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Albania Moves to Steer Investment Toward a Greener Economy

Albania has taken a step toward expanding green finance and directing investment into sustainable activities. The Bank of Albania presented the final draft of the National Green Activities Classification with support from the European Investment Bank. Second Deputy Governor Natasha Ahmetaj said the framework will influence how banks and investors …

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Rudolph: Kosovo Can Renew Its European Agenda After Institutional Crisis

German Ambassador to Kosovo Rainer Rudolph said Kosovo can now pursue its European agenda more actively after resolving its institutional crisis. He spoke at a reception marking German Unity Day. Rudolph said stable institutions will allow Kosovo to renew its focus on European integration. He warned that the process will …

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European Commissioner After Meeting with Rama: Albania Belongs in the EU, Maintain the Pace of Reforms

European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, has stated that Albania is one of the frontrunners in the European Union accession process. In a social media post following his meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama, McGrath stressed that Albania “belongs in the EU”, …

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Osman Taka Dance Added to Albania’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List

The Osman Taka Dance has been included in Albania’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja, while Prime Minister Edi Rama also commented on the decision, describing the dance as one of the expressions of Cham identity and tradition. …

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Manufacturing Sector in Decline: 25,000 Jobs Lost, 150 Garment Factories Shut Down

Albania’s garment manufacturing industry is facing increasingly serious difficulties. From around 65,000 employees previously working in the manufacturing sector, the workforce has now fallen to approximately 40,000, while nearly 150 garment factories have shut down in recent years. The alarm was raised in Elbasan during a meeting between the Albanian …

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Kosovo’s New President Ends Political Deadlock, Opens a New Chapter

The election of respected academic Justina Shiroka-Pula averts another political crisis and highlights Kosovo’s tradition of female leadership and religious coexistence, while offering new prospects for political stability and international engagement. Tirana Times, October 08, 2026  — The election of Justina Shiroka-Pula as Kosovo’s new president has brought an end …

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OSCE ambassador and justice inspector discuss stronger judicial accountability

OSCE Presence in Albania Ambassador Michel Tarran met High Inspector of Justice Artur Metani to discuss recent developments in the judicial system and issues related to the inspector’s mandate. According to the OSCE Presence, the talks focused on the role of the High Inspector of Justice in ensuring accountability in …

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Ten winners announced in Tish Daija Music Creativity Competition

The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble announced the 10 winners of the Tish Daija Music Creativity Competition in the “Chamber Music” and “A Cappella Choir” categories. The competition marks the 100th anniversary of composer Tish Daija’s birth. With support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, …

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Health minister Spahiu in Kurbin calls for stronger coordination between primary and hospital care

Health and Social Welfare Minister Klodiana Spahiu visited the Laç Health Centre in Kurbin. She called for stronger coordination between primary healthcare and hospital services to provide faster care closer to residents. Spahiu said better coordination between health structures would improve patient referrals. She also stressed the importance of direct …

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German electronic music artist Sam Shure, Albanian artists bring Berlin energy to Tirana

German Cultural Week 2026 brought music, contemporary art, exhibitions, traditions and German gastronomy to Tirana from October 2 to 6. The five-day programme offered audiences in the Albanian capital opportunities to experience different aspects of German culture. The activities also created spaces for cultural exchange between the two countries. Meanwhile, …

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Albanian President Urges Calm as Street Protest Clashes Continue

President Bajram Begaj voiced concern about escalating tensions as students who gathered for a second day of rallies against the government clashed with law enforcement officers again. Original post Here

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Shtjefën Gjeçovi remembered 97 years after his murder

Franciscan priest Shtjefën Gjeçovi, a prominent figure in Albanian history, passed away on October 14, 1929. He devoted his life to the Albanian cause. According to documents held by the General Directorate of Archives, two men speaking Serbian ambushed Gjeçovi as he returned from Prizren and shot him. Born Hilë …

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Kosova forms working group for KLA leaders’ appeal

The government of Kosova has established a working group to coordinate a state strategy for the appeal proceedings involving four former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders: Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi. Prime Minister Albin Kurti described their convictions by the Specialist Chambers as legally and morally unjust. …

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Regional summit focuses on digital services and cybersecurity

Representatives of six Western Balkan countries discussed digital cooperation and alignment with the European Union’s digital agenda at the 8th Regional Digital Summit. Albania has moved most public services online and continues to expand access for citizens living abroad. Deputy Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enkelejda Muçaj said electronic documents with …

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Speaker Peleshi calls for peaceful protests and respect for the law

Assembly of Albania Speaker Niko Peleshi said the right to protest is a constitutional right that citizens must exercise peacefully and in accordance with the law. He made the remarks as tensions continued for a second day outside the Ministry of Education in Tirana. Peleshi said violence and vandalism undermine …

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EU delegation calls for peaceful protests and priority investigations

The European Union Delegation to Albania expressed concern over escalating violence during protests in Tirana. It called for priority investigations into allegations that police used excessive force against protesters and journalists. In a statement on X, the delegation stressed that freedom of gathering and expression are fundamental rights and core …

News
Albania standardises state decoration ceremonies

The Council of Ministers has approved standard rules for ceremonies awarding orders and medals of the Republic of Albania. The rules follow international best practices and established protocol. The decision aims to ensure consistency and solemnity in decoration ceremonies. It also seeks to uphold the dignity and prestige of state …

News
British Embassy says right to protest does not justify violence

The British Embassy in Tirana called on all parties to respect the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. It stressed that violence cannot be justified and police must avoid disproportionate action. In a statement, the embassy noted that Albania’s Constitution protects peaceful protest and freedom of expression. However, …

News
Italian PM Meloni names Albania and Montenegro as short-term European Union enlargement priorities

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy’s short-term priority is to strongly support Albania and Montenegro’s progress towards European Union membership. She made the remarks in an address to the Senate ahead of the European Council meeting. Meloni said enlargement and the Union’s internal reforms would feature in a strategic …

News
Sex Tapes Scandal Shows Albania’s Still Stuck in Patriarchal Mindset

The moralistic reaction to leaked tapes of women filmed secretly in intimate acts shows Albania is still struggling to accept women as sexual beings – while also failing legally to protect victims of non-consensual exposure. Original post Here

News

Albanian President Urges Calm as Street Protest Clashes Continue

President Bajram Begaj voiced concern about escalating tensions as students who gathered for a second day of rallies against the government clashed with law enforcement officers again. Original post Here

News

Shtjefën Gjeçovi remembered 97 years after his murder

Franciscan priest Shtjefën Gjeçovi, a prominent figure in Albanian history, passed away on October 14, 1929. He devoted his life to the Albanian cause. According to documents held by the General Directorate of Archives, two men speaking Serbian ambushed Gjeçovi as he returned from Prizren and shot him. Born Hilë …

News

Kosova forms working group for KLA leaders’ appeal

The government of Kosova has established a working group to coordinate a state strategy for the appeal proceedings involving four former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders: Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi. Prime Minister Albin Kurti described their convictions by the Specialist Chambers as legally and morally unjust. …

News

Regional summit focuses on digital services and cybersecurity

Representatives of six Western Balkan countries discussed digital cooperation and alignment with the European Union’s digital agenda at the 8th Regional Digital Summit. Albania has moved most public services online and continues to expand access for citizens living abroad. Deputy Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enkelejda Muçaj said electronic documents with …

News

Speaker Peleshi calls for peaceful protests and respect for the law

Assembly of Albania Speaker Niko Peleshi said the right to protest is a constitutional right that citizens must exercise peacefully and in accordance with the law. He made the remarks as tensions continued for a second day outside the Ministry of Education in Tirana. Peleshi said violence and vandalism undermine …

News

EU delegation calls for peaceful protests and priority investigations

The European Union Delegation to Albania expressed concern over escalating violence during protests in Tirana. It called for priority investigations into allegations that police used excessive force against protesters and journalists. In a statement on X, the delegation stressed that freedom of gathering and expression are fundamental rights and core …

News

Albania standardises state decoration ceremonies

The Council of Ministers has approved standard rules for ceremonies awarding orders and medals of the Republic of Albania. The rules follow international best practices and established protocol. The decision aims to ensure consistency and solemnity in decoration ceremonies. It also seeks to uphold the dignity and prestige of state …

News

British Embassy says right to protest does not justify violence

The British Embassy in Tirana called on all parties to respect the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. It stressed that violence cannot be justified and police must avoid disproportionate action. In a statement, the embassy noted that Albania’s Constitution protects peaceful protest and freedom of expression. However, …

News

Italian PM Meloni names Albania and Montenegro as short-term European Union enlargement priorities

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy’s short-term priority is to strongly support Albania and Montenegro’s progress towards European Union membership. She made the remarks in an address to the Senate ahead of the European Council meeting. Meloni said enlargement and the Union’s internal reforms would feature in a strategic …

News

Sex Tapes Scandal Shows Albania’s Still Stuck in Patriarchal Mindset

The moralistic reaction to leaked tapes of women filmed secretly in intimate acts shows Albania is still struggling to accept women as sexual beings – while also failing legally to protect victims of non-consensual exposure. Original post Here