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
TIRANA, August 28 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari and State Police Director General Skënder Hita met with local police and Border Police officials to discuss service standards and public trust. Lamallari called for professional, ethical and lawful service at every level. The minister said citizens build their trust in the …
TIRANA, August 28 – Klevis Qose, head of Albania’s Police Oversight Agency, met Karma M. Smith, the FBI adviser on organised crime at Albania’s Special Prosecution Office. Smith has recently taken up her post in Albania. The meeting focused on continuing existing work and coordinating the next steps. Qose said …
TIRANA, August 28 – Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has rejected suggestions that Albanian officials took part in coordinated hybrid activities in Montenegro. He stressed that no formal accusation has been made against Albania. FM Hoxha responded after Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic referred to the alleged involvement of officials …
Kosovo judoka Fatjona Kasapi has won the bronze medal at the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games. Kasapi received a bye in the first round. However, she lost to France’s Pauline Cuq by Ippon in the quarterfinals. She continued the competition through the repechage. After another bye in her first repechage bout, …
A wildfire broke out this afternoon in an area between the villages of Tërbaç and Vranisht, in the Municipality of Himarë. Firefighters and aerial units are working to contain and extinguish the flames. Himarë Mayor Vangjel Tavo said local firefighting teams are on the ground with specialized vehicles. They are …
Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) President Armando Duka has hailed Egnatia’s participation in the UEFA Conference League, calling it a major achievement for Albanian football. Duka said he followed the UEFA Conference League draw with “special pride” and highlighted the historic significance of Egnatia’s participation. “For the first time in history, …
Kosovo judoka Erza Muminoviq is one win away from securing a bronze medal at the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games. Muminoviq advanced through the second repechage bout after defeating Algeria’s Rahma Ghalima by Ippon. The victory secured her a place in the bronze-medal contest, where she will face Spain’s Mireia Rodriguez …
Economist Linda Rama has discussed the Western Balkans’ economic transformation, challenges and future opportunities in an interview with “Fortune Greece”. Rama said the region has experienced major political, social and economic changes since the 1990s. She highlighted progress in macroeconomic management, public finances, digital services and infrastructure. However, she said …
Egnatia has learned its six opponents for the 2026-27 Conference League league phase, marking the historic debut of the Albanian champions at this stage of the competition. The draw, held in Monaco on Friday, determined the European journey of the Rrogozhina-based club. Egnatia will play three matches at home and …
Iceland’s referendum on restarting European Union membership talks could change the current EU enlargement landscape. It could also create new momentum for countries seeking to join the bloc. Icelanders will vote on August 29. They will decide whether their country should resume accession negotiations with the EU. However, the referendum …