Albania
The big picture

Construction worker puts Lapaj’s parliamentary bid at risk amid list confusion
Opposition leader Adriatik Lapaj’s chances of entering Albania’s next Parliament are in question after a low-profile candidate from his own electoral list—Zeqir Kordhoni, a former construction worker and invalid pensioner—signaled...

Berisha threatens protests in September as Democratic Party rejects May 11 election results
The Democratic Party is gearing up for a tense autumn, with its leader Sali Berisha vowing to return to the streets in protest against what he calls a “narco-state” following...

Illegal cabins in heart of Theth spark clash between Prime Minister and Shkodra prosecution
Authorities have begun demolishing a group of illegal wooden cabins erected in the heart of Theth, Albania’s most iconic mountain village. The makeshift resort—ten cabins and two additional structures—was built...

European Parliament backs 2023–2024 Albania Report, applauds judicial reforms but warns on political polarization
The European Parliament has adopted its 2023–2024 resolution on Albania with an overwhelming majority of 502 votes in favor out of 686 members present. The report, drafted by Austrian MEP...

Edi Rama unveils crackdown on public space grabbers, signals start of territorial reform
Two months ahead of forming his fourth consecutive government, Prime Minister Edi Rama has identified the fight against illegal occupation of public spaces and better control of territory as a...

Erion Veliaj’s detention violates his human rights, say Mayor’s international legal team
One day after Albania’s Supreme Court upheld the pretrial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, his international legal team issued a strong statement condemning the ruling as a violation of...