Top Story
Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro Fail to Qualify for Eurosong
All Balkan contestants in the semi finals on Tuesday failed to qualify for Eurosong. Macedonia and Albania are still hoping they will qualify on Thursday show in Malmo.
Brides Invade Albania’s Ancient City of Apollonia
The ancient city of Apollonia has become such a popular spot for wedding pictures that couples seeking to immortalise their love among its ruins outnumber tourists during the tourist season.
Albania Threatens to Close Theft-Prone Galleries
After the theft dozens of paintings of Albanian impressionist Vangjush Mio from a gallery in the city of Korca, the Minister of Culture has threatensed to shut venues that don’t protect their treasures.
SEEMO, Balkan Leaders ‘Must Live With Free Media’
Top politicians in the region are still struggling to live with criticism, accusing journalists of undermining national interests and of mafia ties, media organisation says.
Kadare Demands Dictator’s Widow Return Manuscript
Albania's best known writer has sued the widow of Communist dictator Enver Hoxha for the return of a manuscript of his 1977 novel, 'The Great Winter'.
Albania Cancels Eurovision Broadcast After Bus Crash
Albania’s public broadcaster, RTSH, will not broadcast the first semifinal of the Eurovision song contest on Tuesday as a mark of respect for the victims of Monday's bus crash.
Globe to Globe
Three Balkan theatres performed the three parts of Shakespeare’s complex trilogy in London – and with very different results.
Culture Watch Award Announced
The Balkan Initiative for Cultural Cooperation Exchange and Development, BICCED, funded by the Swiss Cultural Programme in the Western Balkans, is announcing the launch of the first Culture Watch Award.
Montenegrin Media Most Free in Balkans, Report Says
A survey of world media freedom in 2011 carried out by US-based watchdog Freedom House put Montenegro in top place in the region. Kosovo has also moved up the rankings while Macedonia has moved down.
Albanians Divided on Centennial Monument
A monument marking the hundredth anniversary of Albania's independence has sparked a row between the government and opposition and received criticism from the artistic community.
Munich Architects to Build Albania's Centennial Memorial
Two Germany-based architects, Visar Obrija and Kai Roman Kiklas, have won the award to build a memorial commemorating the hundredth anniversary of Albania's independence.
Translation of Hitler’s Manifesto Sparks Row in Albania
A previously unknown publisher has translated into Albanian Adolf Hitler’s political manifesto, Mein Kampf, sparking debate on whether the book should be banned.
Privatization of Albanian Monuments Opposed
A proposal to sell off some 40 castles and towers has encountered stiff opposition among archeologists and historians.
Postmodern theater, Albanians and Serbs
While the political relationship between Serbs and Albanians may be in rough waters, a recent theatre production shows that artistic cooperation between the two groups is flourishing.
Tirana Hosts Ninth International Film Fest
The ninth Tirana International Film Festival, TIFF, opened on Monday, showing 80 short films from 63 countries by the end of the week.
Macedonians, Montenegrins, Albanians Glued to Facebook
Internet users in Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania simply love Facebook, with almost 90 per cent of them having Facebook accounts, according to a global statistical database maintained by the International Web Stats web page.
Culture Policy Focus
Albania Struggles to Protect its Vandalized Heritage
While authorities promise action following the shocking destruction of an ancient fresco by blundering thieves, activists and experts remain skeptical of their pledges.
Business
Albanian Businesses Pessimistic About Economy
A survey published by the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania reveals that the majority of its members saw an economic downturn in 2012 and expect worse in 2013.
CEZ Files Lawsuit Against Albania
Albania-Kosovo Trade Dispute Escalates
