Albania in the news: protests outside PM Rama’s office over a Kushner-linked resort plan. Rama, Albania’s PM, faces corruption-vs-development backlash.
Since early April 2026, the US has begun deporting migrants to third countries including Costa Rica, Congo, and Uganda under new agreements. These deals, funded by the US, allow deportations of migrants whose home countries refuse them. The arrangements face criticism over legality, human rights, and the involvement of repressive governments, with legal challenges underway in Uganda.
Eric Adams has been granted Albanian citizenship through a decree by President Bajram Begaj. The former New York City mayor, who has long cultivated ties with Albania, has expressed admiration for the country and has traveled there multiple times. His new citizenship highlights his ongoing international connections and personal affinity for Albania.
The US-born teens Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti, both 18 or younger, are attracting European interest as Poland weighs a formal approach to cap their international careers. Their MLS form has drawn attention from national federations, with talks flagged by federation president Cezary Kulesza as part of a wider talent push for Poland. The players remain with their MLS club, wigh shifting options likely in the coming months.
Violence persists as Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza and Lebanon amid ongoing clashes with Hamas and Hezbollah. US remarks on ceasefires suggest a shift toward de‑escalation, while a planned international peacekeeping force struggles to form amid mixed commitments from regional partners.
EU leaders are advancing talks with six Western Balkan states at a Montenegro summit to demonstrate real progress toward possible EU membership, with Montenegro and Albania leading the way while Ukraine and Moldova push for steps like associate membership. The talks come amid debate over how to handle enlargement and security implications in the region.
The EU has reached a trilogue agreement to speed up returns of non-EU nationals and to expand detention outside the bloc, including possible hubs in third countries. The deal targets higher return rates and enables bilateral deals with non-EU states to host detention facilities, drawing praise from EU officials but criticism from rights groups and others who warn of risks to fundamental rights.
Protests have intensified in Tirana and coastal areas against a Jared Kushner‑backed luxury resort on Albania’s Adriatic coast, linked to Ivanka Trump. Demonstrators argue the project would damage the Vjosa‑Narta nature reserve and Sazan island, while Rama’s government argues the development will boost tourism and EU prospects. Officials say land has been privately owned, but questions over privatization persist as the anti‑corruption agency probes the plan.