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Donald Trump’s Comeback is Bad News for Bosniaks and Kosovars

Bosniaks and Kosovo Albanians will be lucky if all Washington does is ignore them under Donald Trump’s new administration, while Serb leaders and populists like Hungary’s Viktor Orban will feel emboldened. Original post Here

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Central and Southeast Europe’s Populists Celebrate Trump Win

The region’s populists could hardly contain their glee at the return of the former president to the White House. Original post Here

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Bosnian Serb Leaders Hold Cocktail Party to Toast Trump Victory

The US-sanctioned president of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, threw a cocktail party in honour of Trump’s victory in the American presidential elections, saying his win “symbolises a return to values we hold dear”. Original post Here

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‘Like Prison’: How African Migrant Workers Suffer Exploitation in Albania

Migrant workers from Africa have told BIRN about having to surrender their passports on arrival in Albania, working unpaid overtime and facing deportation once they are no longer required. Many are left with debts to the agencies that act as middlemen. Original post Here

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How Allocation of EU Rapporteur Jobs Might Impact Western Balkan Accession Hopes

The names of the new EU rapporteurs for each of the six Western Balkan countries will emerge over the coming weeks. The relative strength of the various party groupings in the European parliament indicates how some countries might fare better than others. Original post Here

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Baku hosting Global Summit of Religious Leaders within the framework of COP29

Baku, Azerbaijan – On November 5-6, 2024, the city of Baku is hosting the Global Summit of Religious Leaders within the framework of COP29, a highly significant event that brings together religious leaders and prominent figures from around the world to discuss the challenges of the climate crisis and the …

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Albanian Premier Edi Rama’s Diaspora Tour: Outreach or Electioneering?

From New York to Thessaloniki, Prime Minister Edi Rama has been travelling the world to hold meetings with Albanian diaspora communities ahead of next year’s elections. Opponents say he’s trying to avoid discontent at home. Original post Here

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UNED Campus in Gjirokastra: A European Hub in the Western Balkans

By Jerina Zaloshnja   It is a beautiful, joyous day in Gjirokastra. October 30, 2024. The sun shines brightly in the warm, clear blue air. From the loudspeakers at the campus of UNED, Spain’s new university in the country, Spanish music reverberates slowly. Young students dressed in traditional Gjirokastra costumes …

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The UNED Campus in Gjirokaster a gateway to global academic excellence and a bridge to Europe

By Ricardo Mairal Uson It is an immense honor and privilege for me to stand before you today, on this momentous occasion—the inauguration of the UNED Center in the historic and culturally significant city of Gjirokaster. This event marks the beginning of a new chapter in the strong relationship between …

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Albania struggles with hazardous waste scandal as ship awaits clearance off Durres coast

DURRES, Oct. 31, 2024 – A cargo ship laden with over 100 containers of suspected hazardous waste, which arrived in Albania from Singapore, remains anchored off the coast of Durres for the fourth consecutive day.  The ship’s entry into port has been delayed by authorities awaiting necessary safety preparations, intensifying …

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During Europe Week, Gonzato: Strengthening the Rule of Law in Albania is the Foundation of Prosperity

The European Union Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, said in a speech delivered at the opening ceremony of Europe Week that strengthening the rule of law is the foundation of prosperity and the key to Albania’s integration into the EU. Gonzato stated that Albania, as a candidate country seeking membership …

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Prime Minister Edi Rama: Europe Remains the Promised Land for Us, an Inalienable National Legacy

Prime Minister Edi Rama said in his speech at the opening of Europe Week that, for Albanians, Europe remains both a dream and a promised land because of the country’s long isolation from the rest of the world. “For us Albanians, Europe remains, even in these gloomy times, what it …

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“The Rule of Law Cannot Be Negotiated,” Rama: Albania’s Path Toward the EU Is Difficult, but Irreversible

Prime Minister Edi Rama said in his speech at the opening of Europe Week that Albania’s path toward the European Union is difficult, but irreversible. Rama emphasized that the rule of law, as a guarantee ensured by the EU, cannot be negotiated. “If today we are confident about the progress …

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Marta Kos to Visit Kosovo for the First Time, Date of Visit Revealed

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”fff59cf8-973b-45ad-9994-a7bce15b632b” data-turn-id-container=”fff59cf8-973b-45ad-9994-a7bce15b632b” data-testid=”conversation-turn-17″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, is expected to make her first official visit to Kosovo on Friday, May 15. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:e00a4416-cd7f-4e71-ab3d-695465d210ed-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:e00a4416-cd7f-4e71-ab3d-695465d210ed-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> This was confirmed by unofficial sources within European institutions …

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“Moto Fest Shkodra 2026” Lights Up the City with Motorcycles, Music, and a Festive Atmosphere

The city of Shkodër came alive on Friday evening with the unique atmosphere of “Moto Fest Shkodra 2026,” an event that brought together hundreds of bikers, rock music fans, and visitors from different countries in the heart of the city. The main square was transformed into a massive celebration stage, …

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Young Woman from Korça Who Made Forbes’ Prestigious List of the World’s Top 30 Talents

Xhoela Bame, a young researcher from Korçë, has been named by the prestigious magazine Forbes as one of the “30 Under 30” individuals with extraordinary global impact — a recognition that places her among the most promising names in science and medicine. For several years, the young woman from Korça …

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63 Schools Rebuilt After the Earthquake as the EU’s €75 Million Program Concludes

The “Asim Vokshi” High School in Tiranë is one of the educational facilities rebuilt after the November 26, 2019 earthquake. Along with this school, 62 other educational buildings have been reconstructed across 11 of the country’s most affected municipalities. “A project based on two main pillars: building better and building …

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Europe Day: EU Ambassador, Gonzato says Albania plays key role in European Union security and future

TIRANA, May 9 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato marked Europe Day during the opening of Europe Week under the motto “Open Space”. Speaking at the event, Gonzato said the European Union has taken steps to protect stability and democratic values at a time when global conflicts threaten …

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Europe Day: PM Rama says European Union security depends on openness, not isolation

TIRANA, May 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama marked Europe Day during the opening of Europe Week, describing 9 May as a symbol of European courage and cooperation. Speaking at the event, Rama said the European Union represents a space where different cultures live and cooperate in peace and equality. …

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Opposition Calls for Rama’s Resignation Over Corruption

Tirana protest unfolds amid EU concerns over shrinking parliamentary oversight. TIRANA, May 08, 2026 — Albania’s opposition staged a national protest in Tirana on Friday evening, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and what it described as his corrupt government, while accusing the ruling majority of abuse of …

News

During Europe Week, Gonzato: Strengthening the Rule of Law in Albania is the Foundation of Prosperity

The European Union Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, said in a speech delivered at the opening ceremony of Europe Week that strengthening the rule of law is the foundation of prosperity and the key to Albania’s integration into the EU. Gonzato stated that Albania, as a candidate country seeking membership …

News

Prime Minister Edi Rama: Europe Remains the Promised Land for Us, an Inalienable National Legacy

Prime Minister Edi Rama said in his speech at the opening of Europe Week that, for Albanians, Europe remains both a dream and a promised land because of the country’s long isolation from the rest of the world. “For us Albanians, Europe remains, even in these gloomy times, what it …

News

“The Rule of Law Cannot Be Negotiated,” Rama: Albania’s Path Toward the EU Is Difficult, but Irreversible

Prime Minister Edi Rama said in his speech at the opening of Europe Week that Albania’s path toward the European Union is difficult, but irreversible. Rama emphasized that the rule of law, as a guarantee ensured by the EU, cannot be negotiated. “If today we are confident about the progress …

News

Marta Kos to Visit Kosovo for the First Time, Date of Visit Revealed

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”fff59cf8-973b-45ad-9994-a7bce15b632b” data-turn-id-container=”fff59cf8-973b-45ad-9994-a7bce15b632b” data-testid=”conversation-turn-17″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, is expected to make her first official visit to Kosovo on Friday, May 15. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:e00a4416-cd7f-4e71-ab3d-695465d210ed-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:e00a4416-cd7f-4e71-ab3d-695465d210ed-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> This was confirmed by unofficial sources within European institutions …

News

“Moto Fest Shkodra 2026” Lights Up the City with Motorcycles, Music, and a Festive Atmosphere

The city of Shkodër came alive on Friday evening with the unique atmosphere of “Moto Fest Shkodra 2026,” an event that brought together hundreds of bikers, rock music fans, and visitors from different countries in the heart of the city. The main square was transformed into a massive celebration stage, …

News

Young Woman from Korça Who Made Forbes’ Prestigious List of the World’s Top 30 Talents

Xhoela Bame, a young researcher from Korçë, has been named by the prestigious magazine Forbes as one of the “30 Under 30” individuals with extraordinary global impact — a recognition that places her among the most promising names in science and medicine. For several years, the young woman from Korça …

News

63 Schools Rebuilt After the Earthquake as the EU’s €75 Million Program Concludes

The “Asim Vokshi” High School in Tiranë is one of the educational facilities rebuilt after the November 26, 2019 earthquake. Along with this school, 62 other educational buildings have been reconstructed across 11 of the country’s most affected municipalities. “A project based on two main pillars: building better and building …

News

Europe Day: EU Ambassador, Gonzato says Albania plays key role in European Union security and future

TIRANA, May 9 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato marked Europe Day during the opening of Europe Week under the motto “Open Space”. Speaking at the event, Gonzato said the European Union has taken steps to protect stability and democratic values at a time when global conflicts threaten …

News

Europe Day: PM Rama says European Union security depends on openness, not isolation

TIRANA, May 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama marked Europe Day during the opening of Europe Week, describing 9 May as a symbol of European courage and cooperation. Speaking at the event, Rama said the European Union represents a space where different cultures live and cooperate in peace and equality. …

News

Opposition Calls for Rama’s Resignation Over Corruption

Tirana protest unfolds amid EU concerns over shrinking parliamentary oversight. TIRANA, May 08, 2026 — Albania’s opposition staged a national protest in Tirana on Friday evening, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and what it described as his corrupt government, while accusing the ruling majority of abuse of …