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NATO Plans Gradual Withdrawal of Troops from Kosovo

*]: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:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has announced that it will “optimize” its presence and gradually reduce the number of troops serving in the KFOR mission in Kosovo. The decision to decrease troop numbers over the coming year follows the …

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Rama at Socialist Party’s 35th Anniversary: Konica Used to Say, “Be Patient, Albanians Have a Habit of Opposing Without Understanding”

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama opened his speech at the 35th anniversary celebration of the Socialist Party by addressing recent events related to the civic protests in Tirana. Referring to the situation, Rama recalled a quote attributed to Faik Konica: “Be patient, because Albanians have a habit of opposing things …

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Rama Highlights Fatos Nano: He Remains Someone I Hold in Special Esteem; I Do Not Claim I Have Never Wronged Anyone

Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke this Friday at Piazza Italia during the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary celebration, addressing recent developments in Albania, including the ongoing civic protests. Rama paid special tribute to former Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano, expressing his enduring respect for him. He also acknowledged …

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Albania’s Cocaine Economy Comes Home

Towers, resorts and cocaine money put Albania’s criminal economy in plain sight. A SPAK investigation into alleged drug-money laundering has linked the Zvërnec resort controversy, Tirana’s tower boom and Albania’s strategic investment model, deepening public anger after nearly two weeks of anti-government protests. Tirana Times, June 12, 2026 – A …

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Week in Review: Flamingos, Think Tankers and Returning Radicals

Our selection of Premium stories digs deep into a lively week, as Europe limps towards rebooting the enlargement system, votes in Kosovo are counted and Albanians throw off a reputation for apathy. Original post Here

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State Minister for Local Government: Strong local communities build Europe

TIRANA, June 12 – State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo highlighted the importance of territorial cooperation and strong local government during an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Adriatic-Ionian Euroregion. During his remarks, Demo praised the Euroregion’s role in bringing together countries, institutions and citizens over the past …

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Beach agency monitors public beach access in Lezha

TIRANA, June 12 – The National Coastline Agency continues field inspections along the Lezha coastline. Authorities are focusing on protecting public beach areas and ensuring free access for visitors. Officials are carrying out the inspections under the beach station map. Municipal authorities proposed the map, while the Tourism Season Management …

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Director General of Customs, Beja: Customs cooperation as key mechanism for economic integration

TIRANA, June 12 – Director General of Customs Besmir Beja participated in the Third Conference of Directors General of Customs of the Western Balkans and European Union member states in Athens. The conference focused on “Connecting Markets, Harmonising Standards: Green Lanes as a pillar of enhanced integration in the EU …

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PM Rama denies provocation over Zvërnec investment protest timing

TIRANA, June 12 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said there is no provocation or confrontation linked to the timing of the Socialist Party anniversary event and a planned protest against the Zvërnec investment. He made the remarks in an interview on “Shqipëria Live” on Top Channel. He also commented on …

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US Lifts Albanian Opposition Leader Berisha’s ‘Persona Non Grata’ Status

State Department says removing Albanian opposition leader Sali Berisha’s designation, imposed in 2021 over alleged corruption, serves US ‘national interest’. Original post Here

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Author Lea Ypi Explores Albanians’ Struggles for Dignity Under Communism

Albanian philosopher and writer Lea Ypi talks to BIRN about exploring the importance of freedom and dignity through the plight of her grandparents, who were persecuted by the communist regime. Original post Here

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Rama congratulates boxer Nelson Hysa after historic victory

Albanian boxer Nelson Hysa continues to make history on the international boxing stage. Hysa secured his 25th career victory on Saturday, with 23 of his wins coming by knockout. The Shkodër-born heavyweight successfully defended his WBO title after knocking out Norway’s Thomas Narmo after two rounds. The 41-year-old Albanian remains …

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Ibrahimaj: 1,179 applications submitted to Startup Albania, support will continue for all applicants

Albania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, has highlighted the strong interest in Startup Albania 2026, which received 1,179 applications this year. Following the selection process, Ibrahimaj stressed that the programme will continue to support applicants who were not selected as winners. “Every idea deserves an opportunity,” Ibrahimaj said. …

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Rama shares family message from the US

Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a special photo on social media, saying that the Hasa family from the United States sent it to him. The photo shows a cat with a business card bearing the name “Prime Minister Edi Rama” placed in front of its paws. In addition, Rama …

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Rama shares Israeli professor Harari’s view: Algorithms target engagement, not truth

Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a video featuring Israeli professor Yuval Noah Harari discussing the way social media algorithms influence human behaviour. Harari argues that platforms such as Facebook, X and TikTok designed their algorithms to increase user engagement rather than build trust or promote truth. According to the …

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Hoxha announces Virtual Diplomatic Presence for 24/7 consular services

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha described Albania’s consular service as a success story for citizens at home and abroad. He said the transformation involves technology, but also the quality, speed, and accessibility of services. In a video message posted on social media, Hoxha said authorities administered 1.378 …

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Sevasti Qiriazi, a pioneer of education for Albanian girls and women

On August 30, 1949, Sevasti Qiriazi Dako, a teacher, patriot, and pioneer of education for Albanian girls and women, passed away. Born on February 24, 1871, in Manastir, Qiriazi became one of the earliest pioneers of organized national education for Albanian girls and women. She also played an important role …

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Shaban Demiraj, the patriarch of the Albanian language

Colleagues called him “the patriarch of the Albanian language.” Today, Albania remembers academic, linguist, and scholar Shaban Demiraj on the anniversary of his death on August 30, 2014. Demiraj was born in Vlora on January 1, 1920. He completed his secondary education at the Madrasa in Tirana before studying Albanian …

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Seven wildfires remain active across four counties, with 284 personnel deployed

Albania continues to battle wildfires across several parts of the country. The Ministry of Defense reported 20 wildfires across the country by 20:00. Seven remain active, while authorities continue to monitor three others. A total of 284 operational personnel and 33 firefighting vehicles are supporting the response. The Armed Forces …

News
Albanian Foreign Ministry to Launch Virtual Diplomatic Presence to Improve Consular Services

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has described consular services for Albanians at home and abroad as a success story, linked not only to technological transformation but also to improvements in the way services are delivered, their quality and speed. In a video message published on social media, …

News

Author Lea Ypi Explores Albanians’ Struggles for Dignity Under Communism

Albanian philosopher and writer Lea Ypi talks to BIRN about exploring the importance of freedom and dignity through the plight of her grandparents, who were persecuted by the communist regime. Original post Here

News

Rama congratulates boxer Nelson Hysa after historic victory

Albanian boxer Nelson Hysa continues to make history on the international boxing stage. Hysa secured his 25th career victory on Saturday, with 23 of his wins coming by knockout. The Shkodër-born heavyweight successfully defended his WBO title after knocking out Norway’s Thomas Narmo after two rounds. The 41-year-old Albanian remains …

News

Ibrahimaj: 1,179 applications submitted to Startup Albania, support will continue for all applicants

Albania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, has highlighted the strong interest in Startup Albania 2026, which received 1,179 applications this year. Following the selection process, Ibrahimaj stressed that the programme will continue to support applicants who were not selected as winners. “Every idea deserves an opportunity,” Ibrahimaj said. …

News

Rama shares family message from the US

Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a special photo on social media, saying that the Hasa family from the United States sent it to him. The photo shows a cat with a business card bearing the name “Prime Minister Edi Rama” placed in front of its paws. In addition, Rama …

News

Rama shares Israeli professor Harari’s view: Algorithms target engagement, not truth

Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a video featuring Israeli professor Yuval Noah Harari discussing the way social media algorithms influence human behaviour. Harari argues that platforms such as Facebook, X and TikTok designed their algorithms to increase user engagement rather than build trust or promote truth. According to the …

News

Hoxha announces Virtual Diplomatic Presence for 24/7 consular services

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha described Albania’s consular service as a success story for citizens at home and abroad. He said the transformation involves technology, but also the quality, speed, and accessibility of services. In a video message posted on social media, Hoxha said authorities administered 1.378 …

News

Sevasti Qiriazi, a pioneer of education for Albanian girls and women

On August 30, 1949, Sevasti Qiriazi Dako, a teacher, patriot, and pioneer of education for Albanian girls and women, passed away. Born on February 24, 1871, in Manastir, Qiriazi became one of the earliest pioneers of organized national education for Albanian girls and women. She also played an important role …

News

Shaban Demiraj, the patriarch of the Albanian language

Colleagues called him “the patriarch of the Albanian language.” Today, Albania remembers academic, linguist, and scholar Shaban Demiraj on the anniversary of his death on August 30, 2014. Demiraj was born in Vlora on January 1, 1920. He completed his secondary education at the Madrasa in Tirana before studying Albanian …

News

Seven wildfires remain active across four counties, with 284 personnel deployed

Albania continues to battle wildfires across several parts of the country. The Ministry of Defense reported 20 wildfires across the country by 20:00. Seven remain active, while authorities continue to monitor three others. A total of 284 operational personnel and 33 firefighting vehicles are supporting the response. The Armed Forces …

News

Albanian Foreign Ministry to Launch Virtual Diplomatic Presence to Improve Consular Services

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has described consular services for Albanians at home and abroad as a success story, linked not only to technological transformation but also to improvements in the way services are delivered, their quality and speed. In a video message published on social media, …