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In a depopulating Albania, why is the PM campaigning on a promise to make it easier for young people to leave?

If Rama wants to be the prime minister who ushers Albania into the European Union, he must first be the leader who makes Albania worth staying in. It means building a country where the EU passport is a gateway — not an escape route. Because freedom is not just the …

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Call to Arms for the ‘Next Generation’

Albania is in a precarious situation at the moment. We are faced with a prevailing cultural acceptance of complacency and corruption. This reality had periodically made itself known to me during my summer trips back to Albania. Truthfully, however, this had no bearing on my life back then. I was …

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Is AI worsening the mental health crisis in journalism?

Mental health remains a relatively under-discussed issue for those working in journalism, a profession that is often precarious for many. AI has now been added to this situation. Instability and precariousness, low salaries, the “obligation to stay connected” and the pressure to keep up the pace: these are the factors …

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Newsanalysis: Kosovo Parliament Fails Again to Elect Speaker, Highlighting Deepening Partisan Divides and Institutional Fragility

Tirana, Tirana Times, April 27 — Kosovo’s political deadlock deepened further on Sunday as the Parliament failed once again to elect a Speaker and officially constitute the Assembly, despite seven attempts. The candidate proposed by the winning party, Vetëvendosje (VV), acting Justice Minister Albulena Haxhiu, did not secure enough votes, …

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Elmar Brok: Berisha calls for liberation – Rama’s power crumbles

A new chapter is dawning in Albania. For the first time in years, Edi Rama’s iron-fisted ruleis beginning to totter. The country is facing a historic decision: Freedom or downfall. And inthe midst of this moment, an old fighter rises up – Sali Berisha, the symbol of Albania’s firstliberation, is …

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Farewell, Pope Francis

By Jerina Zaloshnja Rakipi — Reporting from Vatican City Tirana Times, April 26, 2025 In 1967, a Catholic priest in Tirana—whose name I never managed to learn—quietly came to our home to baptize me. I was only two years old, born to a Bektashi father and a Muslim mother, who, …

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Digital Divide: The Albanians Left Behind by Move to Online Public Services

Albania has moved almost all of its public administration online, yet the elderly, those with disabilities, and others who lack the necessary digital skills risk being locked out if authorities do not step up support. Original post Here

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Challenging Justice: Albanian Parties Field Candidates Facing Corruption Charges

Promises to clean up politics – and not run candidates with suspected or proven crime links – seem to have been dumped by both main parties contesting next month’s parliamentary election. Original post Here

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Balkan Leaders Express Sorrow After Death of Pope Francis

Balkan leaders and Catholic believers across the region voiced their condolences after the death of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday after a period of ill-health. Original post Here

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Albanians Remember ‘Extraordinary Woman’ Who Endured Torture for Her Faith

A Catholic nun who was persecuted as an enemy of the Communist regime in her short lifetime, Marie Tuci is today widely honoured in Albania as both a saint and a symbol of courage. Original post Here

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Infrastructure and Energy Minister in Athens; Albania and Greece strengthen energy cooperation

TIRANA, May 15 – Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi met Greek Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou in Athens during the Energy Conference. Karakaçi discussed current cooperation between Albania and Greece, while also addressing joint strategic energy projects. A key topic focused on a new interconnection line between the two countries. …

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PM Rama visits NATO cyber defence centre in Estonia, Albania joins cyber excellence hub

TIRANA, May 15 – Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Estonia during his official trip with the Albanian delegation. He met the centre’s leadership and learned about its role in strengthening NATO cyber defence. Meanwhile, Rama said in a social media post …

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EU Delegation Shares Meeting Between Gonzato and SPAK Court Chief Erion Bani

*]: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=”8fa7d608-d719-4436-9c65-0352c40cc134″ data-turn-id-container=”8fa7d608-d719-4436-9c65-0352c40cc134″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-9″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The building of the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) has recently been renovated to meet the highest European Union standards, while the project’s funding was supported by the EU. *]: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:92c9d7c5-2d9e-4efd-92bd-a0a1908c78ca-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:92c9d7c5-2d9e-4efd-92bd-a0a1908c78ca-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ …

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“Tour of Albania 2026” Cycling Race: Police Publish Traffic Restriction Plan for 5 Days

*]: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=”5b0f1cb6-6588-41e1-9b36-c1f3b3458222″ data-turn-id-container=”5b0f1cb6-6588-41e1-9b36-c1f3b3458222″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The Albanian State Police has published the traffic management plan for the “Tour of Albania 2026,” an event that will take place on May 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, 2026, across the territory of the Republic of Albania. *]:pointer-events-auto …

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Albania-Italy Anti-Cannabis Air Campaign Launched

For the 15th consecutive year, the Albanian State Police and the Italian Guardia di Finanza officially launched this Friday their joint campaign for aerial monitoring of Albanian territory, focusing on the prevention and crackdown of narcotic plant cultivation. The ceremony took place at the General Directorate of the State Police, …

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Tax Administration Announces Cancellation of Fines for Businesses Before 2014

The Tax Administration and Customs Administration are required to remove from their balance sheets all business debts created before December 31, 2014. The General Directorate of Taxes has announced that businesses with unpaid liabilities from 2015 to 2024 will be able to begin installment payments starting June 10. According to …

News
Ombudsman: Priority Must Be Given to Prisoners Who Have No Voice — Well-Known Inmates Already Have “Public Advocacy”

The Ombudsman of Albania, Endri Shabani, speaking from Pogradec in a statement to the media, addressed complaints submitted to the Ombudsman’s institution by imprisoned citizens. He stated that although public attention is mainly focused on famous inmates, priority should be given to citizens suffering from health problems and living in …

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Nufi: Focus on Modernizing Air Defense and Cyber Capabilities in the Armed Forces

Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi stated during a press conference on Friday that the country’s main priority is the development of military and technological capabilities for the modernization of the Armed Forces, as well as preparedness for civil emergencies during the summer season. According to Nufi, particular focus is being …

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U.S. Embassy in Tirana: Cybersecurity Essential for Sovereignty and Economic Growth

Cybersecurity has now become an inseparable element of economic growth and national security. This was stated by the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Tirana, Kathryn Hammond, during an event where American cybersecurity solutions were presented. Referring to the importance of protecting digital infrastructure, Hammond …

News
Rama from Estonia: “I Came and Brought You the Sunshine — In Albania You Will Not Find Sympathy for Putin”

Prime Minister Edi Rama, during a joint press conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, spoke about the relationship between Albania and Estonia. Rama began his speech with a few jokes, humorously saying that he had “brought the sunshine to Estonia” with his arrival. At the same time, the Prime …

News

Infrastructure and Energy Minister in Athens; Albania and Greece strengthen energy cooperation

TIRANA, May 15 – Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi met Greek Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou in Athens during the Energy Conference. Karakaçi discussed current cooperation between Albania and Greece, while also addressing joint strategic energy projects. A key topic focused on a new interconnection line between the two countries. …

News

PM Rama visits NATO cyber defence centre in Estonia, Albania joins cyber excellence hub

TIRANA, May 15 – Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Estonia during his official trip with the Albanian delegation. He met the centre’s leadership and learned about its role in strengthening NATO cyber defence. Meanwhile, Rama said in a social media post …

News

EU Delegation Shares Meeting Between Gonzato and SPAK Court Chief Erion Bani

*]: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=”8fa7d608-d719-4436-9c65-0352c40cc134″ data-turn-id-container=”8fa7d608-d719-4436-9c65-0352c40cc134″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-9″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The building of the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) has recently been renovated to meet the highest European Union standards, while the project’s funding was supported by the EU. *]: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:92c9d7c5-2d9e-4efd-92bd-a0a1908c78ca-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:92c9d7c5-2d9e-4efd-92bd-a0a1908c78ca-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ …

News

“Tour of Albania 2026” Cycling Race: Police Publish Traffic Restriction Plan for 5 Days

*]: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=”5b0f1cb6-6588-41e1-9b36-c1f3b3458222″ data-turn-id-container=”5b0f1cb6-6588-41e1-9b36-c1f3b3458222″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The Albanian State Police has published the traffic management plan for the “Tour of Albania 2026,” an event that will take place on May 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, 2026, across the territory of the Republic of Albania. *]:pointer-events-auto …

News

Albania-Italy Anti-Cannabis Air Campaign Launched

For the 15th consecutive year, the Albanian State Police and the Italian Guardia di Finanza officially launched this Friday their joint campaign for aerial monitoring of Albanian territory, focusing on the prevention and crackdown of narcotic plant cultivation. The ceremony took place at the General Directorate of the State Police, …

News

Tax Administration Announces Cancellation of Fines for Businesses Before 2014

The Tax Administration and Customs Administration are required to remove from their balance sheets all business debts created before December 31, 2014. The General Directorate of Taxes has announced that businesses with unpaid liabilities from 2015 to 2024 will be able to begin installment payments starting June 10. According to …

News

Ombudsman: Priority Must Be Given to Prisoners Who Have No Voice — Well-Known Inmates Already Have “Public Advocacy”

The Ombudsman of Albania, Endri Shabani, speaking from Pogradec in a statement to the media, addressed complaints submitted to the Ombudsman’s institution by imprisoned citizens. He stated that although public attention is mainly focused on famous inmates, priority should be given to citizens suffering from health problems and living in …

News

Nufi: Focus on Modernizing Air Defense and Cyber Capabilities in the Armed Forces

Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi stated during a press conference on Friday that the country’s main priority is the development of military and technological capabilities for the modernization of the Armed Forces, as well as preparedness for civil emergencies during the summer season. According to Nufi, particular focus is being …

News

U.S. Embassy in Tirana: Cybersecurity Essential for Sovereignty and Economic Growth

Cybersecurity has now become an inseparable element of economic growth and national security. This was stated by the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Tirana, Kathryn Hammond, during an event where American cybersecurity solutions were presented. Referring to the importance of protecting digital infrastructure, Hammond …

News

Rama from Estonia: “I Came and Brought You the Sunshine — In Albania You Will Not Find Sympathy for Putin”

Prime Minister Edi Rama, during a joint press conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, spoke about the relationship between Albania and Estonia. Rama began his speech with a few jokes, humorously saying that he had “brought the sunshine to Estonia” with his arrival. At the same time, the Prime …