‘Where I Belong’: The Charm, and the Challenges, of Small-Town Albania
For years, Albanians have been leaving behind small towns and villages for the capital, Tirana, or for life abroad. Some are drawn back, but it’s a choice that is not without challenges. Original post Here
Assassination attempt against former prosecutor Arjan Ndoj/ SPAK requires 30 years in prison for 5 defendants
On Tuesday, the special prosecution requested a sentence of 30 years in prison in total for the 5 people accused of the assassination attempt of former prosecutor Arjan Ndoja and his friend Pëllumb Muharremi in November 2019. The attack took place near the Sukthi overpass on the Tirana Durres highway, …
Rama: Competition for the construction of new buildings for the administration
In Albania, the international competition for the development of the first two projects of the Albanian Investment Corporation is being held. There are 10 prestigious studios in the competition, which will present to the international jury the project ideas for 4 new developments, which will pave the way for a …
Albanian drug trafficker arrested in Madrid, declared wanted since 2014 by Europol
A 58-year-old Albanian, Haredin Fejzulla, who was wanted for drug trafficking since 2014, was arrested in Madrid. According to foreign authorities, he was sentenced to 29 years in prison in Belgium for 13 charges of drug trafficking, criminal organization and document forgery. The police in Madrid have also published footage …
Rama gathers political leaders and socialist mayors, focusing on the elections and the vote of the Diaspora
The Prime Minister of the country and at the same time the chairman of the Socialist Party Edi Rama will hold a meeting this Tuesday with political leaders and socialist mayors. Abc News learns that the meeting between them will be held at the “Palace of Congresses” at 14:00, while …
Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania Among World’s Worst in Household Waste Disposal – Report
New report lists three Balkan states among the ten countries worldwide where fewest people separate their household waste, causing problems for the environment and risks to health – with a lack of awareness largely to blame. Original post Here
Digital Rights Review: August Marked by Online Bans and Pressure on Protesters
A fraudster’s attempts to deter online reports about him failed again, while BIRN’s monitoring of digital rights violations over the past month exposed shadowbanning by social media companies as well as government bans on platforms and content. Original post Here
Parliament’s disregard for Constitutional Court on Xhacka sparks local condemnations, EU, U.S. concerns
TIRANA, Sept. 14, 2024 – In a move that has raised major concerns among locals and the international community, the ruling Socialist Party in Albania’s parliament has again blocked the Constitutional Court from reviewing the mandate of former foreign minister and current MP Olta Xhaçka. The decision has been sharply …
Drugs near schools and nightclubs, 24 arrested
24 people have been arrested from Tirana police as part of the anti-drug operation “Temple 4”. Tirana police director Tonin Vocaj said that the group was distributing cocaine, marijuana and synthetic drugs near schools and nightclubs in different areas of the capital. 9 of them have been arrested before, who …
A 28 year old arrested for smuggling emigrants
A 28-year-old man was caught red-handed transporting some illegal immigrants to Montenegro. The young man was stopped by the border police services, on the road of the village of Vukpalaj, transporting 4 citizens from Afghanistan with the vehicle against payment, with the aim of illegally crossing the border. The vehicle …
TIRANA, April 24 – European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania ranks among the leading countries in the EU accession process. Speaking in an interview with Klan News, she pointed to recent progress and said authorities could soon meet interim benchmarks on rule of law. She added that this …
Albania and Germany concluded Development Cooperation negotiations. They signed a new Cooperation Protocol for 2026–2028. This marks a key step in strengthening their long-term partnership. Eridana Çano, Director General of SASPAC, signed the protocol. Heike Backofen-Warnecke, representative of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), also signed it. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met Matthew Whitaker today in Tirana. Rama said they discussed the close ties between the two countries. He stressed the strategic partnership. He highlighted strong diplomatic and military relations. He said both sides see their strengthening as a shared priority. They also discussed the upcoming NATO …
Marta Kos said Albania ranks among the leading countries in the EU integration process. In an interview with Klan News, she spoke about Albania’s progress. She said the EU may approve interim rule of law benchmarks in May. Then the process of closing chapters can begin. She praised Albania’s progress. …
Ferit Hoxha met Marta Kos at the Delphi Economic Forum. They discussed Albania’s EU integration process. Hoxha said the EU membership process never stops. It requires constant work and energy. He stressed the role of both Albania and its partners. He said they discussed key issues for steady progress. They …
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week tells a story of political change in key countries in the region, but associated uncertainty about future political directions. Original post Here
The General Directorate of Archives (DPA) organized a special exhibition in Tirana to mark World Book and Copyright Day. The event showcased rare diaries and original manuscripts of prominent Albanian figures for the first time. The exhibition took place in the cultural space “Auditor” and brought together officials, writers, critics, …
TIRANA, April 24 – Businesses in Albania have 37 days left to meet legal requirements for cashless payments through POS terminals in selected sectors. The obligation applies to accommodation services, transport operators, and public institutions. The deadline for tourism and transport businesses is set for 30 May 2026. Separate provisions …
TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s Financial Supervisory Authority held talks with the European Investment Bank on developing a national green investment guide and strengthening sustainable finance standards. The meeting brought together experts from the European Investment Bank, led by Alessandro de Concini, the institution’s representative in Albania. Discussions focused on …
TIRANA, April 24 – Dinamo City have qualified for the Albanian Cup final after defeating Vllaznia 1–0 at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium in Shkodër. The result followed a tightly contested semi-final second leg, where both sides created early chances but failed to convert in the first half. The first leg …