Countries that have been waiting for years to join the EU are divided over plans to become members without full voting rights. Some insist on all the benefits, while others are happy to be at the negotiating table.
Brussels is considering a revision of the EU accession system, proposing a two-tier model that could accelerate Ukraine's entry. This plan raises concerns among some member states about its implications for the Union.
The President of Ukraine met with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Olta Xhaçka. Defense production, EU integration, and Albania's possible accession to the PURL program this year were discussed.
The draw for the group stage of the 2026/2027 Nations League will take place on February 12, 2026, in Brussels. The Ukrainian national team will compete in League B.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni put more than 270 state gifts up for auction, including python skin shoes and an iPad from Zelenskyy. The total value of the lots is about 800,000 euros, and the sale is due to a law prohibiting keeping gifts worth more than 300 euros.
The Ukrainian national football team remained in 28th place in the FIFA ranking with 1557. 47 points, occupying 14th position among European teams. This comes ahead of the March play-off matches for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where Ukraine will play Sweden, and then the winner of the Poland-Albania pair.
The United Kingdom has cut funding for countering Russian propaganda in the Western Balkans from £40 million to £24 million for 2025-26. This funding is aimed at combating national security threats and strengthening democratic institutions.
The European Union has agreed on a new law that allows migrant applications to be processed outside the EU and simplifies deportations. This expands the list of "safe third countries" and limits the possibilities of obtaining asylum in the European Union.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that his country will not participate in the meeting of EU leaders with their counterparts from the Western Balkans. This is Vučić's personal decision, who claims to be protecting the interests of Serbia, which has made little progress in its bid to join the EU.
The UAF has decided on the venue for the potential two play-off matches of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Ukrainian national team will play its home games in Valencia, Spain, at the "Ciutat de València" stadium.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held simultaneously in Canada, Mexico, and the USA for the first time, across 16 stadiums, with 48 teams participating. The final will be hosted at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and Ukraine will play in the qualification playoffs.
The Ukrainian national team will face Sweden in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers play-offs. If they win, Ukraine will play in the final against the winner of the Poland – Albania match.
Ukraine and eight other countries have joined the EU's decision to impose sanctions against the leadership of Transnistria. These countries will ensure that their national policies align with this decision.
A forest fire broke out in Tongariro National Park in New Zealand, covering 1600 hectares. 49 tourists have been evacuated, and rescuers are working to contain the fire.
European Commissioner Marta Kos urged Ukraine not to backtrack on anti-corruption measures to maintain its leading position on the path to the EU. This is necessary to complete accession negotiations by 2028.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Russia would not attack any other European country, as NATO is the strongest army in the world. At the same time, he noted that Russia is engaged in provocations against EU countries using drones.
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that Montenegro is the most advanced candidate for EU membership. This year, Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine have demonstrated significant progress in reforms.
On November 4, a "EU enlargement summit" will be held in Brussels with the participation of leaders of candidate countries, including Ukraine. The future of European integration will be discussed live at the event.
The European Commission will publish its annual report on candidate countries for EU membership on November 4. Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro, and Albania, according to media reports, received mostly positive assessments.
On October 14, the UNESCO Executive Board adopted a new decision regarding the emergency aid program for Ukraine. The organization reaffirmed its solidarity with the Ukrainian people and condemned Russian aggression.
Dragan Stojković resigned as head coach of the Serbian national team after a 0-1 loss to Albania in the World Cup qualifiers. This defeat was the second in a row for the Serbs, who are now in third place in Group K.
The 2026 Giro d'Italia Grand Tour will start in Bulgaria for the first time, marking the third start in the Balkans in its history. This continues the practice of starting abroad, which has a positive impact on host countries and Italian exports.
In the Albanian Court of Appeals, during a hearing, a suspect opened fire, killing Judge Astrit Kalaja and injuring two people. The tragedy occurred on October 6, 2025, in Tirana during the consideration of a property dispute.
During a meeting with the presidents of France and Azerbaijan, Edi Rama jokingly reacted to Donald Trump's statement about "ending a war" that never actually existed between Albania and Azerbaijan.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban may find support in his attempts to hinder Ukraine's accession to the EU, particularly from French President Emmanuel Macron. The proposal by European Council President António Costa to change EU accession rules to circumvent Hungary's resistance is meeting opposition from a number of countries, including France, the Netherlands, and Greece.
Ukraine, the EU, and 36 countries jointly called on Russia to stop the killings and start negotiations with Ukraine. The statement was made at the UN on September 23, 2025.
Albania was the first in the world to introduce the virtual minister Diella, controlled by AI, to manage public procurement. This will ensure transparency and incorruptibility of tenders.
Iran is tightening visa rules for Russians, requiring them to apply to Iranian tour companies for visa processing and hotel bookings. This is due to the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East to prevent the entry of undesirable persons.
Donald Trump said he stopped the conflict between Azerbaijan and Albania, likely confusing the latter with Armenia. He also claims that Barack Obama gave Crimea to Russia - "a huge piece of land in the middle of the ocean."
Large-scale forest fires have engulfed Albania and Montenegro, claiming the lives of two people. Hundreds of coastal residents were forced to leave their homes.
