Ukraine’s Zelensky Calls for Defence ‘Co-Production’ With Balkan Countries
Volodymyr Zelensky in Tirana urged Balkan countries to ‘co-produce’ arms and proposed a joint defence industry forum to be held in Kyiv or a Balkan capital. Original post Here
Greek Police Closer to Cracking Gang Behind 2020 Mafia Murders
Greek police working in the context of an international police operation arrested an Albanian citizen allegedly involved in four murders of Montenegro mafia members in Greece in 2020 – increasing the number of suspects behind bars in several countries. Original post Here
Tensions Over ‘Gulenist’ Claims Mar Election of Albania’s Muslim Leader
The election of Bujar Spahiu as the new head of the Albanias an Muslim Community was marred by opponents’ allegations that he supports Turkish cleric Fetullah Gulen, who is wanted for arrest by the Ankara government. Original post Here
Albania Convicts Ethnic Greek Politician Fredi Beleri of Vote-Buying
After a high-profile trial that caused a diplomatic rift between Albania and Greece, the ethnic Greek mayor-elect of the Albanian town of Himara, Fredi Beleri, was sentenced to two years in prison for vote-buying. Original post Here
Albanian Public Broadcaster Fires Programme Director for Social Media Post
A programme director at the Albanian public broadcaster RTSH was fired by the new head of the station, Alfred Peza, a former ruling party MP who has been criticised for other dismissals since he took the job. Original post Here
TikTok Used Across Balkans to ‘Slutshame’ Women and Girls
A BIRN analysis of hundreds of videos uploaded by TikTok users in eight Balkan countries shows the platform has become a hub for abuse of women and girls based on their appearance and actual or perceived sexual behaviour – ‘slutshaming’. Original post Here
Online Video in Albania of Prince’s Fight Raises Privacy Concerns
Experts say leak of video showing fight between prince and ex-wife serves no public interest – and raises serious legal and ethical questions about standards of media in Albania. Original post Here
Women in Albanian Textile Sector Pay High Price for Lek’s Rally
Critics say the government is not doing enough to protect Albanian textile exporters from the rapidly strengthening lek currency. Most of the industry’s employees are women at risk of sliding into poverty. Original post Here
More Soldiers, Jets and Javelins: Southeast Europe Seeks Defence Upgrade
Whether through compulsory military service or new hardware, some countries in southeast Europe are trying to bolster their defences in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine. But not all states can afford it. Original post Here
Albanian Parties’ Possible Deal Sparks Fears About Justice Reform
The ruling Socialist Party and opposition Refoundation Democratic Party told BIRN they are nearing an agreement to end the ongoing disruption of parliament, but concerns have been raised that a deal could derail judicial reform and the fight against corruption. Original post Here
Albanian musical traditions have inspired the soundtrack of one of Hollywood’s most anticipated films, “The Odyssey,” directed by Christopher Nolan. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video about the film and said Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson visited southern Albania. During his visit, Göransson explored Albanian iso-polyphony and the traditional sounds …
Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the new Saranda Welcome Center at the Port of SarandaThe new facility aims to improve the visitor experience and make movement around the city easier. It serves as a modern gateway for passengers and tourists. The center offers parking for cars and tourist buses. It …
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has again condemned remarks by Serbian Minister Snezhana Paunović about the “ethnic cleansing” of Kosovo. Kos said she was shocked that Paunović remains in office after making such a statement. She also warned politicians in EU candidate countries that their words carry weight. The …
Albania plans to fully electrify the Tirana-Durrës railway line and its branch to Tirana International Airport by the end of 2027, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said on Thursday. Presenting a bill to Parliament to ratify a loan agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Karakaçi …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”cba226ae-38ab-42b4-ac79-6fba2d1b4852″ data-turn-id-container=”cba226ae-38ab-42b4-ac79-6fba2d1b4852″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-3″ data-turn=”user”> The head of the Socialist Party’s parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, described recent remarks by Serbian Minister Snezhana Paunović as “irresponsible and outrageous” during a debate in Parliament with MP Redi Muçi, who questioned why Balla had not publicly responded to the …
Socialist Party MP Elisa Spiropali has made public the motion she submitted to the Socialist Party’s General Assembly, proposing the launch of a national dialogue on a “New Agreement for Albania.” Spiropali said the document is not a personal initiative but an open proposal for discussion among all members of …
Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has congratulated the newly elected members of the party’s leadership, emphasizing that the selection process was based on the free vote of the National Council. Berisha said the new leadership represents a renewal of the party, with several new figures taking on key positions. Speaking …
Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Enea Karakaçi told Parliament on Thursday that the government has submitted a bill to ratify an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which will finance the full electrification of the Tirana-Durrës railway line and the Rinas railway station. The minister said …
Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the “Smart City” Command and Control Center on Thursday, stating that Albania’s public safety system is entering a new era through real-time monitoring technology. Rama said the new system is designed to detect and prevent potential threats in real time by immediately alerting the monitoring …
The Command and Control Center, one of the key components of Albania’s national “Smart City” project, was officially unveiled on Thursday. Speaking at the launch ceremony, attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro, partners, and invited guests, Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said the initiative is far more than a …