Fostering a thirst for knowledge: the key to building the world of tomorrow
H.E Alvaro Renedo Zalba, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Albania It is a true pleasure to speak to you today on this rainy November morning. The dim light of today’s overcast Tirana sky seems just right for inspiring fruitful academic exchanges and soulful musings. First and foremost, I …
Saudi Arabia at the center of global foreign policy hosting USA-Russia talks
Saudi Arabia has consolidated its rising position in the global affairs arena, emerging as a focal point for the ongoing talks between USA the Russia for a variety of issues including recalibrating their bilateral relations and ultimately reaching an agreement about stopping the war in Ukraine. Representatives from the US …
Albania will not shelter Palestinians from Gaza
The Albanian PM denies claims, provides no value statements over the proposal despite EU wide condemnation Feb 16,2025 – At the Munich Security Conference, Albanian PM Edi Rama denied any claims that Albania will shelter Palestinians from Gaza. When asked about the controversial proposal of American President Donald Trump to …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 17, 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
Mayor’s Arrest Deals Albania’s Ruling Party a Pre-Election Blow
Erion Veliaj’s arrest for alleged corruption, alongside his wife, has enraged the ruling Socialist Party – and could undermine its chances in the May elections. BIRN looks at the charges and their political impact. Original post Here
Albanian PM Accused of Undermining Special Prosecution’s Independence
After Edi Rama criticised the Special Prosecution over the arrest for alleged corruption of his political ally, Tirana’s mayor, the country’s top judicial body delivered a stinging rebuke. Original post Here
Erion Veliaj, Rising Star in Albania, Felled by Corruption Charges
The mayor of Tirana was once tipped to be Albania’s next prime minister. Now he’s behind bars after being arrested on graft charges, possibly facing a very different future. Original post Here
Public Perceptions of Corruption in Balkans Continue to Worsen: Report
Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index makes grim reading for most Balkan countries, with Kosovo and Albania as rare exceptions to a worsening trend. Original post Here
Tirana Mayor Arrested on Corruption and Money-Laundering Charges
The mayor of Albania’s capital, Erion Veliaj, a key figure in the ruling Socialist Party, was arrested on Monday on suspicion of corruption and money-laundering. Original post Here
Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj arrested on corruption charges
TIRANA, Feb. 10, 2025 – The mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, was arrested Monday afternoon by order of the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). Judicial police officers entered Veliaj’s office at around 2 p.m. and escorted him to a detention facility. An arrest warrant has also …
Seizures in Albania of cannabis from Canada suggest the Balkan country – long seen as a source – is also becoming a destination point in a globalised market. Original post Here
The European Mobility Week promotes sustainable transport and active mobility across Europe. The annual European Commission initiative encourages public transport, cycling and walking to improve quality of life. PM Edi Rama shared a video of young people in Shkodër riding bicycles. He said cycling remains a long-standing tradition passed from …
The Dyrrachium International Theater Festival brought a Bulgarian production to the Durrës Amphitheatre. Actor Sevar Ivanov performed the monodrama “The Little Dog Laughed” before an audience at the historic venue. Directed by Ana Bateva, the production uses humour and irony to present contemporary Bulgarian theatre. Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako shared …
The European Week of Sport began on Sept. 20 and will run through Sept. 30. The initiative forms part of the European “BeActive” campaign. It promotes physical activity and healthier lifestyles. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja highlighted the importance of sport. He said sport brings communities together. …
The “Not in My Name” protest continued for an eighth night in Prishtina. Citizens gathered in Skanderbeg Square to oppose the convictions handed down by the Kosova Specialist Chambers in The Hague against former Kosova Liberation Army leaders. Singer Ylli Limani joined the eighth-night protest. Singer Leonora Jakupi and journalist …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu said Albania will discuss the broadest package of Criminal Procedure Code changes since its adoption on September 30. The Justice Ministry and the Council of Europe will present the package at a meeting with justice institutions and other stakeholders. The review follows a Council of Europe …
Albania Under-21 coach Alban Bushi has named 21 players for a friendly against Ukraine Under-21 on October 5. The match will take place at Szentmarjay Tibor Városi Stadion in Eger, Hungary, at 15:30. The squad will begin its training camp in Tirana on September 28. Four players are new to …
Swiss documentary “The Bow and the Brush” (“L’Archet et le Pinceau”) had its world premiere at the Tirana International Film Festival on Tuesday evening. The film was directed by Franco-Swiss filmmaker Raphaëlle Régnier. It is part of the 24th edition of TIFF. The documentary brings Western classical music and traditional …
Albania’s banking sector improved the quality of its loan portfolio in the first half of 2026. The non-performing loan ratio fell to 3.7%, its lowest level in 15 years, according to Bank of Albania data. The improvement covered several segments of the portfolio. Short-term loans, loans issued in ALL and …
Albania has recorded a sharp rise in tourist interest, with the number of visitors doubling over the past decade, Euronews Travel reports. More and more travelers are discovering a country that combines history, beaches, nature and distinctive traditions. According to Euronews Travel, Albania followed a different path from many other …