Albania and Kosovo had planned their ninth joint governmental meeting in Gjakova/Djakovica in June 2023, aiming to sign several new bilateral agreements. Despite extensive preparations, the meeting did not occur, reflecting ongoing tensions between the two nations. Joint meetings, initiated in 2014, symbolize efforts to unite Albanians across borders.

Nikol, a young Albanian, recounts his journey from communist Albania to finding a new home in Austria. Born in Tirana, he served in the military and dreamt of escaping the oppressive regime. Inspired by a fellow soldier, Jani, who disappeared during leave, Nikol attempted to flee. After the fall of communism, he joined thousands seeking refuge in Western embassies in Tirana. Initially finding shelter in Hungary, he faced economic challenges and eventually attempted to reach Germany. Despite being caught and returned, he found support from Caritas in Austria, where he successfully sought asylum and settled in Graz, calling it home for over three decades.

Bufi, an Albanian man, recounts his journey from communist Albania to finding a new home in Graz, Austria. Initially serving in the military, he dreamed of escaping the oppressive regime. After a failed attempt to reach Germany, he found refuge in Hungary and later Austria, where he was granted asylum. His story highlights the challenges faced by those fleeing communism and seeking a better life in Europe.

Talat Xhaferi, previously North Macedonia’s first ethnic Albanian defence minister and speaker of parliament, has been sworn in as the first ethnic Albanian Prime Minister. His appointment, though temporary for 100 days before the upcoming general and presidential elections, is highly symbolic in a country with a significant Albanian population and a history of ethnic tensions. This development marks a significant milestone in North Macedonia's political landscape.

Bajram Fezollari recounts his family's daring escape from Albania's oppressive communist regime in 1975, their subsequent life in Australia, and their eventual return to Albania after the fall of communism. The narrative highlights the challenges and resilience of the Fezollari family, the broader context of Albanian emigration, and the enduring impact of political persecution. Despite the hardships, Bajram's entrepreneurial spirit flourished in Australia, and he eventually chose to return to his roots in Pogradec, where he now runs a bar and a TV station.

The article discusses the opening of the secret police archives in Albania, which allows individuals to access files from the Communist era. Maks Velo, a painter who was imprisoned and forced into hard labor for his art, reflects on his experience after reviewing his file, which revealed that about 20 people, including a close friend and his former mother-in-law, had informed on him. The article touches on the history of Albania's dictatorship under Enver Hoxha, the role of the Sigurimi secret police, and the lack of a systematic purge of officials post-Communism, known as 'lustration.' It also includes perspectives from Gentina Sula, the director of the agency providing access to the files, and Nesti Vako, a former Sigurimi official. The piece explores the complex feelings of victims and the public towards those who collaborated with the regime.

Albania has committed to building new cemeteries for Greek soldiers who died on its territory during World War II, as part of a broader agreement aimed at resolving historical issues and facilitating Albania's EU negotiation process. The agreement, which addresses past, present, and future issues, includes ending the formal state of war between Greece and Albania since 1941. Despite the positive diplomatic steps, some experts in Albania fear that the new cemeteries could stir old resentments and potentially revive Greek territorial claims over 'Northern Epirus'. The article also touches on the Cham Albanian issue, where tens of thousands were expelled from northern Greece after WWII, a matter that has not been resolved in the recent talks between the two countries.

Dusan Draskovic, an 83-year-old Montenegrin, revolutionized Ecuadorian football after arriving in 1988 from Yugoslavia. Tasked with managing a disorganized national team, he focused on nurturing young talent, emphasizing psychological and physical preparation. His efforts led to Ecuador's improved performance, culminating in their first World Cup qualification in 2002. Draskovic, now a respected figure in Ecuador, continues to work with young players and contributes to football commentary and education.

North Macedonia faces significant challenges in conducting a census due to ethnic tensions, political disputes, and historical grievances. The census, delayed multiple times, is crucial for determining the rights and representation of ethnic communities, particularly the Albanian minority. The Ohrid Agreement and subsequent political developments have tied minority rights to population numbers, making accurate census data essential. Despite efforts to depoliticize the process, opposition parties and concerns about COVID-19 have further complicated the situation. The inclusion of the diaspora in the census adds another layer of complexity, with potential implications for political and social dynamics in the country.

Joe Biden is leveraging his historical support for Kosovo during the 1999 NATO intervention and his backing of Kosovo's independence in 2008 to garner votes from Albanian Americans in the swing state of Michigan. The Democratic candidate's strategy includes endorsements from prominent figures like Dua Lipa, while Republicans also seek to win over this voter demographic. The article highlights Biden's past actions and current political efforts to secure the Albanian American vote.