Albanian Mayor Takes Aim at Corruption Prosecutor from Detention
Tirana’s mayor Erion Veliaj, who is in custody facing corruption charges, has been mounting daily verbal assaults on his case prosecutor and the judge via his social media accounts. Original post Here
At an Albanian Market, Fruit, Veg and Claims of Organised Crime
In Albania’s Elbasan, prosecutors say the town’s only fruit and vegetable market is the base of a powerful organised crime gang. That hasn’t stopped the local council from giving its owner permission to expand. Original post Here
Serbia Arrests Former Mayor of Nis for Alleged Corruption
In the latest in a series of corruption arrests in Serbia, the former mayor of Nis was held for allegedly offering contracts to companies for construction work in the southern Serbian city, bypassing laws on procurement. Original post Here
Internet Freedoms ‘Deteriorated Again in Southeast Europe in 2024’
AI caused an increase in digital rights violations in 2024 while discrimination, genocide denial and disinformation continued to flourish, a webinar held by BIRN and the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom heard. Original post Here
THE UNITED STATES AND KOSOVA: FROM A SPECIAL TO A MORE COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP
Elez Biberaj Having made such huge investments in Kosova, the U.S should now help it get to the finishing line in its efforts to cement its sovereignty and achieve lasting peace with Serbia. The United States and Kosova have had a unique, multi-faceted, special relationship. As any bilateral, asymmetrical relationship, …
Lutfi Dervishi It is not easy to summarize three eras in one sentence: post-war, post-wall, post-west. Historian, commentator, and author Timothy Garton Ash articulated this postulate two years ago in his book “Homelands.” Among these three eras, in one, we have been the luckiest country on earth. From a war-weary …
Film Exposes Persecution of Kosovo Albanian Writers in Hoxha’s Albania
Many Albanians in Yugoslavia came to see Albania as a promised land, but Albania’s treatment of ethnic Albanian writers and artists from outside its borders was often brutal. Original post Here
Balkan Countries Must Respond Proactively to Evolving Cyber Threats: Report
As cyberattacks in the region become ever more sophisticated and daring, Western Balkan governments need to improve their cybersecurity frameworks and cooperate, a new BIRN report warns. Original post Here
Fostering a thirst for knowledge: the key to building the world of tomorrow
H.E Alvaro Renedo Zalba, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Albania It is a true pleasure to speak to you today on this rainy November morning. The dim light of today’s overcast Tirana sky seems just right for inspiring fruitful academic exchanges and soulful musings. First and foremost, I …
Saudi Arabia at the center of global foreign policy hosting USA-Russia talks
Saudi Arabia has consolidated its rising position in the global affairs arena, emerging as a focal point for the ongoing talks between USA the Russia for a variety of issues including recalibrating their bilateral relations and ultimately reaching an agreement about stopping the war in Ukraine. Representatives from the US …
Albania’s government plans to cut the number of municipalities from 61 to 46, but critics fear it will only further isolate rural communities from public services and undermine environmental protections. Original post Here
The “BeachVolleyShkodra 2026” event brought three days of sport and entertainment to Velipojë. Teams from Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro competed in beach volleyball, creating a lively atmosphere for participants and holidaymakers. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared footage from the event. “Three days full of energy, excitement …
The “Marubi” National Museum of Photography in Shkodër has revived the historic collaboration between Gjon Mili and Pablo Picasso after more than seven decades. Mili met Picasso in Vallauris in 1949. He then proposed an innovative idea. Picasso would draw in the air with light. Mili would capture the movement …
Brazilian DJ ALOK delivered a spectacular performance in Vlora on Sunday evening. Thousands of people gathered along the city’s Lungomare to enjoy the electronic music event. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the performance. He described the night as magical and highlighted the vibrant atmosphere along the waterfront. “Thousands …
TIRANA, August 18 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will experience relatively unstable atmospheric conditions on Tuesday. The weather will bring sunny periods and intervals of moderate to locally dense cloud cover from midday through the afternoon. Short spells of light rain may occur over the country’s hilly and …
TIRANA, August 18 – The Ministry of Defence said authorities recorded 13 wildfires across Albania by 20:00 on August 17. Seven remained active, while authorities monitored 3 others. A total of 424 operational personnel and 14 firefighting vehicles joined the response. The Armed Forces deployed 129 personnel, 2 firefighting vehicles, …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja attended the flag handover ceremony for Albania’s delegation to the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Gonxhja praised the athletes who will represent Albania at the major international sporting event. He said elite athletes remain one of the country’s greatest sporting assets. Therefore, the government …
TIRANA, August 18 – Tourism is creating new opportunities in southern Albania and encouraging some people who left the country to return, according to the World Bank’s Europe and Central Asia region, known as WorldBankECA. The shift follows years of population decline, particularly among young people, even as the region …
TIRANA, August 18 – European Union countries remained Albania’s main trading partner for goods in July 2026, accounting for 53.6% of total trade, according to INSTAT. European markets also received the largest share of Albanian exports during the month. Exports to European Union countries accounted for 68.4% of Albania’s total …
The Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) has published “FactSheet Tourism”. The guide gives investors key data on Albania’s tourism sector and its investment potential. According to the factsheet, Albania has recorded 12.5 million foreign tourists. Tourism contributes around 22% to the country’s GDP. International hotel brands also operate in Albania. …