Hidden Victims: Workplace Accidents go Underreported in Albania
Data analyzed by BIRN, and interviews with employers, lawyers and activists, suggest that the publicly available statistics on workplace accidents in Albania are just ‘the tip of the iceberg’. Original post Here
Albania Backs Scrapping Visas for Chinese in Snub to EU
Albania has decided to join Serbia in agreeing to offer Chinese citizens visa-free travel – the only two countries in the region to do this. Original post Here
‘Caged like a dog’; Russian Blogger Accused of Espionage Languishes in Albanian Prison
An eccentric Russian blogger or a dangerous spy? Friends of Svetlana Timofeeva and lawyers are asking why she has been kept for six months in isolation in pre-trial detention in Albania and still has no prospect of facing a court. Original post Here
Hoax Bomb Threats Leave Balkan Region Frustrated, Unnerved
Security agencies face growing questions – but also criticism – over the wave of false bomb threats that’s been shaking the region since March Original post Here
Year in Pictures: 2022 in the Balkans
From political protests to rising inflation and living costs, a new war in Europe and milestones in European Union integration processes, BIRN has selected photographs from across the region that highlight some key events of 2022. Original post Here
French Museum Keeps Memory of Long-Ago Balkans Alive
A vast treasure trove of photos of the Balkans, taken more than a century ago as part of a rich banker’s project, has been lovingly preserved in a Paris museum. Original post Here
Albania Opposition Says Theft Exposes Alleged Officials’ Ill-Gotten Wealth
The theft of over a hundred thousand euros from a governing official has stirred an opposition outcry about government corruption. Original post Here
Divided Albanian Democrats Row over Appointment of Election Officials
Concerns are growing over the credibility of Albania’s May local elections due to an ongoing court battle over control of the opposition Democrats. Original post Here
Old Albanian Woman Keeps Ancient Dress-Making Tradition Alive
A 70-year-old woman from northern Albania is one the few women still making the ancestral dress called the Xhubleta – which UNESCO recently added to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Original post Here
Turkish Medical Leader Sentenced for Terror Propaganda Exits Prison
Turkish Medical Association leader and senior human rights activist – jailed for two years and eight months for terrorist propaganda – walks free on account of time already served. Original post Here
The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, will join the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. The meetings will take place from April 16–19, 2026, in Washington, DC. The forum gathers top global financial decision-makers. Central bank governors and finance ministers will attend. …
Skënder Hita said security is the State Police’s “passport” for millions of tourists and visitors. He spoke at the Diaspora Summit in Tirana. The discussion focused on migration and repatriation policies. Hita said the State Police is entering a new phase of modernization. The institution aims to become more professional, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama will hold an official meeting in Rome with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The meeting will take place at Palazzo Chigi at 15:00. The talks will focus on strengthening Albania–Italy relations. The meeting follows the first intergovernmental summit held in Rome in November 2025. The two …
Minister Ermal Nufi meets Croatian Defence Minister Ivan Anušić in Zagreb. They strengthen cooperation within NATO. Both sides confirm closer defence and security ties. They focus on stability in Southeast Europe. The ministers discuss regional peace and security challenges. They coordinate responses to new threats. They agree to deepen cooperation …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacts to the fire in a residential building in Tirana. He speaks on platform X. First, he says the burned building will be fully rebuilt by the constructor. He confirms this happens regardless of the cause of the fire. He states that the fire is not …
Taulant Balla meets representatives of the Albanian diaspora in Emilia Romagna. He holds talks in Italy with Astrit Poti, Eva Baçi, and Dorina Merdini. First, he thanks them for their continuous contribution. He supports the Albanian community in the region. Moreover, he highlights the role of the diaspora. He says …
Zana Çela participates in the 4th Diaspora Summit. She speaks in the panel on tourism promotion. First, she says Albania experiences strong tourism growth. She calls it one of the most important development phases. Moreover, she says visitor numbers increase in recent years. She also says tourism quality improves. In …
An exhibition displays publications about Leonardo da Vinci in the “Sotir Kolea” Center. The National Library of Albania hosts the event in Tirana. First, the exhibition marks the artist’s birthday. It highlights his global influence in history. Moreover, visitors explore books about da Vinci’s life and work. They discover his …
TIRANA, April 15 – Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja has called for concrete mechanisms to integrate the Albanian diaspora into national decision-making processes. He made the remarks during the fourth Diaspora Summit in Tirana. He stressed that symbolic ties alone are no longer sufficient. Gonxhja said Albania must …
TIRANA, April 15 – The General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, said Albania has strengthened border security and intensified efforts against illegal migration networks. He spoke during the panel on migration management and diaspora engagement at the fourth Diaspora Summit in Tirana. Hita said police units have increased …