Oligarchy, Governance, and Justice in the Eyes of Citizens’ Expectations
By Zef Preçi The recent decision of Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption (SPAK) to formally indict Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Belinda Balluku on charges related to abuse of office and corruption has sent shockwaves through the political establishment. Balluku widely regarded as the government’s second-in-command and …
Drug Shortages, Delays and Debts: Breast Cancer Treatment in Albania
Delays and drug shortages in the public healthcare system force hundreds of Albanian women every year to seek expensive, private treatment for breast cancer. Original post Here
The Sound of Freedom: Why MTV was Beloved in the Balkans
MTV is shutting down its European music video channels, which were once symbols of freedom for many young people in the Balkans and the former Eastern Bloc. Lida Hujic had a front-row seat when the channel was at its peak. Original post Here
Fatos Nano, Albania’s Reformist Prime Minister, Dies at 73
Tirana, October 31, 2025 Former Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano, the reformist leader who transformed the country’s Communist Party into a modern European-style Socialist Party and who steered Albania through several of its most turbulent post-communist years, has died at the age of 73. Nano a figure at once admired, …
Constitutional Court Overturns Dismissal: Veliaj Formally Reinstated as Tirana Mayor
Tirana November 3,2025 The Constitutional Court has ruled in favor of Erion Veliaj, annulling the government’s decision to dismiss him from office and invalidating President Bajram Begaj’s decree for early elections in Tirana. With a 5–3 vote, the Court decided that Veliaj who has been in pre-trial detention for nine …
Albania Constitutional Court Overturns Decision Sacking Tirana Mayor
Country’s top court rules in favour of ousted Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj regarding his dismissal – also cancelling fresh elections for a replacement for Veliaj, who is facing corruption charges. Original post Here
Commemorating the Restoration of China’s Legitimate Seat at the United Nations, Preserving and Advancing the Traditional China–Albania Friendship
— Article by the Chinese Ambassador to Albania, Pang Chunxue On 25 October 1971, at the 26th Session of the UN General Assembly, Resolution 2758 was adopted by an overwhelming majority, restoring all the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations and recognizing the representatives …
US Academic Challenges National Narratives with Study of Race in Albania
In her new book based on her travels in Albania, Black American academic Chelsi West Ohueri looks at how people in the country see race and ethnicity – and the racial divides between Albanians and the marginalised Roma minority. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: November 3, 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
Albania’s Former Prime Minister Fatos Nano Dies at 73
Albania’s president praised the legacy of the three-times prime minister, an important figure in the country’s post-communist politics, who died on Friday. Original post Here
Ibrahimaj: 1,179 applications submitted to Startup Albania, support will continue for all applicants
Albania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, has highlighted the strong interest in Startup Albania 2026, which received 1,179 applications this year. Following the selection process, Ibrahimaj stressed that the programme will continue to support applicants who were not selected as winners. “Every idea deserves an opportunity,” Ibrahimaj said. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a special photo on social media, saying that the Hasa family from the United States sent it to him. The photo shows a cat with a business card bearing the name “Prime Minister Edi Rama” placed in front of its paws. In addition, Rama …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a video featuring Israeli professor Yuval Noah Harari discussing the way social media algorithms influence human behaviour. Harari argues that platforms such as Facebook, X and TikTok designed their algorithms to increase user engagement rather than build trust or promote truth. According to the …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha described Albania’s consular service as a success story for citizens at home and abroad. He said the transformation involves technology, but also the quality, speed, and accessibility of services. In a video message posted on social media, Hoxha said authorities administered 1.378 …
On August 30, 1949, Sevasti Qiriazi Dako, a teacher, patriot, and pioneer of education for Albanian girls and women, passed away. Born on February 24, 1871, in Manastir, Qiriazi became one of the earliest pioneers of organized national education for Albanian girls and women. She also played an important role …
Colleagues called him “the patriarch of the Albanian language.” Today, Albania remembers academic, linguist, and scholar Shaban Demiraj on the anniversary of his death on August 30, 2014. Demiraj was born in Vlora on January 1, 1920. He completed his secondary education at the Madrasa in Tirana before studying Albanian …
Albania continues to battle wildfires across several parts of the country. The Ministry of Defense reported 20 wildfires across the country by 20:00. Seven remain active, while authorities continue to monitor three others. A total of 284 operational personnel and 33 firefighting vehicles are supporting the response. The Armed Forces …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has described consular services for Albanians at home and abroad as a success story, linked not only to technological transformation but also to improvements in the way services are delivered, their quality and speed. In a video message published on social media, …
Kosovo’s acting president, Albulena Haxhiu, and acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti paid tribute at the Memorial to Missing Persons on the occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. Haxhiu said that more than 1,500 people who disappeared by force during the last war in Kosovo are …
TIRANA, August 29 – The Durrës Port Harbour Master’s Office barred the tanker HANUMAN from entering the port’s roadstead on August 28. The Sierra Leone-flagged vessel continued sailing about 12 miles from the port after the decision. Ukraine’s military intelligence service, known as GUR, and partner agencies have identified the …