Albania
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.
Emerging Europe split between eager anticipation and wary acceptance ahead of Trump inauguration
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
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
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.
Italy eyes restart of Albania migrant processing scheme despite legal hurdles
Rome's plans to host migrants in Albania while their applications are processed stalled when Italian courts blocked a decision to send the first group to Albania.
Albania imposes one-year TikTok ban
Decision follows killing of a 14-year-old student, but opposition claims it is pre-election move.
Athens conditions support for Albania’s EU accession on protection for Greek minority
Athens backs the EU integration of the Western Balkans but has tied its support for neighbouring Albania to specific commitments.
FDI in Emerging Europe hit by geopolitical uncertainty and German slowdown
wiiw report warns lower investment trend could continue as Central and Eastern Europe's role as a production hub for Western companies is waning.
EU Council says enlargement is a "geo-strategic investment in peace"
The enlargement process has been revitalised since the start of the war in Ukraine, but EU ministers say candidate countries must step up reform efforts.
Bureks vs. Big Macs
International fast-food chains are expanding in the Western Balkans, but can they rival local offerings on taste or price?
Albanian police use tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters
Protests are part of a broader campaign of civil disobedience against Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama, who has been in power since 2013.