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
As Justice Vetting Ends, Albania Urged to Maintain New Anti-Graft Standards
A seven-year vetting process in Albania has been hailed as setting new standards in the fight against judicial graft. Can the country maintain them? Original post Here
Museum Honours Woman Who Challenged Albania’s Brutal Communist Takeover
Musine Kokalari paid a heavy price for opposing Albania’s slide into totalitarianism; a newly opened museum recalls her largely forgotten struggle for a more liberated society. Original post Here
Bechtel Bespoke: US Engineering Giant’s Modus Operandi in the Balkans Causes Concern
Over the past two decades, US engineering giant Bechtel has won billions of euros worth of infrastructure work across the Balkans, often on the basis of bespoke laws that bypass public procurement rules and keep the deals’ key details under wraps. Original post Here
Regional Youth shares a vision of Peace, Development and European Integration
Tirana, 13.12.2024 Young people seek a region where their voices are heard, where they can decide about their future and where peace and cultural cooperation trump division, hate speech and prejudice. The European integration as a vessel of relevant reforms and incentives can be decisive toward achieving this noble goals. …
Higher Pay Lures Albanians to Booming Montenegrin Resort
A flow of workers from northern Albania to the expanding town of Ulcinj on Montenegro’s coast is leaving their hometowns short of labour. Original post Here
Albanian Opposition MPs Slam Govt for Sidelining Constitutional Court
Opposition MPs claimed the government is ignoring Council of Europe experts’ advice urging parliament to let the Constitutional Court review the mandate of a former minister who has been accused of abuse of office. Original post Here
Privatization of Butrint: How Albania is Selling Off Its Archaeological Heritage
Butrint is one of the most prestigious archaeological sites in Albania. However, the government has decided to entrust its management to a private foundation, at the risk of jeopardizing its classification on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Ilda Mara Courrier des Balkans The archaeological site of Butrint, listed as …
BIRN Reality Check: Pollution Continues Unabated in Albania’s Oldest Oilfield
BIRN reported in 2022 on the scourge of pollution in the area of Albania’s oldest oilfield. A subsequent inspection resulted in a 10,000-euro fine for the culprit, but the leaks continue. Original post Here
Tirana’s ‘Heat Island’ Moment
It’s late July 2024 in Albania. An ever-present heat weighs down the air around you. Summers always get hot, but this time, it feels more draining than before. You’ve cranked the AC in your house, so the inside is safe. One step through those doors, however, and you’re right back …
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 …
TIRANA, August 5 – Fourteen wildfire outbreaks were reported across Albania during the past 12 hours. Five fires remain active, the Media and Information Agency (MIA) said on Tuesday. Emergency crews continue firefighting operations with 182 operational personnel. They also use 19 fire engines, three Air Force helicopters and one …
TIRANA, August 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images today from wildfire operations across Albania. He highlighted the deployment of the country’s first firefighting aircraft and praised the crews working on the front line. Rama said the aircraft has begun operations as an additional firefighting asset during the challenging …
TIRANA, August 5 – Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro welcomed the provisional closure of Chapter 25 of Albania’s European Union accession negotiations, which covers science and research. She described the step as further evidence of the country’s progress toward EU membership. Meanwhile, Kumbaro said the closure confirms Albania’s progress in aligning …
TIRANA, August 5 – Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the new agricultural cooperative “ARRKO” will create fresh opportunities for farmers in the municipality of Kolonja. The cooperative forms part of a national initiative that encourages farmers to organise around priority agricultural products. Meanwhile, the cooperative aims to unite local farmers …
TIRANA, August 5 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Democratic League of Kosova (LDK) leader Lumir Abdixhiku failed to reach a political agreement during their meeting on August 4. However, both leaders said they will continue negotiations to form Kosova’s new institutions after the June 7 elections. The meeting …
TIRANA, August 5 – The European Union will provide €100 million to Albania under a broad cooperation programme for 2025-2027, according to details published in the Official Journal. The funding will support critical raw materials, environmental protection and democratic reforms. Meanwhile, the programme places strong emphasis on developing Albania’s critical …
TIRANA, August 5 – A new artistic installation has been placed on the Taulantia promenade in Durrës. The artwork has become a new landmark for residents and visitors. Meanwhile, Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako said the installation represents more than an artistic work. She described it as a symbol of love …
TIRANA, August 5 – President Bajram Begaj received the credentials of Paraguay’s non-resident Ambassador to Albania, María José Argaña de Mateu, during an official ceremony in Tirana. Meanwhile, Begaj praised the friendly relations between Albania and Paraguay. He also expressed his commitment to giving new momentum to bilateral cooperation. In …
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 …