Newsanalysis: Kosovo Parliament Fails Again to Elect Speaker, Highlighting Deepening Partisan Divides and Institutional Fragility
Tirana, Tirana Times, April 27 — Kosovo’s political deadlock deepened further on Sunday as the Parliament failed once again to elect a Speaker and officially constitute the Assembly, despite seven attempts. The candidate proposed by the winning party, Vetëvendosje (VV), acting Justice Minister Albulena Haxhiu, did not secure enough votes, …
Elmar Brok: Berisha calls for liberation – Rama’s power crumbles
A new chapter is dawning in Albania. For the first time in years, Edi Rama’s iron-fisted ruleis beginning to totter. The country is facing a historic decision: Freedom or downfall. And inthe midst of this moment, an old fighter rises up – Sali Berisha, the symbol of Albania’s firstliberation, is …
Farewell, Pope Francis
By Jerina Zaloshnja Rakipi — Reporting from Vatican City Tirana Times, April 26, 2025 In 1967, a Catholic priest in Tirana—whose name I never managed to learn—quietly came to our home to baptize me. I was only two years old, born to a Bektashi father and a Muslim mother, who, …
Digital Divide: The Albanians Left Behind by Move to Online Public Services
Albania has moved almost all of its public administration online, yet the elderly, those with disabilities, and others who lack the necessary digital skills risk being locked out if authorities do not step up support. Original post Here
Challenging Justice: Albanian Parties Field Candidates Facing Corruption Charges
Promises to clean up politics – and not run candidates with suspected or proven crime links – seem to have been dumped by both main parties contesting next month’s parliamentary election. Original post Here
Balkan Leaders Express Sorrow After Death of Pope Francis
Balkan leaders and Catholic believers across the region voiced their condolences after the death of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday after a period of ill-health. Original post Here
Albanians Remember ‘Extraordinary Woman’ Who Endured Torture for Her Faith
A Catholic nun who was persecuted as an enemy of the Communist regime in her short lifetime, Marie Tuci is today widely honoured in Albania as both a saint and a symbol of courage. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: April 14, 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
BIRN Fact-Check: Is Albanian PM’s Promise of 2030 EU Accession Realistic?
Experts say the Albanian prime minister’s pledge to secure membership of the EU by 2030 is little more than a “fairytale” for the electorate ahead of elections in May. Original post Here
Italy Sends More Migrants to Albania After Change of Plan
A new shipload of migrants from Italy arrived in Albania on Friday after the Rome government changed the rules on the use of its detention centre in the Balkan country after previous legal setbacks to the offshoring project. Original post Here
Sotira Farm in Kolonjë stands out as a successful agritourism investment. Located in southeastern Albania, the farm attracts thousands of foreign visitors each year. The farm supports the local economy while also creating tourism and employment opportunities for nearby residents. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of Sotira Farm …
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj met European Commissioner for Environment Jessika Roswall as Albania marked one year since it opened negotiations on Chapter 27, covering environment and climate change. In a video message on social media, Jaupaj said Albania remains committed to meeting European environmental standards. He presented the work carried …
Energy Efficiency Agency Director Ani Hasa said the agency has achieved 65% of its energy efficiency targets. Buildings recorded the highest performance, with 94% target achievement. During a parliamentary hearing, Hasa said the agency had taken several steps since late 2019 to promote energy efficiency and establish a specialized body …
Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti said he met American Congressman George Latimer during his stay in New York. They discussed developments in Kosova, cooperation with the United States and regional security. Kurti said the talks focused on economic development, security and strengthening Kosova’s international position. Meanwhile, the two also discussed …
Tonin Tershana died on September 22, 2015, at the age of 66. He was one of the most prominent names and distinctive voices in Albanian music. Born in Shkoder on June 1, 1949, Tershana began performing at a very young age. At 16, he took part in the 4th Song …
The Municipality of Vau i Dejës has begun steps to establish a twinning agreement with the Municipality of Perugia in Italy. The initiative aims to strengthen institutional cooperation and exchange experiences. Vau i Dejës Mayor Kristian Shkreli met with Perugia Mayor Vittoria Ferdinandi in Perugia. They discussed opportunities to establish …
Information integrity, the fight against disinformation and digital platform responsibility were at the center of the “Who Protects Information Integrity? EU Approaches and French Experience” conference in Tirana. Faktoje (Prove It) organized the event with Hibrid.info and the French embassies in Albania and Kosova. Representatives of institutions, media, civil society …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said around 100 Armed Forces personnel are taking part in firefighting operations at two sites identified last night. The fires broke out in Pojan, at the Apollonia Archaeological Park in Fier, and in the Gjiri i Lalëzit area of Durrës. Nufi said 68 Armed Forces personnel …
The Constitutional Court of Kosova has ruled that the 60-day deadline for electing the President of the Republic began on August 8 and ends on October 6, 2026. The court issued the ruling on Wednesday, September 23, after reviewing a request from the Democratic Party of Kosova. The request concerned …
During his stay in New York, Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met with Daniel Lawton, U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Western, Central and Southern European Affairs. The meeting focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. They also discussed the importance of close and continued coordination on …