Albania’s Government Criticised for Pre-Election ‘Sweeteners’
Though not strictly in violation of the law, a string of generous gestures by Albania’s government appears designed to curry favour with large segments of the electorate ahead of parliamentary polls in May. Original post Here
Often Unnoticed, Albania’s Graft Prosecutors are Targeting Mayors Too
Besides targeting political figures at the state level, special prosecutors in Albania are also going after mayors at the local level where corruption is often more prevalent. Original post Here
Albania to Register Diaspora Voters for First Time Ahead of May Polls
New regulations will allow Albanians living outside the country to cast postal ballots in the May parliamentary elections – a change long sought by most parties. Original post Here
FDI SCREENING AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR PROTECTING ALBANIAN NATIONAL INTERESTS AND ENHANCING ALIGNMENT WITH THE EU
Navigating Albania-China Relations amid Euro-Atlantic Commitments During the post-communist period, Albania’s priorities were largely defined by the need to rebuild its economy, modernize infrastructure, and reintegrate into the global political and economic systems. In its pursuit of development and modernization, the Albanian government sought partnerships with a wide array of …
FDI SCREENING AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR PROTECTING ALBANIAN NATIONAL INTERESTS AND ENHANCING ALIGNMENT WITH THE EU
Navigating Albania-China Relations amid Euro-Atlantic Commitments During the post-communist period, Albania’s priorities were largely defined by the need to rebuild its economy, modernize infrastructure, and reintegrate into the global political and economic systems. In its pursuit of development and modernization, the Albanian government sought partnerships with a wide array of …
Albania in 2025: Parliamentary Elections Approach, But ‘No Real Alternatives’ Appear
Many expect the ruling Socialist Party to win this year’s parliamentary elections again, and are placing their hopes in anti-corruption bodies to bring some genuine change by battling high-level graft. Original post Here
The Departed: Balkan Personalities Who Left the Stage in 2024
From a diplomat who fought in World War II to a Turkish cleric accused of subverting the state and a Bulgarian rock star who raised his voice for democracy, these are some of the key figures who passed away this year in the Balkans. Original post Here
Albania’s TikTok ban draws debate
TIRANA, Dec. 26, 2024 – The Albanian government’s recent announcement that will ban for at least a year the use within the country of the popular social media platform TikTok has generated debate over the impact of social media on society and the decision’s impact on free speech. According to …
1980s icon Simaku returns to the spotlight after decades of emigration hardship
TIRANA, Dec. 26, 2024 – Parashqevi Simaku, once Albania’s darling of song and stage, has re-emerged in the public eye after years of hardship, including a period of homelessness in New York City. The beloved singer, known for her velvety voice and electrifying performances during the 1980s, is now reclaiming …
Digital Rights Review: TikTok Backlash in Romania, Spyware Revelations in Serbia
TikTok became the focus of criticism for boosting a far-right contender in Romania’s elections, while in Serbia, evidence of the use of spyware emerged amid the largest student protests in the country in years. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 5 – The Kakavija border crossing with Greece continues to operate smoothly despite the peak summer travel season. Border Police report normal traffic flow, with no queues or long waiting times for travellers or vehicles. Meanwhile, officers processed 7,448 travellers during the past 24 hours. Authorities recorded 4,359 …
TIRANA, August 5 – Albania and Italy have established Fincantieri Albania, marking a new step in their strategic partnership and the development of Albania’s maritime industry. Officials signed the company’s founding act and statute at the Naval Vessels Division of Italy’s Fincantieri in Genoa. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said …
*]: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:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> The Albanian Road Authority (ASRA) has announced that on August 6 and 7, 2026, traffic will be restricted on two lanes of the main Tirana–Durrës highway near the new Kashar overpass from 00:00 to 04:30. According to the authority, the restrictions …
*]: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:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-turn=”assistant”> Border crossing points in Korçë County continue to experience an increasing flow of travelers entering and leaving Albania. Over the past 24 hours, 5,252 Albanian and foreign nationals entered the country through the Kapshticë Border Crossing Point, while 4,658 people crossed …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”1a058c7f-d397-4086-bfe5-d644c7da2d09″ data-turn-id-container=”1a058c7f-d397-4086-bfe5-d644c7da2d09″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-turn=”user”> A fire that broke out around midday on Wednesday in the village of Penkovë, in the Municipality of Selenicë, spread to an auto salvage yard used for storing vehicles for spare parts. The blaze destroyed dozens of vehicles, causing significant material …
*]: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:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-turn=”assistant”> Several neighborhoods in Vlorë continue to lack access to public transportation, including the Transballkanike area, where more than 5,000 residents live and around 1,000 businesses operate. Despite its large population, no urban bus service has operated along this route for more …
A large fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in an olive grove located about 100 meters from the Elbasan–Mjekës–Cërrujë–Gramsh 400 kV substation, raising concerns due to its proximity to critical power infrastructure. The blaze burned an area of olive trees, while thick smoke spread across the surrounding area. However, thanks …
A meeting between Vetëvendosje (LVV) leader Albin Kurti and Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) leader Lumir Abdixhiku, aimed at reaching a coalition agreement, has concluded without a deal. Speaking briefly after the meeting, Kurti said there was no progress to announce. “We have no news, as long as we don’t have an agreement. …
Amid the constant buzz of thousands of bees and the scent of blooming flowers, Behexhet Ruda begins the same daily routine he has followed for more than 43 years. In the village of Shushicë, near Elbasan, the 66-year-old beekeeper tends to his hives with the same dedication that began in childhood, when he accompanied his …
TIRANA, August 5 – The Spanish travel blog “Viajablog” has presented Albania as a destination for every season. Writing for the blog, Quique Cardona highlights the country’s diverse climate and geographical position between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The article describes Albania as a destination where visitors can explore the …