Albania
Western Balkan leaders meet in Skopje to advance EU Growth Plan
Growth Plan aims to fast-track the Western Balkans' convergence with the EU through deeper market access, pre-accession funding and regional cooperation.
Emerging Europe growth resilient despite global risks, wiiw says
Economies across Central, Eastern and Southeast Europe are set to maintain solid growth in 2025 and 2026 but face downside risks from Middle East tensions, the war in Ukraine and US trade policy.
Albanian PM mocks Reform leader Farage in row over prisoner numbers
Edi Rama said he would take back all Albanian prisoners if Farage’s claim one in 50 Albanians in Britain are in prison is correct — but insists it’s an exaggeration.
BALKAN BLOG: Western Balkans military build-up continues as the world looks elsewhere
As the world’s attention remains focused on the wars in Ukraine and, more recently, the Middle East, several countries in the Western Balkans are ramping up their military capacities.
TikTok access reportedly restored in Albania three months after ban
No formal announcement of end to year-long TikTok ban but users across the country report full access to the platform.
Global uncertainty causes FDI to plummet in Emerging Europe
wiiw research blames crisis in German industry and the uncertainty surrounding Donald Trump’s second term as US president for sharp slowdown in FDI.
Proposed defence spending hike to 5% of GDP exposes divisions among Nato members
Russia hawks in Poland and the Baltic States are firmly behind plan to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP, while other members question new target.
Iranian hacker group reportedly behind Albania cyber attack
Iranian hacker group Homeland Justice has repeatedly threatened Albania which hosts the Iranian opposition group Mujahideen-e-Khalq.
Bosnia’s coal plants the biggest polluters in Western Balkans, CEE Bankwatch survey shows
Across the region, six units exceeded their individual ceilings for sulphur dioxide emissions by more than ten times last year, according to a survey by environmental NGO CEE Bankwatch.
Russia provoking conflict in Western Balkans as leverage against West, think-tank says
Instability in the Western Balkans "presents Russia with a win-win scenario", says FPRI analysis.
INTERVIEW: Western Balkans attract tech and services FDI as manufacturing outlook dims
Global uncertainty prompted the EBRD to lowered its outlook for the Western Balkans, but the bank’s Matteo Colangeli points to the region’s continued attractiveness for IT and services outsourcing.
COMMENT: Full speed ahead with reforms in the Western Balkans rail sector
The region must continue to transform its rail sector to become more eco-friendly, accessible and digitalised.
Croatian president says EU making “false promises” to Western Balkans
Zoran Milanovic says no new members will join the EU except perhaps Montenegro.
Newly-reelected PM Rama vows to use fourth term to “change Albania forever”
After the Socialists' fourth consecutive election win, Edi Rama outlines plans for sweeping reforms and to secure Albania's long-awaited accession to the EU within this decade.
European leaders in Tirana for EPC summit amid “relentless attacks” on international order
European leaders focus on continent's mounting challenges: Russia’s war in Ukraine, economic security and democratic resilience.
Albanian PM shoots down Starmer’s hopes of asylum seeker “return hub”
Edi Rama firmly rejects allowing the UK to set up a “return hub” on Albanian territory, saying Tirana will only host migrants for Italy.
Albania’s ruling Socialists secure a fourth term
PM Edi Rama wins an unprecedented fourth consecutive election victory, but opposition claim irregularities and announce protest.
EBRD cuts 2025 growth forecasts citing tariffs and global uncertainty
Development bank lowers forecasts for Emerging Europe, Central Asia and North Africa as slowdowns in Germany and China take their toll.
Albania, Montenegro to be first Western Balkan candidates to join EU, European Council president says
Antonio Costa says it's "not fair" for the Western Balkan countries to be overtaken by Ukraine and Moldova.
Albania's ruling Socialists poised for fourth term, exit poll shows
First exit poll from Albania Post indicates PM Edi Rama's Socialists will increase their majority in the next parliament.