Dirk Schuebel Takes Office as EU Ambassador to Kosovo
German diplomat Dirk Schuebel has taken office as Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo and European Union Special Representative (EUSR). “I look forward to working with Kosovo’s institutions, political actors, civil society, the…
02 Sep 2026 · euAvoidance of Double Taxation: Government Approves Fiscal Agreements with Germany and Lithuania
The Council of Ministers approved a series of draft laws and decisions during its latest meeting concerning fiscal agreements with Germany and Lithuania, the administration of confiscated properties, environmental protection, the…
02 Sep 2026 · economy · infrastructure · politics42 International Students in Korçë as “Fan S. Noli” University Expands International Cooperation
“Fan S. Noli” University in Korçë is expanding its cooperation with foreign universities. As part of mobility programs, 42 international students have come to Korçë this year, while 14 Albanian students have gone abroad. “We are in the…
02 Sep 2026 · infrastructure · societyPresident Begaj Receives New Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Albania
President Bajram Begaj received today the new Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, on the occasion of the presentation of her credentials. The Presidency’s Press Office announced that the Head of…
02 Sep 2026 · eu“No More Inspections Without Prior Notice,” Rama: Inspectors to Be Equipped with Smart Cameras
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced changes to the way inspections and checks on businesses will be carried out. In a video message posted on Facebook, Rama said there would no longer be routine inspections without prior notice…
02 Sep 2026 · politicsPublic Transport Returns to Normal Following Meeting with Karakaçi and Ibrahimaj; Bus Fleet to Receive Subsidy
The urban bus fleet is expected to return to normal operations starting today, following a meeting between the Urban and Interurban Transport Association and government representatives. Infrastructure Minister Enea Karakaçi and Economy…
02 Sep 2026 · economy · infrastructure · politicsGrenell Backs Six LDK MPs Who Rejected Sejdiu’s Candidacy for Kosovo President: “Great Friends of America”
Former U.S. envoy for the Balkans Richard Grenell has reacted to the latest political developments in Kosovo, expressing support for six MPs from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) who have said they will not vote for Bekim Sejdiu as…
02 Sep 2026 · infrastructureGonzato Departs as New EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa Officially Takes Office
A new chapter in the European Union’s diplomatic representation in Albania begins this Wednesday. Sofia Moreira de Sousa officially takes office as the EU Ambassador to Tirana, following the end of Italian diplomat Silvio Gonzato’s…
02 Sep 2026 · eu · infrastructureSecurity Academy Applications: Lamallari Signs Order Revising Age Limit for Police Recruitment
Minister of Internal Affairs Besfort Lamallari has signed an order revising the age limit for admission to the State Police, expanding opportunities for young people, experienced professionals, and employees coming from other security…
01 Sep 2026 · infrastructure · politicsAlbania Loses Top Spot in Europe for Growth in Tourist Overnight Stays
Albania has lost its top position in Europe for growth in tourist overnight stays, ranking third this year behind Ireland and Malta. Kosovo ranks fourth, continuing to record significant growth in tourism activity. After three years of…
01 Sep 2026 · tourismMinister Hoxha Meets Senior US Official, Defense and Security in Focus
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker on the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum. In a post on the social media platform X, Hoxha said the meeting…
01 Sep 2026 · economy · infrastructure · politicsUS Praises Albania for Repatriating Citizens from Syria
The United States has praised Albania for its efforts to repatriate Albanian citizens from Syria. In a social media post, the US Embassy in Tirana announced that two women and three children were recently returned to Albania, giving them…
01 Sep 2026 · infrastructureDurrës: Municipal Police Continue Operation to Clear Public Spaces
The Municipal Police have continued their operation to clear public spaces of illegally placed barriers used to reserve parking spaces. During Tuesday’s operation, officers focused on the residential blocks near “Pranvera” Square and the…
01 Sep 2026 · environmentPresident Begaj Congratulates Briken Calja on New Record
Albanian weightlifter Briken Calja has won the gold medal at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, setting a new record in the process. President of the Republic Bajram Begaj praised the Albanian athlete’s achievement in a post on social…
01 Sep 2026Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games: Kosovo Karate Athlete Wins Gold Medal
Islam Selmani is the Mediterranean karate champion after winning gold at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. In the final of the up to 60 kg category, he defeated Turkish karate athlete Burak Ozdemir 1-0. The bout was closely contested…
01 Sep 2026Defense Ministry: 27 Wildfires Reported in 24 Hours, 4 Remain Active
The Ministry of Defense has provided the latest update on the wildfire situation across the country. According to the update issued at 09:00 on September 1, 2026, a total of 27 wildfires were reported over the past 24 hours, of which 4…
01 Sep 2026 · infrastructureAlbania Turns Away Tanker Linked to Russia’s Shadow Fleet
Durres decision puts sanctions enforcement under scrutiny after vessel had previously called at Albanian port. Tirana Times, September 01, 2026 – Albania’s decision to deny entry to a tanker identified by Ukrainian military intelligence as…
01 Sep 2026 · infrastructureAnimals in Tirana Zoo Struggle in Sweltering Summer Heat
A predominance of young trees and limited water resources are compounding the effects of climate change at Tirana Zoo.
01 Sep 2026 · environmentMountain Tourism / Brataj Proposes Shelters in Forests for Tourists in Emergencies
Following incidents that have occurred during trips into remote mountainous areas, the Director of the National Emergency Service, Skënder Brataj, has proposed building shelters in forests where tourists could seek refuge in emergency…
31 Aug 2026 · tourismFunds for Farmers: Deadline for Support Scheme Extended Until September 11
Farmers who were declared successful in the first phase of the National Agricultural Support Scheme have until September 11 to submit the required documentation. The Agricultural and Rural Development Agency has extended the deadline for…
31 Aug 2026 · infrastructureHaxhiu: Today’s Agreement on the President Is a Step Toward Making Institutions Fully Functional
Kosovo’s Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, has welcomed the agreement reached between the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) on the presidential candidate. In a Facebook post, she wrote that today’s…
31 Aug 2026 · economy · infrastructureWildfires Across the Country / Defense Ministry: Five Active Fires, Most Challenging Situation in Dibër
The Ministry of Defense has provided an update on the wildfire situation across the country. According to the official statement, which includes complete data as of August 31 at 2:00 p.m., a total of 10 wildfires have been reported across…
31 Aug 2026 · infrastructureTirana to Reduce Urban Bus Services Starting September 1
Starting September 1, urban bus lines in Tirana will operate with a reduced fleet. Transport associations have announced that they will put 20 to 30% fewer buses into service due to rising fuel costs. According to operators, high diesel…
31 Aug 2026 · infrastructureRama Recalls Martin Cani’s Killing: Smart Cameras Installed in 20 Schools, Pledge Made After Tragedy Fulfilled
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Monday that 20 schools in Tirana have been equipped with smart cameras, linking the initiative to a pledge he made following the tragic killing of 14-year-old Martin Cani near his school. In a social…
31 Aug 2026 · politics · societyAgreement Reached on Kosovo’s President, VV and LDK Put Forward Joint Candidate
After a prolonged political crisis and three repeated election processes, Vetëvendosje (VV) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) have reached an agreement to unblock the process of electing the President of Kosovo. The two parties…
31 Aug 2026 · politicsNew School Year in the Diaspora / Hoxha: Over 17,000 Textbooks for Children, Albanian Language at the Heart of Heritage
More than 17,000 textbooks will be distributed to Albanian children in the Diaspora during the new 2026–2027 school year. The announcement was made by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha through a video message. According…
31 Aug 2026 · politics · culture · societyMladić’s Death Exposes the Balkans’ Unfinished Reckoning With War Crimes
Thousands honor the convicted Bosnian Serb commander as reactions from Belgrade to Podgorica and Skopje reveal how deeply the wars of the 1990s still shape the region’s European future. Tirana Times, August 31, 2026 – PALE, Bosnia and…
31 Aug 2026 · environmentAlbania’s Cash Boom Raises Money Laundering Concerns
Cash outside Albania’s banking system reached a record 5.6 billion euros, last month. Tirana Times, August 30, 2026 – The amount of cash circulating outside Albania’s banking system has reached a record high, raising fresh concerns over…
31 Aug 2026 · economyMonday Briefing from the Balkans: August 31, 2026
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region.
31 Aug 2026 · economy · infrastructureAuthor Lea Ypi Explores Albanians’ Struggles for Dignity Under Communism
Albanian philosopher and writer Lea Ypi talks to BIRN about exploring the importance of freedom and dignity through the plight of her grandparents, who were persecuted by the communist regime.
31 Aug 2026 · economy · infrastructureMissing persons, Kurti: We cannot wait until 2044, the EU must put pressure on Serbia to open the archives
Kosovo’s acting president, Albulena Haxhiu, and acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti paid tribute at the Memorial to Missing Persons on the occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. Haxhiu said that more…
30 Aug 2026 · eu · politicsAlbanian Foreign Ministry to Launch Virtual Diplomatic Presence to Improve Consular Services
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has described consular services for Albanians at home and abroad as a success story, linked not only to technological transformation but also to improvements in the way services are…
30 Aug 2026 · infrastructure · politicsHuman Remains Found in Zubin Potok: 10 Samples Sent to The Hague for DNA Identification
Authorities in Kosovo said that at least ten bone samples recovered from three mass graves in Zubin Potok have been sent to The Hague for DNA identification. Acting Minister for Labor, Family and Liberation War Values Andin Hoti, during a…
28 Aug 2026 · politicsTechnical Problem in Albanian Airspace, 90% of Systems Restored
A technical malfunction caused air traffic control systems to shut down at 5:30 p.m. today, creating an emergency situation in Albanian airspace, Albcontrol announced to the media on Friday. According to the statement, immediately after…
28 Aug 2026Former Prime Minister Majko: Montenegro Must Present Evidence or Explain the Allegations
Former Albanian Prime Minister and Socialist Party MP Pandeli Majko has reacted following a report by Montenegrin media outlet “Vijesti,” according to which Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić was referring to Albania and Serbia…
28 Aug 2026 · infrastructure · politicsVučić Attacks The Hague and Speaks About Hashim Thaçi: Essentially, He Will Be Released
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said during a visit to Osečina that he does not trust the justice system in The Hague and that Serbia has still not received official information from The Hague regarding the death of Ratko Mladić. Vučić…
28 Aug 2026Montenegro Points to Albania and Serbia in Hybrid Threat Claim
Tirana Times, August 28, 2026 – An extraordinary political and diplomatic controversy has emerged between Montenegro and Albania after Montenegrin media reported that Prime Minister Milojko Spajić was referring to Albania and Serbia when…
28 Aug 2026 · infrastructure · politicsKosovo Prosecution Seeks Conviction of Minister Sveçla: Tear Gas Canister Considered a Weapon
Prosecutor Avni Namani has called for the conviction of acting Minister Xhelal Sveçla in his closing arguments in the trial over the use of tear gas in the Kosovo Assembly in 2018. Prosecutor Namani said that, based on expert reports, a…
28 Aug 2026 · energy · infrastructure · politicsWildfires in Albania: 7 Active Blazes Across Several Regions, Armed Forces Helicopter Deployed
Seven wildfires remain active across Albania, while two others are under surveillance. According to the Ministry of Defense, a total of 10 wildfires had been reported by 2:00 p.m. on August 28, one of which has been completely…
28 Aug 2026 · infrastructureArrest Exposes Albania’s Crime-Politics Nexus
Was a Key National Security Institution Penetrated by Organized Crime? Tirana Times, August 28, 2026 – The arrest of businessman Ergys Agasi has put a new focus on allegations reaching beyond corruption in public procurement, raising…
28 Aug 2026 · energy · infrastructure · politicsHoxha: Albania Is Not and Cannot Be Part of Any Destabilizing Scenario in Montenegro
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has reacted following reports in the Montenegrin media claiming that Serbia and Albania are the two countries referred to by Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić when he warned of…
28 Aug 2026 · infrastructure · politicsWeek in Review: Hopes and Dilemmas
From Turkey’s search for peace to Serbia’s creeping elections, our selection of Premium stories takes a look at the hopes and dilemmas bubbling away in the background of these developments.
28 Aug 2026 · politicsOver 5,000 Fines in 48 Hours: Tirana Traffic Police Report
Ten people have faced criminal proceedings and 5,444 administrative fines have been issued by the Tirana Traffic Police over the past 48 hours as part of intensified checks on the capital’s roads. According to Police, the 10 individuals…
28 Aug 2026 · infrastructure · politicsTax Authorities Inspect Short-Term Rentals Through Booking, 100 Taxpayers Under Review
Businesses and individuals engaged in short-term rentals of accommodation units through the Booking platform will be subject to inspections by the tax administration. As part of the tourism operational plan, the tax authorities have begun…
27 Aug 2026 · tourism · economyFamily Tragedy Involving Albanian Couple in Greece, Forensic Examination: Stab Wound to the Neck Killed 44-Year-Old Woman
A 53-year-old man of Albanian origin in Rhodope, Greece, confessed on Thursday to killing his 44-year-old wife, who was also of Albanian origin. A forensic examination of the victim’s body revealed that a single stab wound to the neck…
27 Aug 2026Albanian Businessman Arrested in Information Agency Tenders Corruption Case
After being on the run for several months, businessman Ergys Agasi was arrested over his alleged involvement in a corruption scandal surrounding tenders for the national agency overseeing the development of state information systems.
27 Aug 2026 · energy · politicsLetter from Washington: Buying Trump’s Favour with UFC in Serbia, Arms in Albania
The countries of the Balkans are coming to understand just how much Donald Trump enjoys transactional displays of admiration.
27 Aug 2026Across the Balkans, Foreign-Backed Luxury Developments Cause Local Anger
Albanian protesters’ campaign to halt a Trump-connected luxury development echoes discontent across the Balkans about outside investors’ mega-projects - with increasingly vocal demands for more public input and transparency.
25 Aug 2026 · economyWeek in Review: Momentous Moves and Dubious Intentions
Big changes are afoot amid the heat of the summer holiday season. Our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories takes a deep dive into the motives and agendas driving these changes.
21 Aug 2026 · politicsHome Office could be blocked from deporting trafficking victims to Albania
Many males are returned even if they have been trafficked but Home Office must now consider new legal guidance The Home Office could be blocked from deporting many young male trafficking victims to Albania after a major court ruling…
21 Aug 2026 · infrastructure · politicsZelensky Visit to Belgrade: What Could He Learn from Israeli Experience
by Edward P. Joseph Tirana Times, August 21, 2026 – At the NATO Summit in Ankara last month, I had the high honor of meeting President Zelensky. Had I known he was heading soon to Belgrade, I would have shared critical advice with his…
21 Aug 2026Waste Money Wasted: The Millions of Euros Behind Albania’s Ghost Incinerators
BIRN dissects the accusations against 12 individuals standing trial for allegedly siphoning millions of euros in public money supposed to be spent on solving Tirana’s long-standing garbage problem.
21 Aug 2026‘Return Hubs’ for Migrants Anticipated in Balkans for ‘Era of Deportations’
As the EU awaits final approval for plans to set up ‘return hubs’ in third countries for migrants awaiting deportation, it’s predicted that Balkan countries could end up hosting such holding centres despite concerns about human rights…
21 Aug 2026 · eu · infrastructureHuman Rights Watchdog Urges Italy, Albania to End Offshore Migrant Detention
Amnesty International said in a new report that the Italian-Albanian deal for the offshore detention of asylum seekers and migrants is “jeopardising people’s safety, liberty and human rights”.
20 Aug 2026 · infrastructureAlbania’s Flamingo Movement Said ‘No’, Now It Needs the Courage to Say ‘Yes’
The protesters marching daily through the streets of Tirana know what they’re against. If they’re seeking genuine democratic change, it’s time for them to determine what they’re for.
20 Aug 2026‘Centralisating Power’? Critics Question Albanian Plan to Redraw Municipal Map
Albania’s government plans to cut the number of municipalities from 61 to 46, but critics fear it will only further isolate rural communities from public services and undermine environmental protections.
18 Aug 2026 · politics · environmentNo Subsidies for Hormone Therapy for Trans People in Albania
A new clinical guideline approving gender-affirming hormone therapy in Albania sparked an online backlash about subsidies for transgender people – although official documents show that no reimbursement for medication will be provided.
17 Aug 2026 · environmentAlbania Ruling Party Documents Highlight Country’s Ageing Demographic
Papers highlight Albania’s transformation since 1990s – with population growth limited to a few urban centres and most municipalities having shrinking, elderly communities.
14 Aug 2026 · societyAlbanian ambassador attacks UK right wing for ‘unhinged’ fixation with 2022 migrant surge
Exclusive: Uran Ferizi says arrivals fell sharply after short-lived influx, but country continues to be stigmatised The number of Albanians who travelled to Britain in small boats four years ago remains the focus of “unhinged” and…
14 Aug 2026 · tourismBIRN Reality Check: What Has Albania’s AI ‘Minister’ Achieved So Far?
Nearly a year after Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced an AI chatbot as a ‘virtual minister’ in his cabinet to tackle corruption, has the technology been a success?
14 Aug 2026 · politicsEyes on the Sky for the Solar Eclipse in the Balkans
People gathered at vantage points all across the Balkans to enjoy the unique experience of watching the solar eclipse on Wednesday evening.
13 Aug 2026 · energyAlbania Gambles on Re-Legalising ‘Dangerous’ Online Sports Betting
The government is preparing to bring back online sports betting, seven years after a widespread gambling clampdown. But mental health experts warn that Albania is ill-equipped to deal with a rise in gambling addiction.
13 Aug 2026 · infrastructure · politics · societyA Quarter Century Since Ohrid: The Agreement That Gave North Macedonia Its Future
by Ferit Hoxha, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – There are moments in history when a country’s future is shaped by a single document. Such agreements are rare, but their impact can endure…
12 Aug 2026 · politicsThe Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics
Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a…
12 Aug 2026 · environmentVlora Airport Heads to Arbitration
Albania faces another potentially costly international dispute after losing several arbitration cases in recent years that have exposed the state to hundreds of millions of euros in compensation and related liabilities. Tirana Times…
10 Aug 2026 · tourism · infrastructureMonday Briefing from the Balkans: August 10, 2026
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region.
10 Aug 2026 · economy · infrastructureAlbania Could Face Costly Arbitration Battle After Scrapping Vlora Airport Plans
Experts say the government's move to ditch a controversial concession contract to build Vlora International Airport, at significant cost to taxpayers, highlights structural weaknesses in Albania’s public-private partnership framework.
10 Aug 2026 · tourism · economy · infrastructureZelenskyy’s Kosovo Stance Puts Solidarity With Ukraine to the Test
Pristina and Tirana push back against Kyiv’s stance, insisting that Kosovo’s sovereignty cannot be diminished or equated with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Tirana Times , August 09, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s…
09 Aug 2026Mecca Defense Pact Signals Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Shape a New Security Order
The agreement with Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan strengthens Riyadh’s position as a central architect of regional security, while reflecting a broader shift toward a more multipolar international system. Tirana Times, August 08, 2026 –…
08 Aug 2026 · infrastructureAlbanian Court Puts Turkish Activist in Custody After Extradition Demand
Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France.
07 Aug 2026 · politicsSPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku
Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive…
07 Aug 2026 · economy · politicsWeek in Review: Cocaine Busts, Changing Goals, Tourism Woes
Our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at Washington’s shifting foreign policy priorities in the Balkans, a suspicious drug trawl, surging property prices and more.
31 Jul 2026 · tourism · politicsThe Western Balkans’ Right to Democracy Depends on the EU Enlargement
by Sokol Lleshi, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of New York Tirana Background The political systems in the Western Balkan region feature politicized public administrations, weak enforcement of rule of law norms, and…
30 Jul 2026 · eu · societyAlbania’s Super Lek and the Falling Euro: Prosperity or a Warning Sign?
As the national currency reaches record highs, economists question whether Albania’s construction boom and suspected money laundering are flooding the market with euros and distorting the real economy. Tirana Times July 29 2026 – The…
29 Jul 2026 · economy · infrastructureLetter from Washington: US Seeks to Score Material Goals in the Balkans
The Trump administration is now making it clear that it sees the Balkans as a field to pursue its commercial, energy and defence-related interests – and not ‘democracy-building’.
28 Jul 2026 · energyOn Albania’s Adriatic Coast, Tourism Ambitions Put at Risk by Pollution
Litter, construction debris and untreated wastewater are conspiring to undermine Albania’s bid to become the next big tourist destination on the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
28 Jul 2026 · tourism · infrastructure · environmentThe Digital Front of Albania’s ‘Flamingo Revolution’
Since end-May, anti-government protests in Albania have evolved into the largest civil mobilisation since the fall of the dictatorial regime in the early 1990s. With traditional media largely silent, the digital space has become both a…
27 Jul 2026 · politicsWeek in Review: A Fighting Spirit
From Albania’s ‘Flamingo Revolution’ to Turkey’s embattled opposition, BIRN’s premium selection of stories this week tell a fighting mood is visible across south-east Europe, despite the summer heat.
24 Jul 2026 · politicsFake Social Media Accounts Target Albania Protest Supporters
Prime Minister Edi Rama has blamed social media algorithms for fuelling the so-called Flamingo Revolution protests, but data obtained by BIRN shows that hundreds of fake accounts have been created to push the government’s own narrative and…
24 Jul 2026 · infrastructure · politicsAlbanian Protesters Clash With Police at Rally Outside Parliament
Confrontation erupts as MPs gather for the final parliamentary session before the summer holidays, as daily anti-government demonstrations continue.
23 Jul 2026 · politicsWho Really Benefits from ‘Strategic Investor’ Status in Albania?
The cry of protesters that ‘Albania is not for sale’ is misinterpreted when it is portrayed as a rejection of all investment. Its proper interpretation is procedural: any transfer of common assets must take place in full transparency -…
22 Jul 2026 · economy · infrastructure‘Obviously Dangerous’: Unlicensed Jet Skis Pose Growing Hazard on Albania’s Coast
Accidents involving out-of-control jet skis in Albania are on the rise – and fines and police crackdowns don’t seem to be deterring reckless operators.
21 Jul 2026Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 20, 2026
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region.
20 Jul 2026 · economy · infrastructureWeek in Review: Hostages to the Past
From fresh battles over memory in Bosnia to the acquittal of North Macedonia’s former PM and Turkey’s post-coup legacy, this week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories show how contested history keeps the region chained to its past.
17 Jul 2026EU Pressure Mounts Over Albania’s Environment Laws, But MPs Block Repeal Efforts
The European Commission this week urged Albania’s premier to repeal controversial amendments to environmental and investment legislation in order to conserve nature and wildlife - but in parliament, the ruling majority is blocking…
17 Jul 2026 · economy · eu · politicsAlbanian Protesters Celebrate as PM Backtracks on Controversial Environment Laws
Protesters in Albania hail 'moral victory' after PM Edi Rama declares in Brussels that his government will revisit controversial laws that pave the way for a luxury resort linked to Donald Trump's family.
15 Jul 2026 · eu · politics · environmentDua Lipa calls Albanian protests against Jared Kushner-backed resort ‘inspiring’
Pop star, whose parents are Kosovan Albanian, expresses admiration for demonstrations, which are entering their sixth week Albania’s “flamingo revolution” has won its most prominent supporter yet after the pop star Dua Lipa expressed…
14 Jul 2026 · infrastructureAlbanian Journalists Complain of Unwritten ‘Red Lines’ and ‘Untouchable Topics’
Self-censorship is rife among Albanian journalists and news editors who fear crossing powerful, politically connected media moguls, a BIRN survey reveals.
14 Jul 2026Letter from Brussels: No EU ‘Super Tuesday’ for Accession Laggard Serbia
As Albania and Montenegro surge ahead, the EU is split on whether to move Serbia forward on the path to accession in the absence of tangible progress.
13 Jul 2026 · euAlbania’s Environmental Protesters are ‘Defending EU Values’, Says Dutch MEP
Tineke Strik, the MEP who led an environmental fact-finding mission to Albania, says its EU accession is in peril if the government doesn’t change course on protected areas.
13 Jul 2026 · eu · politics · environment