Albania
EU leaders call for faster enlargement for Western Balkans to counter Russian influence
EU leaders sought to reassure the Western Balkans countries that their future is inside the bloc at Tirana summit.
EU to help Western Balkans curb illegal migration surge
Illegal movements along the Western Balkans routes have significantly increased in 2022.
Foreign investment has transformed Eastern Europe, says wiiw report
Foreign investment will continue to have a vital role to play in the region’s development, particularly now that international companies are rethinking their supply chains.
Eagle Hills launches $2.5bn superyacht port project in Albania despite fierce opposition
UAE-based property developer Eagle Hills will built the largest-ever superyacht marina in the Mediterranean at Albania’s port city Durres.
European Parliament calls for ‘reenergised’ enlargement process – but only for countries that back Russia sanctions
MEPs want accession completed by 2030 and a majority vote to approve new members, but say accession talks with Serbia should be halted if it doesn’t align with EU on sanctions.
Ukraine faces one of worst declines in GDP from a war, says EBRD
The contraction in Ukraine’s GDP will be among the worst 10-20% of those in conflicts in the last 200 years, the development bank predicts in its 2022/23 Transition Report.
EBRD warns of risk of 'zombification'
Development bank recommends countries should now gradually dial down help to vulnerable companies, so they can either learn to adapt to the new climate of higher interest rates or exit the market by going into insolvency.
Six dead in widespread flooding across Western Balkans
Floods, caused by heavy rain over the weekend, caused chaos in affected areas, blocking roads and forcing the closure of schools and businesses.
Albanian opposition protest ends in scuffles with police
Protesters broke through police cordon and threw paint at prime minister's office as thousands gathered at anti-government demonstration.
PROFILE: Edi Rama, the Albanian PM who took on the UK government over migration
In the deeply polarised political environment in Albania, Rama and his Socialists have retained the upper hand for the last nine years.
EU announces €1bn in grants for Western Balkans, affirms support for enlargement
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and top EU officials stress commitment to bringing six Western Balkan countries into the EU.
Albanian PM slams UK for blaming Albanian migrants for its own failures
Prime Minister Edi Rama strongly criticised British politicians for “targeting Albanians” as scapegoats for the UK’s crime and border problems.
Albanian central bank raises base rate to 2.75%
Bank of Albania says that high inflationary pressures remain the main risk to sustainable and long-term growth.
Fiscal pressure grows in Western Balkans as region heads into new storm
World Bank urges governments to target support at most vulnerable households and businesses.
Emerging Europe is growing faster than expected this year but will stagnate in 2023, says wiiw
For 2023 the wiiw has revised its forecasts down, and overall Emerging Europe growth will average just 0.3%, barely above the 0.2% predicted for the Eurozone.
Rise in textile exports pushes up Albania’s exports in September
The biggest contributor to the annual rise in exports was the textiles and footwear sector, which is recovering from the slump in demand during the pandemic.
VISEGRAD BLOG: European family gathering mostly avoids fights
European Political Community isolates Russia, welcomes back UK and reassures EU candidate countries.
Pessimistic Albanians don’t rate any local politicians
Poll shows none of the country’s main politicians had an approval rating of over 50%, and two-thirds of Albanians think things in the country are going "very badly".
Albanian central bank raises policy rate to 2.25%
Supply-side shocks and heightened uncertainty in international markets are pushing up inflation in Albania.
Albania signs $6mn satellite deal to fight drugs and crime
Tirana agrees with US-based Satellogic USA Inc. to develop a dedicated satellite constellation that will enable satellite monitoring of the country’s territory.
