Ten Years On, What Has the ‘Berlin Process’ Done for the Western Balkans?
The Berlin Process initiative was launched in 2014 to boost the EU integration and alignment of the six Western Balkan countries. Despite continuing political problems in the region, it has delivered significant progress. Original post Here
Italian-Run Reception Centres in Albania ‘Ready to Accommodate Migrants’
The Italian ambassador to Tirana announced that two centres built to accommodate migrants who initially arrived in Italy are now ready to receive people, after months of delays. Original post Here
Turkish president visit opens doors to Tirana Grand Mosque, reaffirms strong ties
TIRANA, Oct. 11, 2024 – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made an official visit to Tirana on Thursday, reiterating the strong ties between the two countries — opening the doors to the region’s largest mosque, providing drones for the Albanian military and promising to double trade ties. President Erdogan and …
San Daniele (DOP)
The Carrefour supermarket that I sometimes go to in Italy is my favourite supermarket. I’ve been to a few in Europe. I’ve been to Rewe in Germany and Albert Heijn in the Netherlands; what have you. Nothing for me can come close to the Carrefour at Via Cassia in Rome. …
Turkish President’s ‘Mosque Diplomacy’ Divides Albania’s Muslims
The lavish opening ceremony of a grand new mosque gifted by Turkey masks concern in Albania over whether Ankara’s generosity comes at a price. Original post Here
THE ADRIA SECURITY SUMMIT 2024 IS OFFICIALLY OPEN IN SARAJEVO
With the participation of 3,000 guests from over 50 countries, the latest advancements in the security sector will be presented THE ADRIA SECURITY SUMMIT 2024 IS OFFICIALLY OPEN IN SARAJEVO – THE LARGEST SECURITY INDUSTRY EVENT IN SE EUROPE (Sarajevo, October 9, 2024) “Our goal is not only to …
Spain and Albania: Walking Together Towards a Shared European Future
by Ambassador Álvaro Renedo Zalba* As we celebrate Spain’s national Holiday, please allow me to look back and reflect on the significance of the date we commemorate today. On October 12th, 1492, Christopher Columbus, at the behest of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Isabel of Castile and Fernando of Aragón, …
Albanian Police Seek Prosecution of Democratic Party Officials over Unrest
Proceedings have been initiated against three senior officials of the opposition Democratic Party after anti-government protesters threw Molotov cocktails and clashed with police at a demonstration in Tirana. Original post Here
2024 Jorgji Qirjako Translation Prize applications open
TIRANA, Oct. 8, 2024 – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has announced the opening of applications for the prestigious annual translation award set up to honor Jorgji Qirjako, the institute’s former deputy director and one of Albania’s most prolific translators of international non-fiction and academic works. “Jorgji Qirjako …
Albanian opposition demands caretaker government, calls for civil disobedience in disruptive mass protest
TIRANA, Oct. 8, 2024 – In one of the most hard-line demonstrations in recent years, Albania’s opposition Democratic Party led a protest in Tirana on Monday night, calling for a caretaker transitional government and civil disobedience against the government. The protest, which drew thousands of supporters, was set up in …
New tax relief measures reduced state revenue from inheritance and property gifts in 2025. First, authorities expanded tax exemptions. As a result, revenue dropped sharply. Data from the General Directorate of Taxes show collections at 16.2 million lekë in 2025. This marks a fall from 35.8 million lekë in 2024. …
Hekurudha Shqiptare has opened a procurement procedure for the detailed design and construction of the Rinas airport railway station. The project is part of the Tirana–Durrës–Rinas rail line. The allocated budget for this phase stands at around 91.6 million lekë. The authority says the new station is essential to improve …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Cyber Operations Centre, part of the Cyber and Communications Command at the Ministry of Defence. He assessed progress in building cyber defence capabilities. He said the country has made significant advances in protecting defence ministry and armed forces infrastructure. He praised the results achieved …
The Tax Administration has approved a sectoral plan for tourism in 2026 aimed at reducing informality and increasing tax compliance. The plan introduces eight key measures to strengthen control, improve reporting, and increase revenue collection in the tourism sector. First, authorities will increase declared turnover compared to 2025. They will …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said technology is creating new opportunities for young people to access the global job market. He spoke during a discussion with young people in Gjirokastër. He focused on innovation, employment, and entrepreneurship. First, he said the government aims to increase funding for startup programs. At the …
TIRANA, May 6 – Prishtina hosts a full day of commemorative, cultural, and academic events in honour of George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, the national hero of Albanians. The programme brings together citizens, scholars, and delegations from Albanian territories and the Arbëresh diaspora from Italy. The organisation “Shqiptaria” [Albanian-ness] coordinates the activities. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the “Alegria” enterprise in Gjirokastër. He described it as a strong example of Albanian family business success and the potential of “Made in Albania” products abroad. He said the company has multiplied its exports tenfold in recent years. It has expanded into markets such as …
Former Speaker of Parliament Servet Pëllumbi has died at the age of 89. He co-founded the Socialist Party of Albania. He shaped the country’s democratic transition. Colleagues respected his integrity and leadership. He was born in Korça. He studied at the University of Saint Petersburg. He earned a PhD in …
Prime Minister Edi Rama urged unity to safeguard Albania’s EU accession process. He warned against any attempt to derail it. First, he spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Gjirokastër. There, he focused on EU integration. He described negotiations as tough and complex. Next, he stressed that a dedicated team …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted to the death of former Speaker Servet Pëllumbi. He expressed sorrow and paid tribute. “Farewell, dear professor,” Rama wrote. He shared a photo of Pëllumbi on social media. Servet Pëllumbi died today at the age of 89. He served as Speaker of Parliament from 2002 …