Albania
Nato agrees 'fundamental shift' to counter Russia
Security alliance’s leaders agree a big increase in troop deployments on its Eastern Flank, more help for Ukraine in its defence against Russian aggression, and a new Strategic Concept.
Albania and North Macedonia remain stuck in EU accession process
Longtime candidate countries North Macedonia and Albania are still unable to begin accession talks because of a Bulgarian veto, while Montenegro and Serbia are no closer to joining, and Bosnia-Herzegovina has not yet been granted candidate status.
Leaders of Albania, North Macedonia and Serbia to attend EU summit after dropping boycott plans
Aleksandar Vucic, Edi Rama and Dimitar Kovacevski will travel to Brussels for EU Council to show their commitment to joining the EU despite frustration with stalled accession process.
Albania trails neighbours in auto-parts production but economists see a chance to catch up
IFC and World Bank report says Albania could take advantage of new opportunities created by post-COVID nearshoring and shift to e-mobility.
COMMENT: Towards sustainable, safe and smart roads in the Western Balkans
The lack of adequate road infrastructure, as well as road maintenance, has been a persistent impediment to growth in the Western Balkans, but infrastructure bottlenecks are now being addressed.
Prime minsters of Albania and Montenegro visit Kyiv in show of support
With a critical EU Council meeting coming up next week, much of the discussion centred on the three countries’ prospects for EU accession.
Macron wants ‘accelerated co-operation’ for Moldova as details of EU ‘political community’ proposal leak
On Ukraine's border and with part of its territory controlled by Russia-backed separatists, Moldova is hoping for a positive answer to its application for EU candidate status.
bneGREEN: Albania to create Vjosa national park, blocking hydropower development
The Vjosa is one of the last wild rivers in Europe and environmental groups have been campaigning to have it made a national park to prevent it being exploited for hydropower.
BALKAN BLOG: How to keep the EU accession dream alive
With accession bogged down in political disputes, alternatives to the current EU enlargement process are being considered.
Bosnia and Montenegro attend Open Balkan summit but Kosovo shuns event
North Macedonia's PM Dimitar Kovacevski says doors to Open Balkan, founded to improve regional economic co-operation, "remain open" to all Western Balkan states.
Albania’s first major 2022 wildfire rages for days on Sazan Island
Fire ravages wildlife and threatens Cold War-era munitions on island, as defence minister warns of more emergencies ahead this summer.
CONFERENCE CALL: Globsec basks in Putin's humiliation
In contrast to previous conferences of the Bratislava-based security think-tank, there was a feeling that the West is no longer on the back foot and that now is the time to press home its advantage.
Albania’s chief of defence set to become next president
Ruling Socialists prepare to elect their pick for president, Major General Bajram Begaj, with opposition MPs threatening a boycott.
OBITUARY: Former Albanian president Bujar Nishani dies at 55
Nishani is Albania’s first post-communist president to pass away, following serious health problems
EU’s credibility on the line over enlargement
Austria’s foreign minister calls enlargement the EU’s biggest geopolitical instrument – but will member states use it to encourage candidates and would-be candidates at the upcoming EU Council?
Fall in hydropower production puts Albania’s finances under pressure
Albania’s electricity generation fell in Q1, forcing the country to increase imports more than sevenfold at a time when prices are soaring.
IMF says rising prices to slow Albania’s growth to 3% in 2022
Growth will be driven by tourism and construction, but slowed by sharply rising prices – inflation has already exceeded the central bank’s 3% target.
Sali Berisha returns as leader of Albania’s opposition Democrats
Controversial former president sanctioned by the US for corruption returns as opposition leader as Albanian parliament prepares to elect new president.
Macron urges Sofia and Skopje to solve their dispute amid tensions in Europe
Pressure on Sofia to lift its veto and allow North Macedonia to start EU accession talks has increased since Russia's invasion of Ukraine raised fears of destabilisation in the Western Balkans.
Albania’s notorious ‘TikTok judge’ sacked
A media storm erupted in Albania when videos on Tik Tok showed Enkelejda Kapedani posing in designer clothes in her office and driving a BMW.
