Albania

Albania and Montenegro could conclude EU accession talks by 2026-27, enlargement commissioner says

Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje March 27, 2025

But Marta Kos warns "external forces" actively seeking to block certain countries from EU accession.

Ukraine and Balkans ravaged by wildfires in 2024

bne IntelliNews March 27, 2025

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

Aidą Kadyrzhanova in Prague March 26, 2025

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

Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje March 18, 2025

Declaration angers Serbia, where foreign ministry calls it a "provocation" and accuses signatories of undermining regional stability.

Albanian opposition Democrats protest against TikTok ban

bne IntelliNews March 17, 2025

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

Aidą Kadyrzhanova in Prague March 7, 2025

Albanian PM Edi Rama said TikTok exposes children to violence and toxic content.

EBRD lowers 2025 forecasts citing subdued global growth and trade fragmentation

Clare Nuttall in Glasgow February 27, 2025

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

bne IntelliNews February 23, 2025

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

Clare Nuttall in Glasgow February 19, 2025

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

Aidą Kadyrzhanova in Prague February 12, 2025

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

Tatyana Kekic in Belgrade February 7, 2025

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

Clare Nuttall in Glasgow February 4, 2025

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

Clare Nuttall in Glasgow January 28, 2025

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

Aidą Kadyrzhanova in Prague January 27, 2025

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

Aidą Kadyrzhanova in Prague January 24, 2025

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

bne IntelliNews January 20, 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

Clare Nuttall in Glasgow January 19, 2025

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.

Emerging Europe split between eager anticipation and wary acceptance ahead of Trump inauguration

bne IntelliNews January 17, 2025

For some leaders in Central and Southeast Europe, the new Trump presidency is seen as a opportunity; for others it’s a challenge to navigate carefully.

Albania, Italy and UAE to build €1bn Adriatic subsea cable

bne IntelliNews January 15, 2025

Energy generated in Albania will be transferred to Italy via an underwater cable crossing the Adriatic Sea.

BALKAN BLOG: Trump’s annexation remarks risk reigniting Balkan border disputes

Clare Nuttall in Glasgow January 12, 2025

Talk of the US annexing Greenland and Panama have already encouraged one far-right leader to propose that Bulgaria annex North Macedonia and parts of Ukraine.

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