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Diaspora Vote and New Parties Bring Air of Uncertainty to Albanian Election

The Socialists and Democrats are still likely to dominate the Albanian political landscape after elections on May 11, but a cluster of new parties and the introduction of diaspora postal votes are threatening to shake things up. Original post Here

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Kosovo’s Kurti Sued for Keeping Prime Ministerial Post Despite Resigning

The Democratic League of Kosovo has filed 17 lawsuits in a fresh legal challenge against the outgoing prime minister, Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti, and his ministers. Original post Here

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‘Third Parties’: Albanian Election Campaign Marred by Online Scheming

Anonymous social media accounts, a lack of financial transparency and the unethical use of AI could have an impact on voter opinion ahead of Albania’s May 11 parliamentary election, BIRN has found. Original post Here

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Albanian Ex-Negotiator Says PM’s Pledge of EU Accession in 2030 ‘Delusional’

In an interview with BIRN, Zef Mazi, Albania’s former chief negotiator with the EU, poured cold water on Prime Minister Edi Rama’s election promise of EU accession by 2030. Original post Here

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Albanian Elections – New Political Forces Challenge Albania’s Political Duopoly

TIRANA, Albania , May 6th (Tirana Times ) — On May 11, Albanians will head to the polls for parliamentary elections marked by a crowded field of contenders: 53 political parties and over 2,000 candidates will vie for 140 seats in the national legislature. While this diversity may signal political …

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Jordan’s King Abdullah II Makes Rare Visit to Albania Amid Sparse Bilateral Ties

President Begaj welcomes His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with a solemn ceremony. May 2, 2025 | TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times In a visit marked more by symbolism than substance, Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein arrived in Tirana on Friday for …

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Saudi Cultural Heritage Celebrated in Prishtina with Opening of “Urat” Exhibition

Tirana Times | May 2nd | Prishtina, Kosovo — A unique cultural bridge between Kosovo and Saudi Arabia was inaugurated on Thursday with the opening of the “Urat” exhibition in central Prishtina, showcasing the Kingdom’s rich Islamic and cultural heritage. Organized in partnership between the Islamic Community of Kosovo and …

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Criminal Enterprise and Investment Policy in Albania

The involvement of individuals with criminal backgrounds or ties to the underworld among Albania’s so-called strategic investors must be examined in a broader context. Politically, this phenomenon represents one of the clearest signs of the symbiosis between crime and politics — and of the state being effectively captured by organized …

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RSF Report: Media Freedom Tumbling in Most Balkan Countries

Press freedom has continued a downward slide in most Balkan countries according to the latest report by Reporters Without Borders – although Albania, Montenegro and Serbia have bucked the trend. Original post Here

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The EU Court’s Verdict on Golden Passports: Implications for Albania

Genc Pollo – President of the Paneuropa Albania MovementFormer Minister and MP April 2025 “Whatever the European Court decides—if it says it can’t be done, we won’t do it; if it says it can, we will.” This was, roughly speaking, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s stance in March 2023, expressed at …

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Albania’s Tourism Industry is Booming, But at What Cost?

Critics are questioning the impact of Albania’s tourism boom on the environment and the lives of ordinary Albanians. Original post Here

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What’s driving Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans – and what should be done about it?

12 June 2025 Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans has increased substantially, but won’t catch up with EU FDI any time soon. Governments must ensure that China’s investments comply with environmental and labour standards. Attracting high-quality FDI should be the goal image credit: unsplash.com/vxhorse By Branimir Jovanović This article draws on …

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The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals

William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid. His central thesis focused on scrutinising the idealistic sentiment behind foreign aid, and the harsh reality of  its lacklustre execution. In his cutting and astute observations, Easterly points to the fact that …

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With their Healthcare System in Decline, Some Albanians Look to Kosovo

Albanians in the north say they find cheaper treatment and a more pleasant experience if they go to hospital across the border in Kosovo. Original post Here

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Detention of Tirana Mayor Without Charges Highlights Rule-of-Law Concerns in Albania

TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times — The prolonged pre-trial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj — still held without formal charges — is raising fresh questions about Albania’s judicial practices, as critics point to growing divergence from European legal standards. Veliaj, once a key figure in the ruling Socialist Party and …

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Italy and Albania: Building a Shared Future Through Action and Partnership

By Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania The Italian anthem was written by Goffredo Mameli, a young man who sacrificed his life for Italy’s freedom— the same desire for freedom that has always characterized the Albanian people. This sense of freedom unites us. The very first word of our …

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Russian Propaganda Campaign Targets European Summit in Albania

By Vladimir Karaj TIRANA, Albania— A Kremlin-aligned propaganda network unleashed a flurry of disinformation targeting last month’s European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana, seeking to mock Western leaders, amplify Russian narratives, and sow distrust — even as Albania, a staunch NATO ally, hosted the high-profile event. In the days …

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Village Schools Left Behind by Albania’s Digital Rollout

Schools in rural parts of Albania are being left behind when it comes to the use of digital tools in teaching and communication. Original post Here

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Albania-Serbia Match Highlights Political Fault Lines Amid Fragile Rapprochement

Tirana Times, June 8, 2025 ,The goalless draw between Albania and Serbia on Saturday in Tirana was more than just a World Cup qualifying fixture. Played under the shadow of history, unresolved political tensions, and previous violent episodes between fans, this match offered a revealing glimpse into the complex relationship …

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Albania’s Healthcare Plagued by High-Level Corruption and Broken Promises

Tirana Times, 5 June 2025 — More than a decade after promising “free healthcare” to all citizens, Albania’s Socialist government faces mounting public outrage and a credibility crisis, as a new report reveals that 8 in 10 Albanians believe the country’s healthcare system is deeply corrupt. The study, conducted by …

News

Albania’s Tourism Industry is Booming, But at What Cost?

Critics are questioning the impact of Albania’s tourism boom on the environment and the lives of ordinary Albanians. Original post Here

News

What’s driving Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans – and what should be done about it?

12 June 2025 Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans has increased substantially, but won’t catch up with EU FDI any time soon. Governments must ensure that China’s investments comply with environmental and labour standards. Attracting high-quality FDI should be the goal image credit: unsplash.com/vxhorse By Branimir Jovanović This article draws on …

News

The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals

William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid. His central thesis focused on scrutinising the idealistic sentiment behind foreign aid, and the harsh reality of  its lacklustre execution. In his cutting and astute observations, Easterly points to the fact that …

News

With their Healthcare System in Decline, Some Albanians Look to Kosovo

Albanians in the north say they find cheaper treatment and a more pleasant experience if they go to hospital across the border in Kosovo. Original post Here

News

Detention of Tirana Mayor Without Charges Highlights Rule-of-Law Concerns in Albania

TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times — The prolonged pre-trial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj — still held without formal charges — is raising fresh questions about Albania’s judicial practices, as critics point to growing divergence from European legal standards. Veliaj, once a key figure in the ruling Socialist Party and …

News

Italy and Albania: Building a Shared Future Through Action and Partnership

By Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania The Italian anthem was written by Goffredo Mameli, a young man who sacrificed his life for Italy’s freedom— the same desire for freedom that has always characterized the Albanian people. This sense of freedom unites us. The very first word of our …

News

Russian Propaganda Campaign Targets European Summit in Albania

By Vladimir Karaj TIRANA, Albania— A Kremlin-aligned propaganda network unleashed a flurry of disinformation targeting last month’s European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana, seeking to mock Western leaders, amplify Russian narratives, and sow distrust — even as Albania, a staunch NATO ally, hosted the high-profile event. In the days …

News

Village Schools Left Behind by Albania’s Digital Rollout

Schools in rural parts of Albania are being left behind when it comes to the use of digital tools in teaching and communication. Original post Here

News

Albania-Serbia Match Highlights Political Fault Lines Amid Fragile Rapprochement

Tirana Times, June 8, 2025 ,The goalless draw between Albania and Serbia on Saturday in Tirana was more than just a World Cup qualifying fixture. Played under the shadow of history, unresolved political tensions, and previous violent episodes between fans, this match offered a revealing glimpse into the complex relationship …

News

Albania’s Healthcare Plagued by High-Level Corruption and Broken Promises

Tirana Times, 5 June 2025 — More than a decade after promising “free healthcare” to all citizens, Albania’s Socialist government faces mounting public outrage and a credibility crisis, as a new report reveals that 8 in 10 Albanians believe the country’s healthcare system is deeply corrupt. The study, conducted by …