Week in Review: Failures and Flops
From Kosovo’s parliamentary stalemate to Montenegro’s rocky tourism season, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week sees several countries across the region failing to meet up to public needs. Original post Here
Airport Ordeal Sheds Light on Plight of Migrant Workers in Albania
Long hours, low pay and confiscated passports. Albania’s treatment of migrant workers bears all the hallmarks of modern slavery, experts say. Original post Here
Tirana Mayor Indicted in Corruption Probe
TIRANA, Albania , Tirana Time, July 23, 2025— Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office (SPAK) has officially indicted Erion Veliaj, the mayor of Tirana, on multiple corruption charges in a sweeping criminal case that also implicates his wife, a ruling party lawmaker, two businessmen, and a prison official. The announcement, made …
Bankers Petroleum Threatens Arbitration Amid Fraud Probe in Albania
By Tirana Times | July 23, 2025 Albania’s most lucrative oilfield has become the epicenter of what could be the country’s most consequential investor-state confrontation to date, after Bankers Petroleum — its largest oil producer — threatened to sue the Albanian government in international arbitration courts. The company claims its …
Women Journalists in Albania Unprotected in Face of Online Abuse
As Albanian online portals spread falsehoods to discredit women in the media, a culture of silence and weak legal protections leave women journalists increasingly vulnerable. Original post Here
Albania’s Public Broadcaster Paying Price of Former Head’s Firing Spree
The former head of Albania’s public broadcaster abruptly fired some 150 of its employees; they went to court, and many are winning, at a growing cost to RTSH. Original post Here
UAE President’s Surprise Visit to Albania Underscores Strategic Diplomacy Beyond Friendship
TIRANA, Albania — July 17, 2025 Tirana Times. In a rare and tightly scheduled diplomatic mission, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan made an unannounced visit to Albania on the evening of July 16, marking his second trip to the Balkan country in less than …
Week in Review: Surprises in Store
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week brings some surprises – some good, some less so – while continuing to look back on 20 years of BIRN. Original post Here
Week in Review: Opportunities and Setbacks
This week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories reflect the region’s ongoing push-and-pull between hopes of peace and the bitter weight of history. Original post Here
Albanian Prosecution Accuses Former Ruling Party MP of Organised Crime Ties
Special prosecutors conclude investigation into Jurgis Cyrbja, accusing the former Socialist MP of sharing state information with organised crime group members in exchange for their support in elections. Original post Here
Albania will make basic product prices more transparent for consumers through the new “PriceWatch Albania” platform. The government plans to launch the platform in September. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said today that the platform will allow citizens to view and compare the prices of basic products. They will …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has presented the government’s new political priority, focusing on improving citizens’ quality of life. This autumn, the “Social Albania” initiative will launch a new housing program for young couples and families. As the new political season begins, the government will put “Social Albania” at the …
Following competitions in various sports, it is now judo’s turn at the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games, a sport that has brought Kosovo some of its greatest successes on the international stage. Kosovo’s judokas will compete on August 28 and 29 in Taranto, Italy, aiming to win medals at this major …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:9dddf98d-d243-4601-a1ef-6c184aa886ab-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:9dddf98d-d243-4601-a1ef-6c184aa886ab-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> Domestic electricity production increased by 34.4%, while exports rose by 55.4% in the second quarter of the year. Lower imports improved the country’s energy balance, although consumption and energy losses remain a challenge. Domestic electricity production increased by 34.4% in the …
The government has launched a program to help 300 public administration employees purchase homes under favorable conditions. Teachers, doctors, police officers, and employees of other public institutions can benefit from the scheme by applying through the e-Albania platform by September 25. The program provides financing for the purchase of a …
Velipoja continues to be one of the most popular destinations for both domestic and international visitors during the summer season. At the peak of the season, the beach is filled with tourists, while its peaceful atmosphere and wide-open spaces remain among the main reasons holidaymakers choose the area. The long, …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:9dddf98d-d243-4601-a1ef-6c184aa886ab-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:9dddf98d-d243-4601-a1ef-6c184aa886ab-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-turn=”assistant”> The Director General of the State Police, Skënder Hita, addressed 389 cadets today who successfully completed the Professional Police Training College at the Security Academy, urging them to always be guided in their new duties by the law, service to citizens, …
Albania and the United Kingdom have signed a landmark Asset-Sharing Agreement following the conclusion of a drug-related case and the recovery of criminal funds. This marks the first agreement of its kind in the region and sets a new precedent for international cooperation on asset recovery and the fight against …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:9dddf98d-d243-4601-a1ef-6c184aa886ab-6″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:9dddf98d-d243-4601-a1ef-6c184aa886ab-6″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ data-turn=”assistant”> Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, held a meeting this Wednesday with the leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Lumir Abdixhiku, as part of efforts to reach an agreement on the election of Kosovo’s new President. The meeting, held …
TIRANA, August 26 – Albania has officially begun a new aerial survey of its territory. The project is being carried out through cooperation between the State Authority for Geospatial Information and the Albanian Development Fund. The initiative aims to update geospatial information and strengthen the country’s capacity to monitor, plan …