Import of natural pearls, precious stones, jewelry and coins has experienced a growth of 200% in value during the first six months of this year

The prolonged pre-trial detention with no formal charges of Erion Veliaj, Tirana Mayor and potential successor of PM Rama, is raising questions about Albania’s judicial practices diverging from European legal standards

Following Albania’s elections this month, an incendiary opinion piece - "correct and without political interests” - by a political analyst called Helen Bratt went viral; but the author’s identity remains elusive, starting what is becoming a media case

Parliamentary elections held on 11 May 2025 resulted in a 4th consecutive victory for the ruling Socialist Party led by PM Edi Rama, securing more mandates than in any previous election with a promise of attaining EU membership for Albania by 2030

Votes from Albanian diaspora and new parties make the 11 May election more uncertain, even though Socialists and Democrats are still likely to dominate the political landscape