Why is this important: Thirty-three years after holding its first free and fair elections, Albania has yet to experience an uncontested electoral process. At times, it appears that disputing election results has become an end in itself. Refusing to acknowledge an opponent’s victory often serves as a way to avoid recognizing one’s own defeat—and with it, accountability for the loss and the consequences that entails. The opposition has lost every single election since its victory of the 2009 elections and has claimed widespread problems in every single one, despite the fact that it was in power during at least two of them.

Why is this important: Over the past year, Nuredin Dumani’s testimony has slowly trickled into the media, and his revelations read like the script of a gripping thriller. Dumani has exposed Albania’s underworld like no one before him, exposing a chilling tapestry of crime that includes murders, heists, kidnappings, assassinations, burglaries, beatings, and acts of revenge.

Why is this important: The project aims to increase energy production from renewable sources, aligning with Albania’s ambitious plan to become a net exporter of renewable energy. The agreement signifies a major step toward energy independence for Albania, which already produces 100% of its electricity from renewable sources.

Why is it important: This is a further effort by Kosovo’s government to extend its authority to the north of the country, in accordance with the agreement reached in Brussels in 2013 to dissolve the so-called parallel institutions, which are financed and run by the government of Serbia. Kosovo’s police carried out their latest actions amid the campaign leading up to parliamentary elections on February 9.

Why is this important: Just days earlier, Bardhi was forced to retract accusations made in parliament against another individual, Edmond Sulaj, the former police director for Shkodër. Bardhi had accused Sulaj of being appointed by organized crime but immediately walked back those claims after the policeman filed a defamation lawsuit. He now faces a similar defamation lawsuit in the Olsi Rama case, with the Prime Minister announcing he is considering filing one as well.

Why is this important: For the first time, Albanians in the diaspora will be able to vote from their countries of residence in the upcoming parliamentary elections on May 11. While registration with the Central Election Commission’s platform does not require a valid ID, a current passport or ID card issued by Albanian authorities is mandatory to cast a vote. By halving the processing time, this initiative will help eligible diaspora voters obtain the necessary documents on time, ensuring broader participation in the election.

Why is this important: This marks the second major seizure of smuggled oil in just 24 hours, highlighting the scale of the illicit fuel trade in the region. On Monday, authorities blocked another shipment of 670 tons of oil smuggled from Tanzania with assistance from Italy’s Guardia di Finanza. These back-to-back busts underscore the importance of Albania’s intensified efforts to combat smuggling networks and protect the economy from illegal fuel operations.

Why is this important: Hosting Giro d’Italia offers Albania a unique opportunity to promote its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and infrastructure on a global stage. The event is expected to boost tourism, attracting cycling fans and international visitors, while reinforcing Albania’s growing reputation as a key destination in the Balkans.

Why does it matter: The Western Balkans is a region with untapped economic potential, strategically positioned between major European markets. However, fragmented information and varying policies among the six countries have often hindered investors from navigating opportunities effectively. The newly launched platform addresses this gap by providing a unified and detailed resource for potential investors. This initiative aligns with the goals of the Regional Common Market Action Plan 2021–2024, which aims to foster greater economic cooperation and integration across the region.

Why does it matter: The Western Balkans has historically faced challenges in allowing for efficient and transparent cross-border payments. Traditional banking systems in the region often rely on slower transfer mechanisms, creating delays and inefficiencies for individuals and businesses. This new platform should directly address these issues, offering a modern solution that operates in real time and remains accessible 24/7. By streamlining the payment process, the initiative reduces transaction times and lowers costs, providing immediate practical benefits for users.