Amid Homophobic Rhetoric, Albania’s LGBTQ+ Community is ‘Battling Rejection’
Discriminatory comments from politicians are exacerbating prejudice and encouraging a hostile environment for the community in Albania, rights activist Amarildo Fecanji tells BIRN. Original post Here
Albanian Opposition Leaders’ Arrests Create Uncertainty Ahead of Elections
With two opposition leaders, Ilir Meta and Sali Berisha, both under arrest, the atmosphere ahead of polls due in 2025 looks increasingly fraught – with some fearing a drift towards radicalisation. Original post Here
Arrest of former President Ilir Meta on corruption allegations sends second key opposition leader into detention
TIRANA, Oct. 21, 2024 – The arrest on Monday of former President Ilir Meta, who now heads the opposition Freedom Party, on orders of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has sent shockwaves through Albania’s political landscape. Meta faces allegations of corruption, money laundering and asset concealment, …
Albania’s Ex-President Ilir Meta Arrested on Corruption Charges
Former President Ilir Meta, now leader of the opposition Freedom Party, was arrested on charges of corruption, money-laundering and non-declaration of assets. Original post Here
Italian Court Rules Migrants Shipped to Albania Must Be Sent Back
A Rome court dealt a blow to a controversial scheme to send migrants intercepted at sea by Italy to Albania, ruling that the first 12 migrants who were transported to an Albanian reception camp this week must be returned. Original post Here
Albanians Scent Profit in Italy’s Costly Offshore Migrant Processing Plan
An Italian opposition MP has lambasted the start of the scheme to process migrants in Albania as a fiasco – but locals living near the new facilities are eying up potential economic benefits. Original post Here
Albania Opposition MPs Claim Police Threatened Them in Parliament With Guns
After opposition MPs continued their protest in parliament on Thursday, clashing with the police and parliamentary guards, they claimed ‘armed persons threatened the deputies with weapons’. Original post Here
Italian ship brings first migrants to Albania-based camp under controversial asylum-processing deal
TIRANA, Oct. 16, 2024 – An Italian military ship carrying the first group of migrants arrived in the Albanian port of Shëngjin early Wednesday, marking the launch of a controversial project to process Italian asylum applications on Albanian soil, drawing much international attention. The initiative is part of a bilateral …
First Italian Ship With Refugees Arrives in Albania
The first Italian ship holding 16 refugees intercepted at sea arrived in Albania early on Wednesday, as Italy’s controversial plan to ‘offshore’ the processing of migrants and refugees got underway. Original post Here
Albanian Environmentalists See Red Over Green Sludge Coating Tirana’s Lake
The main artificial lake in the capital has been covered for weeks by thick green algae, which environmental activists blame on untreated urban sewage flowing into the water. Original post Here
TIRANA, May 7 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari attended the International Forum on Migration Review at the United Nations in New York. He joined a panel discussion on “Migration as a creative force”. At the discussion, Lamallari presented Albania’s approach to migration. He focused on the return of emigrants and …
TIRANA, May 7 – The “After School” programme started its pilot phase in several schools in Tirana. Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro announced the launch on her official page. She said the pilot began this week after regular classes. The programme includes activities such as dance, crafts, visual arts, and …
Elbasani, Vllaznia, Egnatia and Dinamo City have secured places in the “Final Four” of the Albanian Superiore League. The teams will compete to determine the league champion. At the same time, Flamurtari has been relegated to the First Division after the 35th round results. Tirana earned a crucial 1-0 victory …
TIRANA, May 7 – The Transparency Board cut the price of diesel by 10 lek per litre at its latest meeting. It set a new maximum retail price for standard diesel at 196 lek per litre. It fixed the wholesale price at 184 lek per litre. The Board also set …
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj visited a FinTech company in Tirana to learn about new digital products and innovative projects developed by young Albanian entrepreneurs. During the visit, she said that startups are playing an increasingly important role in building a modern and competitive economy. In addition, she …
TIRANA, May 7 – The Organisation of Kosova Liberation Army War Veterans said it delivered 200,000 signatures to the Kosova Specialist Chambers in The Hague in support of former Kosova Liberation Army leaders. Veterans’ organisation head Hysni Gucati said the signatures represent “200,000 voices” calling for justice for the former …
TIRANA, May 7 – German tourists show rising interest in Gjirokastër, turning the historic southern Albanian city into a key destination in Albania. Visitors explore its architecture, cobblestone streets, and cultural heritage. Renata and Wolfgang, a German couple, visit Gjirokastër this spring during a longer trip across Albania. Spring travel …
TIRANA, May 7 – Keti Meadows in Mat, part of Klos municipality, offers a striking natural landscape rich in vegetation and floral scents. The site lies around 25 kilometres from Tirana and attracts visitors with its mountain scenery and seasonal flower bloom. White lilies dominate the area, creating a distinctive …
TIRANA, May 7 – Tourism remains a key driver of Albania’s economic growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said in an interview with the Montenegrin magazine “The Collection”. The interview is titled “Shaping the Future: Tourism as the Engine of Albania’s Economic Growth”. Gonxhja described tourism as a …
The Ministry of Economy and Innovation has launched the 2026 call for the Self-Employment Program. The initiative aims to support unemployed jobseekers in starting their own businesses and creating new jobs. Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented the program and highlighted its importance. She said it supports young people, women, and vulnerable …