Albania

Steep appreciation in lek causes slump in Albania’s exports

bne IntelliNews September 19, 2023

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

bne IntelliNews September 13, 2023

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

Denitsa Koseva in Sofia September 11, 2023

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?

Clare Nuttall in Glasgow September 5, 2023

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

bne IntelliNews September 3, 2023

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

Valentina Dimitirevska in Skopje August 29, 2023

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

bne IntelliNews August 28, 2023

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

bne IntelliNews August 24, 2023

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

bne IntelliNews August 22, 2023

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

Valentina Dimitrievska in Skopje August 16, 2023

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

bne IntelliNews August 16, 2023

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

bne IntelliNews August 9, 2023

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

Clare Nuttall in Glasgow August 2, 2023

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

bne IntelliNews July 28, 2023

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

bne IntelliNews July 27, 2023

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

bne IntelliNews July 25, 2023

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

bne IntelliNews July 24, 2023

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

Valentina Dimitrievska July 19, 2023

Fund to foster collaboration between vocational education and training institutions and companies across WB6 economies.

Water hurled at Kosovan PM amid violent scenes in parliament

bne IntelIiNews July 14, 2023

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

Robert Anderson in Prague July 10, 2023

Ukraine has proved in real time under real conditions that it is militarily ready for membership.

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