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Week in Review: Tests and Pressures

Historical narratives, political systems, institutions and economies across the region are being put to the test as old problems collide with new pressures, our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories this week shows. Original post Here

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Ervin Demo to take over Interior Ministry as Lamallari moves to Prime Minister’s Office

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a change at the helm of the Interior Ministry. Besfort Lamallari will leave the post and move to the Prime Minister’s Office, while Ervin Demo will take over the ministry. Rama announced the move while presenting changes to the government. He said Lamallari would …

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Ministry of Defense: 40 wildfires reported across Albania, six remain active

The Ministry of Defense reported 40 wildfires across Albania in the past 24 hours. Six remain active, nine are under monitoring and 25 have been fully extinguished. A total of 492 local personnel and 36 firefighting vehicles are supporting operations. The Armed Forces have deployed 133 personnel, one helicopter, two …

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Klodiana Spahiu sworn in as new health minister

Klodiana Spahiu has been sworn in as Minister of Health and Social Welfare at the Presidency. President Bajram Begaj appointed her following Prime Minister Edi Rama’s proposal, after Evis Sala resigned from the post. Spahiu is a cardiologist and holds a medical degree from the University of Tirana. She later …

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Ibrahim Kodra exhibition “The Sea and Music” to open in Tirana on September 23

An exhibition dedicated to one of Albania’s leading 20th-century artists, Ibrahim Kodra, will open in Tirana on September 23. “Ibrahim Kodra – The Sea and Music” will be held at the Bank of Albania and will remain open until November 23. The exhibition features 41 works created between 1947 and …

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Gonxhja: National Campaign to Register Artisans Begins

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the launch of a national campaign to register artisans across Albania. The campaign aims to identify, assess and promote traditional crafts and the people who preserve them. Gonxhja said the campaign would give greater visibility to artisans and their work. It will …

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Minister Ibrahimaj: Albania to make 7,000 apartments available under new housing fund

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj has announced a new National Housing Fund to support not only vulnerable groups, but also professionals, young people and newly formed families. Speaking after a government meeting, Ibrahimaj said the programme will make 7,000 apartments available. Around 2,000 will be offered through interest-free loans …

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Bank of Albania, UNDP strengthen cooperation on green finance and SME support

The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, met with UNDP Resident Representative Randi Davis to discuss cooperation in green finance, financial and digital education, payment systems, and support for SMEs. The meeting focused on Albania’s latest economic and financial developments and the Bank’s ongoing initiatives. Davis praised the …

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Albania’s protected areas attract 4.5 million visitors in eight months

Albania is increasingly attracting visitors through its natural heritage, with protected areas becoming key destinations for tourists. Diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity and outdoor activities are drawing more visitors and adding a new dimension to the country’s tourism offer. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said more than 4.5 million visitors explored Albania’s …

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Netherlands trains 13 Albanian prosecutors in Tirana, focusing on ethics and complex cases

General jurisdiction prosecutors from Tirana, Elbasan, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Kukës, Korçë, Berat, Fier, Vlora, Dibër, Lezhë and Shkodër took part in a training session on prosecutorial ethics and professional dilemmas. The Dutch Embassy in Albania said the training was led by Dutch prosecutor Disa Jironet. It focused on complex cases, …

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Spain’s democratic transition offers lessons for overcoming divisions, Koçiu says

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the presentation of the book “Spain in Democracy 1975–2000”, written by Charles Powell, in Tirana today. On this occasion, Koçiu took part in a discussion about Spain’s democratic transition, together with the author, Charles Powell, and the Albanian translator, Kita Sallabanda. During the discussion, …

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Kurti meets French figures who supported Kosovo, discusses The Hague verdict in Paris

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with several French public figures in Paris on Monday, discussing political, economic and security developments in Kosovo, as well as the September 16 verdict issued in The Hague. The meeting took place ahead of the official opening of the Paris Peace Forum, which Kurti …

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Milan Šufflay, the Croatian historian devoted to the study of medieval Albania

The National Historical Museum has commemorated the birth anniversary of Croatian historian Milan Šufflay, who made an important contribution to the study of Albania’s medieval history. Milan Šufflay was born on November 9, 1879, in Zagreb. He was a medieval historian and Albanologist, widely regarded as one of the founders …

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Themistokli Gërmenji, the patriot and intellectual devoted to Albania’s national cause

On November 9, 1917, Themistokli Gërmenji, an Albanian patriot, freedom fighter and intellectual, was executed at the age of 46. He devoted his life to the Albanian national cause and the country’s independence. According to the General Directorate of Archives, Gërmenji began his patriotic activities abroad, after moving to Romania …

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Kosovo and Italy reaffirm partnership in areas of mutual interest

Kosovo and Italy have reaffirmed their excellent relations and pledged to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The issue was discussed during a meeting today between Kosovo President Justina Shiroka-Pula and Italy’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Maurizio Antonini, at the Presidential Office. President Shiroka-Pula expressed her gratitude for …

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German President Steinmeier sends message to Kosovo President Shiroka-Pula

Kosovo President Justina Shiroka-Pula has received a congratulatory letter from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the occasion of taking office. In his letter, President Steinmeier conveyed his best wishes to Shiroka-Pula on behalf of himself and the German people. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring the full functioning of …

News
Ola flour introduces new 5 kg, 10 kg and 15 kg pack sizes

Ola Flour expands its packaging range with three new formats: 5 kg, 10 kg and 15 kg. These new pack sizes are designed to better meet the everyday needs of both consumers and businesses. Ola Foods, part of Atlas Corporation, introduces this new development following many years of presence in …

News
UEFA Nations League: Albania begins preparations for Finland and Belarus fixtures

TIRANA, November 9 /ATSH/ – The Albanian national team officially began its training camp today ahead of their final two UEFA Nations League matches against Finland and Belarus. The Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) announced that 25 players are currently available to Head Coach Rolando Maran. Forward Myrto Uzuni and midfielder …

News
Police step up traffic measures to ease congestion in Tirana after road signage damage

TIRANA, Nov 9 /ATA/ – Interior Minister Ervin Demo has called for stepped-up traffic management measures in Tirana to reduce congestion, improve road safety and help commuters reach work and school more easily. During an inspection on Monday in the city’s 21 Dhjetori area, where traffic police have increased their …

News
Rama holds bilateral talks with Macron while in Paris for Peace Forum

TIRANA, November 9 /ATSH/ – Prime Minister Rama is in Paris for the Peace Forum, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. Today evening, PM Rama was received for a bilateral meeting by President Macron at the Élysée Palace. In a world shaped by geopolitical shifts, tech evolution, and …

News

Spain’s democratic transition offers lessons for overcoming divisions, Koçiu says

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the presentation of the book “Spain in Democracy 1975–2000”, written by Charles Powell, in Tirana today. On this occasion, Koçiu took part in a discussion about Spain’s democratic transition, together with the author, Charles Powell, and the Albanian translator, Kita Sallabanda. During the discussion, …

News

Kurti meets French figures who supported Kosovo, discusses The Hague verdict in Paris

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with several French public figures in Paris on Monday, discussing political, economic and security developments in Kosovo, as well as the September 16 verdict issued in The Hague. The meeting took place ahead of the official opening of the Paris Peace Forum, which Kurti …

News

Milan Šufflay, the Croatian historian devoted to the study of medieval Albania

The National Historical Museum has commemorated the birth anniversary of Croatian historian Milan Šufflay, who made an important contribution to the study of Albania’s medieval history. Milan Šufflay was born on November 9, 1879, in Zagreb. He was a medieval historian and Albanologist, widely regarded as one of the founders …

News

Themistokli Gërmenji, the patriot and intellectual devoted to Albania’s national cause

On November 9, 1917, Themistokli Gërmenji, an Albanian patriot, freedom fighter and intellectual, was executed at the age of 46. He devoted his life to the Albanian national cause and the country’s independence. According to the General Directorate of Archives, Gërmenji began his patriotic activities abroad, after moving to Romania …

News

Kosovo and Italy reaffirm partnership in areas of mutual interest

Kosovo and Italy have reaffirmed their excellent relations and pledged to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The issue was discussed during a meeting today between Kosovo President Justina Shiroka-Pula and Italy’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Maurizio Antonini, at the Presidential Office. President Shiroka-Pula expressed her gratitude for …

News

German President Steinmeier sends message to Kosovo President Shiroka-Pula

Kosovo President Justina Shiroka-Pula has received a congratulatory letter from German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on the occasion of taking office. In his letter, President Steinmeier conveyed his best wishes to Shiroka-Pula on behalf of himself and the German people. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring the full functioning of …

News

Ola flour introduces new 5 kg, 10 kg and 15 kg pack sizes

Ola Flour expands its packaging range with three new formats: 5 kg, 10 kg and 15 kg. These new pack sizes are designed to better meet the everyday needs of both consumers and businesses. Ola Foods, part of Atlas Corporation, introduces this new development following many years of presence in …

News

UEFA Nations League: Albania begins preparations for Finland and Belarus fixtures

TIRANA, November 9 /ATSH/ – The Albanian national team officially began its training camp today ahead of their final two UEFA Nations League matches against Finland and Belarus. The Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) announced that 25 players are currently available to Head Coach Rolando Maran. Forward Myrto Uzuni and midfielder …

News

Police step up traffic measures to ease congestion in Tirana after road signage damage

TIRANA, Nov 9 /ATA/ – Interior Minister Ervin Demo has called for stepped-up traffic management measures in Tirana to reduce congestion, improve road safety and help commuters reach work and school more easily. During an inspection on Monday in the city’s 21 Dhjetori area, where traffic police have increased their …

News

Rama holds bilateral talks with Macron while in Paris for Peace Forum

TIRANA, November 9 /ATSH/ – Prime Minister Rama is in Paris for the Peace Forum, at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. Today evening, PM Rama was received for a bilateral meeting by President Macron at the Élysée Palace. In a world shaped by geopolitical shifts, tech evolution, and …