Albania
Watchdog warns Western Balkan banks are conduits for money laundering
Criminal networks are exploiting banks and other financial institutions across the Western Balkans to move illicit money across borders, says a report by the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime.
So you want to get on the right side of Donald Trump? Try gift-wrapping a hotel
Though he’s busy preparing for his second stint in the White House, his brand is still doing business the world over.
Albania partners with UAE's Masdar for gigawatt-scale green projects
Agreement aims to help Albania become more energy independent and reduce reliance on coal-heavy electricity imports.
Elon Musk wants Italian judges who blocked migrant deal with Albania sacked
After supporting Trump’s re-election campaign, world’s richest man weighs in on debate over controversial deal to host migrants in Albania.
Italian businessman’s €100mn arbitration victory against Albania sparks international financial and legal dispute
New evidence casts doubt on the validity of Belgium court’s decision to award €100mn to Italian businessman in a long-running arbitration case with the Albanian government.
Congratulatory words for Trump mask fears of destabilisation in Western Balkans
Political leaders take to X to congratulate Trump, while speculation mounts about whether his second presidency will enable destabilisation of the situations in Bosnia and Kosovo.
EBRD, EU to secure €400mn for Western Balkans’ green transition
Programme to provide €120mn of targeted SME financing in the Western Balkans region in its initial phase, scaling up to €400mn over the next few years.
EU enlargement progresses amid geopolitical tensions
Several aspiring EU members make significant progress in 2024, but more reforms needed, says European Commission’s latest enlargement package.
Toxic waste containers rejected by Thailand now headed back to Albania
102 containers carrying an estimated 2,100 tonnes of suspected hazardous waste will be returned to Durres, international watchdog group Basel Action Network announced.
Meloni defends migrant deal with Albania after court ruling
Italian judges ordered the return of 12 migrants back to Italy shortly after they were sent to new migrant camps in Albania.
Albania's former president Ilir Meta arrested in corruption case
Meta is accused of engaging in illegal financial activities and failing to declare significant assets.
Western Balkan countries’ growth paths diverge
Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and Serbia are pulling ahead, while Bosnia and North Macedonia are being held back by lower external demand and domestic fiscal pressures, says new World Bank report.
Central and Southeastern Europe defies German economic weakness
The wiiw autumn forecast warns that not all of the recession in the German automotive industry has so far been felt in Central Europe and further difficulties should be expected.
Albania opens first chapter of EU accession negotiations
With this step, Albania has joined Montenegro and Serbia as the third Western Balkan country to open negotiation chapters in accession talks with the EU.
COMMENT: Is the Balkan region Israel’s newfound interest?
In light of the worsening geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Tel Aviv has sought to build new alliances and partnerships.
Opposition protesters in Albania set fire to ruling Socialist Party headquarters
Thousands-strong protest was sparked by anger over the imprisonment of Democratic Party official Ervin Salianji.
Western Balkans emerges as nearshoring destination
wiiw study reveals FDI soared in recent years, with strong interest from Asian investors.
Albanian opposition MPs set chairs ablaze in violent protest
Protest erupted inside parliament over the sentencing of MP Ervin Salianji.
Nearshoring security
As European countries look for external solutions to immigration and prison overcrowding, Albania and Kosovo have struck controversial deals with Italy and Denmark.
EU separates Albania and North Macedonia in EU accession process
PM Hristijan Mickoski says EU’s decision sends a negative message to Macedonian citizens after two decades of little progress.