'Return hubs': EU parliament clears the way for offshore migrant detention centres
The European Parliament on Thursday approved a proposed reform that would allow member states to deport migrants whose asylum applications have been rejected to offshore detention facilities outside EU borders. Migrant arrivals to Europe have declined in recent years, shifting the focus to repatria»»»
Middle East conflict fallout to slow growth, push up inflation in Emerging Europe and Mediterranean region, EBRD says
Rising energy and fertiliser prices triggered by the conflict in the Middle East are expected to push up inflation and dampen economic growth across the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD’s) regions of operations, the development bank said in a new assessment released on March»»»
Authorities Investigate Cyberattack on Albanian Post as Services Continue Uninterrupted
Following the conclusion of a government meeting, Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo addressed the media, providing updates on the recent cyberattack targeting the Albanian Post system. Demo confirmed that a detailed analysis is currently underway by the National Cyber Security Autho»»»
NATO Demonstrates Rapid Strike Capabilities with Exercise in Bulgaria
A multinational NATO exercise will take place in Bulgarian airspace on March 26 and 27, the Ministry of Defense confirmed, as part of the Alliance’s enhanced vigilance activity Neptune Strike 26-1. Training operations will be conducted over the Novo Selo training area and in northeastern Bulgaria, »»»
Joint Training Mission to Take Place in Northeastern Bulgarian Airspace within NATO's Neptune Strike 26-1 Enhanced Vigilance Activity
A joint training mission will take place on March 26 and 27 in Bulgarian airspace (above the Novo Selo Training Area and in the Northeast of the country) as part of NATO's Neptune Strike 26-1 Enhanced Vigilance Activity, the Bulgarian Defence Ministry said in a press release on Wednesday. "Neptune »»»
Albania prepares to launch its first digital-only bank
Albania is set to launch its first digital-only bank in the near future, a step expected to accelerate the country’s broader push towards online financial services and digitalisation. In an interview with bne IntelliNews, Dimitris Petrilis, sales director for Central Eastern Europe at Backbase, whi»»»
Albania’s Socialists Prepare Referendum Law Draft, Consultations Ongoing
The Socialist Party of Albania has finalized a draft law on referendums, but consultations will continue before it is formally submitted. Speaking to media, parliamentary group head Taulant Balla said the legislation is necessary to strengthen public participation in decision-making. “The focus is »»»
Albanian Prime Minister Holds Series of Cabinet Meetings at 'Villa 30'
Edi Rama, together with Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, has begun a series of one-on-one meetings with each minister of the government at “Villa 30” since Thursday. The first meeting was held with Enea Karakaçi. According to Top Channel journalist Muhamed Veliu, the sessions continued Tuesday w»»»
Drecun: NATO bombing of FR Yugoslavia buried int'l law, introduced law of the stronger
BELGRADE - The head of the Serbian parliamentary committee on defence and interior affairs Milovan Drecun said on Tuesday the 1999 bombing of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) had been the strongest successful attempt of violating the UN Charter and international law, and noted that the prec»»»
Drecun:NATO bombing of FR Yugoslavia buried int'l law, introduced law of the stronger
BELGRADE - The head of the Serbian parliamentary committee on defence and interior affairs Milovan Drecun said on Tuesday the 1999 bombing of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) had been the strongest successful attempt of violating the UN Charter and international law, and noted that the prec»»»
Ruins of Yugoslavia: How Russia learned that NATO poses a threat
On March 24, 1999, student Elena Milincic was at home with her sister and a friend in Belgrade. Suddenly, the quiet evening was interrupted by an air-raid siren. The girls quickly hid under a table. It wasn’t the safest place, but they had gotten lucky – their part of the city wasn’t attacked. Over»»»
Opposition Leader Berisha Vows Escalation of Protests Against Government
Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha said Monday that Albania is facing “autocracy” under Prime Minister Edi Rama, warning that protests will intensify and spread nationwide following a ?????? demonstration held a day earlier in the capital. Speaking at a press conference from the Democratic Party »»»
Bear Sanctuary in Belitsa Reopens to Visitors on April 1
The Bear Sanctuary in Belitsa will reopen to visitors on April 1, the park’s management announced. During the spring season, from April to June, it will be open from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., while in the summer months it will operate from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The last guided tour of the day begi»»»
Albanian Opposition Leader Sali Berisha Injured by Tear Gas During Protest
Tensions escalated Sunday at a Democratic Party of Albania protest in Tirana, as clashes between demonstrators and police intensified and tear gas was deployed to disperse the crowd. Opposition leader Sali Berisha, who was at the forefront of the march alongside supporters and party lawmakers, suff»»»
Albania’s Balluku Reacts to Reappointment as Fier Political Leader
Former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku has reacted after being reconfirmed as the Socialist Party’s political leader for the Fier region, following the party’s National Assembly meeting.In a post on social media, Balluku expressed gratitude to party leader Edi Rama for renewing her mandate, a»»»
Socialists Reshuffle Regional Leadership, Appoint New Political Coordinators
Allbania’s ruling Socialist Party has unveiled a sweeping reorganization of its political leadership across the country, with Prime Minister Edi Rama signaling a renewed push to strengthen party structures ahead of upcoming challenges.The changes, announced during a party assembly, introduce a new »»»
Albania Establishes National Database to Track and Enforce Fines
The Council of Ministers has approved the creation of a new state database aimed at improving the administration and enforcement of administrative fines across the country. The system, officially titled the “Register for the Execution and Collection of Fines,” will serve as a centralized platform t»»»
Health Minister: 18,495 Doses of HPV Vaccine Administered in Bulgaria in 2025
In 2025, 18,495 doses of HPV vaccine were administered in Bulgaria, of which 14,507 were given to girls and 3,988 to boys, caretaker Health Minister Mihail Okoliyski said at a press conference, held in Sofia on Friday, of the HPV Coalition dedicated to the third anniversary of its establishment and»»»
EU Pitched for Türkiye to Join Its Payments System, Envoy Says
The European Union pitched to Türkiye last month the idea that the candidate for bloc membership could join a cost-cutting payments system to boost integration efforts and benefit those sending money abroad, the EU envoy to Ankara told Reuters. Jurgis Vilcinskas, the bloc's chargé d’affaires in Tür»»»
Esmail Khatib, Iran Spy Chief, from Shadow War to Assassination
Within Iran’s ruling structure in Tehran, the post of intelligence minister is far from a routine cabinet role. The ministry, established after the 1979 revolution, is a central pillar of the security system, overseeing a wide network of intelligence operations at home and abroad. While the preside»»»
Albanian Opposition Figure Calls for Berisha’s Exit Ahead of Party Leadership Vote
Ervin Salianji has publicly called for the departure of Sali Berisha from the leadership of the Democratic Party of Albania, ahead of the party’s internal election scheduled for May 23. Speaking for the media, Salianji argued that the party has weakened in recent years, attributing its decline to t»»»
PM Rama Urges Fuel Suppliers to Lower Profit Margins Amid Global Crisis
Prime Minister, Edi Rama held a meeting with with fuel suppliers on Wednesday, calling for cooperation to reduce the impact of the ongoing global crisis while protecting consumers from rising prices. Rama emphasized that the government will not establish a fuel monitoring board for now, signaling a»»»
State Funding Approved for Bulgarian Communities Abroad
The Council of Ministers Wednesday approved funding for the Foreign Ministry for 2026 amounting to up to EUR 1,750,000 to support projects benefiting Bulgarian communities in Albania, Serbia and Kosovo, as well as citizens of North Macedonia who self-identify as Bulgarian, Ukraine and Moldova. The »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Albania declares Iran a state sponsor of terrorism
Albania’s parliament adopted a resolution on March 17 declaring Iran a “terrorism sponsor state”, citing alleged support for armed groups and cyberattacks, in a vote boycotted by the opposition. Ties between Tirana and Teh»»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Democratic decline deepens in Eastern Europe as global slide to autocracy accelerates
Democratic governance is under unprecedented strain worldwide, with Eastern Europe now a hotspot for backsliding even as the US and other established democracies face rapid erosion of rights, according to the latest V-Dem Institute Democracy Report. »»»
Albania Declares Iran a State Sponsor of Terrorism, Israel Welcomes Move
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on Tuesday welcomed a resolution passed by Parliament of Albania declaring Iran a state sponsor of terrorism, praising the move as a “clear demonstration” of Albania’s foreign policy principles. In a public reaction, Sa’ar congratulated Prime Minister Edi Rama»»»
Costa: Enlargement to Western Balkans a priority, but reforms are needed
BRUSSELS - For the EU, enlargement to the Western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova is the main priority, but numerous reforms need to be carried out to deliver on all of the Copenhagen criteria as the enlargement is merit-based, says European Council President Antonio Costa. "At the same time, we need »»»
Balla Presents Iran Resolution, Criticizes Opposition Boycott
Taulant Balla, head of the parliamentary group of the Socialist Party of Albania, presented a draft resolution on Iran in Parliament, emphasizing Albania’s stance against terrorism and commitment to global security. Balla described the resolution as part of Albania’s obligations as a member of NATO»»»
Albanian Parliament Declares Iran a 'State Sponsor of Terrorism' in Swift Vote
The Parliament of Albania on Tuesday approved a significant resolution declaring Iran a “state sponsor of terrorism,” marking a decisive move aligned with the country’s international commitments to combat terrorism. The decision was reached during a session that lasted approximately 30 minutes, und»»»
Albania Designates Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as ‘Terrorist’
Albania on Tuesday designated Iran's Revolutionary Guards a "terrorist organization" and Iran as a state "supporting terrorism" as the Middle East war raged on. The Balkan nation's ruling Socialist party used its parliamentary majority to adopt a resolution to designate the ideological arm of the I»»»
Albania Set to Approve Resolution Declaring Iran a State Sponsor of Terrorism
The Albanian Parliament is expected to approve a resolution declaring the Islamic Republic of Iran a state sponsor of terrorism. The draft cites international evidence of Iran’s support for armed non-state groups and destabilizing activities in the Middle East. The resolution also highlights cybera»»»
Socialist Party Condemns Opposition Boycott of Iran Terrorism Resolution
The head of Albania’s Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, criticized the Democratic Party’s (PD) decision to boycott Tuesday’s plenary session. Balla said the session will vote on an urgent draft resolution to declare Iran a state sponsor of terrorism, calling it a priority for Alba»»»
Democratic Party Sets June 6 National Assembly, May 23 Leadership Vote
The Democratic Party of Albania held a meeting of its party headship Monday, where several key decisions were taken regarding the party’s internal organization and upcoming electoral processes within its structures. According to the decisions made during the meeting, the party will convene its Nati»»»
Rama Says Parliament’s Decision on Balluku Arrest Request Is a 'Closed Issue'
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said the rejection of prosecutors’ request to arrest former deputy prime minister Belinda Balluku is a “closed issue,” emphasizing that the decision does not prevent ongoing investigations. Speaking after the vote in the Parliament of Albania, Rama said lawmakers ac»»»