Bosnia, Serbia, Turkey, Hungary Corruption Worsening, Transparency Says
Latest Transparency International report on perceived levels of public corruption gives Hungary, Bosnia, Serbia and Albania the thumbs down – but notes progress in Kosovo, North Macedonia and Moldova. Original post Here
Albanian gov’t, UAE investor sign deal on €2 billion redevelopment of Durrës waterfront
TIRANA, Jan. 30, 2023 – Albania’s government has officially signed off on a 2 billion euro private-public partnership with a major UAE investor, Muhamed Alabbar, to redevelop the Durrës port area waterfront. The agreement on the Durrës Yacht and Marina Project signed Monday follows almost a year of negotiations between …
Illegal Builder in Albania’s capital Linked to Ruling Party
Government’s claim to be leading crackdown on illegal builds hides an important fact – that such violators are often well connected to the ruling Socialist Party. Original post Here
Britain Must Focus on Root Causes of Migrant Crisis
In dealing with the mass influx of Albanians into the UK, it is not enough to tighten security; measures must be taken to disincentivize their flight. Original post Here
Greek Prime Minister Pays Historic Visit to Minority in Albania
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has made the first visit to the Greek minorityin Albania in decades, where he voiced support for Albania’s European integration. Original post Here
Hidden Victims: Workplace Accidents go Underreported in Albania
Data analyzed by BIRN, and interviews with employers, lawyers and activists, suggest that the publicly available statistics on workplace accidents in Albania are just ‘the tip of the iceberg’. Original post Here
Albania Backs Scrapping Visas for Chinese in Snub to EU
Albania has decided to join Serbia in agreeing to offer Chinese citizens visa-free travel – the only two countries in the region to do this. Original post Here
‘Caged like a dog’; Russian Blogger Accused of Espionage Languishes in Albanian Prison
An eccentric Russian blogger or a dangerous spy? Friends of Svetlana Timofeeva and lawyers are asking why she has been kept for six months in isolation in pre-trial detention in Albania and still has no prospect of facing a court. Original post Here
Hoax Bomb Threats Leave Balkan Region Frustrated, Unnerved
Security agencies face growing questions – but also criticism – over the wave of false bomb threats that’s been shaking the region since March Original post Here
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
With European car demand fluctuating and margins under pressure, manufacturers of car parts in Albania are navigating a delicate shift from cost-based competitiveness to structural adaptation. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 12 – Tirana will host the fourth edition of the Diaspora Summit on April 13, bringing together Albanians from across the world for a two-day program focused on cooperation and development. Prime Minister Edi Rama said in his weekly podcast that the summit will open with a welcome …
TIRANA, April 12 – The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs unveiled the detailed agenda of the Fourth Diaspora Summit, set to take place in Tirana from April 13 to 15. The ministry said the event aims to strengthen ties with Albanians abroad and translate diaspora potential into concrete development …
At the Kakavija border crossing, heavy movement has continued throughout the day on both sides of the border due to the Orthodox Easter celebrations. According to the Border Police, during the last 24 hours, a total of 7,649 citizens were processed at Kakavija in both entry and exit directions — …
The Chairman of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, extended Easter wishes to Orthodox believers, describing it as the holy day of Christ’s resurrection and a moment for reflection on moral values. In his message, Berisha expressed hope that next Easter will be celebrated without the great hardship that has affected …
Prime Minister Edi Rama stated in his podcast “Flasim” that in the coming days Albania will receive a report from the European Union on public procurement, prepared by professional EU instruments. According to the head of government, the EU report is a reliable and high-quality instrument that has analyzed the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama continued today with the next episode of his podcast “Flasim.” During the podcast, he addressed the first topic, speaking about the 4th Diaspora Summit. Rama emphasized that the summit will begin tomorrow with the welcoming ceremony and, as he noted, it will once again bring together …
Sports activities organized during weekends in Gjirokastër are attracting increasing interest from children and young people. Championships in various sports are held at the city’s Sports Palace and are followed with enthusiasm. Training sessions in sports such as basketball, volleyball, and badminton are eagerly attended by children and youth as …
A bar in Pogradec has decided not to serve customers today and, instead of musicians, has had three women perform as a form of irony toward the government rule that will continue this year regarding live music being allowed only until midnight and a noise limit of 85 decibels. The …
On the 27th anniversary of the battle that would go down in history, in Koshare, former commander of the “Topi Unit” Battalion, Feriz Trezhnjeva, still vividly remembers his last meeting with the hero Agim Ramadani. Even after so many years, with strong emotions, he recounts the moment when Commander Katana …