Italian ship brings first migrants to Albania-based camp under controversial asylum-processing deal
TIRANA, Oct. 16, 2024 – An Italian military ship carrying the first group of migrants arrived in the Albanian port of Shëngjin early Wednesday, marking the launch of a controversial project to process Italian asylum applications on Albanian soil, drawing much international attention. The initiative is part of a bilateral …
First Italian Ship With Refugees Arrives in Albania
The first Italian ship holding 16 refugees intercepted at sea arrived in Albania early on Wednesday, as Italy’s controversial plan to ‘offshore’ the processing of migrants and refugees got underway. Original post Here
Albanian Environmentalists See Red Over Green Sludge Coating Tirana’s Lake
The main artificial lake in the capital has been covered for weeks by thick green algae, which environmental activists blame on untreated urban sewage flowing into the water. Original post Here
Could Michigan’s Albanian-Americans Swing the Vote for Trump?
Albanian-American supporters of Donald Trump are campaigning hard in the swing state of Michigan, where their numbers could sway the result. But some fear the return of Trump’s controversial Balkan envoy Richard Grenell. Original post Here
Moldova Should Learn from Albania’s Mistakes in Justice Reform
As EU hopeful Moldova embarks on a complex process of judicial reform and vetting to root out corruption, experts advise it to note what has gone right – and wrong – in Albania, which began the same process a decade ago. Original post Here
Albania Opens EU Accession Negotiations, Seeks Membership by 2030
In Luxembourg on Tuesday, Albania opened its first negotiation ‘cluster’, with Prime Minister Edi Rama saying his country has its sights set on joining the European club by the end of the decade. Original post Here
Digital Rights Review: Websites Promote and Profit from Abuse of Women
BIRN’s monitoring of digital rights violations in August and September highlighted a threatening Hungarian ‘dark web’ site that contained illegally obtained images of women, plus a series of arrests for online sexual abuse in Romania. Original post Here
As Talks Begin, EU Chides Albania’s ‘Limited Progress’ in Tackling Corruption
As accession talks got underway, the EU ‘negotiating position’, published on Tuesday, says corruption remains “prevalent in most areas of public and business life, including in all branches of central and local government”. Original post Here
Androulakis Wins Second Chance to Revive Greece’s Centre-Left Party
After his re-election as leader of PASOK, Nikos Androulakis promised that “the best things are ahead” – but only time will show whether he can win back the trust of Greek voters for the once-powerful party he has supported since his youth. Original post Here
Albanian Police Arrest Two for Forcibly Exploiting Afghan Teenager
Police said they arrested two people for exploiting a 16-year-old from Afghanistan in the northern city of Shkodra, forcing him to work at a car service centre. Original post Here
Taulant Balla, head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, welcomes students and teachers from the “Mehmet Akif” school in Lipjan, Kosovo, to the Albanian Parliament. The group visits Tirana on a friendly and educational trip. Balla highlights the strong ties between Albania and Kosovo. He stresses the importance of national …
TIRANA, May 12 – Albanian Radio and Television launches the programme “Prag Eurovision”, presented as “On the Eve of Eurovision”, dedicated to the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Meanwhile, the broadcaster said the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest begins in a few hours. In this context, it added that …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko highlights internal audit as a key pillar of financial stability and transparency. He speaks at the International Conference of Auditors in Tirana. Moreover, he stresses its role in strengthening integrity and credibility in the financial system. First, he says Albania hosts high-level global and …
TIRANA, May 12 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. In a post on social media platform X, Hoxha said diplomacy does not remain limited to formal meeting rooms. He added that it also takes place in informal moments, including while waiting …
TIRANA, May 12 – Albanian Mail and IdentiTek signed a cooperation agreement on improving service delivery for citizens in Albania and abroad. The two institutions aim to strengthen access, security, and efficiency in identity-related services. The agreement was signed by Albanian Mail Administrator Etjen Xhafaj and IdentiTek Administrator Silda Anagnosti …
TIRANA, May 12 – New archaeological findings have emerged at the Amantia Archaeological Park, following excavations carried out in 2025 on the eastern terrace of the fortification site. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport said the latest excavations, conducted by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage and the …
TIRANA, May 12 – The Committee for Europe and Foreign Affairs held a hearing with Minister of State and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka on the Council of Ministers’ report on Albania’s accession process to the European Union. She presented progress achieved in 2025. Albania opened negotiations on all chapters. The …
TIRANA, May 12 – Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania’s economy stands at a strong development stage. She said the government works to direct growth toward innovation, digitalisation, and deeper European integration through partnerships with international financial institutions. At a signing ceremony for a new financing line …
Albania presents its national pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2026. The pavilion is titled “A Place in the Sun” by artist Genti Korini. It highlights Albania’s cultural identity on a major international art stage. Prime Minister Edi Rama shares photos from the event. He expresses pride in Albania’s participation. He …
TIRANA, May 12 – Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the signing of a financing agreement between the European Investment Bank and Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania. The agreement targets small and medium enterprises in innovation, digitalisation, technology, and green investments. At the ceremony, Rama said the government will support …