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UN General Assembly/ Minister Hasani arrives in New York

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, has arrived in New York, to participate in a series of activities, within the High Level Week of the UN General Assembly (September 22-30, 2024). Minister Hasani is expected to sign several agreements for the mutual liberalization of visas, in order to …

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Alienation of properties/ SPAK sends Jorgo Goro to trial, accused of abuse of duty and concealment of assets

The Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has closed the investigations and has sent the former head of Himara, Jorgo Goro, to the Special Court (GJKKO) for trial. SPAK accuses Goro of abuse of office in two cases, as well as of concealing assets. In the capacity of the mayor of Himara, …

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Albania Adopts Law Deterring Medical Students From Emigrating After Graduation

A new law approved by MPs obliges medical students to work for three years in Albania after graduation or incur the full cost of their tuition fees. Original post Here

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Mo, for short

(The image used in this article is from The Economist and is property of Dan Williams. It is used for illustrative purposes only; all rights belong to Dan Williams) The following is a story of immense personal achievement; it’s a story of a tremendous love for one’s country, and it …

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Noa Beci : How to keep your life together

The five stages of grief Noa Beci, an 18-year-old Albanian high school student residing in Austria, has won the opportunity to publish her book, The Five Stages of Grief, as part of the Young Storyteller Award. This award, presented by story.one and Thalia, seeks to uncover the next generation of …

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Albania’s Beleaguered Ex-PM Attacks Media After Corruption File Leak

Albanian rights groups criticised threats voiced by former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, who claimed, without providing proof, that some journalists were serving the interests of prosecutors by reporting the corruption charges against him. Original post Here

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‘Where I Belong’: The Charm, and the Challenges, of Small-Town Albania

For years, Albanians have been leaving behind small towns and villages for the capital, Tirana, or for life abroad. Some are drawn back, but it’s a choice that is not without challenges. Original post Here

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Assassination attempt against former prosecutor Arjan Ndoj/ SPAK requires 30 years in prison for 5 defendants

On Tuesday, the special prosecution requested a sentence of 30 years in prison in total for the 5 people accused of the assassination attempt of former prosecutor Arjan Ndoja and his friend Pëllumb Muharremi in November 2019. The attack took place near the Sukthi overpass on the Tirana Durres highway, …

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Rama: Competition for the construction of new buildings for the administration

In Albania, the international competition for the development of the first two projects of the Albanian Investment Corporation is being held. There are 10 prestigious studios in the competition, which will present to the international jury the project ideas for 4 new developments, which will pave the way for a …

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Albanian drug trafficker arrested in Madrid, declared wanted since 2014 by Europol

A 58-year-old Albanian, Haredin Fejzulla, who was wanted for drug trafficking since 2014, was arrested in Madrid. According to foreign authorities, he was sentenced to 29 years in prison in Belgium for 13 charges of drug trafficking, criminal organization and document forgery. The police in Madrid have also published footage …

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Week in Review: Turning Points and Endless Loops

While some events covered in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week suggest that possible changes are afoot, other parts of the region seem stuck in the same rut. Original post Here

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Himara Triathlon Links Sport and Tourism on the Albanian Riviera

Himara Triathlon will take place on May 10 in the coastal town of Himarë, bringing together professional and amateur athletes. The event combines three disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running. It promotes both competitive sport and active lifestyles. The race will start at Potam Beach with the swimming stage. It will …

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Mesi Bridge in Shkodër, a preferred destination for local and foreign tourists

TIRANA, May 8 – Mesi Bridge attracts daily visitors from Albania and abroad. Tourists admire its history, architecture, and cultural heritage value. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos from the site in Shkodër and described it as a restored pearl of cultural heritage. The bridge lies about 8 kilometres from …

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EU Ambassador Gonzato: Better services and infrastructure at core of “EU4Municipalities II”

TIRANA, May 8 – EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato attended today the official launch of the “EU4Municipalities II” project in Durrës. He described the initiative as a concrete programme that brings direct benefits at local level and places citizens at the centre of Albania’s EU integration process. Referring to …

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PM Rama: “EU4Municipalities II” a strategic EU investment in local governance modernisation

TIRANA, May 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended today in Durrës the official launch of the “EU4Municipalities II” programme. The initiative aims to strengthen local government and support Albania’s path toward the European Union. The programme will support municipalities through concrete investments. It also aims to strengthen institutional capacities …

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Kosova elections on 7 June; deadline closes at CEC, 22 parties in race and three coalitions registered

TIRANA, May 8 – The deadline for political parties in Kosova to notify the Central Election Commission (CEC) on participation or non-participation in elections and coalition formation closed at midnight. The obligation applied to 53 political parties registered in Kosova. The CEC said it received notifications from 22 parties for …

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Health Minister Sala presents national strategy for artificial intelligence in healthcare in Milan

TIRANA, May 8 – Minister of Health and Social Welfare Evis Sala presented Albania’s national strategy for the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare in Milan. The presentation focused on oncology during the First Congress on Artificial Intelligence in Oncology. The event was organised by the European Society for Artificial …

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“Pearl of Dibër” awakens in spring, Rama publishes images from Grama Pastures

TIRANA, May 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today images from Grama Pastures in Dibër, where nature wakes up in spring among greenery and mountain calm. Grama is called the pearl of Dibër. It is rich in flat pastures, a beautiful lake, and endless greenery. On the ascent to …

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Gonxhja: Archaeological Museum Project Will Meet International Standards

Blendi Gonxhja said the new Archaeological Museum project will meet international standards for preservation, exhibition, and public access. Speaking in Parliament, Gonxhja answered concerns raised by opposition MP Ina Zhupa over plans to relocate the museum collection to an underground space. He said the ministry follows international models that combine …

News
National tax revenues reach 11.5 billion ALL in first quarter

TIRANA, May 8 – National tax revenues in January–March 2026 reached 11.5 billion ALL. They achieved 97.6% of the planned target for the first quarter, the Ministry of Finance said. The report on fiscal indicators showed revenues from this category stood around 500 million ALL lower than the same period …

News

Week in Review: Turning Points and Endless Loops

While some events covered in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week suggest that possible changes are afoot, other parts of the region seem stuck in the same rut. Original post Here

News

Himara Triathlon Links Sport and Tourism on the Albanian Riviera

Himara Triathlon will take place on May 10 in the coastal town of Himarë, bringing together professional and amateur athletes. The event combines three disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running. It promotes both competitive sport and active lifestyles. The race will start at Potam Beach with the swimming stage. It will …

News

Mesi Bridge in Shkodër, a preferred destination for local and foreign tourists

TIRANA, May 8 – Mesi Bridge attracts daily visitors from Albania and abroad. Tourists admire its history, architecture, and cultural heritage value. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos from the site in Shkodër and described it as a restored pearl of cultural heritage. The bridge lies about 8 kilometres from …

News

EU Ambassador Gonzato: Better services and infrastructure at core of “EU4Municipalities II”

TIRANA, May 8 – EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato attended today the official launch of the “EU4Municipalities II” project in Durrës. He described the initiative as a concrete programme that brings direct benefits at local level and places citizens at the centre of Albania’s EU integration process. Referring to …

News

PM Rama: “EU4Municipalities II” a strategic EU investment in local governance modernisation

TIRANA, May 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended today in Durrës the official launch of the “EU4Municipalities II” programme. The initiative aims to strengthen local government and support Albania’s path toward the European Union. The programme will support municipalities through concrete investments. It also aims to strengthen institutional capacities …

News

Kosova elections on 7 June; deadline closes at CEC, 22 parties in race and three coalitions registered

TIRANA, May 8 – The deadline for political parties in Kosova to notify the Central Election Commission (CEC) on participation or non-participation in elections and coalition formation closed at midnight. The obligation applied to 53 political parties registered in Kosova. The CEC said it received notifications from 22 parties for …

News

Health Minister Sala presents national strategy for artificial intelligence in healthcare in Milan

TIRANA, May 8 – Minister of Health and Social Welfare Evis Sala presented Albania’s national strategy for the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare in Milan. The presentation focused on oncology during the First Congress on Artificial Intelligence in Oncology. The event was organised by the European Society for Artificial …

News

“Pearl of Dibër” awakens in spring, Rama publishes images from Grama Pastures

TIRANA, May 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today images from Grama Pastures in Dibër, where nature wakes up in spring among greenery and mountain calm. Grama is called the pearl of Dibër. It is rich in flat pastures, a beautiful lake, and endless greenery. On the ascent to …

News

Gonxhja: Archaeological Museum Project Will Meet International Standards

Blendi Gonxhja said the new Archaeological Museum project will meet international standards for preservation, exhibition, and public access. Speaking in Parliament, Gonxhja answered concerns raised by opposition MP Ina Zhupa over plans to relocate the museum collection to an underground space. He said the ministry follows international models that combine …

News

National tax revenues reach 11.5 billion ALL in first quarter

TIRANA, May 8 – National tax revenues in January–March 2026 reached 11.5 billion ALL. They achieved 97.6% of the planned target for the first quarter, the Ministry of Finance said. The report on fiscal indicators showed revenues from this category stood around 500 million ALL lower than the same period …