Albania
European countries have been swept by a wave of protests over the rising cost of living, the housing crisis, and a lack of funding for public services. Trade unions have announced new strikes.
In Tirana, protesters set chairs on fire outside Prime Minister Edi Rama’s office. The authorities imposed fines of over $6,000.
In Albania, student protests against corruption and expensive tuition have escalated into clashes with police. At least 40 people have been detained.
Protests in France, Spain, Italy and Albania have been driven by prices and problems with housing, education and public services. Some demonstrations have escalated into riots.
Protests against Edi Rama and corruption in Albania have continued for a seventh day. A total of 295 people have been injured, including 186 police officers.
In Tirana, protesters are demanding the resignation of Edi Rama, accusing the government of corruption. Clashes with police left 28 people injured.
MEPs accused the Albanian government of accelerating the promotion of Kushner and Ivanka Trump's resort in a protected area. Protests in Tirana have become more intense.
Clashes between protesters and police continue in Albania: 89 people injured, 65 detained. Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Edi Rama.
In Albania’s capital, protesters stormed ministries, set buildings on fire and clashed with police. At least 40 people have been detained.
The EU is preparing intergovernmental conferences on the accession of Ukraine and other countries and seeks to open the internal market and competitiveness clusters for it. The decision depends on the law on national minorities.
The Prime Minister of Georgia criticized the European Commission’s assessment of the country’s European integration. He stated that Tbilisi is ahead of Ukraine and Moldova.
Marta Kos said that Ukraine joining the EU on January 1, 2027, is unrealistic. The European Commission expects new clusters to be opened by the end of 2026.
Edi Rama believes that Ukraine will not join the EU through the standard procedure. He called for creating a different path to membership for it.
On October 13, the EU may potentially open two negotiating clusters each for Ukraine and Moldova. Montenegro may close three chapters, while Albania may close one.
The European Commission proposes gradually integrating candidate countries into the EU single market. Access will depend on reforms and support for the bloc's goals.
The European Commission is planning clear schedules for reforms and negotiations for Ukraine, Montenegro, Moldova and Albania. They will not be offered to other candidates for now.
More than 50 UN member states, as well as the EU, called on Russia to agree to a ceasefire and peace talks with Ukraine. They also demand the return of civilians and prisoners of war.
The Hague court found Hashim Thaçi guilty of killings, torture and unlawful detention of people during the war in Kosovo. He may appeal the verdict.
The United States, European countries and others reaffirmed their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Politicians praised the resilience of Ukrainians.
The Financial Times reports that Ukraine is a "complex dilemma" for the EU: its army is valuable, but corruption and other issues raise concerns. Brussels is considering reforming the accession process, proposing phased integration.
Melinda Haring suggested four candidates to Zelenskyy for the position of ambassador to the United States after Stefanishyna’s dismissal. They include Unguryan, Husovskyi, Klympush-Tsintsadze, and Stavnitser.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees dismissing ambassadors in four countries. Diplomats in Croatia, Albania, Montenegro and Pakistan were dismissed from their positions.
Kyiv's "Dynamo" signed a three-year contract with 25-year-old defender Oleksii Sych. According to Transfermarkt, the transfer fee from Lviv's "Karpaty" amounted to 1 million euros.
At the Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit, the president called for strengthening coordination and sanctions. The leaders of the region confirmed support for Ukraine and its European integration.
The President of Ukraine met with the leaders of Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Albania, Croatia and Slovenia. The sides discussed cooperation and increasing pressure on Russia.
On Ukrainian Statehood Day, leaders and high-ranking officials from Moldova, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia, Albania, Serbia and other countries arrived in Kyiv to participate in the "Ukraine – Southeast Europe" summit.
A group of Ukrainian servicemen took part in the annual parade on the Champs-Élysées. They marched at the end, receiving warm applause.
92% of Ukrainians plan a vacation in the summer of 2026, almost 70% choose to vacation in Ukraine. Popular foreign destinations are Turkey, Egypt, and European countries.
Albania to detain 20 people for drug trafficking and money laundering. The suspects are linked to assets of Jared Kushner's resort project.
About 200 protesters tore down fences at the construction site of a luxury resort in Albania. Residents are demanding compensation for confiscated land.