What is the aim of the Declaration on military cooperation between Croatia, Albania and Kosovo?
Albania, Croatia and Kosovo signed a joint declaration of cooperation on defence on 18 March in Tirana, which sparked anger among the Serbian officials, who interpreted such a move as a threat to both the country’s territorial integrity and regional stability. The document focuses on “strengthening the defence and security …
Balkan Crime Groups Tightening Grip on South American Drug Trade: Report
Organised crime groups from the Western Balkans are emerging as key players in smuggling cocaine from Latin America, according to a new report. Original post Here
In a depopulating Albania, why is the PM campaigning on a promise to make it easier for young people to leave?
If Rama wants to be the prime minister who ushers Albania into the European Union, he must first be the leader who makes Albania worth staying in. By ANDI BALLA In his recent campaigning for the upcoming May parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Edi Rama has come up with an interesting …
‘Make Albania Great’: Opposition Chief Plots Return with Trump-Style Campaign
Opposition leader Sali Berisha hopes that borrowing MAGA-style rhetoric will being him victory in May’s elections – but many experts doubt that will work. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 31, 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
Money Laundering Causes Poverty, Income Disparity in Balkans, Says BIRN Film
A new BIRN documentary shows how money laundering has been increasing poverty, prices and income inequality in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. Original post Here
Diaspora Vote Might Shake Up Albanian Politics, But Big Parties Likely to Prevail
For the first time, Albanians abroad will be able to vote by post in the country’s May parliamentary election; some hope the change will help end the domination of the two big parties, but experts are not so sure. Original post Here
Jailed Albanian Mayor Hires US Law Firm That Worked for Trump
While behind bars and under investigation for graft and money laundering, Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj and his businessman brother have engaged hard-hitting New York law firm Kasowitz Benson Torres to assist his case. Original post Here
Albanian Rights Organisations Take TikTok Ban to Court
BIRN Albania, along with a civil rights group and a journalists’ association, have urged the country’s top court to declare a controversial law banning TikTok in Albania for a year unconstitutional. Original post Here
Italy to Albania, and Back: A Migrant’s Journey Through Italy’s Asylum Experiment
Italy’s right-wing government called it a magic wand for the migrants arriving on its shores, but a deal with Albania to outsource and accelerate asylum processing has run afoul of Italian courts. Critics say it flies in the face of international humanitarian law. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 18 – Italian tourists continue to arrive at the Port of Vlora in large numbers in late August. Many others are returning home after spending their holidays on Albania’s beaches and in its cities. Albanians living abroad are also arriving for their holidays. As a result, Vlora continues …
Albania continues to attract foreign tourists. Visitors particularly praise its hospitality, cuisine and coastline. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared today the views of several foreign tourists who chose Vlora for their holidays. “For the first time in Vlora, and certainly not the last, new friends of Albania are coming …
Berat’s rich historical and cultural heritage continues to attract more visitors. The city of a thousand windows remains one of Albania’s leading cultural tourism destinations. Data from the first seven months of 2026 show growing interest in the “Onufri” Iconographic Museum and the Ethnographic Museum. Miklor Pasku, director of the …
TIRANA, August 18 – Large wildfires have affected Albania and several other European countries. The fires have claimed lives and damaged homes, ecosystems, farmland, infrastructure, cultural heritage and local economies. The European Union Delegation in Tirana said Europe remains united in response to the fires. It stressed that no country …
Gjirokastër continues to inspire young generations with its distinctive houses, architecture and rich cultural heritage. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared a video featuring young artist Ajden Nora. He highlighted how young people are keeping Albania’s cultural heritage alive through music and art. “When tradition finds the …
TIRANA, August 18 – Tourist numbers in Shkodër region have risen significantly this summer. The increase has created new challenges for local institutions. Authorities are focusing on visitor safety and service quality. For the Regional Administration of Protected Areas in Shkodër, visitor safety remains a key concern. The focus has …
TIRANA, August 18 – Authorities continue to monitor a wildfire in the Fushë-Laja area of Puka Municipality, in the forests of Mount Tërbun. The Puka Fire Protection and Rescue Service and forestry service have worked at the site for several days. Local service employees, residents, volunteers and personnel from the …
TIRANA, August 18 – Albania registered 6,396 all-electric vehicles for the first time between January and July 2026. The figure represents a 126% increase from the same period last year, according to the General Directorate of Road Transport Services. All-electric vehicles accounted for 40.5% of all newly registered zero-mileage vehicles …
TIRANA, August 18 – Young farmers have submitted 414 applications for investments under the 2026 National Support Scheme, according to the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development. Livestock and agricultural mechanization account for the main investment priorities. Of the total, 223 applications seek funding to purchase animals. Another 164 applications …
TIRANA, August 18 – Albania’s economy grew by 3.71% in the first quarter of 2026. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the figure places Albania among the fastest-growing economies in the region. He also said the country is narrowing the gap with European economies. According to Malaj, Albania and Kosova recorded …