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Albanian authorities declassify ‘Kosova Fund’: over 11,000 historical files now public

Published on February 18, 2025
A major step towards uncovering the historical relationship between Albania and Kosovo has been taken with the declassification of the ‘Kosova Fund’ by the Authority...

Why is this important: The newly declassified documents provide an unprecedented look into key political, social, and cultural events in Kosovo from 1944 to 1991. The files include intelligence reports on Kosovo’s youth movements, repression of Albanian rights, and state-led efforts to depopulate Kosovo through forced displacement.


Erion Veliaj denounces SPAK’s case from prison, claims evidence is manipulated

Published on February 18, 2025
From his detention in Durrës, Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj has issued a new statement, directly challenging the accusations against him and accusing SPAK of manipulating...

Why is this important: Veliaj’s case has been mired in political and legal controversy, with accusations that SPAK is conducting politically driven investigations. His latest statement adds fuel to these concerns, as he claims that evidence used against him—specifically phone signal data—is being misrepresented to fabricate a case.


Experts call for revisions to higher education law a decade after reform

Published on February 18, 2025
A decade after Albania’s higher education reform was introduced in 2015, both local and international experts, including leaders from public and private universities contracted by...

Why is this important: The 2015 reform was one of the most debated policies in Albania, sparking intense discussions among politicians and academics alike. However, ten years later, university faculties widely agree that institutional autonomy has increased. Despite this, a newly drafted document, Higher Education Strategy 2030, highlights the need for legislative amendments to address emerging challenges and align the education system with modern demands.


Albanian President marks Kosovo’s 17th independence anniversary with call for unity and integration

Published on February 17, 2025
During a state reception commemorating the 17th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence, Albanian President Bajram Begaj hailed Kosovo’s independence as a testament to resilience and sacrifice,...

Why is this important: Kosovo’s path to full international recognition and EU integration remains a major geopolitical challenge. President Begaj’s speech reinforced Albania’s commitment to advocating for Kosovo on the global stage and strengthening cooperation between the two nations.


Berisha vows to dismantle SPAK in protest before SPAK, mere days after condemning rivals for peaceful gathering

Published on February 17, 2025
Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha intensified his attacks on Albania’s Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) during a protest outside its headquarters, just...

Why is this important: Berisha’s rhetoric against SPAK has taken an increasingly aggressive turn as his legal troubles have deepened. The irony of his statements is also striking—just days ago, Berisha labeled a gathering of Socialist Party supporters outside the Special Court as an attack on the justice system,  while now leading his own protest outside SPAK’s doors, threatening to dissolve SPAK and issuing direct threats against its prosecutors.


Former justice ministers from different sides of the spectrum unite in harsh condemnation of SPAK over Veliaj case irregularities

Published on February 16, 2025
The case against Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj has brought together critics from opposite ends of Albania’s political spectrum. Former Justice Minister Ylli Manjani, a fierce...

Why is this important: Under normal circumstances Manjani and Xhafaj do not agree on much. That they now share the same concerns about SPAK’s investigation is raising fundamental questions about due process and selective prosecution. Their statements also highlight long-standing issues with SPAK’s reliance on anonymous denunciations and media leaks, which have repeatedly been used for political purposes.


Democrat MP’s remarks fuel further suspicions of political bias in Veliaj’s arrest

Published on February 16, 2025
A senior Democratic Party (DP) MP has inadvertently reignited concerns over political interference in the arrest of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj. Edi Paloka, a veteran...

Why is this important: SPAK’s credibility has already been under pressure due to growing accusations of selective justice and procedural irregularities in high-profile cases. Paloka’s admission that he received an early tip-off—before law enforcement executed the arrest order—raises serious questions about potential breaches of confidentiality and the use of SPAK’s cases for political maneuvering.


Edi Rama at Munich Security Conference: EU must move faster on enlargement

Published on February 16, 2025
Prime Minister Edi Rama participated in the “EU Enlargement” panel at the Munich Security Conference, alongside European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement Marta Kos and...

Why is this important: EU enlargement has long been a slow and complex process, with candidate countries like Albania and North Macedonia facing bureaucratic hurdles and political opposition from member states. While European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called for speeding up the process, deep divisions within the EU remain. With the 2026–2027 timeline now mentioned for Albania and Montenegro, the debate over balancing merit-based accession with geopolitical urgency is intensifying.


Jorida Tabaku unveils Democrats’ economic plan, promises fiscal stability and fair competition

Published on February 16, 2025
During the presentation of the Democratic Party’s (DP) economic program, MP Jorida Tabaku outlined a vision for a free, competitive, and transparent economy, emphasizing tax...

Why is this important: Tabaku’s speech marks one of the most detailed economic proposals by PD ahead of the upcoming elections, positioning the party as a champion of predictability and economic fairness. The program emphasizes tax reductions, regulatory simplification, and limiting government intervention in business, setting the stage for a sharp political debate over Albania’s economic future. However, with Albania’s GDP having doubled over the past decade under the Socialist government and the country experiencing significant economic growth, convincing voters of the need for an alternative economic model may prove challenging.


Albanian PM rejects speculation that Albania will host displaced Gaza Palestinians

Published on February 16, 2025
Prime Minister Edi Rama firmly dismissed rumors that Albania will participate in a potential U.S.-backed plan to relocate Palestinians displaced from Gaza as part of...

Why is this important: Since Trump first introduced his Gaza reconstruction plan, Albania has frequently been mentioned in speculation as a potential host country for displaced Palestinians. The issue gained further attention last week when Trump was asked directly at a press conference with Jordan’s King Abdullah II whether he was considering options beyond Egypt and Jordan, including Indonesia and Albania. While the former president did not confirm specific countries, his response—suggesting that “many nations” were interested—has fueled concerns and political controversy in Albania.