EU urges Kosovo to review the Kosovo Liberation Army veterans’ issue
Economic growth was noted as a positive achievement for Kosovo supported by strong export growth and investment, while major structural obstacles to growth and competitiveness were underlined as a challenge, by representatives of the EU Member States, the Western Balkans and Turkey, the European Commission and the European Central Bank, …
Kosovo Police arrests Serbian man wanted by Interpol
The Kosovo Police have arrested on Friday a Kosovo Serb who was in the wanted list of Interpol. Original post Here
EU wants Kosovo-Serbia dialogue to start in June, says Blerim Shala
Blerim Shala, political advisor to Kosovo President Hashim Thaci, said that western powers have agreed on principles of the final phase of dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. Original post Here
Thaci met Head of EULEX to discuss mission’s mandate
President Hashim Thaci met today head of EULEX, Alexandra Papadopoulou, when they discussed conclusion of the current mandate of the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo. Original post Here
Kosovo is wasting time with Association of Serb Municipalities, says chief negotiator
Kosovo chief negotiator in technical talks with Serbia, Avni Arifi, says that establishment of the Association of Serb-majority Municipalities should not be among top priorities of Kosovo saying that Kosovo is “wasting time” with the Association. Original post Here
Germany against giving Thaci a leading role in dialogue with Serbia
Germany is opposing Hashim Thaci’s plans to take a leading role in dialogue with Serbia. This was reflected also during a meeting that Thaci had with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on 9 May. Reportedly Merkel was not happy with the way Kosovo authorities have arrested and deported Head …
Kosovo court convicts two people of human trafficking, organised crime
The Basic Court in Pristina has on Thursday convicted urologist Lutfi Dervishi, owner of the Medicus clinic, and anaesthetist Sokol Hajdini, after they were found guilty of carrying out illegal transplant of kidneys. Original post Here
Kosovo hopes to renew bid to join Interpol this year
Veton Elshani, from the Kosovo Ministry of Interior who heads a working group on applying for Interpol membership said on Wednesday that he believes that by November Kosovo will reach an agreement with Europol and join Interpol. Original post Here
Kosovo PM Haradinaj has private audience with Pope Francis, asks Vatican to recognise Kosovo
Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj was at a private audience with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican in Rome on Wednesday. Haradinaj’s cabinet announced that the Prime Minister asked Vatican to recognise Kosovo’s independence. Original post Here
Srpska List against creation of Kosovo Army
The political entity representing Kosovo Serbs – List Srpska, is against any initiative of the Government for creation of the Army of Kosovo, said Dalbiro Jevtic who is deputy Prime Minister in Government. Original post Here
Tirana will soon open its doors to the sights, sounds, and flavors of Arabia. From 16 to 20 September 2025, the Palace of Congresses will transform into a vibrant stage for Saudi Cultural Week, a five-day celebration of art, heritage, and creativity hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Culture. The festival promises to be more …
Albania’s hosting of an exiled Iranian opposition group was never likely to be easy. Now it’s under criminal investigation. Original post Here
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week sheds light on police brutality, hidden influence, strained bilateral relations and other turbulent issues across the region. Original post Here
The city of Durres on Albania’s Adriatic coast boasts a fine selection of Roman-era mosaics. But due to a lack of initiative by the local authorities, progress has been slow to preserve them and make them available for the public to view. Original post Here
As Mediterranean fire seasons grow in intensity, Albania’s government faces calls to invest in firefighting and reforestation. Original post Here
Interview with Migen Qiraxhi, Project Manager at Qëndresa Qytetare, July 17 In Albania, where higher education is often portrayed as a bridge to opportunity and European integration, the reality on the ground tells a darker story. Behind university gates, corruption, nepotism, and political interference have quietly hollowed out institutions that …
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week sheds light on police brutality, hidden influence, strained bilateral relations and a whole lot more. Original post Here
From data leaks and criminal hacks to smear campaigns, BIRN’s digital rights monitoring team documented widespread privacy violations and assaults on freedom of speech across Southeast Europe in July. Original post Here
As fires rage at overflowing and often illegal landfills in Albania, companies with criminal connections keep securing waste management contracts with the state. Original post Here
Across the region, our selection of this week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories suggests that alarm bells are going off in many countries – and not only because of the wildfires. Original post Here