Latest Premium Articles from Albania
EU Will Not Allow Reintroduction of Visas
A decade has passed since the Thessaloniki Summit, which firmly confirmed the European agenda for the Western Balkans and promised a clear European perspective for the region.
Albania: Elections May Put Reforms on Hold
The political climate is expected to heat up before the June 2013 parliamentary elections, while its economy and the EU integration process will suffer the consequences.
Albania: Festive Tone Failed to Bridge Divide
As Tirana marked its independence centennial, the ruling elite remained divided and unwilling to compromise, and the country failed to advance its EU bid.
Secrets and Lies: Victims of Albanian Communism Denied Closure
Former political prisoners want truth and compensation – but their quest has become entangled in the country’s murky politics.
What’s to Celebrate on Independence Day?
Unlike the situation a hundred years ago, Albanians cannot blame external forces any longer for their country’s failure to progress.
Election Row Holds Albania’s EU Bid to Ransom
A dispute over the 2011 local elections threatens the approval in parliament of key reforms on which Albania’s EU candidate status may depend.
Developers Ravage Albania’s Historic Landmarks
Albania’s shrinking stock of historic buildings is in danger as owners, real estate developers and mayors conspire to get rid of them, and rebuild on the sites.
How to Solve the Balkan Asylum Crisis
The EU does not need to make a strategic mistake by restoring the visa requirement for citizens of the Western Balkans.
Hunger Strike Shames Albania’s Communist-Bashing PM
A hunger strike by Communist-era political prisoners has embarrassed the centre-right coalition of Prime Minister Sali Berisha.
Neighbourhood Crises Hobble Albania’s Recovery
Albania faces another year of sluggish growth as foreign investors shy away, domestic consumers keep savings in the bank and recession deepens in neighbouring Greece and Italy.
Travelling Film Festival Challenges Balkan Barriers
A group of activists armed with dozens of short films by young filmmakers have taken their show on the road for the third year, in an effort to build bridges between peoples in the Balkans.
Albania Election Warm-up Off to Bumpy Start
Political parties have ignored the legal deadline to constitute the new Central Electoral Commission, CEC, which will create administrative problems and could reinforce mistrust in next year’s election.
‘Black Sheep’ Disturbs Lethargy of Albania Art Scene
An exhibition by painter Helidon Haliti, which draws inspiration from his personal narrative, anxieties and qualms, has art lovers flocking to Albania’s National Gallery.
Reform Deadlock Leaves Albania’s EU Bid in Limbo
As the big parties exchange recriminations over the country’s failure to end the immunity of high state officials, experts remain divided over whether the reform can secure Albania’s EU candidate status.
Albania’s Greens Rediscover Joy of Voluntering
A small group of activists using social networks is reviving a long-lost enthusiasm for voluntarism to tackle the growing environmental crisis on Albania’s once idyllic coast.
