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National Opera and Ballet Theatre Postpones Performances

The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble has announced the postponement of all performances scheduled for this week. The theatre said all previously purchased tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled dates. It will announce the new dates at a later time. The decision follows recent events in …

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Media Agency director says dialogue with PM Rama remains open to all

Manjola Hasa, director general of the Media and Information Agency, went to the Prime Minister’s Office during a lecturers’ protest today. She reiterated Prime Minister Edi Rama’s invitation to hold talks with protesters. Hasa said students, young people and citizens who wished to speak with the prime minister were welcome. …

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Rama Places Chairs Bearing the Word “Dialogue” Outside the Prime Minister’s Office

Shortly before the start of the student and youth protest in Tirana, now in its eighth day, several red, spherical-shaped chairs were placed outside the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday morning. A video shows Prime Minister Edi Rama placing pieces of paper bearing the word “Dialogue” on the chairs. Meanwhile, …

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PM Rama: Anyone Who Wants Dialogue, the Government and I Are Ready!

After placing chairs bearing the word “Dialogue” outside the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Edi Rama sent a message to protesters, saying he is ready to engage in dialogue with anyone, without preconditions. “Anyone who wants dialogue, wherever they want, whenever they want, even here if they wish, the government …

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“This Is Hybrid Warfare” – Rama Reports Around 200 Police Officers Injured Compared to Just 80 Protesters

Prime Minister Edi Rama has described the violent incidents during recent protests as part of a well-organized hybrid warfare campaign orchestrated by foreign actors. Analyzing the number of injuries on both sides, the prime minister stressed that around 200 police officers have been injured, compared to 80 protesters. “This is …

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French Wine Producers and Albanian Distributors Seek Stronger Trade Ties

Wine industry professionals gathered in Albania for “Tastin’ France”, an initiative by Business France that promotes the quality and heritage of French wines in international markets. The France-Albania Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized the event with support from the French Embassy in Albania and Kub France Tirana. The gathering …

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Koçiu: Peaceful Protest Is a Democratic Right, but Violence and Vandalism Are Not

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said on Monday that those who destroy businesses, attack State Police officers and set fire to the capital are not protesters but perpetrators of violence. In a social media statement, Koçiu stressed that authorities must respect and protect the right to peaceful protest. However, she …

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Gonxhja at Balkan Sea Fair: Tourism Revenue Doubled in Three Years

Tourism revenue in Albania has more than doubled in three years, while overnight stays outside the peak summer season have increased by around 78%, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said. Gonxhja attended the Balkan Blue Economy Summit at Marina Orikum as part of the Balkans Sea Fair. …

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Remembering Renowned Albanian Writer and Screenwriter Dhimitër Xhuvani

Albania on Monday commemorated writer, playwright, screenwriter and journalist Dhimitër Xhuvani, who died on October 19, 2009. Xhuvani was one of the most prominent figures in Albanian literature in the second half of the 20th century. Born in Pogradec on May 23, 1934, he initially trained in medicine and worked …

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Swiss Embassy Concerned Over Violence and Destruction of Public and Private Property

The Swiss Embassy in Albania has expressed concern over the recent outbreak of violence and damage to public and private property during demonstrations in the country. It called on all sides to exercise restraint, ease tensions and prioritize constructive dialogue. In a statement posted on social media, the embassy stressed …

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Technological Development in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Global Debates, Risks and Prospects for Albania

By Denis Jukni Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from an experimental technology to a new infrastructure of the economy and public administration. Generative models, automation, robotics, cloud infrastructure, large-scale data processing and algorithmic systems are changing how companies produce, how institutions deliver services and how citizens receive information. This transformation …

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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

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

News
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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

News

Technological Development in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Global Debates, Risks and Prospects for Albania

By Denis Jukni Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from an experimental technology to a new infrastructure of the economy and public administration. Generative models, automation, robotics, cloud infrastructure, large-scale data processing and algorithmic systems are changing how companies produce, how institutions deliver services and how citizens receive information. This transformation …

News

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

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …