On June 28, 2026, the European Championship for Small Nations in women's basketball concluded in Peja, Kosovo. The final match saw Malta defeat Albania with a score of 72:55, securing their victory as champions. In the third-place playoff, Kosovo defeated Armenia with a decisive score of 86:52. Earlier in the semifinals, Albania had beaten Kosovo 66:62. This championship featured six participating teams, including Malta, Kosovo, Albania, Georgia, Armenia, and Andorra.
The tournament took place over several days in Peja, which became the focal point of international competition. The Maltese team dominated the final, showcasing strong performance throughout the match and successfully claiming the title. Albania was left with the silver medal, while Kosovo secured the bronze after a commanding win against Armenia in the third-place game. Kosovo’s team demonstrated consistent control over the game, preventing any comeback attempts from their opponents.
In addition to the sports event, political tensions were also present in the region. Analyst Albatros Rexhaj commented on protests in Albania, stating they would not lead to the removal of Prime Minister Edi Rama. He emphasized that the stability and strength of Albania were crucial, and it was not the responsibility of Kosovo to democratize Albania. Rexhaj urged people to focus on their own issues rather than trying to influence Albanian politics.
Albanian Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari responded to discussions about the participation of individuals from Kosovo and North Macedonia in the protests. He clarified that Kosovo is an independent state and that Albanians living in North Macedonia play a significant role in shaping the country's identity. Lamallari criticized the use of terms such as "diaspora" to describe these participants, arguing that such labels apply more to Albanians living abroad rather than those returning from Kosovo or Tetovo to Tirana. He also referenced Prime Minister Rama's past request for recognition of Kosovo's independence in Belgrade, emphasizing that the display of the flag of the Kosovo Liberation Army during protests reminded people of this historical context.
Furthermore, there have been ongoing efforts between Kosovo and Albania to enhance cooperation in areas such as security and regional stability. On June 20, 2026, Kosovo's Chief Negotiator with the European Union, Jeton Zulfaj, met with Albania's Minister of State and Chief Negotiator with the EU, Majlinda Dhuka, in Tirana to exchange experiences related to the accession process to the European Union. This meeting aimed to strengthen institutional collaboration and prepare for upcoming stages of negotiations. Kosovo seeks to achieve candidate status and initiate accession talks with the EU, supported by early institutional preparations to ensure swift and coordinated responses to decisions made during the process.
Analyst Baton Haxhiu discussed the issue of the Zvërnec project and the ongoing protests in Albania. He noted the presence of heterogeneity within the country but expressed belief that the current wave of protests might have an expiration date. His comments highlighted the complexity of the situation and the need for understanding the evolving dynamics within Albanian society.
13 reports
Koha.netIndependentCenter19 hr. agoThe second edition of the Short Film Forum within the international documentary and short film festival 'DokuFest' has been launched, featuring ten selected film projects from five countries including Kosovo, Albania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. The forum received 48 applications, highlighting high quality and diversity in voices, locations, formats, and themes. These projects represent various stages of development, from pre-production to post-production. The forum aims to promote emerging talent in the regional short film industry through professional mentoring and opportunities for collaboration and presentation.
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a cultural event focused on promoting short films and does not involve political figures, policies, or contentious issues. It provides balanced information about the selection process and the participating countries without apparent bias.
Koha.netIndependentCenteryesterday Dëshpëron Kosova, mposhtet nga ShqipëriaKosovo's basketball team lost to Albania in their latest match, which took place at the nearly empty 'Sezai Surroi' arena in Prizren. The game ended with a score of 89:82 in favor of Albania. Kosovo still has one more game to play in Group C against Slovakia on May 5th. After three matches, Kosovo remains at the bottom of the group with four points, while Slovakia leads with six points and Albania is second with five points. The first half was closely contested, with Kosovo leading by one point at halftime. However, Albania dominated the second half, winning both periods 22:17 and 20:17. Key players for Kosovo included Drilon Hajrizi, who scored 19 points, and Dardan Berisha, who scored 28 points but had several missed shots. On the Albanian side, Xhoel Gaxho contributed 17 points, and Breein Tyree added 25 points. This loss eliminates Kosovo from contention for advancement to the next round of EuroBasket 2029 qualifiers.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on a sports event—specifically a basketball match between Kosovo and Albania—and provides a detailed account of the game's outcome, player performances, and standings within the qualification group. There is no mention of political figures, policies, or contentious issues,
Gazeta ExpressIndependentCenteryesterdayThe Kosovo national basketball team lost to Albania in a match held at the nearly empty 'Sezai Surroi' gymnasium in Prizren. The game ended with a score of 89-82, marking another defeat for Kosovo as they failed to advance further in the qualification rounds for 'Eurobasket 2029'. This loss leaves Kosovo with one more match scheduled for Group C against Slovakia on June 5th.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports event without any political implications. It focuses solely on the outcome of a basketball match between Kosovo and Albania, providing factual results and future schedule information without commentary on political issues.
RTKState / PublicCenteryesterdayThe Kosovo national basketball team suffered a defeat in the preliminary match for Eurobasket 2029 against Albania, ending their hopes of qualifying for the second round. The game, held at the 'Sezai Surroi' hall in Prizren on Tuesday evening, ended with a score of 89-82 in favor of Albania. Kosovo struggled to find the necessary rhythm to overcome the visitors' lead. The low attendance at the venue, which was nearly empty throughout the match, also drew attention. With this loss, Kosovo remains mathematically outside the qualification race for Eurobasket 2029. The team will conclude their qualification cycle on November 5th, facing Slovakia in the final Group C match.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports event without any political implications. It provides factual results, context, and background information about the match without taking sides or using biased language. The focus is purely on the outcome of a sports competition, making it apolitical in nature.
RTKState / PublicCenteryesterday Tonight Kosovo-Albania, the Dardanians are aiming for victoryThe Kosovo national basketball team is set to face Albania in an important match during the pre-qualifying stage for the FIBA EuroBasket 2029 tournament. The game will take place at 7:00 PM local time at the 'Sezai Surroi' Sports Hall in Prizren. The Kosovo Basketball Federation has invited fans to attend and support the team in their quest for another successful appearance. Tickets are available both online via the Kick-Tick platform and physically at the KB Bashkimi fan shop in Prizren, costing 4 euros each. Fans are encouraged to come out in large numbers to show their support for the team's journey toward qualifying for EuroBasket 2029.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on a sports event with no political commentary, framing, or implications. It provides factual information about the match, venue, ticket sales, and fan engagement without any biased language or emphasis on political aspects.
RTKState / PublicCenter4 days ago Two agreements on cooperation in agriculture are signed between Kosovo and AlbaniaThe article reports that the acting Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Rural Development of Kosovo, Armend Muja, visited Tirana at the invitation of Albania’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Andis Salla, to strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries. During the visit, both parties signed two agreements aimed at advancing joint policies in the agricultural sector, improving food safety, veterinary services, and phytosanitary standards. The agreements also include expanding collaboration in rural development, supporting farmers through agricultural policies and financial schemes, and aligning with European Union standards. One priority of the cooperation is the modernization of the agricultural sector through digitalization of services and enhancing research capacity, innovation, and the transfer of modern technologies. This cooperation is viewed as a significant step in strengthening the strategic partnership between Kosovo and Albania and promoting sustainable development in the agricultural sector of both countries.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the bilateral agreement signing between Kosovo and Albania, focusing on cooperative efforts in agriculture without overtly favoring either side. It emphasizes shared goals and mutual benefits without taking a clear ideological stance. The framing remains客观（
RTKState / PublicCenter5 days ago The heart of Kosovo beats in Prizren, the Dardans ask for the support of the fansKosovo's national basketball team, known as Dardanët, is preparing for a highly anticipated match against Albania on March 2, 2025, as part of the FIBA EuroBasket 2029 qualifiers. The game is expected to generate significant interest due to both sports and emotional stakes. The team is currently training in Prizren, working hard to be in top form for this challenge. Following the match against Albania, Dardanët will travel to Slovakia for their next qualifier. The Kosovo Basketball Federation has called on fans to attend the game in large numbers to support the team, with tickets priced at 4 euros.
Bias read (Center): The article focuses solely on a sports event with no political implications or controversy. It provides factual information about the upcoming basketball match, training activities, and ticket sales without any biased language or framing.
Koha.netIndependentCenter5 days ago Malta wins the Europeans of the Small Countries, Albania second, Kosovo thirdOn June 28, 2026, the European Championship for Small States Women's Basketball concluded in Pejë. In the final match, Malta defeated Albania with a score of 72-55 to win the championship. Kosovo finished third after defeating Armenia 86-52 in the third-place playoff. Earlier in the tournament, Albania beat Kosovo 66-62 in the semifinals. The competition featured six teams: Malta, Kosovo, Albania, Georgia, Armenia, and Andorra.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a sports event without any political implications. It provides factual results and standings without commentary or framing that suggests a particular ideological stance.
RTKState / PublicCenter5 days ago Malta wins the small states competition, Kosovo takes the bronze medalMalta has been declared champion of Europe for small states in women's basketball after defeating Albania 72:55 in the final held at the 'Karagaç' sports hall in Peja. The Maltese team dominated the match and lifted the championship trophy, while Albania was satisfied with the silver medal. Meanwhile, Kosovo secured third place and the bronze medal by defeating Armenia 86:48 in the third-place match. Kosovo performed exceptionally well throughout the tournament, controlling the game from start to finish and preventing the opponent from making a comeback. The championship took place in Peja, which became the center of this international tournament for several days.
Bias read (Center): The article covers a sports event with no political implications. It focuses solely on the outcomes of a basketball tournament involving national teams, without any mention of politics, policies, or officials.
Gazeta ExpressIndependentCenter10 days ago Albatros Rexhaj: Protests will not bring down Rama, forget It is not up to Kosovars to democratize AlbaniaAlbatros Rexhaj, an analyst, commented on protests in Albania during an interview with T7. He stated that these protests would not remove Prime Minister Edi Rama from power. Rexhaj emphasized that for Kosovo, it is crucial for Albania to remain strong, but it is not Kosovo's role to push for democratization in Albania, as that is the responsibility of Albanians living there. He dismissed concerns about Rama being ousted, calling such speculation 'nonsense.'
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of Rexhaj's comments without overtly favoring any side. It reports his opinion that the protests won't remove Rama and that Kosovo shouldn't dictate Albania's internal affairs, without adding subjective commentary or biased language.
Koha.netIndependentCenter11 days ago Minister of Albania-protesters from Kosovo: Rama demanded recognition of Kosovo in the middle of BelgradeThe Albanian Minister of Internal Affairs, Besfort Lamallari, responded to protests in Tirana involving participants from Kosovo and North Macedonia. He emphasized that Kosovo is an independent state and that Albanians in North Macedonia are a state-forming factor in their country. Lamallari criticized referring to these protesters as 'diaspora,' arguing that the term applies to Albanians living abroad, not those returning from Pristina or Tetovo to Tirana. He also addressed the use of the flag of the Kosovo Liberation Army during the protests, noting that Prime Minister Edi Rama was the first to request international recognition of Kosovo’s independence in Belgrade. Lamallari acknowledged the display of the national flag but stressed that true heroes fought foreign occupiers, not family members. He welcomed participants from Kosovo and North Macedonia but criticized narratives portraying them as returnees seeking to 'save' Albania.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of Lamallari's statements regarding Kosovo's independence, the participation of Albanians from Kosovo and North Macedonia in protests, and his critique of certain narrative frames. It does not exhibit overtly biased language or one-sided sourcing, maintaininga
RTKState / PublicCenter14 days ago Exchange of experience on the key stages of EU membershipThe article reports on a meeting between the Chief Negotiator of Kosovo with the European Union, Jeton Zulfaj, and the Chief Negotiator of Albania with the European Union, Majlinda Dhuka, held in Tirana. The meeting focused on exchanging experiences related to the accession process to the European Union. It highlights the collaboration between the two countries, emphasizing the importance of institutional structures and coordination in responding to EU negotiations. The meeting was a result of agreements reached during their first bilateral meeting in early April. Albania’s experience in the process is seen as valuable for building necessary structures to handle complex EU negotiation processes.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced account of the collaborative efforts between Kosovo and Albania in their EU accession processes. It focuses on the exchange of experiences and institutional preparations without overtly favoring either country or taking a clear ideological stance. The tone remains客观 (
Gazeta ExpressIndependentCenter18 days ago The government of the Zornish, Kerquki, is directing the Baton Haji's Regiment, the latter says the protest has an expiration dateThe article discusses protests in Albania, referencing analyst Baton Haxhiu who suggests that while there is significant diversity in the current situation, he believes these protests have an expiration date.
Bias read (Center): The article does not present any clear ideological framing, nor does it exhibit biased language or one-sided sourcing. It reports on an analyst's opinion without taking a stance.
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