Albania
International banking groups mull expansion in CEE region
Half of the cross-border banking groups active in Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe say they want to “selectively expand” in the region, shows the latest EIB survey.
Albanian interior minister tells opposition MPs to stop starting fires in parliament or face prosecution
MPs set off flares and burnt papers inside the Albanian parliament, as part of a series of of acts of civil disobedience by opposition MPs.
Experts argue EU’s New Growth Plan is too small to make a difference
Proposed plan for Western Balkans involves integration into the EU single market, with a €6bn financial package.
Greece under heavy pressure not to block start of Albania's EU accession talks
German Chancellor Scholz and other EU leaders are pushing Athens not to stop Albania advancing toward EU accession in spat over jailed ethnic Greek mayor.
COP28: The EU's climate goals and the Western Balkans challenge
Where does the EU’s hopes for a deal to phase out fossil fuels leave coal-dependent aspiring members from the Western Balkans?
COP28: Western Balkan countries need better strategies to phase out coal, says CAN Europe
Reliance on outdated and inefficient coal-fired power plants in Bosnia, Kosovo and Serbia complicates the transition to renewable energy.
75,000 jobs at risk as high lek makes Albania’s fashion industry uncompetitive
Sharp rise of Albania's currency against the euro has caused a slump in exports this year.
CEE Bankwatch slams new wave of Balkan gas projects
NGO urges development partners to stop funding fossil fuel projects in the region and focus only on renewables.
EBRD survey reveals surprising surge in life satisfaction in Emerging Europe
In the last seven years, Emerging Europe has grappled with pandemic, war and a cost of living crisis. So why did people get happier?
INTERVIEW: Green transition must be a just transition, says EBRD chief economist
EBRD research shows majority in transition countries believe climate change will severely affect the children of today, but fewer people are willing to pay to address the climate emergency.
Albanian opposition MPs start fire inside parliament in anti-government protest
MPs build chair barricade and set of flares to prevent vote on 2024 budget.
Top EU diplomat wants Western Balkans involved in bloc’s foreign policy
High Representative Josep Borrell says Western Balkans should be involved in decision-making ahead of accession.
Greece reportedly stalls start of accession talks with Albania
Athens declined to approve a joint letter on the opening of negotiations with Tirana on the first package of EU accession chapters amid months-long spat over arrest of ethnic Greek mayor.
Ukraine and Moldova recommended for EU accession talks, Western Balkans urged to speed up reforms
Releasing enlargement report package, Commission also calls for candidate status for Georgia, but criticises stalling in some longstanding Western Balkan candidate countries.
Albania and Italy face tough criticism over controversial migrant centres deal
European Commission says deal under which thousands of migrants seeking entry to Italy would be temporarily hosted in centres in Albania must comply with EU law.
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Climate crisis forces Southeast Europe governments to up disaster response spending in 2024 budgets
Warming in Southeast Europe is set to outstrip the global average while extreme weather events are already becoming more frequent.
Albania's tourism sector made the fastest post-pandemic recovery in Europe
Tourist arrivals in Albania rose by 56% compared to pre-pandemic 2019 in January-July 2023, with only Qatar and Saudi Arabia seeing better results.
Opposition MPs set off flares, build chair barricade in Albanian parliament
Session to discuss 2024 budget disrupted as opposition MPs claim spending plans will only benefit ruling Socialists.
‘You reform, we invest’ is European Commission president’s message for Western Balkans
Ursula von der Leyen stresses financial support for EU-aspiring region is contingent upon countries implementing crucial reforms.
European Commission president says North Macedonia could open first accession cluster this year
Ursula von der Leyen gives Skopje hope for accession progress this year during Western Balkan tour but says constitutional changes must be made first.