Naser Kelmendi sentenced to six years imprisonment for selling drugs, cleared of murder charges
The alleged Balkan drug baron, Naser Kelmendi, has been sentenced to six years in prison for selling and trafficking narcotics but was cleared of murder charges. The verdict on Kelmendi’s case was given on Thursday. Original post Here
Serb Gendarmerie arrests two Kosovars
Two Kosovo Albanians have been arrested by Serbian gendarmerie at the village Llaushe of Podujeva near the border with Serbia, the Kosovo Police have confirmed. Original post Here
President Thaci commends EULEX but says it is time for Kosovo to take the lead
President Hashim Thaci addressed the media ahead of the tenth anniversary of Independence and mentioned Kosovo’s achievements during the first decade as an independent country. He said that Kosovo maintained cooperation with all mechanisms present in Kosovo. Original post Here
German Foreign Minister visits Kosovo on 7 February
German Foreign Minister, Sigmar Gabriel, will visit Kosovo on 7 February. During his official visit to Pristina he will meet Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj and other senior state officials, chief of cabinet of the Kosovo Prime Minister, Avni Arifi, confirmed on Thursday. Original post Here
PM Haradinaj obtains United Kingdom visa
Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj has obtained a UK visa. Avni Arifi, chief of cabinet of the Prime Minister, confirmed the news to Gazeta Express. Original post Here
Thaci: Kosovo doesn't forget Serbia’s genocide but we are committed to peace
Kosovo President Hashim Thaci during an interview with the Croatian state broadcaster HRT said that the dialogue on normalisation of relations between Kosovo and Serbia lead the Western Balkans towards the EU future. Original post Here
US congressmen nominate Natasa Kandic for Nobel Prize
Two US congressmen have nominated Natasa Kandic and the Humanitarian Law Center NGO for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize. Voice of America reported this on Thursday. Original post Here
Spain says Kosovo can only join EU as region of Serbia
Madrid is not giving up its stance on blocking the EU integration of Kosovo, the Belgrade-based daily Vecernje Novosti writes adding that Spain will agree to Kosovo in the EU – but only as a region of Serbia. Original post Here
Pacolli confirms Rita Ora to perform in Kosovo for 10th anniversary
Rumors have been looming around lately concerning the possibility of the return of Kosovo’s most beloved superstar, Rita Ora, for the 10th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence. Original post Here
Haradinaj: Nobody quizzes Special Court existence
Kosovo Prime Minister, Ramush Haradinaj, said that the special war crimes court set to try alleged crimes of the KLA will not be abolished. 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