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Albanian Anti-Govt Protesters Throw Molotov Cocktails, Clash with Police

Opposition supporters demonstrating in Tirana about the jailing of an MP threw incendiary devices at the prime minister’s office and the ruling Socialist Party headquarters and clashed with police outside parliament. Original post Here

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Will any other Western Balkans country join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) on the same day as Montenegro?

by Marija Stojanović Journalist at European Western Balkans   According to the recent announcement by Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), Montenegro is poised to become the first country in the Western Balkans to join the Single Euro Payments Area …

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How Much Has Organised Crime Penetrated Albania’s Police?

A number of high-ranking police officers have been arrested, charged or sentenced for involvement in organised crime networks after an underworld phone app was hacked. BIRN examines what is known about the suspects so far. Original post Here

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Floods and Landslides Leave 14 Dead in Bosnia

A state of natural disaster has been declared in Bosnia after heavy rainfall overwhelmed homes and roads, leaving many dead, including a baby. Original post Here

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In the Eye of the Storm – Farmers of Albania

What Albania has a lot of is agricultural potential. Fertile lands and excellent weather. We can produce twice, even thrice a year. Yet, productivity is low and financial security for farmers is inexistant. Because of that, cropland abandonment has become a staple, as has urban migration and even emigration. The …

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Lenin’s footsteps in Tirana

By Veto Surroi The debate about beliefs with the “Bektashi Vatican” and the imprisonment of MP Salianji as a punishment for free speech are new and completely unnecessary problems for a state that, with major problems such as organized crime, will begin EU membership negotiations 1. Albania can paraphrase the …

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Albanians Fighting Cancer – AFC USA – Gala Concert with Impromptu Singalongs Elevates Pride Craving More Encores

Rafaela Prifti “The first time I heard the name Albanians Fighting Cancer AFC, it was through a GoFundMe page that someone launched for a relative with a cancer diagnosis,” said Fotini Kokeri of the Kosloski Family Foundation at the Gala Concert Saturday night featuring two remarkable Albanian performers, tenor Rame …

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Before He’s Even Started, Albania’s New Police Chief Has Phone Seized in Probe

Days before he is due to officially start the role, Albania’s police chief-elect, Ilir Proda, has had his mobile phone seized by anti-corruption prosecutors over a suspected leak of information to a notorious organised crime group. Original post Here

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Albanian MPs Reported to Special Prosecution over Parliament Violence

Police have accused 25 opposition lawmakers of destruction of property following violent scenes at parliament. Original post Here

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E-Government in the Balkans Still a Work in Progress: BIRN Report

A new BIRN report says a lack of funds and political will means that e-government services and open data provision in the Balkans remain very limited. Original post Here

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Europe Day: EU Ambassador, Gonzato says Albania plays key role in European Union security and future

TIRANA, May 9 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato marked Europe Day during the opening of Europe Week under the motto “Open Space”. Speaking at the event, Gonzato said the European Union has taken steps to protect stability and democratic values at a time when global conflicts threaten …

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Europe Day: PM Rama says European Union security depends on openness, not isolation

TIRANA, May 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama marked Europe Day during the opening of Europe Week, describing 9 May as a symbol of European courage and cooperation. Speaking at the event, Rama said the European Union represents a space where different cultures live and cooperate in peace and equality. …

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Opposition Calls for Rama’s Resignation Over Corruption

Tirana protest unfolds amid EU concerns over shrinking parliamentary oversight. TIRANA, May 08, 2026 — Albania’s opposition staged a national protest in Tirana on Friday evening, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and what it described as his corrupt government, while accusing the ruling majority of abuse of …

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Council of Europe President Costa to Albania: Your future lies in the European Union

TIRANA, May 9 – President of the Council of Europe Antonio Costa sent a message to Albania on Europe Day, describing the occasion as a moment to reflect on shared European values and the progress of aspiring countries toward integration. Addressing Albanian citizens as future members of the European Union, …

News
Rama: Turn Elbasan into a City of Startups and Innovation

Prime Minister Edi Rama urged Elbasan to become a leading city for startups and innovation during a meeting with winners of Albania’s national startup program for 2025 and new applicants for 2026. During the event, young innovators presented projects in technology and the digital economy. Meanwhile, organizers highlighted the rapid …

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Llatja: Startups Will Become Concrete Development Models for Elbasan

Mayor of Elbasan Gledian Llatja said startups will transform into concrete development models for Elbasan during a meeting with winners of Albania’s 2025 startup program and new applicants for 2026. The event took place at the newly renovated “Onufri” arts high school in Elbasan. Young innovators presented promising technology projects …

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Rama to Startup Winners: We Will Increase Funding in Line with Applications

Prime Minister Edi Rama met today in Elbasan with winners of Albania’s 2025 startup program and applicants for 2026, who presented promising projects in technology and innovation. During the meeting, Rama said technology is rapidly transforming economic development and innovation. He explained that the world has moved from linear growth …

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Gonxhja Visits Albania’s Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale

Albania inaugurated its National Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia with the presentation of “A Place in the Sun” by artist Genti Korini, curated by Małgorzata Ludwisiak. During the opening ceremony, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports Blendi Gonxhja described Albania’s participation as a …

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Lamallari at the UN: Albania Strengthens Its Role in Migration Management

Minister of Interior Besfort Lamallari addressed the International Migration Forum at the United Nations and reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to safe, orderly, and legal migration. During his speech, Lamallari stressed that Albania supports migration policies based on human rights, international cooperation, and stronger engagement with the Albanian diaspora. Furthermore, he said …

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Jaupaj: Regional Forestry Initiative with North Macedonia Brings $50 Million Investment

Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj met today with Dame Dimitrovski, adviser to the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, and Raimund Jehle during the regional conference United for Climate. During the meeting, Jaupaj discussed a regional forestry initiative supported by the Green Climate Fund and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Furthermore, …

News

Europe Day: EU Ambassador, Gonzato says Albania plays key role in European Union security and future

TIRANA, May 9 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato marked Europe Day during the opening of Europe Week under the motto “Open Space”. Speaking at the event, Gonzato said the European Union has taken steps to protect stability and democratic values at a time when global conflicts threaten …

News

Europe Day: PM Rama says European Union security depends on openness, not isolation

TIRANA, May 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama marked Europe Day during the opening of Europe Week, describing 9 May as a symbol of European courage and cooperation. Speaking at the event, Rama said the European Union represents a space where different cultures live and cooperate in peace and equality. …

News

Opposition Calls for Rama’s Resignation Over Corruption

Tirana protest unfolds amid EU concerns over shrinking parliamentary oversight. TIRANA, May 08, 2026 — Albania’s opposition staged a national protest in Tirana on Friday evening, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and what it described as his corrupt government, while accusing the ruling majority of abuse of …

News

Council of Europe President Costa to Albania: Your future lies in the European Union

TIRANA, May 9 – President of the Council of Europe Antonio Costa sent a message to Albania on Europe Day, describing the occasion as a moment to reflect on shared European values and the progress of aspiring countries toward integration. Addressing Albanian citizens as future members of the European Union, …

News

Rama: Turn Elbasan into a City of Startups and Innovation

Prime Minister Edi Rama urged Elbasan to become a leading city for startups and innovation during a meeting with winners of Albania’s national startup program for 2025 and new applicants for 2026. During the event, young innovators presented projects in technology and the digital economy. Meanwhile, organizers highlighted the rapid …

News

Llatja: Startups Will Become Concrete Development Models for Elbasan

Mayor of Elbasan Gledian Llatja said startups will transform into concrete development models for Elbasan during a meeting with winners of Albania’s 2025 startup program and new applicants for 2026. The event took place at the newly renovated “Onufri” arts high school in Elbasan. Young innovators presented promising technology projects …

News

Rama to Startup Winners: We Will Increase Funding in Line with Applications

Prime Minister Edi Rama met today in Elbasan with winners of Albania’s 2025 startup program and applicants for 2026, who presented promising projects in technology and innovation. During the meeting, Rama said technology is rapidly transforming economic development and innovation. He explained that the world has moved from linear growth …

News

Gonxhja Visits Albania’s Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale

Albania inaugurated its National Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia with the presentation of “A Place in the Sun” by artist Genti Korini, curated by Małgorzata Ludwisiak. During the opening ceremony, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports Blendi Gonxhja described Albania’s participation as a …

News

Lamallari at the UN: Albania Strengthens Its Role in Migration Management

Minister of Interior Besfort Lamallari addressed the International Migration Forum at the United Nations and reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to safe, orderly, and legal migration. During his speech, Lamallari stressed that Albania supports migration policies based on human rights, international cooperation, and stronger engagement with the Albanian diaspora. Furthermore, he said …

News

Jaupaj: Regional Forestry Initiative with North Macedonia Brings $50 Million Investment

Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj met today with Dame Dimitrovski, adviser to the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, and Raimund Jehle during the regional conference United for Climate. During the meeting, Jaupaj discussed a regional forestry initiative supported by the Green Climate Fund and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Furthermore, …