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
Gay Couple in Albania Eyes Strasbourg in Battle over Parental Rights
A gay couple in Albania girds for a long legal fight for the right to register both women as parents of their young twins. Original post Here
Albania Court Detains Finance Ministry Officials for Abuse of Office
Three top Albanian Finance Ministry officials face bribery and abuse of office charges for the double compensation of the same private property. Original post Here
Albania in 2023: Local Elections and the Fate of the Opposition
As Albania confronts the tough task of accession talks with the European Union, there are concerns about how the state of the opposition Democrats is affecting the state of Albanian democracy. Original post Here
Albania Police Probe Illegal CCTVs Erected in Northern City
Police are trying to work out who put up illegal surveillance cameras in the northern city of Shkoder, with the finger of suspicion pointing towards local crime gangs Original post Here
UK Minister’s Outburst on Albanian Migrants Outrages Tirana
The British ambassador in Albania on Monday was handed a protest note from the Albanian Foreign Ministry over the statement a British Minister made recently about illegal Albanian migrants in the UK. Original post Here
PM’s Order to Sing National Anthem in Schools Divides Albanians
PM Edi Rama’s decision that the national anthem be sung in all state schools at least once a week has not been universally welcomed, with some calling it a nationalist stunt. Original post Here
A momentous election spells change not just for Hungary but also for much of the Western Balkans, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here
New legal amendments allowing ‘strategic investors’ to develop port facilities at tourist resorts without competitive tenders represent the latest custom-written legislation brought in by Edi Rama’s government to benefit big business, critics claim. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 17 – The Albanian government has approved a set of regulatory changes for foreign nationals aimed at reducing bureaucracy and speeding up procedures. The reform also seeks to align migration and labour rules with European standards. The changes were published in the Official Gazette. The new framework introduces …
The Albanian Football Federation announced ticket sales for the “Final Four” of the Abissnet Superiore. Fans can buy tickets starting today. The four best teams will play six matches to decide the champion. All games will take place at Air Albania Stadium. First and second round matches will be held …
Fidel Ylli, President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee, visited the Italian Paralympic Committee headquarters in Rome. He met President Marco Giunio De Sanctis. They discussed technical assistance for creating the Albanian Paralympic Committee. They called it an important step for Paralympic sport in Albania. The process follows recent changes …
TIRANA, April 17 – Director General of Albanian Customs Besmir Beja met World Customs Organization Secretary General Ian Saunders in Brussels during the Annual Meeting of European regional customs leaders. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation and accelerating customs digitalisation. The Albanian side highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at modernising customs …
TIRANA, April 17 – Health and Social Protection Minister Evis Sala outlined reforms to modernise Albania’s pharmaceutical system at a national conference marking 20 years of the Order of Pharmacists. She said the government aims to improve access to safe and effective medicines for citizens. The ministry is advancing digitalisation …
TIRANA, April 17 – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe held a cross-border meeting in Pogradec on preventing violent extremism and radicalisation. The discussion focused on online radicalisation and related security risks. The OSCE Presence in Albania and the OSCE Mission to Skopje organised the roundtable. Officials from …
TIRANA, April 17 – Albania and the European Union held their second dialogue on security and defence under a joint partnership framework. The meeting took place as global security challenges continue to grow in complexity. European Union officials and Albanian representatives discussed cooperation in defence and foreign policy alignment. Albania …
TIRANA, April 17 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has arrived in Turkey to take part in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The event gathers heads of state, ministers, diplomats and representatives of international organisations for high-level dialogue. This year’s forum runs from April 17 to 19, 2026, …