Week in Review: Polls and Storms
A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here
Gjergj Fishta: The Pen That Gave Voice to Albania’s National Soul
Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …
EU and Western Balkans leaders to meet in Brussels on November 25
European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …
PM Rama urges young people to distance themselves from violent protests
Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged young people to distance themselves from violent protests. He called on them to express their views through peaceful democratic means. In remarks on social media, Rama defended the right to peaceful protest. He said citizens could challenge the government through debate and elections. He …
Defense minister meets Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi has met Colonel Murat Ilhan, Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana. Turkish Ambassador to Albania Bariş Ceyhun Erciyes also attended the meeting. According to the Ministry of Defense, the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey and their shared commitment to closer cooperation in …
Institute of Statistics: Albania records 10.7 million foreign arrivals in nine months
Albania recorded around 17.4 million entries by Albanian and foreign citizens from January to September 2026, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Foreign citizens accounted for 10.7 million entries, while Albanian citizens accounted for 6.7 million. Compared with the same period in 2025, foreign arrivals rose by 4.9%, while …
Students continue protest outside prime minister’s office
Students continued their protest outside the prime minister’s office in Tirana for an 11th day. University lecturers and other citizens joined them again today. Lecturers and students first gathered outside the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Aleksandër Kovaçi, head of the University Lecturers’ Union, called for greater cooperation among intellectuals in …
Albania holds 2026 National Water Rescue Championship
The Albanian Water Rescue Federation held the 2026 National Water Rescue Championship with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The competition tested speed, technique and endurance through events that combine sport with life-saving skills. A total of 34 competitors took part. The championship has taken place annually …
Conference League: Egnatia draw 1-1 away to Aarhus
Albanian champions Egnatia drew 1-1 away to Denmark’s Aarhus in their second Conference League group-stage match, extending their unbeaten run in European competition. Egnatia took the lead in the 13th minute when Gruda scored after Adjesa’s assist. Aarhus had already lost Kahl to a red card in the third minute …
Albania and Italy seek stronger defence and security partnership
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation with Italy. Nufi made the statement while recognising Italian Military Attaché Colonel Agostino Piccirillo at the end of his mission in Albania. He praised Piccirillo’s professionalism and contribution to bilateral defence ties. The minister also …
The world marks the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage today, highlighting the importance of preserving films, recordings and other audiovisual materials for future generations. The annual observance recognises the work of specialists who protect materials at risk of being lost. It also raises awareness of the urgent need to preserve …
Deputy Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enkelejda Muça presented a draft law today to the Assembly’s Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. The bill concerns amendments adopted on May 30, 2025, to the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control, originally signed in 1982. The amendments aim to bring national …
Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Martin Kajo presented a draft law on cryptoasset markets to the Assembly’s Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. The bill aims to align national legislation with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, known as MiCA, and strengthen investor and consumer protection. Although Albania adopted …
Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj presented amendments to the Bank of Albania law to the Assembly’s Law Committee today. He said price stability remains the law’s fundamental principle and the Bank of Albania’s primary objective. Yzeiraj described the legislation as a cornerstone of the country’s monetary and financial system. He …
Albania’s under-21 team will face Spain in a friendly on November 17 at 19:00 at Air Albania Stadium, the Albanian Football Association has confirmed. The match follows another friendly against Luxembourg on November 13. Together, the two fixtures will help coach Alban Bushi prepare the team for the 2027 European …
Tirana has a new museum dedicated to the country’s documentary heritage. The Archival Museum opened at the General Directorate of Archives to bring history closer to the public, particularly younger generations. Unlike a traditional museum, it tells Albania’s story through written records, photographs, maps, publications, manuscripts and materials documenting society …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a change in the way the road tax is collected, stating that it will be removed from the price of diesel and shifted to vehicles. “We will remove the road tax from the price of diesel, automatically reducing the price at the pump by …
Prime Minister Edi Rama also addressed the boycott of classes by students and lecturers during a press conference. Rama described the boycott as an unacceptable act that infringes on the freedom of those who wish to study. The prime minister warned that amendments would be made to the relevant legislation, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama commented on the student protests and acts of violence recorded during demonstrations in Tirana, focusing on the damage caused. He described these acts as a form of “inhumanity” that, according to him, imposes the will of protesters on the majority of citizens who wish to live …
Rama Condemns Protest Violence, Announces New Economic Measures and Calls for Dialogue with Students
Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed the student protests and the violence reported during the demonstrations at a press conference, emphasizing the damage caused by protesters. Rama went on to describe the acts of violence as a form of “inhumanity” and an attempt to impose the will of a minority on …