Albania
Western Balkan states increase use of surveillance, censorship to suppress opponents
Use of biometric surveillance and facial recognition technologies is expanding rapidly across the Balkans, according to a new BIRN report.
Trump policies won’t harm Emerging Europe badly – and will actively benefit Russia
Latest wiiw forecasts show little direct impact on Central and Southeast Europe from Trump trade wars.
Albania probes Democratic Party’s $6mn US lobbying contract
Investigation into Democrats' contract with former Trump lawyer launched days before Albania's May general election.
Montenegro mega beach deal reignites debate over UAE investments in Western Balkans
A plan to develop Montenegro’s Velika Plaza beach has become the latest battleground in a growing backlash against UAE-backed real estate deals across the Western Balkans.
Sanctioned Balkan politicians step up lobbying of Trump administration
After the US dropped sanctions on Hungary’s Antal Rogan, politicians from Albania, Bosnia and Bulgaria want similar decisions in their favour.
New study reveals extent of Russian disinformation targeting Emerging Europe
'Pravda network' targeting regions of geopolitical interest for the Kremlin with negative impact on democracy and regional stability.
Western Balkans countries struggle to reverse demographic decline
Governments turn to short-term fixes and immigration push to tackle deepening demographic crisis but shy away from deeper reforms, says OSW report.
BALKAN BLOG: Albania’s moment to make a push for EU accession
Albania has a realistic chance of joining the EU by the end of this decade.
COMMENT: Reforms and enlargement must go together for the Western Balkans
If the EU cannot deliver progress in accession, it risks undermining the incentive for countries to continue reforming.
Feathers fly as top Albanian politicians trade owl-themed insults
PM Edi Rama calls opposition leader Sali Berisha a "swamp owl" ahead of May general election; Berisha says the bird is a symbol of wisdom.
Durana tech park launches in Albanian capital
PM Edi Rama hopes new tech park to ultimately bring €0.5bn in budget revenues by backing Albanian tech talent.
The rise of war-hardened Balkan crime groups in South America’s cocaine market
Global Initiative report reveals organised crime groups from the Western Balkans have firmly embedded themselves in South America’s cocaine trade.
Albania and Montenegro could conclude EU accession talks by 2026-27, enlargement commissioner says
But Marta Kos warns "external forces" actively seeking to block certain countries from EU accession.
Ukraine and Balkans ravaged by wildfires in 2024
Wildfires ravaged large swathes of land across Ukraine and the Balkans, with Ukraine suffering the highest recorded damage of any country in the region, said the EU's European Forest Fire Information System.
Albanian journalists and rights groups challenge TikTok ban in court
The government ordered internet providers to block TikTok for one year from March 13, citing safety concerns.
Albania, Croatia and Kosovo sign trilateral military alliance declaration
Declaration angers Serbia, where foreign ministry calls it a "provocation" and accuses signatories of undermining regional stability.
Albanian opposition Democrats protest against TikTok ban
The Democrats have accused the ruling Socialist Party of exploiting a teenager's death linked to an online dispute to tighten control over online speech ahead of this year’s general election.
Albania bans TikTok for one year
Albanian PM Edi Rama said TikTok exposes children to violence and toxic content.
EBRD lowers 2025 forecasts citing subdued global growth and trade fragmentation
Weaker external demand and potential impact of Trump tariffs weigh on Emerging Europe, Central Asia and Semed regions, with growth now projected at 3.2%.
Albania targeted by British campaigners who want Trump-style aid cuts
Campaigners who want London to emulate DOGE and make drastic cuts to foreign aid and government services have found Albania a useful scapegoat.