Suspected Burial Sites of Communist-Era ‘Disappeared’ Found in Albania
The International Commission on Missing Persons has gathered evidence of a series of sites believed to have been used by Albania’s Communist regime to bury the bodies of political opponents, and is calling on the authorities to launch excavations. Original post Here
Justice Minister Gogu meets chief of the Special Anti-Corruption Structure to strengthen law and rule of law
TIRANA, April 3 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu met with the chief of the Special Anti-Corruption Structure, Klodjan Braho, to discuss the functioning of Albania’s justice system. The talks focused on inter-institutional cooperation in key areas. Gogu highlighted improving the legal framework, strengthening institutional capacities, providing infrastructure support, and increasing …
Customs point in Saranda improves efficiency and service
TIRANA, April 3 – The customs point in Saranda is set to become more efficient and functional. The director general of customs, Besmir Beja, highlighted the importance of strengthening operations at the site. Staff were urged to maintain high standards, follow procedures, and cooperate closely across structures. The goal is …
Lower Selca Illyrian tombs attract tourists and researchers
TIRANA, April 3 – The Royal Illyrian Tombs of Lower Selca attract scholars and tourists each year. They are located in the Mokra region, between Pogradec and Korça in southeastern Albania. The site is one of the Balkans’ most significant archaeological complexes. It was discovered accidentally during the communist era. …
Interior minister Lamallari says US embassy advisory standard, police boost security measures
TIRANA, April 3 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari confirmed that Albanian police have increased security measures at critical sites for some time. He spoke during a press briefing addressing the US embassy’s recent security advisory. Lamallari said the embassy notice is standard and mirrors similar alerts in other countries, including …
Photo Archive: Foreign Tourists During the Communist Era
Before the 1990s, Albania did not treat tourism as a strong economic sector. The government mainly used it as propaganda to show foreign visitors the achievements of the communist state. During the regime, few foreigners entered Albania. The government strictly controlled visits after World War II. Officials monitored not only …
Rector of Elbasan University elected president of Balkan Universities Alliance for 2028
TIRANA, April 3 – Elbasan University “Aleksandër Xhuvani” has achieved a major international milestone. Its rector, Professor Elvira Fetahu, has been elected president of the Balkan Universities Alliance for 2028. The university described the election as a significant achievement. It highlights the institution’s growing role in strengthening academic cooperation across …
Interior minister Besfort Lamallari: EU membership is a security and geopolitical project
TIRANA, April 3 – Albania continues alignment with the European family, focusing on justice, freedom, and security. The Ministry of Interior outlined concrete steps and results under Chapter 24. Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said EU membership is not only an economic and social project. He described it as a security …
Kosova approves temporary measures to prevent rise in basic goods prices
TIRANA, April 3 – Kosova’s government has approved a draft law introducing temporary measures on essential products during market instability. The initiative aims to prevent price increases for basic goods during global crises. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the law responds to repeated price shocks and market uncertainty. He stressed …
Albanian heritage celebrated at NBA game Chicago Bulls vs Indiana Pacers
TIRANA, April 3 – On 1 April, the United Center in Chicago hosted a unique cultural event during the NBA game between the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers. The event, Night of Albanian Heritage, was organised by the Albanian-American community in Illinois. The community said the event marked a first …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
A delegation of the Albanian Parliament took part in the Regional Parliamentary Anti-Corruption Clinic in Beciq, Montenegro, on September 24–26. MPs Milva Ekonomi, Antoneta Dhima and Kliti Hoti represented the Parliament. The National Democratic Institute organised the event with the Parliament of Montenegro. The meeting brought together MPs and parliamentary …
Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi said direct engagement with citizens and communities in EU member states is essential for the success of Albania’s EU integration process. He made the remarks at a conference with representatives of Albanian institutions and the European Parliament. Peleshi said enlargement cannot rely only on political …
Health and Social Protection Minister Klodiana Spahiu visited health facilities in Mallakastër to review investments, services and staff work. The visit took place as part of a process to restructure and reorganise health facilities. The process aims to align their capacities with community needs. Spahiu said the reorganisation aims to …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has called on the European Union not to leave the Western Balkans behind again. He said failure to integrate the region would also be a major failure for Europe. Rama spoke at the Inter-parliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership”. He said Albania …
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is on the right track toward European Union membership in an interview with France 24. She included Albania among four countries currently making the most progress in the accession process. Kos described 2026 as a high-paced year for EU enlargement. She said …
Andreas Schieder, the European Parliament rapporteur for Albania, said the country has entered the final phase of its EU membership negotiations. He said Albania can close the remaining chapters within the set deadlines. Schieder spoke at the Interparliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership” in Tirana. He …
European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said Albania has entered a new phase of its EU membership process. She noted that the country has opened all six negotiating clusters and provisionally closed three. Moreira de Sousa spoke at a conference with representatives of Albanian institutions and the …
European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman David McAllister said the European Union should advance membership negotiations whenever countries meet reform conditions. He spoke at the Interparliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership” in Tirana. McAllister said Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has increased the strategic importance of EU …
Autumn has begun to paint Tirana’s mountains in golden colors. After a long and scorching summer, golden grass now covers the slopes, while red shrubs add warmer tones. At the same time, green trees still dominate parts of the landscape, creating striking combinations of green, yellow, brown and red. A …