region that highlight some key events of 2022. Original post Here
French Museum Keeps Memory of Long-Ago Balkans Alive
A vast treasure trove of photos of the Balkans, taken more than a century ago as part of a rich banker’s project, has been lovingly preserved in a Paris museum. Original post Here
Albania Opposition Says Theft Exposes Alleged Officials’ Ill-Gotten Wealth
The theft of over a hundred thousand euros from a governing official has stirred an opposition outcry about government corruption. Original post Here
Divided Albanian Democrats Row over Appointment of Election Officials
Concerns are growing over the credibility of Albania’s May local elections due to an ongoing court battle over control of the opposition Democrats. Original post Here
Old Albanian Woman Keeps Ancient Dress-Making Tradition Alive
A 70-year-old woman from northern Albania is one the few women still making the ancestral dress called the Xhubleta – which UNESCO recently added to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Original post Here
Turkish Medical Leader Sentenced for Terror Propaganda Exits Prison
Turkish Medical Association leader and senior human rights activist – jailed for two years and eight months for terrorist propaganda – walks free on account of time already served. Original post Here
HRW Report: Southeast, Central Europe Backsliding on Human Rights
Annual report shows that human rights record of several Southeast and Central European countries deteriorated, with autocratic rulers cracking down on critics, journalists and LGBT groups amid increase in violence against women and high political tensions. Original post Here
Gay Couple in Albania Eyes Strasbourg in Battle over Parental Rights
A gay couple in Albania girds for a long legal fight for the right to register both women as parents of their young twins. Original post Here
Albania Court Detains Finance Ministry Officials for Abuse of Office
Three top Albanian Finance Ministry officials face bribery and abuse of office charges for the double compensation of the same private property. Original post Here
Albania in 2023: Local Elections and the Fate of the Opposition
As Albania confronts the tough task of accession talks with the European Union, there are concerns about how the state of the opposition Democrats is affecting the state of Albanian democracy. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 9 – Korça’s central square in front of the Orthodox Cathedral came alive with the Spring Fair ahead of Easter. The event, now a local tradition, brings together artisans and visitors from across the country. Stalls showcase handmade crafts, traditional products, and souvenirs, creating a lively and authentic …
Tourism, Culture, and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja visited the Gjuhadol neighborhood in Shkodra. Mayor Benet Beci joined him. The area includes many historic buildings. Authorities plan to revitalize them and restore their identity. Gonxhja said they will implement a structured intervention plan. The plan targets historic zones and centers. The …
TIRANA, April 9 – Today marks 27 years since the Battle of Koshare, a key confrontation that broke the border between Kosova and Albania. The battle began on April 9, 1999, during Operation “Shigjeta” (The Arrow). It involved fierce clashes with Serbian forces and stands among the bloodiest and most …
The comedy “I Don’t Hear, I Don’t See, I Don’t Speak” premiered at Elbasan’s Skampa Theater, creating a special atmosphere for the audience. Directed by Donard Hasani, the play features performances by Laerti Vasili, Hervin Culi, Atalanta Kërçyku, and Helidon Fino. The comedy tells the story of three characters with …
TIRANA, April 9 – Albania moves closer to a modern, competitive energy market with a new draft law. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Enea Karakaçi, presented the proposed changes at a roundtable today. The session included all key stakeholders in the energy sector. Karakaçi emphasized that the law forms a …
TIRANA, April 9 – The 4th Diaspora Summit will take place in Tirana on April 13–15, bringing together Albanians from around the world to share ideas and foster collaboration. The summit, under the slogan “From our roots we rise,” aims to strengthen connections between the Albanian diaspora and institutions in …
TIRANA, April 9 – The National Food Authority (AKU) has launched a program to categorize fish processing and standardization plants across Albania. AKU Director Blerina Gjylameti said the project aims to ensure food safety, increase market transparency, and bring the sector closer to European Union standards. The initiative runs from …
TIRANA, April 9 – The “Taulantia” promenade in Durrës will soon welcome visitors with a fresh design. Prime Minister Edi Rama, with Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako, inspected the site today. Construction is moving fast, and the promenade will open by June. Workers have begun installing shaded structures designed by Bofill …
The University of Sofia “St. Kliment Ohridski” hosted an evening full of words, memories, and emotions that celebrated two of the greatest voices of Albanian literature, Ismail Kadare and Dritëro Agolli, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs reported today. Under the title “Albanian Voices in European Literature”, the event, …
TIRANA, April 9 – German Brigadier General Thomas Schulte-Borghoff has officially taken over as Director of NATO’s Advisory and Liaison Team in Kosova. He succeeds Doctor Sven Lange. The handover ceremony took place at the Ministry of Defence in Prishtina, according to a KFOR statement. General Lange, who led the …