Western Balkans
Kosovo tops global population decline, Albania among top 10
Kosovo recorded the world’s sharpest population decline in 2024, with a drop of -9.7%, according to new World Bank data. North Macedonia ranked fifth globally, with a decline of 2%,...
Von der Leyen: the future of the Western Balkans is in the EU
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that the future of the Western Balkans lies in European Union membership, during her State of the Union speech at the European...
US sanctions two senior Montenegrin officials for corruption
The US State Department has designated former Budva mayor and current MP Milo Božović and the former president of Montenegro’s Supreme Court, Vesna Medenica, as ineligible to enter the United...
EU leaders give optimism on enlargement, Albania could join by 2029
European Union leaders at the Bled summit delivered optimistic messages on enlargement, with Albania and Montenegro emerging as frontrunners to become the bloc’s newest members by 2029. Why is this...
EU approves €87.7m Growth Plan package, Albania secures €32m for energy projects
The European Union has cleared a €87.7 million support tranche under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans Investment Framework. From this first financing phase, Albania will receive €32 million...
U.S. keeps 10% tariff on Albanian exports amid global trade escalation
As the wave of U.S. tariffs took effect targeting over 90 countries Albania, appears to have remained largely unaffected. Why is this important: While Serbia faces a 37% levy, North...
EU backs Albania’s rapid progress on reforms, eyes full chapter opening soon
The European Commission voiced full support for Albania’s push to open all remaining EU accession negotiation chapters as quickly as possible. Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos praised Albania’s reform pace during...
EU to open all negotiation chapters with Albania in June
The European Commission will open all remaining chapters of EU accession talks with Albania next month, marking a breakthrough in the country’s long road to membership. Why this is important:...
Albania reaffirms commitment to NATO and defense investment at Dayton Forum
President Bajram Begaj used his speech at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Dayton to spotlight Albania’s growing defense budget, its commitment to Ukraine, and its enduring support for regional peace...
Tirana hosts European Political Community Summit with 51 leaders in attendance
On Thursday and Friday, Tirana became the center of Europe as 51 heads of state and institutional leaders arrived for the sixth European Political Community (EPC) Summit, hosted for the...