European Union to open accession negotiations with Albania
The European Commission will recommend that the European Union opens accession negotiations with Albania and Macedonia, and noted that Kosovo delivered at a slow pace throughout 2017 when it comes to EU-related reforms, according to a draft document published by media. Original post Here
Djukanovic asks votes of Albanians, pledges to respect the border agreement
Milo Djukanovic, the presidential candidate of the ruling DPS party (Democratic party of Socialists) in Sunday’s presidential election in Montenegro, said he counts on vote of Albanians, who as he said played a positive role in all decision-making moments of modern history of this country. Original post Here
Kotzias-Pacolli joint press conference in Pristina cancelled
Greek Foreign Minister Nikolaos Kotzias is paying his first official visit to Kosovo. After landing in Pristina Airport Kotzias was welcomed by his Kosovo counterpart, Behgjet Pacolli. Original post Here
Kosovo PM Haradinaj vows revival of Trepca
Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj met on Thursday newly elected members of the Trepca Board. Haradinaj and Trepca Board agreed on further steps towards revitalisation of the biggest mining complex in Kosovo. Original post Here
Serbia continues abusing Interpol with false allegations, says Kosovo DPM Hoxhaj
Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister, Enver Hoxhaj, has condemned recent actions of Serbia against Kosovo state leaders, by misusing international organisations. Recently Serbia has managed to put back in Interpol system arrest warrants for Kosovo President Hashim Thaci and Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj. Original post Here
Kosovo Minister Charged With Corruption
The Special Prosecution of Kosovo has filed an indictment against minister of Infrastructure, Pal Lekaj. He is accused of corruption at the time he served as mayor of Gjakova. Original post Here
Bulgarian Prime Minister to visit Kosovo on Monday
Bulgarian Prime Minister, Boyko Borissov, is expected to visit Kosovo on Monday. He will come to Pristina at the invitation of Kosovo President Hashim Thaci. During his visit to Pristina Borissov will meet also Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, and Speaker of Parliament Kadri Veseli. Original post Here
Stiffer penalties coming in revised Kosovo’s Criminal Code
Kosovo Minister of Justice, Abelard Tahiri, presented on Thursday new Draft Law on criminal code which includes stiffer penalties for some offences. Original post Here
Arrest warrants for Thaci, others back in Interpol system
Arrest notices for about 20 Kosovo Albanians issued by Serbian courts have been returned to the Interpol system. Original post Here
Kosovo Prime Minister wants world leaders involve in dialogue with Serbia
Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj says Kosovo wants the world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and French President Emmanuel Macron, be involved in the final phase of the dialogue with Serbia. 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