Kosovo bans entry of Serbian Defence Minister
Kosovo has banned Serbia’s Defence Minister Aleksandar Vulin from entering the country, who announced attendance in the annual event of St. Vitus Day, celebrated by Serbs as Vidovdan every 28 June. Original post Here
European Commission Report on visas for Kosovo to be announced within days, Arifi says
Avni, Arifi, chief of staff of the Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj says the decision of the European Commission on whether Kosovo has fulfilled the criteria on visa liberalisation will be announced in the coming days. Arifi believes the EC will open the way for visa-free regime. Original post Here
Liberia to open Embassy in Pristina, reaffirming recognition of Kosovo
Kosovo Foreign Minister, Behgjet Pacolli, met on Wednesday the President of Liberia, George Weah. Pacolli’s visit to Monrovia came after Serbian authorities alleged that this African country has revoked Kosovo’s recognition. Pacolli’s visit and Weah’s promise to open embassy in Kosovo have finally ended the debate on Kosovo’s recognition. Original …
Kosovo Army according to NATO criteria, a credible ally for security
Kosovo Prime Minister, Ramush Haradinaj, met on Wednesday leaders of the NATO Advisory and Liaison Team (NALT), headed by its director, Ralf Hoffman. Original post Here
Luxemburg meeting, Council waiting for the EC assessment on visas for Kosovo
EU General and Foreign Affairs Councils adopted on Tuesday in Luxembourg conclusions on Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Process for the Western Balkan countries. This document will be reviewed after two days by the EU chief during a meeting of the Council of the European Union. In Kosovo’s part it …
Luxemburg meeting, Council waiting for the EC assessment on visas for Kosovo
EU General and Foreign Affairs Councils on June adopted on Tuesday in Luxembourg conclusions on Enlargement and Stabilisation and Association Process for the Western Balkan countries. This document will be reviewed after two days by the EU chief during a meeting of the Council of the European Union. In Kosovo’s …
EU gives green light to start membership talks with Albania and Macedonia
The European Union will start accession negotiations with Macedonia and Albania, pending progress on reforms before the first talks can begin in 2019. Original post Here
EU gives green light to start membership talks with Albania and Macedonia
The European Union will start accession negotiations with Macedonia and Albania, pending progress on reforms before the first talks can begin in 2019. Original post Here
“Ivanovic’s killers are not Albanians, still operating in the north of Kosovo”
Five months after the murder of the Citizens’ alliance SDP leader Oliver Ivanovic in Mitrovica North Kosovo authorities have not solved the case. Special Prosecutor dealing with this case, Syle Hoxha, told Gazeta Express that the investigations are ongoing but he is almost certain that the perpetrators of this crime …
“Ivanovic’s killers are not Albanians, still operating in the north of Kosovo”
Five months after the murder of the Citizens’ alliance SDP leader Oliver Ivanovic in Mitrovica North Kosovo authorities have not solved the case. Special Prosecutor dealing with this case, Syle Hoxha, told Gazeta Express that the investigations are ongoing but he is almost certain that the perpetrators of this crime …
Whether it’s political crises, corruption or political monopolies, our Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlight the stalemates that so often hold the region back. Original post Here
Analysts and opposition MPs say Prime Minister Edi Rama’s public backing for his indicted deputy is a direct challenge to the fight against organised crime and corruption. Original post Here
Mayor Erion Veliaj looks on course to continue governing the city from his jail cell – after the Constitutional Court annulled his dismissal and PM Edi Rama said he will not call early elections in Tirana. Original post Here
In the first of her monthly dispatches from the heartland of the European Union, Gjeraqina Tuhina looks at which Balkan states have been getting gold stars – or black marks – from the enlargement commissioners. Original post Here
1. The Last Cycle of Extremist Ideologies in the Old Continent – Council of Europe In 2011, the Council of Europe adopted the final version of the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention), which contained many useful provisions. However, Article 3(c), which …
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times) November 11, 2025. The criminal charges filed against Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Belinda Balluku over the Llogara Tunnel project have pushed Albania’s flagship justice reform into uncharted territory, bringing prosecutors closer than ever to the core of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government. The Special …
Albania’s smaller parties believe the country’s two main political forces unexpectedly agreed to work together on electoral reform in order to fix the system to maintain their dominance. Original post Here
The Western Balkan countries remain important corridors in Europe for drug and human trafficking and migrant smuggling, says the 2025 Organised Crime Index, produced by an anti-graft NGO. Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Tirana Times sat with the Head of the Taipei Representative office in Italy, Ambassador Vincent Tsao on his recent visit to Albania to talk about cooperation and exchange in technology, development, education and more… Your Excellency, Taiwan is known globally for its advanced technology and innovation sectors. What specific areas …