Guinea Bissau reconfirms recognition of Kosovo’s Independence
The state of Guinea Bissau has reconfirmed recognition of Kosovo’s Independence. The news has been confirmed by Kosovo Foreign Minister, Behgjet Pacolli. Original post Here
Rakic: Mitrovica bridge will not open today
Mitrovica North Mayor, Goran Rakic, said that there will be no opening of the main bridge of Mitrovica today dividing the town in ethnic-lines in the south inhabited by Albanians and north inhabited by Serbs. Original post Here
This is how the first permanent border crossing Kosovo-Serbia will look like
Border crossing point of Merdare that links Kosovo with Serbia will look completely different than some time ago. Original post Here
EP Rapporteur: Kosovo is off the train to visas, 2019 more complicated
Igor Soltes, the EU Parliament Rapporteur on Kosovo, reminded to Kosovo politicians the time when Kosovo citizens were close to traveling without visas. He says that the advice of his predecessor, Ulrike Lunacek, was not heard when she called on Kosovo authorities to ratify the Agreement on border demarcation with …
Hoxhaj: Kosovo should apply for the Council of Europe membership in 2018
Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister, Enver Hoxhaj, reporting on Tuesday at the Assembly’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, said that Kosovo should submit its Council of Europe (CoE) bid in 2018, noting that full membership of Kosovo will take two to three years. Original post Here
Pristina restricts cars from 31 January to cut pollution
Kosovo Ministry of Environment and Municipality of Pristina have decided that odd and even number vehicles will be allowed to enter the capital city centre on alternate days as of 31 January, imposing the restrictions as an effort to curb rising pollution. Also Kosovo parliament is set to hold an …
Government insists pay rise is legal after Anti-Corruption body ruled as illegal
Kosovo Anti-Corruption Agency has on Monday published an opinion qualifying the decision of the Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj to increase salaries of his staff as illegal. According to this opinion the decision is in violation with the Law on preventing of the conflict of interest. Original post Here
Kosovo PM’s pay rise decision challenged at the Constitutional Court
The Vetevendosje MP, Albulena Haxhiu, announced on Monday that she addressed the Constitutional Court challenging the prime minister’s decision to increase salaries of his cabinet. Haxhiu claims PM Ramush Haradinaj’s decision is unconstitutional. Original post Here
MP Ilir Deda says demarcation with Montenegro cannot be negotiated
Member of Parliament representing Alternativa, Ilir Deda, said that current version of the Agreement on border demarcation between Kosovo and Montenegro cannot be renegotiated. He said that the only solution is reaching a consensus and ratification by the Parliament of Kosovo. Original post Here
Pacolli visits Sweden
Kosovo Foreign Minister, Behgjet Pacolli, is paying an official visit to Sweden, when he was received by his Swedish counterpart, Margot Wallstrom. 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