Merkel commends Kosovo for constructive dialogue with Serbia in phone call with Thaci
German Chancellor Angela Merkel had a telephone conversation on Tuesday with Kosovo President Hashim Thaci. According to Thaci’s office the main topic of conversation was strengthening of mutual relations between the two countries and necessity to continue the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia on normalisation of relations. Original post Here
Kosovo's Parliament supports commission to probe deportation of six Turks
Kosovo Parliament has on Tuesday voted to establish a commission to investigate how and why six Turkish citizens, suspected of being members of Fetullah Gulen movement, were arrested and deported to Turkey. Original post Here
Austria’s support for visa liberalisation extremely important, says Kosovo DPM Hoxhaj
Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister, Enver Hoxhaj, in an interview for the Austrian-based APA stressed the importance of Austria’s support during the EU presidency, Kosovo’s integration process, and especially visa liberalization. Original post Here
Haradinaj asks Bulgarian PM to help Kosovo become member of international organisations
Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj asked his Bulgarian counterpart Boyko Borissov to support European path of Kosovo and help the country become member of international organisations and get new recognitions. Original post Here
EU-Western Balkans Summit tops the agenda of Bulgarian PM visit in Kosovo
Representation of Kosovo in the EU-Western Balkans Summit set to take place on 16-17 May in Sofia, was one of the main topics of the meetings that Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov had with Kosovo state leaders in Pristina. Original post Here
Kukan to Kosovo: Do not expect positive reports from the European Commission
The member of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and chairman of the Committee on Cooperation with the Western Balkans, Eduard Kukan, said that Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina should not expect positive reports from the European Commission this year. Original post Here
Association only according to the Constitutional Court’s decision
National Coordinator for State Reforms, Besnik Tahiri, has asked the state reform be courageous, long-term and strategic. Original post Here
Kosovo opposition no-confidence initiative about to fail
The initiative of the opposition Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) for a joint round table of all political parties aimed at finding a formula for ending political crisis in Kosovo and set the date of early elections, is about to fail. Original post Here
Bulgarian Prime Minister visits Kosovo today
Bulgarian Prime Minister, Boyko Borissov would be visiting Kosovo today when he will meet President Hashim Thaci, and Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj. Original post Here
Milo Djukanovic wins Montenegro's presidential election
Pro-European Union politician Milo Djukanovic wins Montenegro’s presidential elections with 53.9% of votes according to preliminary results of the state election commission. Kosovo leaders were quick to congratulate Djukanovic, veteran politician and former prime minister who decided last month to return to politics. 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