10 years since Kosovo joined FIFA and UEFA, Duka recalls historic moment
Albanian Football Federation President Armand Duka has marked the 10th anniversary of Kosovo’s membership in FIFA and UEFA. He described the decision as a historic achievement that confirmed Kosovo’s place in international football. Moreover, Duka praised the late former Football Federation of Kosovo president Fadil Vokrri, highlighting his key role …
EU with YOU – for opportunities in the Western Balkans
EU support is not abstract — it can be seen in the streets of Western Balkan cities, in growing businesses, and in the opportunities opening up for young people. The two-day “Creative HUB” event, organized by WeBalkans in Belgrade at the end of April, became a meeting point for journalists, …
Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Suspicions Linger in Dropped Albania Smuggling Case
Prosecutors dropped a probe into the alleged smuggling of Russian oil through an Albanian port in 2023, but behind the vessel in question lies a network of individuals and companies linked by Ukrainian intelligence agents to an alleged ‘shadow fleet’ used by Russia to bypass sanctions and finance its war …
Charlemagne Prize ceremony in Aachen, Prime Minister Rama invited among group of honour guests
TIRANA, May 13 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will visit Aachen, Germany on May 13–14 as a special guest among around 700 personalities attending the Charlemagne Prize ceremony. Organisers described him as part of the group of honour guests. Turning to this year’s award, the Charlemagne Prize 2026 will go …
Albanian and North Macedonian MPs discuss climate and environmental challenges in Struga
The parliamentary committees on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora and on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development held a joint meeting in Struga, North Macedonia, on May 12-13. The OSCE organized the event. The meeting brought together MPs from Albania and North Macedonia, along with ambassadors and senior OSCE officials. During …
Hoxha meets Swedish parliamentary delegation, discusses EU path
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met today in Tirana with a delegation from the Swedish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Morgan Johansson. During the meeting, Hoxha praised Sweden’s continued support for Albania’s European Union integration process. He also highlighted Sweden’s contribution to Albania’s democratic, institutional and …
Vengu meets Albanian students in North Macedonia, backs Albanian-language exams
Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu met with Albanian students in Struga and Tetovo during his two-day visit to North Macedonia. During the meetings, Vengu said Albanian students are not asking for ethnic privileges. Instead, he said they are demanding what he called “European normality” by seeking to take state exams …
University of Arts honors sculptor Kristaq Rama, certificate received by Zaho Rama
The University of Arts marked its 60th anniversary today. It awarded certificates of appreciation to more than 30 personalities. These individuals contributed to the institution’s development. The ceremony took place in Tirana. Students, alumni, professors and cultural figures attended the event. Among the honorees was sculptor Kristaq Rama. He was …
Albania–Sweden dialogue on EU integration, Balla: Goal to close negotiations by 2027
A parliamentary dialogue on EU enlargement between Albania and Sweden was held today in Tirana at the “House of Europe”. The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group Taulant Balla said Albania is closer than ever to full EU membership. He stated that the country’s goal is to close accession …
Koçiu: Measures in place for safe and successful tourism season
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu presented a package of measures in Saranda to ensure a safe and successful tourism season. She said Albania has seen a sharp increase in tourist numbers over the past five years. However, she stressed that the country has managed the flow without major problems. Moreover, …
Amid fresh starts and problems old and new, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week suggests that many countries in the region are at a crossroads. Which way will they go? Original post Here
Heavy rainfall and rising water levels have caused flooding in Theth, a tourist destination in northern Albania. Overflowing streams have sent water towards several tourist businesses, reaching areas around guesthouses and disrupting their activities. Meanwhile, the area has been without electricity for around 24 hours due to the conditions. Continuous …
Kosova’s Assembly is expected to vote again on the law governing the Specialist Chambers in The Hague. The vote concerns the same text approved on October 6 and returned for reconsideration by President Justina Shiroka Pula on October 22. If at least 61 lawmakers vote in favour, the assembly will …
Albania’s National Library hosted Polish writer Malgorzata Rejmer on Thursday as part of “READ FOR REAL – European Authors Day 2026”. The European literary initiative promotes authors, reading and cultural dialogue between countries. This marks Albania’s first participation in the initiative, joining the European network of countries hosting literary events. …
The Academy of Sciences of Albania has organised the two-day international scientific conference “AI Horizon – A New Space for Creativity and Innovation”. The conference focuses on developments in artificial intelligence and the opportunities it offers across different fields. It began on November 12. The Academy’s Section of Technical and …
The Butrint Management Foundation is preparing to launch an emergency conservation project covering seven monuments at Butrint National Park. Experts identified the sites as priorities after documenting and assessing their condition. The project will focus on the Western Gate, the fresco near the Western Gate, the Northern Gate, the Lake …
Albania is preparing a more comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptoasset markets to support new digital financial services, clarify operators’ responsibilities and strengthen consumer protection. Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Martin Kajo presented the draft law to the Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development. He said technological advances …
The Agency for Media and Information (MIA) said the decision to host the next NATO summit in Tirana remains unchanged. In a social media post, MIA clarified that Prime Minister Edi Rama’s statement a day earlier concerned only the summit’s timing, not the cancellation or reversal of the decision to …
Albania’s 2–0 win over Finland caught the attention of Prime Minister Edi Rama, who shared a story from a dinner he attended during the European Political Community summit. Rama said he was seated at the same table as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the prime minister of Finland, the …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset on the sidelines of the European Political Community (EPC) summit. Kurti announced the meeting in a Facebook post, saying the talks focused on Kosovo’s accession to the Council of Europe. The prime minister said membership would …