Albania
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.
BALKAN BLOG: Upended world order enables Russia’s return to Southeast Europe
The US’s distancing from its traditional democratic allies and embrace of the far right paves the way for the return of Russian influence to a region from which it has long been in retreat.
Influential Tirana mayor arrested on suspicion of corruption and money laundering
Erion Veliaj is a senior figure in the ruling Socialist Party and mayor of the Albanian capital since 2015.
London to name Karen Pierce special envoy to the Western Balkans
Former British ambassador in Washington appointed as UK seeks to deepen its engagement with the Western Balkans, a region of growing geopolitical interest.
“Unchained” Trump is main risk to broadly positive Emerging Europe growth prospects
Steep US tariffs on the EU or a sudden cut in support for Ukraine are the major downside risks for the region, says new wiiw report.
Lack of megadeals drags down M&A volume in Emerging Europe
The number of deals in Central and Southeast Europe rose in 2024 but aggregate deal value fell by 31%, finds law firm CMS.
Albania plans Vatican-style state for Bektashi order in Tirana
Prime Minister Edi Rama confirmed plans to set set up a sovereign spiritual state in Tirana for the Bektashi Order in move condemned by opposition leader.
Albania's PM signals possible shift on TikTok ban
Year-long ban followed a violent incident in Tirana, where a 14-year-old student was killed and another injured in a fight linked to an online dispute.
OUTLOOK Southeastern Europe 2025
What is in store for Southeastern Europe in 2025? bne IntelliNews’ annual OUTLOOK: Southeastern Europe 2025
Sanctions stepped up in the Western Balkans, but with mixed results
The number of individuals and companies in the Western Balkans sanctioned by the US and other Western countries has sharply increased, says a report from the Global Initiative for Transnational Organized Crime.