Monday Briefing from the Balkans: April 14, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
BIRN Fact-Check: Is Albanian PM’s Promise of 2030 EU Accession Realistic?
Experts say the Albanian prime minister’s pledge to secure membership of the EU by 2030 is little more than a “fairytale” for the electorate ahead of elections in May. Original post Here
Italy Sends More Migrants to Albania After Change of Plan
A new shipload of migrants from Italy arrived in Albania on Friday after the Rome government changed the rules on the use of its detention centre in the Balkan country after previous legal setbacks to the offshoring project. Original post Here
Albania’s ‘Elite Tourism’ Pits David Against Goliath in Fight for Water
In southwestern Albania, a government plan to harness a village’s natural springs for the needs of a luxury tourism development has locals up in arms. Original post Here
Albanian TikTok Shutdown Tool Raises Privacy Concerns
Albania’s cyber security authority said it will use Deep Packet Inspection to enforce the government’s TikTok ban – but experts say the use of the technology has no legal basis in Albania and could be used for censorship. Original post Here
Albanian Institute for International Studies Invited as Institutional Partner at NATO Public Forum 2025
TIRANA TIMES Albania April 7,— The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has been invited to serve as an Institutional Partner at the 2025 NATO Public Forum, set to take place on June 24-25 in The Hague during the NATO Summit. The invitation, extended by NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division, recognizes …
Arrested Albanian Mayor Accused of Running ‘Disturbing’ PR Campaign From Jail
Published wiretaps appear to show that Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj, who is facing corruption charges, has been running a publicity campaign using cronies in the mass media to target his perceived enemies in the justice system. Original post Here
Albania Failing to Eradicate Banned Pesticides from Agricultural Products
When it comes to banning pesticides, Albania takes its cue from the EU, yet substances deemed dangerous to human health are still being used years later. Original post Here
Trump’s New Tariffs and Their Impact on Albania and the Western Balkans
By Tirana Times Editorial Board TIRANA, April 4, 2025 Tirana Times — President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on global trade partners have sparked concern and debate across Europe and the Western Balkans, with Albania finding itself in an uneasy position—politically aligned with the United States but economically vulnerable and …
Beware of Stone Slogans – Ylljet Alicka’s Cautionary Tale
Rafaela Prifti Alicka’s storytelling in Stone Slogans lays one episode after another with cynical awareness and mindful deliberation to reveal the anguish and despair that has taken hold of an existence controlled by fear in communist Albania. After reading the first story eponymous with the book’s title Slogans in Stone, …
TIRANA, August 13 – Firefighting operations continue on the ground and from the air. The Armed Forces are supporting operations in several areas across Albania. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said 274 Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed. They are using 21 vehicles, 1 water tanker, 3 ambulances and 9 firefighting …
TIRANA, August 13 – Albania’s economy continues to grow, while the recent rise in inflation is mainly temporary, according to the Bank of Albania. The central bank said average inflation reached 3% in the second quarter, up from 2.5% in the first quarter. Higher fuel prices and some domestic services …
TIRANA, August 13 – The 20th Korça Beer Festival opened on Wednesday evening at the new Events Hub in Drenova. The festival runs until August 16 with 5 nights of music, beer, gastronomy and entertainment. Korça Mayor Sotiraq Filo said the opening night created a lively atmosphere. He described the …
TIRANA, August 13 – Gjirokastër continues to attract tourists from around the world. Visitors experience the “stone city” through its history, architecture, traditions and hospitality. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video featuring tourists from Australia, Sweden, New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands and other countries. Visitors praised the Cold War …
People gathered at vantage points all across the Balkans to enjoy the unique experience of watching the solar eclipse on Thursday evening. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 13 – The Municipality of Lezha recorded 10 fires across its territory on Wednesday. Mayor Pjerin Ndreu urged residents to remain extremely cautious. He also called on them to report to authorities anyone identified as starting a fire. Ndreu said firefighters responded to 10 fires in different areas …
TIRANA, August 13 – The Agritourism AL application has become an information platform for agritourism and rural tourism destinations in Albania. It helps tourists and visitors plan trips and discover offers linked to nature, gastronomy and Albanian traditions. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said users can download the …
TIRANA, August 13 – Albania has become a popular summer destination for international electronic music artists. On August 15, Turkish DJ and producer Mahmut Orhan will perform at MOYO Drymades. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the event. The performance will start at 20:00 and continue into the …
TIRANA, August 13 – Authorities reported 45 fires across Albania during the past 24 hours. Twelve remain active and 1 remains under monitoring. The Agency for Media and Information said 72 firefighting vehicles and 839 operational personnel have joined the response. The Armed Forces have provided 250 personnel, 5 helicopters …
TIRANA, August 13 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja, and Saranda Mayor Oltion Çaçi visited tourism measures in Saranda. Lamallari said rising tourist numbers bring greater responsibility for the State Police. He stressed the need to protect residents and visitors. He also called for …