Edi Rama’s Socialist Party Leads in Albanian Parliamentary Elections
With vote-counting continuing from Sunday’s election, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s party appears to be on track to win an unprecedented fourth term in office, although Sali Berisha’s opposition Democratic Party is showing gains. Original post Here
Balkan Church Leaders Embrace Leo, the First American Pope
Balkan members of the Catholic Church have praised “broad-minded, spontaneous” Pope Leo XIV for his education, experience and openness. Original post Here
May 11 Elections: Albania at a Democratic and European Crossroads
Tirana Times, May 8,– On May 11, 2025, Albania will hold its tenth parliamentary elections since the fall of communism in 1991 – a moment expected to be decisive not only for the political fate of the main parties but also for the democratic future and European orientation of the …
Diaspora Vote and New Parties Bring Air of Uncertainty to Albanian Election
The Socialists and Democrats are still likely to dominate the Albanian political landscape after elections on May 11, but a cluster of new parties and the introduction of diaspora postal votes are threatening to shake things up. Original post Here
Kosovo’s Kurti Sued for Keeping Prime Ministerial Post Despite Resigning
The Democratic League of Kosovo has filed 17 lawsuits in a fresh legal challenge against the outgoing prime minister, Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti, and his ministers. Original post Here
‘Third Parties’: Albanian Election Campaign Marred by Online Scheming
Anonymous social media accounts, a lack of financial transparency and the unethical use of AI could have an impact on voter opinion ahead of Albania’s May 11 parliamentary election, BIRN has found. Original post Here
Albanian Ex-Negotiator Says PM’s Pledge of EU Accession in 2030 ‘Delusional’
In an interview with BIRN, Zef Mazi, Albania’s former chief negotiator with the EU, poured cold water on Prime Minister Edi Rama’s election promise of EU accession by 2030. Original post Here
Albanian Elections – New Political Forces Challenge Albania’s Political Duopoly
TIRANA, Albania , May 6th (Tirana Times ) — On May 11, Albanians will head to the polls for parliamentary elections marked by a crowded field of contenders: 53 political parties and over 2,000 candidates will vie for 140 seats in the national legislature. While this diversity may signal political …
Jordan’s King Abdullah II Makes Rare Visit to Albania Amid Sparse Bilateral Ties
President Begaj welcomes His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with a solemn ceremony. May 2, 2025 | TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times In a visit marked more by symbolism than substance, Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein arrived in Tirana on Friday for …
Saudi Cultural Heritage Celebrated in Prishtina with Opening of “Urat” Exhibition
Tirana Times | May 2nd | Prishtina, Kosovo — A unique cultural bridge between Kosovo and Saudi Arabia was inaugurated on Thursday with the opening of the “Urat” exhibition in central Prishtina, showcasing the Kingdom’s rich Islamic and cultural heritage. Organized in partnership between the Islamic Community of Kosovo and …
European Union Ambassador to Kosovo Dirk Schuebel has called for stronger cooperation between local and central institutions, stressing that closer coordination is important for Kosovo’s European integration process. Schuebel met separately on Wednesday with the mayors of Kosovo’s four northern municipalities and with the Mayor of South Mitrovica, Faton Peci. …
The European Commission is moving to formally back Albania’s goal of completing European Union accession negotiations by the end of 2027, according to Euronews. For years, Albania has promoted the 2027 target as a key milestone on its path toward EU membership. Now, European officials say the Commission plans to …
International credit rating agency Moody’s has upgraded Albania’s outlook from “stable” to “positive”. At the same time, it has affirmed the country’s sovereign rating at “Ba3”, the General Directorate of Taxes said. According to the Tax Administration, Moody’s identified strong budget revenue performance and the implementation of the Medium-Term Revenue …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa met with Prosecutor General Olsian Çela to discuss the main challenges facing Albania’s prosecution system. During the meeting, the two officials focused on ensuring justice for citizens and fighting crime. Moreira de Sousa highlighted the importance of a strong and effective justice …
Minister of Interior Ervin Demo held a courtesy meeting with Montenegro’s Minister of Public Administration, Marash Dukaj, on Wednesday. The two officials discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Albania and Montenegro. They also focused on local government and the region’s European path. Demo highlighted local government as an area where …
Albania continues to align its environmental standards with those of the European Union. The country is focusing on reforms, investments and stronger environmental regulations. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said he presented Albania’s progress during a meeting in Brussels with European Commissioner for Environment Jessika Roswall. The meeting also focused on …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Adriatic Charter, held under Croatia’s chairmanship. During the meeting, Hoxha called for stronger cooperation within the mechanism. He also stressed the need for a more inclusive regional approach to address emerging …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Dame Karen Pierce, the United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, in New York, USA. During the meeting, the two officials discussed current developments and dynamics across the Western Balkans. They also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and …
Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi attended the Global Sustainable Transport Forum in China, one of the world’s major events dedicated to transport. Speaking at the forum, Karakaçi called for stronger international cooperation in transport. He also highlighted Albania’s role in major European transport networks. Karakaçi described Albania as …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met with ambassadors and Friendship Groups representing the “Friends of the Western Balkans” countries at the Parliament on Wednesday. The group includes Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Croatia, Slovakia and Slovenia. Peleshi described these countries as important partners for Albania. He also thanked …