Earthquake in Japan: Albanian Embassy urges citizens to follow local authorities’ guidance
A strong earthquake struck Japan early Sunday, with its epicenter in Ibaraki Prefecture. The tremor also reached the Tokyo area. So far, the Albanian Embassy has reported no deaths or major damage. However, the earthquake injured several people, and the Embassy wished them a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, the Albanian Embassy …
Mediterranean Games “Taranto 2026”: Albania U-21 draw 1-1 with Italy
Albania U-21 opened its “Taranto 2026” campaign with a 1-1 draw against Italy in Group B. The match took place in Lecce. The Red and Blacks made a strong start and took the lead just before halftime. Rajmond Marinaj scored in the 45th minute to put Albania ahead. However, Italy …
Begaj in San Marzano di San Giuseppe: Arbëreshë, a living bridge of historic Albanian-Italian friendship
President Bajram Begaj met with the Arbëresh community in San Marzano di San Giuseppe, in the province of Taranto, highlighting its historic role in strengthening ties between Albania and Italy. During his visit, President Begaj was welcomed by local authorities and residents. First, he laid a wreath at the bust …
Gonxhja meets Italian Sports and Youth Minister, focusing on infrastructure and anti-doping
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja met Italian Sports and Youth Minister Andrea Abodi during the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. The ministers discussed stronger cooperation between Albania and Italy in sports and youth policies. They focused on sports infrastructure, staff training and sports medicine. They also stressed the need …
Verdict for former KLA leaders: “March for Freedom” on September 12
The “Freedom Has a Name” platform has presented the civic initiative “Kosovo Is Waiting,” as part of which a “March for Freedom” will be held in Pristina on September 12, ahead of the verdict by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague concerning former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army …
Sokrat Vata testifies in court and admits to killing the young Portuguese man: I apologize to his family!
Euronews journalist Eni Ferati has obtained the testimony given before the Saranda Court by Sokrat Vata, the suspect in the killing of a 21-year-old Portuguese tourist, Luis Miguel Varela Mendes in Ksamil. Vata admitted responsibility for the killing but gave his account of the circumstances, claiming that amid the mass …
Excavations in Zubin Potok completed
The excavation and exhumation of human remains at three locations in Mala Kaludra and Jabuka, in Zubin Potok, where three mass graves have been confirmed, have been completed, Kosovo’s Government Commission on Missing Persons announced. The excavations began in late July in villages in northern Kosovo, and authorities have confirmed …
President Begaj in Italy, welcomed by Mattarella and Meloni; supports Albania’s athletes at the Mediterranean Games
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has visited Italy, where he attended the opening ceremony of the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games in support of the Albanian team of athletes. During the visit, President Begaj was welcomed by his Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, as well as by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia …
Rama to gather government cabinet in Pogradec
Prime Minister Edi Rama will gather his government cabinet for a two-day meeting in Pogradec on August 23 and 24. The meeting will be held in a “retreat” format, with ministers expected to report on the work carried out so far and present their priorities for the coming months. The …
Fires in Mirdita, mayor: Situation among the most dangerous we have faced
The Mayor of Mirdita, Albert Melyshi, spoke to the media about the wildfire situation in the municipality, describing it as serious and dangerous. He said the village of Tenë is currently the worst-affected area, where the first evacuations have also taken place. According to Melyshi, some of the fires are …
A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here
Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …
European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged young people to distance themselves from violent protests. He called on them to express their views through peaceful democratic means. In remarks on social media, Rama defended the right to peaceful protest. He said citizens could challenge the government through debate and elections. He …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi has met Colonel Murat Ilhan, Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana. Turkish Ambassador to Albania Bariş Ceyhun Erciyes also attended the meeting. According to the Ministry of Defense, the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey and their shared commitment to closer cooperation in …
Albania recorded around 17.4 million entries by Albanian and foreign citizens from January to September 2026, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Foreign citizens accounted for 10.7 million entries, while Albanian citizens accounted for 6.7 million. Compared with the same period in 2025, foreign arrivals rose by 4.9%, while …
Students continued their protest outside the prime minister’s office in Tirana for an 11th day. University lecturers and other citizens joined them again today. Lecturers and students first gathered outside the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Aleksandër Kovaçi, head of the University Lecturers’ Union, called for greater cooperation among intellectuals in …
The Albanian Water Rescue Federation held the 2026 National Water Rescue Championship with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The competition tested speed, technique and endurance through events that combine sport with life-saving skills. A total of 34 competitors took part. The championship has taken place annually …
Albanian champions Egnatia drew 1-1 away to Denmark’s Aarhus in their second Conference League group-stage match, extending their unbeaten run in European competition. Egnatia took the lead in the 13th minute when Gruda scored after Adjesa’s assist. Aarhus had already lost Kahl to a red card in the third minute …
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation with Italy. Nufi made the statement while recognising Italian Military Attaché Colonel Agostino Piccirillo at the end of his mission in Albania. He praised Piccirillo’s professionalism and contribution to bilateral defence ties. The minister also …