Why is this important: Veliaj has now spent five months in detention without being formally charged. His international legal team argues that this violates the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which prohibits arbitrary detention and requires that pretrial arrest be both necessary and proportionate. The case has sparked renewed criticism of double standards in the justice system, particularly when opposition figures accused of more serious offenses remain free.

Why is this important: Veliaj, arrested on February 10 in connection with a corruption investigation by SPAK (Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure), is one of the few sitting officials from the ruling Socialist Party to be detained while in office. But what has stirred widespread controversy is not the investigation itself—it’s the contrasting treatment of political figures across party lines.

Why is this important: A decade ago, Albania welcomed only a few hundred thousand visitors. In the last two years, over 10 million tourists from around the world have visited, drawn by upgraded infrastructure, stunning natural diversity packed into just 28,000 square kilometers, warm hospitality, and rich cuisine. Albania’s rapid ascent is now gaining recognition on the global stage.

Why is this important: The movement of capital and businesses from Kosovo to neighboring markets—especially Albania—signals declining investor confidence in domestic conditions. AKB reports that over 600 Kosovo-owned enterprises are now operating in Albania. The exodus is attributed to policy failures, legal uncertainty, and lack of institutional support in Kosovo.

Why is this important: The warm and lighthearted encounter between the two leaders underscores the close rapport between Rama and Rutte, the former Dutch Prime Minister who recently took over as NATO Secretary General.