Balkan States Give Divided Reactions to US Strike on Venezuela
Albania and Kosovo applauded the Trump administration’s military operation against Venezuela’s regime and the ousting of Nicolas Maduro, while other states in the region initially remained silent or called for calm and restraint. Original post Here
Roaming Like at Home and the Western Balkans
By Genc Pollo Tirana, 02 January 2026 – Today’s decision by the European Union to grant “roaming like at home” to Ukraine and Moldova deserves praise. It is a practical citizen-centered step that immediately lowers costs improves connectivity and makes Europe tangible in everyday life. Yet the non inclusion of …
Albania in the EU Fast Lane – Accelerating Without Democratising?
Tirana’s EU accession process is running in top gear – but worryingly, there’s no sign this is being matched with a democratic deepening at home. Original post Here
Albania 2026: Power Under Investigation
As Albania enters 2026, the country stands at a political and institutional crossroads shaped decisively by the shocks of 2025. What initially appeared to be a year of electoral routine and managed stability evolved instead into the most serious confrontation between executive power and the justice system since the launch …
Saudi Arabia’s Yemen Action: Between Deterrence, Diplomacy, and Regional Responsibility
The latest Saudi action in Yemen should be understood not as escalation for its own sake, but as part of a broader strategic approach that combines deterrence with diplomacy, aimed at safeguarding regional stability and preserving internationally recognized state authority. Riyadh’s move comes in response to concrete security concerns arising …
Exposing Scams, Probing the Powerful: A Year of BIRN Investigations
As 2026 begins, we look back on some of the most important investigations published by BIRN in its 20th anniversary year – from brutal migrant-smuggling gangs and arms deals with Israel to state surveillance of protesters and online frauds. Original post Here
Letter From Washington: The US Just Blasted Balkan Authoritarians – Or Did It?
The recently-passed Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act shows that some US lawmakers still care about the region. But it doesn’t mean that Donald Trump is going to tell Aleksandar Vucic to be nicer to student protesters. Original post Here
PM Kurti claims victory in Kosovo vote, no clear majority
Tirana Times PRISTINA, Kosovo December 29, 2025. Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti secured another clear electoral victory in Kosovo’s repeat parliamentary election on Sunday, with his left wing Vetëvendosje movement significantly expanding its lead over rivals but once again failing to secure the parliamentary majority needed to govern alone, according …
Deputy PM Balluku Arrest Bid Shakes Albania’s Rule of Law
Will Parliament Lift the Deputy Prime Minister’s Immunity? Tirana Times, December 28 th , 2025. Albania has entered one of the most serious institutional confrontations since the launch of its justice reform, as the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) formally requested parliamentary authorization to arrest Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of …
George Orwell’s literary classic “1984” will be staged at the Kujtim Spahivogli National Experimental Theatre in a co-production with the Shkodër’s Migjeni Theatre. Directed by Dino Mustafic and adapted for the stage by Jeton Neziraj, the production will run on October 16, 17, 18 and 22, 23, 24 and 25. …
Kosova’s acting President Albulena Haxhiu has asked the Constitutional Court to clarify who can exercise presidential powers after her six-month mandate expires if the Assembly fails to elect a new president. The Office of the President confirmed the request to Radio Free Europe on October 6, the deadline for electing …
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said the Tirana-Durrës-Rinas Airport (TIA) rail project forms part of a broader railway modernisation programme. He spoke during a consultation with major international companies on the Public Service Contract for passenger rail transport on the corridor. The project includes rehabilitation of the existing line. …
Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj said proposed changes to Albania’s banking and payment laws will further align the country’s financial framework with European Union rules. Presenting the changes to the parliamentarian Economy Committee, he said the measures support Albania’s European integration process. They also address closing benchmarks for Chapter 4 …
The Armed Forces Academy has opened the 2026–2027 academic year at its new campus. A total of 289 students have started their professional and military training to serve the country. At the opening ceremony, Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi described the new campus as a sign of Albania’s commitment to …
Theth hosted young people this weekend for YouthCamp 2026, an initiative focused on discussion, cooperation and the exchange of ideas. Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the initiative and said it aims to turn young people’s ideas into concrete initiatives for Shkodër. Over two days, participants discussed issues related to the …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part today in the 12th edition of the Tirana Connectivity Forum. The forum focuses on connectivity, regional cooperation and the European future of the Western Balkans. In his speech, Hoxha said political commitments to EU enlargement must lead to concrete steps …
Dardan Cena delivered a strong performance at the World Judo Championships in Baku, recording two wins in the -73 kg category and reaching the last 16. He defeated Ireland’s Joshua Green in his opening bout before securing a major victory over Georgian Olympic champion Lasha Shavdatuashvili. Although he lost in …
Environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards are becoming increasingly important for business competitiveness, access to financing and integration into the European market, said Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Albania Natasha Ahmetaj. Speaking at the conference “Turning ESG Standards into Business Value – Competitiveness and Sustainable Growth in Albania …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the 12th edition of the “Tirana Connectivity Forum”, a platform for discussions on connectivity, regional cooperation and the European future of the Western Balkans. Minister Hoxha stressed that political commitments to European Union enlargement must be accompanied by concrete …