Promoting women’s leadership and participation in the next political elections is key for Albania
By: Fiona McCluney, UN Resident Coordinator Michele Ribotta, Chair of UN Gender Group Tirana, 8 March 2025 The general elections of May 11, 2025,are an important opportunity to strengthen democracy in Albania and consolidate past achievements in advancing women’s leadership in decision-making. While Albania has made …
Albanian Government Shuts Down TikTok, Opposition and Experts Call It Censorship
The Albanian government announced on Wednesday a one-year suspension of the social media platform TikTok, arguing that the measure is necessary to protect children and enhance online security. However, the opposition and independent experts have labeled the decision as an act of censorship that could impact the electoral campaign planned …
Albanian Ministry Confirms One-Year Ban on TikTok ‘to Protect Children’
Albania’s Minister of Education confirmed the prime minister’s previous announcement of a year-long ban on social media site TikTok, saying that it will be imposed within days. Original post Here
Drita Hajdari: Pioneering Prosecutor Who Battled Injustice in Kosovo
After a career littered with firsts, retired Kosovo prosecutor Drita Hajdari says the pursuit of justice for the crimes committed during the collapse of Yugoslavia is far from over. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 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
PM’s Attacks on Prosecutors Turn Albania’s Justice Reform Into Election Issue
Following the arrest of a key ally, Prime Minister Edi Rama has launched a campaign targeting the judiciary in a bid to turn the tables ahead of May’s elections, experts say. Original post Here
Justice and Realpolitik: Trump, Thaci and the Kosovo Special Court
Donald Trump’s sympathy for Hashim Thaci – and his propensity to take bold action – could end the ordeal of Kosovo’s former president before the Hague court, over which the US has significant leverage. Original post Here
Albania’s Food Safety Scandal Highlights Rule of Law Deficiencies Amid EU Accession Talks
A recent scandal involving 10 tons of pesticide-laden mandarins distributed across Albania has once again exposed the country’s weak enforcement of food safety regulations and broader rule-of-law challenges. As Albania progresses in its European Union accession negotiations, the case underscores persistent governance issues that threaten the country’s path to EU …
New Book “The Lisbon Treaty and Transatlantic Dialogue: Significance and Inefficiencies”
A new book, The Lisbon Treaty and Transatlantic Dialogue: Significance and Inefficiencies, recently published by the EU Publications Office, provides a unique insight into the complex diplomatic dynamics between the European Union and the United States over the past three decades. Written by Dr. Álvaro Renedo, a Spanish diplomat, researcher …
UAE President’s Historic Visit to Albania Strengthens Bilateral Ties, Sparks Debate
In a rare and tightly scheduled diplomatic visit, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in Tirana on Friday for a two-hour stay, marking the first-ever visit by a UAE leader to Albania. The trip, which included high-level meetings and the signing of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama outlined plans to improve communication between citizens and public institutions following a meeting with Socialist Party political leaders in Pogradec. Rama said the meeting focused on “Besa”, government presence on the ground and a new communication system designed to strengthen direct contact with citizens. He also …
A strong earthquake struck Japan early Sunday, with its epicenter in Ibaraki Prefecture. The tremor also reached the Tokyo area. So far, the Albanian Embassy has reported no deaths or major damage. However, the earthquake injured several people, and the Embassy wished them a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, the Albanian Embassy …
Albania U-21 opened its “Taranto 2026” campaign with a 1-1 draw against Italy in Group B. The match took place in Lecce. The Red and Blacks made a strong start and took the lead just before halftime. Rajmond Marinaj scored in the 45th minute to put Albania ahead. However, Italy …
President Bajram Begaj met with the Arbëresh community in San Marzano di San Giuseppe, in the province of Taranto, highlighting its historic role in strengthening ties between Albania and Italy. During his visit, President Begaj was welcomed by local authorities and residents. First, he laid a wreath at the bust …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja met Italian Sports and Youth Minister Andrea Abodi during the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. The ministers discussed stronger cooperation between Albania and Italy in sports and youth policies. They focused on sports infrastructure, staff training and sports medicine. They also stressed the need …
The “Freedom Has a Name” platform has presented the civic initiative “Kosovo Is Waiting,” as part of which a “March for Freedom” will be held in Pristina on September 12, ahead of the verdict by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague concerning former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army …
Euronews journalist Eni Ferati has obtained the testimony given before the Saranda Court by Sokrat Vata, the suspect in the killing of a 21-year-old Portuguese tourist, Luis Miguel Varela Mendes in Ksamil. Vata admitted responsibility for the killing but gave his account of the circumstances, claiming that amid the mass …
The excavation and exhumation of human remains at three locations in Mala Kaludra and Jabuka, in Zubin Potok, where three mass graves have been confirmed, have been completed, Kosovo’s Government Commission on Missing Persons announced. The excavations began in late July in villages in northern Kosovo, and authorities have confirmed …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has visited Italy, where he attended the opening ceremony of the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games in support of the Albanian team of athletes. During the visit, President Begaj was welcomed by his Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, as well as by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia …
Prime Minister Edi Rama will gather his government cabinet for a two-day meeting in Pogradec on August 23 and 24. The meeting will be held in a “retreat” format, with ministers expected to report on the work carried out so far and present their priorities for the coming months. The …