Featured stories about Albania
Stories about Albania
2 December 2019
Death toll in Albania earthquake reaches 51 as search and rescue operations end
As search and rescue operations end, Albania is taking stock of the effects of the catastrophic earthquake that struck the country on November 26.
18 November 2019
Teenage girls want to help victims of domestic violence in Albania with new app
The app connects survivors of domestic violence to important resources, including shelters, police, and support groups.
6 November 2019
Environmentalists raise alarm over hydropower boom in the Balkans
More than 2,700 small hydroelectric plants are either planned or under construction in the region. Critics say governments aren't properly assessing their impacts.
21 October 2019
Twitter users from North Macedonia fight disappointment with EU non-decision with humor
The date for the long-anticipated start of negotiations for Albania and North Macedonia's membership in the EU didn't materialize, due in large part to a lack of support by France.
29 July 2019
Threatened with demolition, Albania's National Theatre continues to resist despite a police raid
In Tirana, an ongoing protest against the planned demolition of the National Theatre reveals deep social and political divisions that polarize the Albanian society.
19 June 2019
Handcrafting behind bars: Women inmates in Albania create ‘made in prison’ accessories
"I feel like a normal person again. I have been sentenced 3 years in prison and everything was hard, but now you are helping me to see a hopeful life."
27 May 2019
North Macedonia to hold first-ever pride parade in June 2019
North Macedonia’s first pride parade is yet another testament to the country's recent political transition. Homophobic violence was markedly tolerated by the previous government.
20 May 2019
Western Balkan countries look at the past and the future at the Venice Biennale 2019
Among the participants at the Venice Biennale are the Western Balkan countries, which see it as an excellent opportunity to showcase the art and promote their artists, beyond their borders.
11 May 2019
The road signs that stirred up Albania-Greece relations yet again
Authorities have stated that the signs violated legislation regulating the order, size, and font in which Albanian and minority languages should be displayed.
10 April 2019
Will Albania's political crisis delay negotiations for accession to the European Union?
A wave of protests has gripped Albania only months before the European Council is due to announce whether or not it'll open accession talks.
25 February 2019
Albania's democracy hangs by a thread as opposition quits parliament, launches mass protests
The EU and other Western powers criticized the lawmakers' decision. NATO-member Albania aims to begin full EU-membership negotiations in 2019.
12 January 2019
Pro-Russia biker club admits participation in protests leading to violent attack of Macedonian Parliament
The revelations of the Night Wolves involvement are important because it flashes out the right-wing populist party VMRO-DPMNE's connections with the Kremlin.
29 September 2018
The Alliance for the Protection of Theatre fights to preserve Albania's cultural heritage
"Do not erase the collective memory of the generations. Any new theatre is welcome but we do not have to destroy the old one."
7 February 2018
Deki the Balkan Lynx Is All Grown Up, Photos Show, but His Species Remains in Trouble
There are only an estimated few dozen individual Balkan lynx left in the wild.
12 November 2017
Albanian Activists Hold Two-Day Protest Against the Building of Hydropower Plants in Valbona National Park
There are three hydropower plants under construction, and eight more are being considered by the Ministry of Energy in the pristine natural heritage areas across Albania.
26 October 2017
Albanian Prime Minister Insults Journalists After Parliament Votes to Protect Lawmaker From Arrest
The Albanian Journalists' Union condemned "that such behavior and insulting communication is directly related to the dire situation faced by journalism in Albania."
27 June 2017
A Win for Citizen Activism After UNESCO Asks Macedonia to Stop All Construction Projects on Lake Ohrid
Lake Ohrid in Macedonia is the oldest lake in the European continent but the previous Macedonian government wanted the natural heritage area to be converted into a mega resort.
24 June 2017
How Balkan Egyptians Are Asserting Their Identity and Fighting Discrimination in Macedonia
"Our community is just a small part of the Balkan cultural mosaic, but nevertheless it provides important contribution to the overall European diversity."
23 June 2017
ISIS Attempts to Exploit Balkan War Wounds With Localized Propaganda
The region has a painful legacy of war that has divided people along ethnic and religious lines.
20 April 2017
Critics Say Albanian Parliament Is Trying to Amnesty Crooked Politicians, Under Pretext of Judicial Reform
Following protests, Albania's president has rejected legislation that could have spared the hides of many corrupt politicians. But it could still become law, regardless.
