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
HRW Report: Southeast, Central Europe Backsliding on Human Rights
Annual report shows that human rights record of several Southeast and Central European countries deteriorated, with autocratic rulers cracking down on critics, journalists and LGBT groups amid increase in violence against women and high political tensions. Original post Here
A panel titled “The Way Forward – From Communication to Cooperation” took place during the Fourth Diaspora Summit. Participants discussed a new diaspora strategy. They also discussed stronger institutional cooperation with Albanians abroad. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha commented on the discussions on X. He said critics …
EU ambassadors met Democratic Party representatives in Tirana. They discussed electoral and territorial reforms. They also addressed Albania’s EU integration process. The EU said these reforms require bipartisan support. Officials stressed transparency in the legislative process. They called for inclusive consultations. EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato urged constructive engagement. He asked …
TIRANA, April 16 – The Military Meteorological Service reported on Thursday unstable atmospheric conditions across Albania. Cloud cover will range from moderate to dense, with intermittent clear spells developing during the day. Light and occasional rainfall is expected from midday through the afternoon hours. Northern regions and mountainous areas in …
Minister Evis Sala meets Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi in Brussels. They discuss Albania’s progress toward EU integration. The meeting focuses on Chapter 28 on public health. This chapter is one of the most demanding in negotiations. Minister Sala highlights EU support for Albania. She confirms commitment to health sector reforms. She …
Muse-X returns to Tirana on April 17. The festival runs on April 17, 18, and 19. First, Muse-X presents a major creative industry platform. It combines exhibition, conference, and art festival. Moreover, the event brings together 22 countries. It hosts over 80 companies and 120 stands. In addition, participants deliver …
TIRANA, April 16 – Albania recorded 12.4 million international tourists in 2025, nearly doubling compared to 2019. The figure places the country among the fastest-growing Mediterranean destinations in Southern Europe. The data appears in an article by Preeti Gunjan published on the travel platform “Nomad Lawyer”. The country has rapidly …
A sports panel took place at the Fourth Diaspora Summit in Tirana. Speakers described sport as a natural ambassador of Albania. They shared inspiring stories from athletes and community figures. Participants highlighted the role of the diaspora. They said athletes strengthen national identity. They also increase Albania’s visibility abroad. Minister …
TIRANA, April 16 – April 16 marks 27 years since the start of the mass exodus of Kosova Albanians toward Albania in 1999. The movement began amid escalating conflict and an ethnic cleansing attempt during the Kosova war. Kukës in northern Albania became the main entry point for hundreds of …
Taulant Balla met citizens in Vorë together with Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu. They held a public discussion focused on EU integration and national development. Balla stressed Albania’s strategic goal of joining the European Union. He said “Albania 2030 in the EU” represents the country’s main challenge. He stated that …
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. …