Albania
Steep appreciation in lek causes slump in Albania’s exports
The value of Albania's exports fell by 21.9% y/y in August, decline caused by rise of lek and fall in prices on world markets.
European Commission president calls to ‘complete' the EU through enlargement
Ursula von der Leyen says “history is calling” to expand the EU, but reforms are needed.
Southeast Europe leaders pledge to speed up EU integration process
Leaders of Slovenia, Croatia and the six Western Balkans countries will commit to reforms to improve the prospects for the Western Balkan states to join the EU by 2030.
BALKAN BLOG: How realistic is a 2030 accession target?
When European Council President Charles Michel said the EU and aspiring members should prepare for enlargement by 2030, the response from the Western Balkans was underwhelming.
Albanian farmers warn of bankruptcy risk as lek rallies against euro again
The lek has repeatedly broken new records against the euro, causing exporters to suffer as their products become less competitive.
European Council president says Western Balkans and EU should prepare for enlargement by 2030
Charles Michel says a clear goal must be set to enlarge the EU by the end of this decade.
Albanian lek falls against euro after months of appreciation
The Albanian lek has declined against the euro and other major currencies over the last month, following months of appreciation that concerned exporters.
Albanian PM says Shell to invest up to €7bn in Shpirag
PM Edi Rama says indications oil at Shpirag is of very high quality, paving the way for game changing investments in Albania.
Serbian president seeks confirmation Ukraine won't recognise Kosovo at Zelenskiy meeting
Presidents affirm support for each other’s territorial integrity at informal Balkan summit despite Aleksandar Vucic’s refusal to sever ties with Russia.
Flying of Greater Albania flag during Kosovan PM’s North Macedonia visit sparks regional scandal
North Macedonia’s interior ministry launched criminal proceedings against ethnic Albanian mayors of two municipalities visited by Albin Kurti.
Albanian PM slams Greek interference in vote-buying case
Greek officials have warned that Albania's EU accession process could be held up if it fails to release ethnic Greek mayor Fredi Beleri.
Detention of ethnic Greek mayor puts Albania’s EU accession progress at risk
Greek politicians have stepped up their rhetoric over the months-long detention of Fredi Beleri, the ethnic Greek mayor of Himara in Albania, warning Tirana that the country’s EU accession progress may be at risk if the case is not resolved.
BALKAN BLOG: Violence against women becomes a mobilising force in Southeast Europe
Demonstrations in Bulgaria were the latest in the region urging the authorities to do more to tackle violence against women and femicides.
Storms follow heatwaves to batter Southeast Europe’s crops
Extensive damage to crops in region, as deadly storms follow record heat.
Fears Russian war in Ukraine to increase illicit financial flows in Western Balkans
Porous borders and weak governance makes region a hotspot for illegal financial flows, warns Global Initiative report.
Almost half Western Balkan citizens consider emigrating as EU accession hopes fade
44% of respondents to Balkan Barometer survey consider living abroad, with the figure reaching 57% in Kosovo.
Albanian lek continues heady rise, approaching ALL100 to the euro
There is speculation that the lek will rise above ALL100 to the euro during the peak summer tourist season.
New initiative to tackle brain drain in Western Balkans
Fund to foster collaboration between vocational education and training institutions and companies across WB6 economies.
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Water hurled at Kosovan PM amid violent scenes in parliament
Albin Kurti under fire from opposition following EU’s imposition of punitive measures in relation to tense situation in northern Kosovo.
VISEGRAD BLOG: Ukraine awaits 'clear signal' of future Nato membership at Vilnius Summit
Ukraine has proved in real time under real conditions that it is militarily ready for membership.