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
Albania’s Deputy PM Investigated for Violating Public Procurement Rules
Anti-corruption prosecutors said they are investigating deputy premier and infrastructure minister Belinda Balluku for violating tender rules, linked to the construction of a road in 2020. Original post Here
Albania, China and the Case for a Balanced Foreign Policy
By Ambassador Fatmir Çela Diplomacy has always been the lifeline of small nations, and Albania is no exception. From Fan Noli’s influence in Washington to the decisive interventions of diplomats in 1913, Albania’s survival and recognition have often depended less on force and more on skillful negotiation and credibility. For …
Authorities will temporarily close the Tirana-Durrës highway in both directions on September 1, 2, and 3, 2026. The Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH) said the closures will take place at night, from 23:00 to 05:00. The restrictions will allow crews to continue work on Phase III of the Tirana-Durrës Superstrada expansion …
TIRANA, September 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha attended the European Forum Alpbach in Austria at the invitation of Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. He joined a panel on Europe’s ability to mobilize its strength and act in a rapidly changing world. Speaking at the forum, Hoxha said Albania’s present …
TIRANA, September 1 – Albania will experience mainly stable weather conditions on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching up to 37 degrees Celsius. The Military Meteorological Service forecasts mostly clear skies, with occasional moderate to dense cloud cover over the eastern mountainous areas from midday through the afternoon. Short periods of light …
“Kapinova” guesthouse is attracting visitors to the Tomor Mountain National Park in Kapinovë, Berat. The guesthouse offers travelers a peaceful experience surrounded by nature and mountain landscapes. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the property today. He highlighted its natural setting and quiet atmosphere. The Agency for Agricultural and …
Egnatia earned an important 3-1 away victory over Vora in the second week of the Albanian Super League. The defending champions faced strong pressure from the hosts in the first half. Coach Nevil Dede rested several regular starters after the team’s Europa League clash with Lillestrøm last week. Vora created …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger during his participation in the European Forum Alpbach in Austria. Hoxha thanked his Austrian counterpart for Austria’s continued support for Albania’s path toward EU membership. The two ministers highlighted Austria’s strong role in promoting the …
The “Startup Albania” program continues to support new and innovative businesses across Albania. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu highlighted a new success story. For the first time, a startup from Kukës County has won the program’s grant. Jurgenti, founder of North Venture, won the 2026 Grant through “Startup Albania”. His …
Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi, who also leads the Socialist Party in Lezhë County, met today with the county’s MPs, mayors and local party leaders. The meeting focused on putting citizens at the center of every decision and responsibility. Nufi said officials must listen to citizens and address their concerns …
More than 17,000 textbooks will be distributed to Albanian children in the Diaspora during the new 2026–2027 school year. The announcement was made by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha through a video message. According to the minister, more than 5,700 educational packages have been planned for students …
After a prolonged political crisis and three repeated election processes, Vetëvendosje (VV) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) have reached an agreement to unblock the process of electing the President of Kosovo. The two parties have agreed to put forward a joint candidate, proposing former ambassador Bekim Sejdiu for …