US report finds progress against human trafficking in Kosova, but gaps remain
Kosova remains at Tier 2 in the US State Department’s 2025 report on human trafficking. The report notes more funding for victim assistance and more convictions, but highlights gaps in law enforcement, identifying children forced to beg and providing long-term support. Police investigated four trafficking cases in 2025, down from …
Ombudsman reports overcrowding and rights concerns after Tirana protests
Ahmet Prençi, commissioner of the Ombudsman’s National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture, presented preliminary findings from monitoring police stations, the Security Block and the University Trauma Hospital on October 19. He said the investigation continued. Police escorted 50 people to stations, including 18 minors. The Security Block held 109 …
Bank of Albania reports higher loan demand and easier terms for small and medium-sized businesses
Demand for loans from businesses and individuals increased in the third quarter of 2026. Banks expect this trend to continue in the final quarter, according to the Bank of Albania’s lending survey. Businesses increased borrowing across all size categories for investment and liquidity needs. Higher investment needs, inventory financing and …
Assembly deputy Speaker, Kushi discusses parliamentary reform with international delegation
Assembly of Albania Deputy Speaker Evis Kushi and Secretary General Genci Gjonçaj met a delegation from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, led by Kevin Casas Zamora. The talks focused on continuing cooperation under the European Union-funded STEP-EU project. The initiative aims to strengthen the Assembly’s legislative, oversight …
OSCE human rights office calls for peaceful protests and independent investigations
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expressed concern over reports of violence during student and high school protests in Albania. It called for immediate and independent investigations into every reported case of unlawful use of force. In a statement published on X, ODIHR urged all sides …
Frontex reports nearly one-third fewer irregular border crossings into the European Union
Irregular border crossings into the European Union fell by almost one-third in the first nine months of 2026, with preliminary data recording just over 91,000 crossings, according to Frontex. The Central Mediterranean route saw the sharpest decline, with detections down 56% year on year. However, the Western Mediterranean route recorded …
Albania and Turkey conduct joint naval exercise in Vlora Bay
As part of NATO’s “Neptune Strike-26” exercise, the Albanian and Turkish Naval Forces conducted a joint military exercise in Vlora Bay and at the Pashaliman Naval Base. The exercise involved the Albanian patrol vessel “Oriku” P-132 and its boarding team, alongside the Turkish naval vessels TCG Anadolu and TCG Gaziantep. …
Supreme Court postpones hearings after court files damaged during protests in Tirana
Albania’s Supreme Court has announced the postponement of court hearings, except for urgent cases, following property damage and damage to judicial files caused by a fire during the protests on October 17. In a public statement issued on October 20, the court said that damage to its premises and infrastructure …
UN Security Council to discuss key issues concerning Kosovo today: What does the new UN report say?
The United Nations Security Council will hold its next meeting on the situation in Kosovo today, with discussions expected to focus on political developments, the security situation, and the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. New York time, corresponding to 9:00 p.m. …
ODIHR on Protests in Albania: Concern Over Violence, Calls for Peace
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has expressed concern over reports of violence during protests in Albania, as demonstrations in Tirana enter their eighth consecutive day. In a public statement, ODIHR called on all parties to maintain peace, stressing that law enforcement authorities must refrain from …
A decade of declarations and commitments on good neighbourly relations have not prevented bilateral issues from impeding EU enlargement in the Balkans. A new solution must be found. Original post Here
Welcome to Durrës, a beautiful coastal city where sunshine, sandy beaches and ancient history come together. With its seaside charm, rich heritage and affordable experiences, Durrës offers an ideal escape for every traveller. Fascinating Facts About Durrës Durrës is home to one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans, …
Albania is hosting the PISA Governing Board meeting for the first time. Representatives from 91 countries are attending the three-day event in Tirana. The programme includes meetings, panels and roundtable discussions on PISA priorities and development. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro addressed the opening ceremony alongside Andreas Schleicher, the Organisation for …
Albania will experience mostly stable weather on Thursday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Clouds and sunny spells will prevail until the early morning hours. Occasional light rain is expected in the north and central regions. After midday, sunny spells will dominate. Few to moderate passing clouds will mainly affect …
Leaders of the six Western Balkan countries are expected to meet in Miločer, Montenegro, on Thursday for the Berlin Process summit. They will discuss economic cooperation, regional security and European integration. Representatives from Albania, Kosova, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina are expected to attend. European countries and …
Shkodra’s rich cultural heritage lives on through its music, art and literature. Generations of talented musicians, artists and writers have shaped Albanian culture, while traditional music and dances remain central to local festivals and celebrations. The city is also famous for its residents’ wit and humour. Their ability to find …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu met young interns at the Ministry of Justice and its subordinate institutions. They discussed protests, employment opportunities, professional experience and young people’s future in Albania. For 2026, the ministry and its subordinate institutions have included 82 interns. Gogu stressed the importance of listening to young people …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has described the Berlin Process summit as an important annual tradition for the Western Balkans. He made the remarks upon arriving at the summit in Montenegro. Rama opened his comments with a joke about the host country, saying he was happy to be in such a …
Albania’s National Puppet Theatre won an award at the sixth edition of the International Puppet Art Festival (FLUM) in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The theatre presented The Circus Show, directed by Klajd Ymeri, which received the award for best puppet articulation. The production stands out because it tells its story …
The National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK) has urged institutions, businesses, organizations and system administrators to address two critical vulnerabilities in PHP, a technology widely used to run websites and web applications. If exploited, the flaws could allow attackers to execute code remotely without authorization, putting systems and sensitive data at …