Albania’s Revolt Against the Government
The prime minister accuses Russia and Iran of fueling protests as allegations of state capture, police violence and dissent from Socialist figures deepen Albania’s political crisis. Tirana Times, October 19, 2026 – Parts of central Tirana have taken on the appearance of a conflict zone: burning debris, damaged buildings and …
Albania’s Defence Tax Breaks Raise State Capture Concerns
Proposed fiscal concessions would benefit private partners of the state defence company KAYO as an arms-trafficking investigation puts the sector under scrutiny. Tirana Times, October 19, 2026 – Albania’s government is proposing additional tax privileges for the defence industry while the state company at the centre of its expansion, KAYO, …
“Citizens must be patient,” Rama reacts again to protests: I am ready for dialogue with anyone except those engaging in violence
Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again commented on the protests that have been taking place in Tirana for the past seven days. In a post on his Facebook page, Rama reiterated that he is ready for dialogue with anyone, “except those engaging in violence and political parties that fail …
Protests, Rama: €2,500 for every frontline police officer and salary increases from January 1
Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Ervin Demo held a meeting with senior State Police officials following last night’s violent protest. During the meeting, Rama condemned attacks on police officers and announced significant salary increases for police personnel starting January 1, as well as financial support of €2,500 for …
European Parliament reacts to protests in Tirana: We condemn the escalation. Serious concerns over police violence against young people
The Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Albania, Marco Tarquinio, and the European Parliament’s Standing Rapporteur for Albania, Andreas Schieder, have expressed concern over the escalation of protests in Tirana. In a joint statement, they condemned violence, attacks on institutions and the destruction of property, while calling …
Rama reiterates call for dialogue: You are welcome, whenever and wherever you want, without conditions. We are ready!
Prime Minister Edi Rama has renewed his call for dialogue with protesters, urging them to distance themselves from acts of violence, stone-throwing and arson attacks against institutions. Rama stressed that the government is ready to hold talks at any time and without preconditions, while calling on protest organisers to set …
Ervin Demo: The right to protest is guaranteed, violence cannot be justified and offenders will be held accountable under the law
Interior Minister Ervin Demo has once again responded to the protests of recent days, stressing that the right to protest is guaranteed by the Constitution and that the State Police have a duty to ensure demonstrations take place peacefully. Demo emphasised that police intervention will only take place when necessary …
Protests in Europe and Albania, Council of Europe Secretary General reacts
The Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, has reacted to the wave of protests sweeping several European countries in a post on the social media platform X. In his statement, Berset also mentioned Albania, highlighting the causes of social discontent as well as the violent incidents that …
US State Department report: Albania successfully responded to Iranian cyberattacks, US provided $25 million in cybersecurity assistance
Albania has been featured in a US State Department report on the security of digital infrastructure in developing countries, in which Washington acknowledges the progress made following the Iran-backed cyberattack in 2022. In the document submitted to the US Congress, the State Department states that the United States responded to …
Montenegro Seeks to Resolve Disputes with Croatia Ahead of EU Membership
Montenegro has taken steps to resolve disputes with Croatia that could hinder Podgorica’s ambition to become the 28th member of the European Union by 2028. Last week, Zagreb circulated an eight-point list to other EU member states, outlining issues it wants resolved before Montenegro joins the bloc. Most of the …
Albania, the Board of Peace, the International Stabilization Force (ISF), and the Gaza Task Force have officially finalized a Participating State Agreement, paving the way for Albania’s involvement in the International Stabilization Force. Albania will provide additional support for security operations and operational planning capabilities for the mission in Gaza. …
1,500 police officers have been deployed to ensure security during the protest announced by the Democratic Party (DP), which is expected to begin at 12:00 p.m. Several water cannon trucks have also been stationed around the Prime Minister’s Office and are expected to be used against protesters if acts of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, in a statement on social media, reiterated his claim that violence during recent protests in Tirana was caused by ideologically radicalized individuals, religious extremists, and people with criminal backgrounds disguised as students. Rama stressed that protesting is a right that must be guaranteed in every democratic …
Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Ervin Demo held a joint press conference this Saturday regarding the protests in the capital. Rama said that insisting on continuing protests while refusing dialogue was pointless, stressing that protesters were afraid to engage in talks for fear of being labelled traitors. “When …
Albania will host the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) for the first time. The forum aims to strengthen cooperation between local and regional authorities in EU member states and countries across the southern Mediterranean. Over three days, more than 80 representatives of local and regional authorities will discuss shared …
Albania will protect the constitutional right to protest while taking firm, lawful measures to prevent violence and maintain public order, Interior Minister Ervin Demo said on Thursday. Speaking from San Patrignano, Italy, where he is attending an international high-level meeting on addiction prevention and rehabilitation, Demo discussed public safety with …
Albania has taken the first step towards building a new French Lyceum in Korçë, a public school of excellence that will focus on science, technology and multilingual education. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced that the government has approved the draft law for the project. The new school will be established …
Twenty hotels in Albania have been selected for the prestigious Michelin Guide’s hotel collection, giving the country greater visibility among international travellers. Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the selection, describing it as an important step in promoting Albanian hospitality worldwide. The selected hotels are located across several …
Albania has signed an official agreement to participate in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, reaffirming its commitment to international peace and security efforts. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at the General Staff Headquarters of the Albanian Armed Forces in Tirana. Albanian Armed Forces Chief of General …
The maritime, air and amphibious capabilities of Allied forces took centre stage aboard the Turkish ship TCG ANADOLU and along the Albanian coast during Neptune Strike 26-4 on October 19, 2026, demonstrating the cooperation and readiness that underpin NATO’s collective defence. The event was attended by senior officials, including defence …