Balkan Cold Cases #3: Young Men Killed in Crackdown as Albanian Communism Fell
When police attacked the first demonstrations against Albania’s repressive communist regime in April 1991, four students were killed. The officials who were initially convicted were amnestied, and there has never been a proper investigation into what happened. Original post Here
‘Lifeless’: Pollution Threatens the Drin and its Tributaries in Three Balkan States
Without concerted action, pollution threatens to leave the Drin River and its main tributaries “lifeless”, environmentalists in Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia warn. Original post Here
Albania’s Marginalised Small Parties Spy Opportunity in 2025 Elections
In a system that favours the two big players, their smaller rivals have traditionally stood no chance – but might things be different in the looming May 2025 elections? Original post Here
Albanian Politician’s Arrest Lays Bare Organised Crime’s Electoral Influence
Corruption charges against a former MP of the ruling Socialist Party represent a case study in the transactional relationship between organised crime and politics in Albania, a relationship with the power to tip the electoral scales, experts say. Original post Here
Albanian Cannabis Gangs Exploit Poverty to Hire Female Day Labourers
Women from impoverished parts of Albania are being lured into work as day labourers on illegal cannabis plantations; if caught, they face paying a high price for what their lawyers say is effectively ‘modern slavery’. Original post Here
Afghan Refugees in Albania Alarmed as Trump Slams US Doors
New US administration’s freeze on foreign aid and crackdown on immigration has left Afghan refugees in Albania in a state of limbo. Original post Here
2025- Tirana the Mediterranean capital of culture and dialogue
On top of celebrations, the city will serve also as a agora of open debate Tirana, the capital of Albania, has started its year as the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue for 2025. This title recognizes the city’s cultural growth and its importance in the Mediterranean region. Tirana and …
Albanian ‘Smart City’ Deal with UAE Firm Flagged as ‘Serious’ Surveillance Risk
Digital rights groups have sounded the alarm over a city ‘smart camera’ deal between Albania and an Abu Dhabi-based company with links to UAE security services and – allegedly – China. Original post Here
Trump’s Suspension of US Foreign Aid Hits Hundreds of Balkan Projects
The three-month pause in foreign aid imposed by the new US administration has left the future of numerous civil society, human rights and independent media projects in the Western Balkans in limbo. Original post Here
SPAK takes measures to implement a dedicated strategy against electoral crime
TIRANA, Jan 29, 2025 – The Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has outlined its plan to investigate and prevent electoral crimes for the May 11, 2025 elections. Under the direction of Chief Prosecutor Altin Dumani, the plan includes the creation of a Task Force, field monitoring and investigations, and a special platform …
Albanian champions Egnatia drew 0–0 with Norway’s Lillestrøm in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League play-off. Egnatia played the match at Arena Egnatia. The Rrogozhina side defended well and created several chances. Gruda came closest to scoring in the second half. His header hit the crossbar. Egnatia missed …
Albanian actress Rezana Çeliku has died, leaving behind family, friends, colleagues and admirers who remember her with deep affection. Her relatives announced the sad news. They described Çeliku as a warm, kind and exceptional person. Although she did not appear in many film productions, she made a lasting impression in …
Albania will take part in the Mediterranean Games “Taranto 2026” as the country prepares to co-host the Prishtina-Durrës 2030 edition. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania will use the event to gain valuable experience from Italy. “Albania is going to Taranto not only to compete, but also …
Korçë Mayor Sotiraq Filo met with Greek Ambassador to Albania Lambrini Komini to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between Korçë and Greece. The two sides focused on tourism, the economy, culture, education and environmental cooperation. Filo said the meeting aimed to turn the close historical, cultural and people-to-people ties between …
Tirana International Airport (TIA) has reached the final stage of the 2026 Airport Honour Awards. The airport is one of six international finalists selected by International Airport Review. TIA will compete against airports in New York, Munich, Vienna, Pittsburgh and Buenos Aires. The selection recognizes TIA’s growth, investment, innovation and …
The U.S. Department of State is cancelling the visas of foreign nationals who commit crimes, encourage violence against Americans or threaten U.S. national security, the U.S. Embassy in Albania said on Thursday. The embassy said the policy follows the Trump administration’s approach of taking action against foreign nationals who pose …
The Academy of Sciences of Albania has commemorated academician Bahri Beci on the anniversary of his death. Beci died on August 20, 2023. Born in Shkodër in 1936, he began his scientific career in 1958 at the Institute of Linguistics and Literature. Soon after, he became involved in major research …
The protesters marching daily through the streets of Tirana know what they’re against. If they’re seeking genuine democratic change, it’s time for them to determine what they’re for. Original post Here
Amnesty International said in a new report that the Italian-Albanian deal for the offshore detention of asylum seekers and migrants is “jeopardising people’s safety, liberty and human rights”. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 20 – Thousands of Bektashi believers and visitors from Albania and other countries are gathering on Mount Tomorr this week for the traditional Kulmak Festival. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the celebrations on social media, describing the event as one of the area’s most important spiritual …