Albanian Opposition MPs Slam Govt for Sidelining Constitutional Court
Opposition MPs claimed the government is ignoring Council of Europe experts’ advice urging parliament to let the Constitutional Court review the mandate of a former minister who has been accused of abuse of office. Original post Here
Privatization of Butrint: How Albania is Selling Off Its Archaeological Heritage
Butrint is one of the most prestigious archaeological sites in Albania. However, the government has decided to entrust its management to a private foundation, at the risk of jeopardizing its classification on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Ilda Mara Courrier des Balkans The archaeological site of Butrint, listed as …
BIRN Reality Check: Pollution Continues Unabated in Albania’s Oldest Oilfield
BIRN reported in 2022 on the scourge of pollution in the area of Albania’s oldest oilfield. A subsequent inspection resulted in a 10,000-euro fine for the culprit, but the leaks continue. Original post Here
Tirana’s ‘Heat Island’ Moment
It’s late July 2024 in Albania. An ever-present heat weighs down the air around you. Summers always get hot, but this time, it feels more draining than before. You’ve cranked the AC in your house, so the inside is safe. One step through those doors, however, and you’re right back …
Digital Rights Worsened in Central, Southeast Europe in 2024: BIRN Report
From Budapest to Ankara, online freedoms are being compromised by government legislation, emerging technologies and tech giant algorithms, says BIRN’s new annual report on digital rights violations in Central and Southeast Europe. Original post Here
Illicit Finance: Western Balkans Must Act to Clean Up Dirty Money Problems
National laws may be compliant with international standards but weak oversight, corruption and cash economies hamper an effective battle against money-laundering, says the author of a new report on illicit finance in the Western Balkans. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: December 2, 2024
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Albanians ‘Deliberately Forgetting’ Horrors of Communist Past, Writer Says
In his new book, political scientist Ermal Hasimja says Albanians have deliberately decided to ‘forget’ the criminal nature of the country’s former communist regime, as a kind of defence mechanism. Original post Here
Freed Albanian Opposition Leader Demands New Govt Ahead of Elections
After being freed from house arrest, the opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha demanded the formation of a new ‘technical’ caretaker government to steer the country ahead of 2025 elections. Original post Here
Robert Budina: Filmmaker Whose Risky Escape from Albania Shaped His Work
The son of an army general in communist Albania, Robert Budina was part of the student protests that helped bring down the regime, only to flee to Italy on an overcrowded boat. The experience has informed his work ever since. Original post Here
Sotira Farm in Kolonjë stands out as a successful agritourism investment. Located in southeastern Albania, the farm attracts thousands of foreign visitors each year. The farm supports the local economy while also creating tourism and employment opportunities for nearby residents. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of Sotira Farm …
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj met European Commissioner for Environment Jessika Roswall as Albania marked one year since it opened negotiations on Chapter 27, covering environment and climate change. In a video message on social media, Jaupaj said Albania remains committed to meeting European environmental standards. He presented the work carried …
Energy Efficiency Agency Director Ani Hasa said the agency has achieved 65% of its energy efficiency targets. Buildings recorded the highest performance, with 94% target achievement. During a parliamentary hearing, Hasa said the agency had taken several steps since late 2019 to promote energy efficiency and establish a specialized body …
Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti said he met American Congressman George Latimer during his stay in New York. They discussed developments in Kosova, cooperation with the United States and regional security. Kurti said the talks focused on economic development, security and strengthening Kosova’s international position. Meanwhile, the two also discussed …
Tonin Tershana died on September 22, 2015, at the age of 66. He was one of the most prominent names and distinctive voices in Albanian music. Born in Shkoder on June 1, 1949, Tershana began performing at a very young age. At 16, he took part in the 4th Song …
The Municipality of Vau i Dejës has begun steps to establish a twinning agreement with the Municipality of Perugia in Italy. The initiative aims to strengthen institutional cooperation and exchange experiences. Vau i Dejës Mayor Kristian Shkreli met with Perugia Mayor Vittoria Ferdinandi in Perugia. They discussed opportunities to establish …
Information integrity, the fight against disinformation and digital platform responsibility were at the center of the “Who Protects Information Integrity? EU Approaches and French Experience” conference in Tirana. Faktoje (Prove It) organized the event with Hibrid.info and the French embassies in Albania and Kosova. Representatives of institutions, media, civil society …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said around 100 Armed Forces personnel are taking part in firefighting operations at two sites identified last night. The fires broke out in Pojan, at the Apollonia Archaeological Park in Fier, and in the Gjiri i Lalëzit area of Durrës. Nufi said 68 Armed Forces personnel …
The Constitutional Court of Kosova has ruled that the 60-day deadline for electing the President of the Republic began on August 8 and ends on October 6, 2026. The court issued the ruling on Wednesday, September 23, after reviewing a request from the Democratic Party of Kosova. The request concerned …
During his stay in New York, Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met with Daniel Lawton, U.S. deputy assistant secretary for Western, Central and Southern European Affairs. The meeting focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. They also discussed the importance of close and continued coordination on …