Western Balkans’ Biodiversity Threatened by Development and Mismanagement, Report Warns
German-based EuroNatur Foundation report highlights escalating threats to ecosystems im Western Balkans, saying development pressures, policy gaps and poor enforcement of rules jeopardise their future. Original post Here
As Borders Tighten, Violence Rises on Migrant Route Through the Balkans
With the EU tightening its borders, violent transnational smuggling groups have strengthened their grip on the smuggling route that brings refugees and migrants to Europe through the Balkans. Original post Here
Balkan Countries at UN Climate Summit: Touting Renewables, Chasing Gas Deals
The COP29 climate change summit in Baku has proven a lucrative side hustle for the host – gas-producing, oil-rich Azerbaijan – with Balkan visitors lining up to strike deals. Original post Here
The Re-election of Donald Trump and its Implications
By Bernd J. Fischer Professor Emeritus ,Indiana University On November 6th the world woke to what was, for many, an unexpected event, the re-election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. Since then, there has been considerable speculation generated concerning how this happened, and some anxiety about what …
Albanian Minister’s Bargain Lakeside Land Purchase ‘Raises Red Flags’
Experts say the details of a 2021 land deal involving Albania’s current justice minister warrant investigation. Original post Here
Reality Bites: Illegal, Isolated, Overworked Albanians Count Cost of UK Dream
Though numbers are down, Albanians are still being drawn to British shores by the social media promise of a better life. The reality is often very different. Original post Here
Italy-Albania Migrant Deal Branded ‘Failure’ After Court Ruling
After Italian judges scuppered a second attempt to send migrants for processing in Albania, critics say the ‘offshoring’ agreement between the two countries is in deep trouble. Original post Here
Digital Rights Review: ‘Foreign Agent’ Laws Target Online Media
BIRN’s monitoring of digital rights violations in October highlighted new threats to freedom of expression online in south-east and eastern Europe as countries embraced legislation against foreign-funded NGOs and media. Original post Here
Trump will not sap the strength of US democratic institutions
Ilir Ikonomi, author, journalist, AIIS Associate In your opinion what were the factors that prompted Trump’s election victory? Donald Trump had a strong, dedicated, and enthusiastic base of support throughout the election process. His message was focused heavily on issues, such as immigration, the economy, and national security, that …
Kosovo is not fashionable!
By Sylë Ukshini The greatest ambassador of the Albanian nation in the world, of all time, has been and will remain, without any doubt, our world-renowned writer, Ismail Kadare. In an article written exclusively for the well-known French newspaper “Le Monde” on December 14, 1999, he recounted ten years earlier, …
Albania’s exports continue to grow. Their structure is also showing signs of change, Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said today. Exports reached 33.6 billion lekë in July 2026. This marked a 10.6% increase from the same month last year. Exports also grew by 6.7% during the first seven months …
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi welcomed his Belgian counterpart, Theo Francken, in Vlora on Tuesday. The two ministers held a warm and informal meeting during Francken’s holiday in Albania with his family. Nufi said the meeting offered an opportunity to strengthen friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Francken chose …
TIRANA, August 18 – Around 2,000 hectares of farmland in Vrina, Saranda are gaining better protection from flooding, erosion and saltwater intrusion. The work covers the rehabilitation of the K-17 canal embankment and the irrigation and drainage system. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla visited the investment site in …
TIRANA, August 18 – Acting President of Kosova Albulena Haxhiu said the country could face new elections. She linked this possibility to the lack of an agreement on the next president. Haxhiu said political leaders should discuss specific names for a consensus candidate. She added that acting Prime Minister Albin …
TIRANA, August 18 – British newspaper The Sun has highlighted Albania as one of Europe’s fastest-growing holiday destinations. The article cites Thomas Cook data showing a 293% increase in bookings for Albania compared with a year earlier. The Sun points to Albania’s beaches, affordable summer holidays and capital Tirana. It …
TIRANA, August 18 – Italian tourists continue to arrive at the Port of Vlora in large numbers in late August. Many others are returning home after spending their holidays on Albania’s beaches and in its cities. Albanians living abroad are also arriving for their holidays. As a result, Vlora continues …
Albania continues to attract foreign tourists. Visitors particularly praise its hospitality, cuisine and coastline. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared today the views of several foreign tourists who chose Vlora for their holidays. “For the first time in Vlora, and certainly not the last, new friends of Albania are coming …
Berat’s rich historical and cultural heritage continues to attract more visitors. The city of a thousand windows remains one of Albania’s leading cultural tourism destinations. Data from the first seven months of 2026 show growing interest in the “Onufri” Iconographic Museum and the Ethnographic Museum. Miklor Pasku, director of the …
TIRANA, August 18 – Large wildfires have affected Albania and several other European countries. The fires have claimed lives and damaged homes, ecosystems, farmland, infrastructure, cultural heritage and local economies. The European Union Delegation in Tirana said Europe remains united in response to the fires. It stressed that no country …
Gjirokastër continues to inspire young generations with its distinctive houses, architecture and rich cultural heritage. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared a video featuring young artist Ajden Nora. He highlighted how young people are keeping Albania’s cultural heritage alive through music and art. “When tradition finds the …