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Ombudsman Shabani discusses human rights at U.S. State Department and United Nations

TIRANA, June 12 – Albania’s Ombudsman, Endrit Shabani, met officials at the U.S. Department of State this week. He held talks with the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, which prepares the annual U.S. human rights reports. The participants discussed stronger cooperation on human rights, independent monitoring, and the …

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FM Hoxha marks Kosova Liberation Day

TIRANA, June 12 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha extended greetings on Kosova Liberation Day. In his message, Hoxha said June 12 marks one of the defining moments in Kosova’s modern history. He described the date as the end of a painful period of violence, repression and …

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Albania and Kosova strengthen cooperation between tax administrations

TIRANA, June 12 – Albania’s General Directorate of Taxes and the Tax Administration of Kosova have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger strategic cooperation. The effort aims to modernize tax administration and improve institutional efficiency. As part of the initiative, Albania’s Director General of Taxes, Ilir Binaj, paid a working visit …

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Craftsmanship as art and living heritage showcased in “Vazhdimësi” exhibition

The National Center for Traditional Activities opened the exhibition “Vazhdimësi” in Tirana, highlighting craftsmanship as both art and living cultural heritage. The exhibition focuses on Albanian handicrafts as one of the most authentic forms of cultural heritage and artistic creation. Curator Erilda Selaj, also director of the National Center for …

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42 new companies express interest in Durana Park

TIRANA, June 12 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj told parliament that Durana Technology Park remains a strategic government project for innovation, technology and foreign investment. She said transparency and openness to businesses guide the park’s operations. During the plenary session, Ibrahimaj stated that the government continues to inform …

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Protest Memes Bring Political Satire to Albania’s Streets

In the ongoing ‘Flamingo Revolution’ rallies against a planned luxury resort in Albania, satirical placards have become a key way to popularise protesters’ demands in the social media era. Original post Here

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“A life between film and painting” exhibition opens in Tirana

The exhibition “A Life Between Film and Painting” by artist Kleo Nini opened last night at the Tirana Art Gallery. Curator Genti Gjikola leads the exhibition, which will remain open until June 30. The event was held with support from the Central State Film Archive. The exhibition presents the life …

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Finance minister outlines legal process in Bankers Petroleum tax dispute

TIRANA, June 11 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj responded in parliament to an interpellation requested by Opportunity Party leader Agron Shehaj regarding the collection of a financial penalty of around EUR 120 million from Bankers Petroleum. Malaj reviewed the history of the case and stressed the need to distinguish between …

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The Independent: Albania emerges as a top summer destination for 2026

Albania is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after travel destinations for 2026, according to an article by Fran Watts published in the British newspaper The Independent. The report says growing numbers of visitors choose Albania for its clear waters, relaxed coastal towns and competitive prices. It notes that the …

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Hoxha: Albania Targets Closing EU Negotiation Chapters by Next Year

Albania aims to close all EU negotiation chapters by next year, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha said Albania’s EU accession process has entered a decisive stage. He also described EU membership as the country’s top national …

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Caribbean to Adriatic: Albanian Prosecutors Target Drug Money and Construction Magnates

Albania’s Special Prosecution has issued 20 arrest warrants and seized over 100 million euros in assets as it maps out alleged drug money flowing into major construction projects across Albania, including a resort promoted by relatives of Donald Trump. Original post Here

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Albania Hosts EYCA General Assembly, Focus on Youth Policies

Albania hosted the 42nd EYCA Conference and General Assembly for the first time. The event focused on international youth cooperation, the exchange of ideas, and stronger youth policies. The conference brought together representatives from different countries to discuss opportunities and challenges facing young people. Among the participants were Erjona Ismaili …

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Gogu: Strengthening Human Rights Standards Is Key to Albania’s EU Path

Toni Gogu met with Mattias Guyomar in Strasbourg. During the meeting, the two officials discussed the implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights. They also reviewed the execution of rulings issued by the European Court of Human Rights and the progress of Albania’s justice reform. Furthermore, Gogu described the …

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Gonzato: Protecting Refugees Is a Moral Duty and Part of Albania’s EU Journey

Silvio Gonzato took part in an event marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. UNHCR Albania, Albania’s Ministry of Interior, and other partners organized the event in Tirana. During his remarks, Gonzato stressed that the Refugee Convention remains a cornerstone of international protection for people fleeing persecution, violence, …

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Headline: Gogu: Follow the Money to Fight Organized Crime

Justice Minister Toni Gogu took part in the informal meeting of the Council of Europe’s Justice Ministers. He spoke during a panel on the role of financial intelligence in combating money laundering and financial crime. During his remarks, Gogu stressed that the main challenge today is not collecting financial information. …

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EU Enlargement Commissioner: Albania Takes Important Step Toward EU Membership

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that Albania has recently made significant progress on its path toward European Union membership. According to Kos, Albania met the Interim Benchmarks Assessment Report (IBAR) requirements on the rule of law. As a result, the country can now begin the process of closing …

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European Parliament Reaffirms Support for Albania’s EU Path, Says Schieder

Andreas Schieder said the European Parliament will reaffirm Albania’s strong commitment to the European Union. Speaking during a plenary session of the European Parliament, Schieder praised Albania’s progress in the accession process. He noted that the country opened all negotiation clusters within just 13 months. In addition, Albania recently achieved …

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Kosovo and European Commission Review EU Support and Reform Progress

Kosovo and the European Commission held the annual meeting of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Monitoring Committee. The meeting focused on the implementation of EU financial and technical support for Kosovo. In addition, participants reviewed reforms that support Kosovo’s path toward European integration. Since 2007, the European Union has …

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Germany Reaffirms Strong Support for Albania’s EU Membership

Ferit Hoxha met with Günter Krichbaum during his visit to Luxembourg. The two officials discussed Albania’s path toward European Union membership. They also reviewed the current momentum of the EU enlargement process. Furthermore, Hoxha said they exchanged views on the opportunities created by the renewed focus on enlargement across Europe. …

News
The False Civil Society and the Real One

In Albania, real civic society is no longer in donor-funded conference rooms. It is in the streets. By Mrika Temali Tirana Times, June 16, 2026 – Thirty-five years after the fall of communism, Albania offers a bitter paradox. The European Union, Western governments and international foundations have spent millions indeed …

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Caribbean to Adriatic: Albanian Prosecutors Target Drug Money and Construction Magnates

Albania’s Special Prosecution has issued 20 arrest warrants and seized over 100 million euros in assets as it maps out alleged drug money flowing into major construction projects across Albania, including a resort promoted by relatives of Donald Trump. Original post Here

News

Albania Hosts EYCA General Assembly, Focus on Youth Policies

Albania hosted the 42nd EYCA Conference and General Assembly for the first time. The event focused on international youth cooperation, the exchange of ideas, and stronger youth policies. The conference brought together representatives from different countries to discuss opportunities and challenges facing young people. Among the participants were Erjona Ismaili …

News

Gogu: Strengthening Human Rights Standards Is Key to Albania’s EU Path

Toni Gogu met with Mattias Guyomar in Strasbourg. During the meeting, the two officials discussed the implementation of the European Convention on Human Rights. They also reviewed the execution of rulings issued by the European Court of Human Rights and the progress of Albania’s justice reform. Furthermore, Gogu described the …

News

Gonzato: Protecting Refugees Is a Moral Duty and Part of Albania’s EU Journey

Silvio Gonzato took part in an event marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. UNHCR Albania, Albania’s Ministry of Interior, and other partners organized the event in Tirana. During his remarks, Gonzato stressed that the Refugee Convention remains a cornerstone of international protection for people fleeing persecution, violence, …

News

Headline: Gogu: Follow the Money to Fight Organized Crime

Justice Minister Toni Gogu took part in the informal meeting of the Council of Europe’s Justice Ministers. He spoke during a panel on the role of financial intelligence in combating money laundering and financial crime. During his remarks, Gogu stressed that the main challenge today is not collecting financial information. …

News

EU Enlargement Commissioner: Albania Takes Important Step Toward EU Membership

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that Albania has recently made significant progress on its path toward European Union membership. According to Kos, Albania met the Interim Benchmarks Assessment Report (IBAR) requirements on the rule of law. As a result, the country can now begin the process of closing …

News

European Parliament Reaffirms Support for Albania’s EU Path, Says Schieder

Andreas Schieder said the European Parliament will reaffirm Albania’s strong commitment to the European Union. Speaking during a plenary session of the European Parliament, Schieder praised Albania’s progress in the accession process. He noted that the country opened all negotiation clusters within just 13 months. In addition, Albania recently achieved …

News

Kosovo and European Commission Review EU Support and Reform Progress

Kosovo and the European Commission held the annual meeting of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Monitoring Committee. The meeting focused on the implementation of EU financial and technical support for Kosovo. In addition, participants reviewed reforms that support Kosovo’s path toward European integration. Since 2007, the European Union has …

News

Germany Reaffirms Strong Support for Albania’s EU Membership

Ferit Hoxha met with Günter Krichbaum during his visit to Luxembourg. The two officials discussed Albania’s path toward European Union membership. They also reviewed the current momentum of the EU enlargement process. Furthermore, Hoxha said they exchanged views on the opportunities created by the renewed focus on enlargement across Europe. …

News

The False Civil Society and the Real One

In Albania, real civic society is no longer in donor-funded conference rooms. It is in the streets. By Mrika Temali Tirana Times, June 16, 2026 – Thirty-five years after the fall of communism, Albania offers a bitter paradox. The European Union, Western governments and international foundations have spent millions indeed …