HRW Report: Southeast, Central Europe Backsliding on Human Rights
Annual report shows that human rights record of several Southeast and Central European countries deteriorated, with autocratic rulers cracking down on critics, journalists and LGBT groups amid increase in violence against women and high political tensions. Original post Here
Gay Couple in Albania Eyes Strasbourg in Battle over Parental Rights
A gay couple in Albania girds for a long legal fight for the right to register both women as parents of their young twins. Original post Here
Albania Court Detains Finance Ministry Officials for Abuse of Office
Three top Albanian Finance Ministry officials face bribery and abuse of office charges for the double compensation of the same private property. Original post Here
Albania in 2023: Local Elections and the Fate of the Opposition
As Albania confronts the tough task of accession talks with the European Union, there are concerns about how the state of the opposition Democrats is affecting the state of Albanian democracy. Original post Here
Albania Police Probe Illegal CCTVs Erected in Northern City
Police are trying to work out who put up illegal surveillance cameras in the northern city of Shkoder, with the finger of suspicion pointing towards local crime gangs Original post Here
UK Minister’s Outburst on Albanian Migrants Outrages Tirana
The British ambassador in Albania on Monday was handed a protest note from the Albanian Foreign Ministry over the statement a British Minister made recently about illegal Albanian migrants in the UK. Original post Here
PM’s Order to Sing National Anthem in Schools Divides Albanians
PM Edi Rama’s decision that the national anthem be sung in all state schools at least once a week has not been universally welcomed, with some calling it a nationalist stunt. Original post Here
Floods in Western Balkans Cause Huge Damage, Drownings
States of emergency have been declared in some Western Balkan cities as floods block roads and cut off power while two people in Montenegro and Serbia reportedly drowned. Original post Here
Drug Traffickers’ Exploitation of Balkan Ports Requires Regional Response
Criminal networks are the primary illegal users of ports in the Balkans for the trafficking of cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin. Tackling them requires greater international police cooperation. Original post Here
US Probes FBI Ex-Agent’s Ties with Balkan Officials
A US federal grand jury is probing whether former senior FBI agent Charles McGonigal received payments or gifts from government officials in Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Kosovo. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama said there is no reason for concern about the Zvërnec investment project, which he described as the largest tourism investment currently planned in Europe, worth €4 billion. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in Rome, Rama discussed Albania’s investment opportunities and strategic development plans. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that most Albanians support the Zvërnec investment project. He also warned that many fake videos are circulating on social media. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in Rome, Rama addressed concerns about the project and public reactions. He said the majority of Albanians …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to joining the European Union, describing membership as the country’s strategic and unwavering objective. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in Rome, Rama discussed geopolitical developments, Albania’s EU integration process, and the country’s investment prospects. First, he highlighted the importance of …
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MSHMS) held a technical consultation with gender equality officers from central public institutions as part of the review of the Action Plan for the National Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030. The revised Action Plan aims to strengthen measures against gender-based violence, promote women’s economic …
Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected claims that a recent European Parliament amendment targets the Zvërnec investment project. Rama stated that the amendment does not concern Zvërnec and criticized attempts to connect the two issues. He argued that some groups have misinterpreted the resolution and spread inaccurate information about its purpose. …
Representatives of the Albanian and Montenegrin customs administrations held a coordination meeting today to prepare for the opening of the joint border crossing point at Zogaj–Ckla/Skje. Border police officials, local authorities, and infrastructure representatives also attended the meeting to discuss the next steps in the project. Participants reviewed progress on …
The Municipality of Pogradec rejected reports that authorities had reduced public beach areas in favor of private businesses. Instead, municipal officials stated that they have increased public beach space over the past four years and continue to prioritize access for residents and tourists. According to the municipality, authorities have designated …
European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato highlighted the crucial role of the media in informing citizens about Albania’s European integration process and the reforms required for EU membership. He delivered his remarks at the closing event of the training programme “Reporting Effectively on the EU Integration Process,” which aimed …
The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, said in a statement to the media outside Parliament that the European Parliament’s amendment regarding protected areas is “nothing more and nothing less” than what Prime Minister Edi Rama has already stated: that no construction will be allowed without a …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again reacted to the citizen protests that have been taking place in Tirana for the past 18 days. In a lengthy message on social media, Rama said he understands the concerns of citizens who joined the demonstrations over environmental issues. However, he accused political …