US Academic Challenges National Narratives with Study of Race in Albania
In her new book based on her travels in Albania, Black American academic Chelsi West Ohueri looks at how people in the country see race and ethnicity – and the racial divides between Albanians and the marginalised Roma minority. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: November 3, 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
Albania’s Former Prime Minister Fatos Nano Dies at 73
Albania’s president praised the legacy of the three-times prime minister, an important figure in the country’s post-communist politics, who died on Friday. Original post Here
Albania’s Deputy PM Investigated for Violating Public Procurement Rules
Anti-corruption prosecutors said they are investigating deputy premier and infrastructure minister Belinda Balluku for violating tender rules, linked to the construction of a road in 2020. Original post Here
Albania, China and the Case for a Balanced Foreign Policy
By Ambassador Fatmir Çela Diplomacy has always been the lifeline of small nations, and Albania is no exception. From Fan Noli’s influence in Washington to the decisive interventions of diplomats in 1913, Albania’s survival and recognition have often depended less on force and more on skillful negotiation and credibility. For …
Syria Recognizes Kosovo in Diplomatic Breakthrough Backed by Saudi Arabia
TIRANA, October 29, 2025 In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Syria has officially recognized the Republic of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the 120th country to do so. The announcement was made in Riyadh during President Vjosa Osmani’s visit, marking one of the most significant moments in …
Albanian Volleyball Authority Slammed for Suspending Player Over Gender Claims
The Albanian Volleyball Federation has been accused of discrimination and prejudice over its decision to suspend a Brazilian women’s volleyball player based on unsupported allegations about her gender. Original post Here
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama Meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama Meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh Riyadh, October 27, 2025 . Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama is paying an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he was received at the Royal Palace in Riyadh by the Crown Prince and …
State Capture and Electoral Manipulation
ODIHR Report on Albania’s 2025 Elections Tirana, October 25, 2025. The final report of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on Albania’s May 11 parliamentary elections paints a deeply troubling picture of a country where democratic standards remain systematically undermined. The document exposes extensive evidence of …
SPAK Summons Deputy Prime Minister Balluku
SPAK Summons Deputy Prime Minister Balluku A Major Test for Albania’s Anti-Corruption Drive Tirana, October 27, 2025 .The Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has officially summoned Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku for questioning, marking one of the most politically sensitive moments in Albania’s ongoing …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visits Kosova today for meetings with its institutional leaders. She first meets acting President Albulena Haxhiu at the Presidency. Von der Leyen then meets Prime Minister Albin Kurti at the Government building. Kurti and von der Leyen are to hold a press conference …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj took part in the Berlin Process Economic Ministerial in Cetinje, Montenegro. Ministers from the six Western Balkan countries, European Commission representatives, regional organizations and international financial institutions also attended. Discussions focused on the Regional Common Market action plan, economic cooperation and closer alignment with …
Foreign Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha takes part in the Berlin Process Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Przno, Montenegro. He reaffirms Albania’s commitment to a safer, more competitive and better-connected Western Balkans. Hoxha says Western Balkan security and European security are inseparable. He describes enlargement as a response …
European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos says Albania is progressing very well in its European Union integration process. She highlights Albania among the countries leading the current enlargement process. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Kos also says Western Balkan countries will soon receive roaming benefits. Kos discusses the …
Ambassador Eric Wendt met with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha, the U.S. Embassy announced in a Facebook post. According to the statement, the meeting focused on highlighting the more than 100-year relationship between the United States and Albania, as well as discussing the expansion of trade, energy …
Prime Minister Edi Rama attended on Thursday the presentation of the five projects submitted as part of the international “Tirana Fountain Tower” competition. During his remarks, Rama responded to criticism regarding urban development and construction projects in the capital, stressing that no one is forcibly removed from their home to …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the Berlin Process Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, held in Pržno, Montenegro. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said that during the meeting, Hoxha reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to a safer, more competitive and better-connected Western Balkans, stressing that the security …
The Albanian Mountaineering and Mountain Tourism Federation has issued an official statement regarding an incident reported a few days ago, in which a group from North Macedonia removed a double-headed eagle symbol that had been placed by a team of Albanian mountaineers on Mount Korab. The Federation stressed that the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama inspected the new Cardiac Surgery facility at the “Mother Teresa” University Hospital Center (QSUT), which aims to provide modern services and raise standards of patient care. During the visit, Rama said investments in QSUT would continue in 2027, with the aim of fully addressing the needs …
Interior Minister Ervin Demo held a meeting with senior State Police officials at both central and regional levels, focusing on improving security, strengthening prevention measures, and responding to all forms of illegal activity with the full force of the law and professionalism. Minister Demo requested detailed and up-to-date information from …