Saudi Arabia at the center of global foreign policy hosting USA-Russia talks
Saudi Arabia has consolidated its rising position in the global affairs arena, emerging as a focal point for the ongoing talks between USA the Russia for a variety of issues including recalibrating their bilateral relations and ultimately reaching an agreement about stopping the war in Ukraine. Representatives from the US …
Albania will not shelter Palestinians from Gaza
The Albanian PM denies claims, provides no value statements over the proposal despite EU wide condemnation Feb 16,2025 – At the Munich Security Conference, Albanian PM Edi Rama denied any claims that Albania will shelter Palestinians from Gaza. When asked about the controversial proposal of American President Donald Trump to …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 17, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Mayor’s Arrest Deals Albania’s Ruling Party a Pre-Election Blow
Erion Veliaj’s arrest for alleged corruption, alongside his wife, has enraged the ruling Socialist Party – and could undermine its chances in the May elections. BIRN looks at the charges and their political impact. Original post Here
Albanian PM Accused of Undermining Special Prosecution’s Independence
After Edi Rama criticised the Special Prosecution over the arrest for alleged corruption of his political ally, Tirana’s mayor, the country’s top judicial body delivered a stinging rebuke. Original post Here
Erion Veliaj, Rising Star in Albania, Felled by Corruption Charges
The mayor of Tirana was once tipped to be Albania’s next prime minister. Now he’s behind bars after being arrested on graft charges, possibly facing a very different future. Original post Here
Public Perceptions of Corruption in Balkans Continue to Worsen: Report
Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index makes grim reading for most Balkan countries, with Kosovo and Albania as rare exceptions to a worsening trend. Original post Here
Tirana Mayor Arrested on Corruption and Money-Laundering Charges
The mayor of Albania’s capital, Erion Veliaj, a key figure in the ruling Socialist Party, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of corruption and money-laundering. Original post Here
Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj arrested on corruption charges
TIRANA, Feb. 10, 2025 – The mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, was arrested Monday afternoon by order of the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). Judicial police officers entered Veliaj’s office at around 2 p.m. and escorted him to a detention facility. An arrest warrant has also …
Vetvendosje wins Kosovo elections, loses comfortable majority
Feb 10, 2025 The Vetvendosje Party led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti has claimed victory in the round of general elections held in Kosovo on February 9. With around 90 percent of the ballots counted, VV has reached about 41 percent whereas the opposition parties achieved lower figures of 22 …
TIRANA, September 4 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Friday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will alternate between clear spells and occasional moderate cloud cover, mainly over hilly and mountainous areas. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the northeast to northwest at an average speed of …
TIRANA, September 4 – Ksamil has been named Europe’s best coastal destination by US travel media outlet “Travel Off Path”. Journalist Trevor Kucheran ranked it first among five European coastal destinations recommended by travel experts. The article highlights Ksamil’s exceptionally clear waters and white-pebble beaches. It also points to the …
TIRANA, September 4 – Tirana International Airport handled 6 million passengers in the first six months of 2026. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the figure puts the airport ahead of others in the region. According to Rama, passenger traffic increased by 17% compared with the same period in 2025. He …
One of the most acclaimed Albanian-language films in European cinema this year, and an Oscar contender, will meet Albanian audiences with a powerful story about dignity, poverty, family and the human cost of survival. The Tirana International Film Festival, taking place from September 21 to 27, will screen “Shame and …
TIRANA, September 4 – Grila, on the shores of Lake Shkodra in Malesia e Madhe, has become a popular destination for visitors seeking nature, tranquillity and scenic landscapes. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos showing visitors enjoying picnics and outdoor sports by the lake. They are also spending their holidays …
A World War II hospital ship that sank off the Albanian coast in 1941 has transformed into a rich underwater ecosystem decades later, according to British outlet “BBC Wildlife.” Researchers have identified 151 species living on and around the wreck. The discovery also includes a Mediterranean monk seal, one of …
TIRANA, September 4 – The risk of wildfires will be high across most of Albania this afternoon and tomorrow, according to the Geosciences Institute. The institute forecasts high risk in Shkodër, Dibër, Lezha, Durrës, Tirana, Elbasan, Fier, Berat, Vlora and Gjirokastër regions. Meanwhile, Kukës and Korca will face moderate overall …
TIRANA, September 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is attending the 52nd “Intelligence on the World, Europe and Italy” Forum in Cernobbio, Italy. The forum brings together political, institutional and business leaders from Europe and beyond. Rama is due to speak on the “Agenda for Europe” panel during a session …
TIRANA, September 4 – The end of August has not brought the tourist season to a close in Shëngjin. The coastal resort continues to attract visitors, many of them from Kosova. Holidaymakers say they are enjoying their stay and value the quieter atmosphere, the beach and the services still available …
Taranto has officially handed over the Mediterranean Games flag to Prishtina, which will host the 2030 edition. The 20th Mediterranean Games ended in Taranto with a celebration featuring Mediterranean music, a tarantella performance, spectacular lights and fireworks. During the closing ceremony, representatives from all 26 participating countries paraded at the …