11 EU members push to curb foreign policy vetoes as bloc weighs wider reform

Reform discussion ongoing amid questions over whether the EU's institutions are equipped for another round of enlargement.

Albania expands smart cameras to boost security in schools

Albania is expanding the use of intelligent cameras in schools to strengthen security and allow authorities and school staff to respond more quickly to incidents, Prime Minister Edi Rama said on September 1.

Climate change could nearly triple Europe's wildfire area by 2100

Increase in area burned by wildfires to depend heavily on how much governments invest in preventing and fighting fires, a new study has found.

Senior US Democrat widens probe into Jared Kushner’s Albania development that sparked Flamingo Revolution

The most senior Democrat on the US House Judiciary Committee has widened his investigation into Jared Kushner's business interests to include the disputed Albanian land where his investment firm plans to build a luxury resort.

Balkans turn to Asian workers in response to shrinking workforces

For three decades, the Balkans exported workers. Now countries across the region are increasingly importing them from Nepal, the Philippines, Vietnam and elsewhere.

Extreme heat, drought and wildfires expose Southeast Europe's climate risks

Southeast Europe is at the sharp end of this summer’s extreme weather crisis, with firefighters battling active blazes in counties across the region.

Albania beats EU on renewable electricity but hydropower reliance brings risks

Renewable sources accounted for 105.2% of Albania's gross electricity consumption in 2025, Eurostat data shows, with only Norway and Iceland performing better across Europe.

Albania tax office targets online trade in drive to curb informal economy

Albania's e-commerce sector has expanded significantly in recent years, prompting the tax administration to introduce a dedicated framework for identifying and addressing tax risks.

Serbia's banks post record profits as AIK hunts across the Balkans

Serbia's banks booked record profit of €1.4bn in 2025 and their fastest credit growth in a decade, even as home-grown AIK Banka buys up rivals across the Balkans.

Agency behind Albania's AI minister faces corruption investigation

Albania's plans to use an artificial intelligence avatar to help combat corruption are facing fresh scrutiny after prosecutors opened an investigation into the government agency that developed the system.

After 27 years, KFOR begins shifting its role at Kosovo flashpoints

The move comes against the backdrop of the unresolved Kosovo-Serbia conflict, with tensions over northern Kosovo, the status of the Serb community and competing claims over sovereignty continuing to shape the region’s security environment.

Businessman warns Albania faces arbitration over stalled Vlora airport concession

Behgjet Pacolli said his company Mabco Constructions could pursue international arbitration against Albania after the government launched procedures to terminate the concession contract for Vlora International Airport.

Russia adapting hybrid tactics to slow EU enlargement, European Parliament report warns

Russia is refining its use of hybrid interference to undermine European Union enlargement countries by combining disinformation, covert political financing, cyberattacks, economic pressure and proxy actors, says European Parliament report.

Albania targets 4% growth in 2026

Albania’s economy is continuing to expand on a stable trajectory, with stronger tax collection, rising employment and increased business activity supporting growth, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said.

EU needs 'Team Enlargement' coalition to drive next expansion push, think-tank says

The European Union needs a coalition of key member states to overcome political divisions and prepare the bloc for its next enlargement wave, according to an ECFR paper.

Geopolitical shocks, climate risks leave millions unable to afford healthy diets in Europe, Central Asia

Climate change, water scarcity, geopolitical tensions and volatile markets are creating new vulnerabilities that threaten both agricultural production and consumer access to nutritious food, says new FAO report.

Protesters arrested outside Albanian parliament as MPs debate US defence loan

A protest outside Albania's parliament escalated into clashes between demonstrators and police, as tensions rose over a $302mn US defence loan agreement.

Albanian police use water cannons as anti-government protesters clash in Tirana

Albania new business registrations rise 7.5% in first half, foreign-owned firms up 35.7%

Albania registered 11,567 new businesses in the first half of 2026, up 7.5% y/y, with fully foreign-owned company registrations jumping 35.7% to 1,240. Real estate led sectoral growth at 35.8%, while Tirana took over half of all new entities.

BALKAN BLOG: A Le Pen presidency could slam the brakes on EU enlargement

The European Union's renewed drive to expand eastwards could face its biggest political obstacle yet if French far-right leader Marine Le Pen wins the 2027 presidential election.