Human Rights Watchdog Urges Italy, Albania to End Offshore Migrant Detention
Amnesty International said in a new report that the Italian-Albanian deal for the offshore detention of asylum seekers and migrants is “jeopardising people’s safety, liberty and human rights”. Original post Here
Kulmak Festival: Thousands of Bektashi pilgrims gather on Mount Tomor
TIRANA, August 20 – Thousands of Bektashi believers and visitors from Albania and other countries are gathering on Mount Tomorr this week for the traditional Kulmak Festival. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the celebrations on social media, describing the event as one of the area’s most important spiritual …
Kosova: Bone remains of at least 23 individuals identified in Zubin Potok
TIRANA, August 20 – Kosova’s Special Prosecution Office, in cooperation with the Kosova Police and the Institute of Forensic Medicine, identified bone remains believed to belong to at least 23 individuals during excavation work in suspected locations in Zubin Potok. The Institute of Forensic Medicine carried out preliminary examinations at …
Cybersecurity during summer holidays: Tips for safer travel
TIRANA, August 20 – Smartphones play a central role during summer travel. People use them for bookings, tickets, documents, photos, maps, payments and personal or work accounts. The National Cyber Security Authority recommends several measures to protect devices, accounts and data. Before departure, travellers should update operating systems and applications. …
Referendum request on protected areas law: Election Commission approves signature form
TIRANA, August 20 – Albania’s Central Election Commission reviewed a request today for a standard form to collect signatures for a nationwide referendum. The proposed referendum seeks to repeal changes made in 2024 to the law on protected areas. The commission approved the standard form for collecting voters’ signatures. The …
Forbes: Albania presented as a hidden Balkan treasure of history, nature and hospitality
TIRANA, August 20 – “Forbes” has highlighted Albania as a destination rich in history, culture, nature and hospitality. Travel journalist Jeanine Barone describes the country as a once-forgotten “jewelry box” that now attracts international visitors. The article highlights Albania’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic towns and diverse landscapes. Visitors can …
Deputy Prime Minister Koçiu: Support for farmers and businesses to expand processing capacity
TIRANA, August 20 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu highlighted the growth of Albanian agricultural businesses in international markets. She cited Zdrava Group, an Albanian agro-processing company, as an example of a business that has grown alongside farmers and invested in technology. The company has operated in agro-processing for more …
5 active fires and 3 under control, 382 personnel on the ground
TIRANA, August 20 – Albania’s Ministry of Defence reported 35 fires across the country over the past 24 hours. Five remain active, while authorities have placed 3 under control. A total of 382 operational personnel and 40 fire engines are working across the affected areas. The Armed Forces are supporting …
United States renews call for Kosova institutions amid political deadlock
TIRANA, August 20 – The United States has renewed its call for Kosova’s political leaders to cooperate on forming institutions in line with the Constitution and Constitutional Court decisions. A US State Department spokesperson told Radio Free Europe that political leaders should work together to overcome the institutional deadlock. The …
Wildfires across albania, five blazes remain active
The wildfire situation across the country remains problematic, although improvements have been reported in several affected areas over the past 24 hours. Of the 35 fires reported, five remain active, while three others are being kept under control. A total of 382 operational personnel and 40 fire engines have been …
Albania will host the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) for the first time. The forum aims to strengthen cooperation between local and regional authorities in EU member states and countries across the southern Mediterranean. Over three days, more than 80 representatives of local and regional authorities will discuss shared …
Albania will protect the constitutional right to protest while taking firm, lawful measures to prevent violence and maintain public order, Interior Minister Ervin Demo said on Thursday. Speaking from San Patrignano, Italy, where he is attending an international high-level meeting on addiction prevention and rehabilitation, Demo discussed public safety with …
Albania has taken the first step towards building a new French Lyceum in Korçë, a public school of excellence that will focus on science, technology and multilingual education. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced that the government has approved the draft law for the project. The new school will be established …
Twenty hotels in Albania have been selected for the prestigious Michelin Guide’s hotel collection, giving the country greater visibility among international travellers. Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the selection, describing it as an important step in promoting Albanian hospitality worldwide. The selected hotels are located across several …
Albania has signed an official agreement to participate in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, reaffirming its commitment to international peace and security efforts. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at the General Staff Headquarters of the Albanian Armed Forces in Tirana. Albanian Armed Forces Chief of General …
The maritime, air and amphibious capabilities of Allied forces took centre stage aboard the Turkish ship TCG ANADOLU and along the Albanian coast during Neptune Strike 26-4 on October 19, 2026, demonstrating the cooperation and readiness that underpin NATO’s collective defence. The event was attended by senior officials, including defence …
By Denis Jukni Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from an experimental technology to a new infrastructure of the economy and public administration. Generative models, automation, robotics, cloud infrastructure, large-scale data processing and algorithmic systems are changing how companies produce, how institutions deliver services and how citizens receive information. This transformation …
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 …