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Strong winds cause damage in Pristina

Trees were knocked down and roofs were damaged on Monday by powerful winds ripped through Kosovo’s capital, Pristina. Original post Here

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No more unregistered vehicles in northern Kosovo

On Monday, the Kosovo Police have started implementation of an operation plan to stop participation in traffic of all unregistered vehicles in the northern part of Kosovo inhabited by Serbs. Pristina authorities have never extended their full authority in the north and this has created a heaven for local Serbs …

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LDK does not support Vetevendosje’s protest

The Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) is not intending to support the protest called by the Vetevendosje movement set to be held on 29 September against President Hashim Thaci’s plan to discuss land swap with Serbia. Chief of parliamentary group of LDK, Avdullah Hoti, says they will decide on their …

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Serbia continues building illegal settlement in northern Kosovo

Kosovo Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning has filed a criminal report against the Municipality of Zvecan in northern Kosovo, for failing to implement their order on suspension of the construction work at the illegal settlement of 350 houses financed by the Government of Serbia. Original post Here

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Kosovo will not infringe territorial integrity of Serbia, says Kadri Veseli

Speaker of Kosovo Parliament and chairman of the biggest political party in Kosovo – PDK, Kadri Veseli, says he is working on unification of all political leaders to reach a consensus related to dialogue with Serbia. Veseli reiterated that Kosovo is united when it comes to preserving its territorial integrity. …

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Redrawing borders returns tragedies, says Kosovo’s PM Haradinaj

Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj says he hopes a peace treaty will end disputes between Kosovo and Serbia, noting that discussion of borders returns the region into the past and tragedies. He made the comments addressing EU-Kosovo Parliament’s Committee on Stabilisation-Association Agreement (SAA). Original post Here

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Albania introduces Durres-Kukes road toll fees

Albanian authorities have introduced today the toll fees on the National Road between Durres and Kukes, which also links Albania to Kosovo. Original post Here

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Region to benefit from Kosovo Army, says deputy minister

Kosovo Government approved last week a decision to transform the Kosovo Security Force (KSF), a lightly armed civilian force, into Army of Kosovo. The Government is expected to amend current law on KSF in order to give additional competencies to this force. The move is seen with scepticism by internationals …

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Kosovo’s PM thanks MEPs on their vote on visas

Kosovo Prime Minister, Ramush Haradinaj, met on Monday a delegation of the European Parliament, headed by Tonino Picula. During the meeting they discussed recommendations deriving from the Stabilisation-Association Agreement (SAA), namely fulfilling of obligations from thew first phase of the European Reform Agenda (ERA) and preperations for implementation of the …

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Avni Arifi to be appointed new Kosovo Ambassador to United Arab Emirates

Avni Arifi, chief of cabinet to Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj and head of Kosovo’s delegation in technical dialogue with Serbia, is expected to be appointed as new Kosovo Ambassador to United Arab Emirates. Original post Here

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Albania’s Tourism Industry is Booming, But at What Cost?

Critics are questioning the impact of Albania’s tourism boom on the environment and the lives of ordinary Albanians. Original post Here

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What’s driving Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans – and what should be done about it?

12 June 2025 Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans has increased substantially, but won’t catch up with EU FDI any time soon. Governments must ensure that China’s investments comply with environmental and labour standards. Attracting high-quality FDI should be the goal image credit: unsplash.com/vxhorse By Branimir Jovanović This article draws on …

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The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals

William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid. His central thesis focused on scrutinising the idealistic sentiment behind foreign aid, and the harsh reality of  its lacklustre execution. In his cutting and astute observations, Easterly points to the fact that …

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With their Healthcare System in Decline, Some Albanians Look to Kosovo

Albanians in the north say they find cheaper treatment and a more pleasant experience if they go to hospital across the border in Kosovo. Original post Here

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Detention of Tirana Mayor Without Charges Highlights Rule-of-Law Concerns in Albania

TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times — The prolonged pre-trial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj — still held without formal charges — is raising fresh questions about Albania’s judicial practices, as critics point to growing divergence from European legal standards. Veliaj, once a key figure in the ruling Socialist Party and …

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Italy and Albania: Building a Shared Future Through Action and Partnership

By Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania The Italian anthem was written by Goffredo Mameli, a young man who sacrificed his life for Italy’s freedom— the same desire for freedom that has always characterized the Albanian people. This sense of freedom unites us. The very first word of our …

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Russian Propaganda Campaign Targets European Summit in Albania

By Vladimir Karaj TIRANA, Albania— A Kremlin-aligned propaganda network unleashed a flurry of disinformation targeting last month’s European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana, seeking to mock Western leaders, amplify Russian narratives, and sow distrust — even as Albania, a staunch NATO ally, hosted the high-profile event. In the days …

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Village Schools Left Behind by Albania’s Digital Rollout

Schools in rural parts of Albania are being left behind when it comes to the use of digital tools in teaching and communication. Original post Here

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Albania-Serbia Match Highlights Political Fault Lines Amid Fragile Rapprochement

Tirana Times, June 8, 2025 ,The goalless draw between Albania and Serbia on Saturday in Tirana was more than just a World Cup qualifying fixture. Played under the shadow of history, unresolved political tensions, and previous violent episodes between fans, this match offered a revealing glimpse into the complex relationship …

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Albania’s Healthcare Plagued by High-Level Corruption and Broken Promises

Tirana Times, 5 June 2025 — More than a decade after promising “free healthcare” to all citizens, Albania’s Socialist government faces mounting public outrage and a credibility crisis, as a new report reveals that 8 in 10 Albanians believe the country’s healthcare system is deeply corrupt. The study, conducted by …

News

Albania’s Tourism Industry is Booming, But at What Cost?

Critics are questioning the impact of Albania’s tourism boom on the environment and the lives of ordinary Albanians. Original post Here

News

What’s driving Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans – and what should be done about it?

12 June 2025 Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans has increased substantially, but won’t catch up with EU FDI any time soon. Governments must ensure that China’s investments comply with environmental and labour standards. Attracting high-quality FDI should be the goal image credit: unsplash.com/vxhorse By Branimir Jovanović This article draws on …

News

The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals

William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid. His central thesis focused on scrutinising the idealistic sentiment behind foreign aid, and the harsh reality of  its lacklustre execution. In his cutting and astute observations, Easterly points to the fact that …

News

With their Healthcare System in Decline, Some Albanians Look to Kosovo

Albanians in the north say they find cheaper treatment and a more pleasant experience if they go to hospital across the border in Kosovo. Original post Here

News

Detention of Tirana Mayor Without Charges Highlights Rule-of-Law Concerns in Albania

TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times — The prolonged pre-trial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj — still held without formal charges — is raising fresh questions about Albania’s judicial practices, as critics point to growing divergence from European legal standards. Veliaj, once a key figure in the ruling Socialist Party and …

News

Italy and Albania: Building a Shared Future Through Action and Partnership

By Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania The Italian anthem was written by Goffredo Mameli, a young man who sacrificed his life for Italy’s freedom— the same desire for freedom that has always characterized the Albanian people. This sense of freedom unites us. The very first word of our …

News

Russian Propaganda Campaign Targets European Summit in Albania

By Vladimir Karaj TIRANA, Albania— A Kremlin-aligned propaganda network unleashed a flurry of disinformation targeting last month’s European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana, seeking to mock Western leaders, amplify Russian narratives, and sow distrust — even as Albania, a staunch NATO ally, hosted the high-profile event. In the days …

News

Village Schools Left Behind by Albania’s Digital Rollout

Schools in rural parts of Albania are being left behind when it comes to the use of digital tools in teaching and communication. Original post Here

News

Albania-Serbia Match Highlights Political Fault Lines Amid Fragile Rapprochement

Tirana Times, June 8, 2025 ,The goalless draw between Albania and Serbia on Saturday in Tirana was more than just a World Cup qualifying fixture. Played under the shadow of history, unresolved political tensions, and previous violent episodes between fans, this match offered a revealing glimpse into the complex relationship …

News

Albania’s Healthcare Plagued by High-Level Corruption and Broken Promises

Tirana Times, 5 June 2025 — More than a decade after promising “free healthcare” to all citizens, Albania’s Socialist government faces mounting public outrage and a credibility crisis, as a new report reveals that 8 in 10 Albanians believe the country’s healthcare system is deeply corrupt. The study, conducted by …