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 …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused those behind violent protests of seeking to destabilize Albania and divert the country’s path toward the future. Speaking at a joint press conference with Interior Minister Ervin Demo, Rama alleged that organized crime and foreign actors stood behind the violent element of the protests. …
Clashes between protesters and police spread across Tirana on Saturday after a student protest began outside the Ministry of Education at 2 p.m. Some demonstrators threw stones at the building and police officers, prompting police to respond with water cannons and tear gas. Protesters then moved to Skanderbeg Square and …
The European Union has welcomed Kosovo President Justina Shiroka Pula’s decision to return the Law on the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague to Parliament for reconsideration, adding that it expects to be consulted if discussions on the legislation resume. “The EU has consistently expressed deep concern about the initiative …
Protesters mobilized by the Democratic Party (DP) set fire to the seats placed by Prime Minister Edi Rama outside the government building as an invitation for dialogue. Prime Minister Edi Rama responded in a post on his Facebook page, accusing the Democratic Party of “urban terror.” “And here comes the …
Euronews is broadcasting Saturday’s protest in Tirana live, reporting that opposition supporters and students have mobilized in the Albanian capital. According to authorities, 2,500 police officers have been deployed across the streets of Tirana. Protesters took to the streets of the capital on Saturday, as police used water cannons and …
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced that an MP, a police officer, media representatives and several protesters sought medical treatment at the University Hospital Centre of Tirana (QSUT) and the University Trauma Hospital (SUT) during today’s protest. According to preliminary information, all those who received medical attention …
Albania, the Board of Peace, the International Stabilization Force (ISF), and the Gaza Task Force have officially finalized a Participating State Agreement, paving the way for Albania’s involvement in the International Stabilization Force. Albania will provide additional support for security operations and operational planning capabilities for the mission in Gaza. …
1,500 police officers have been deployed to ensure security during the protest announced by the Democratic Party (DP), which is expected to begin at 12:00 p.m. Several water cannon trucks have also been stationed around the Prime Minister’s Office and are expected to be used against protesters if acts of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, in a statement on social media, reiterated his claim that violence during recent protests in Tirana was caused by ideologically radicalized individuals, religious extremists, and people with criminal backgrounds disguised as students. Rama stressed that protesting is a right that must be guaranteed in every democratic …
Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Ervin Demo held a joint press conference this Saturday regarding the protests in the capital. Rama said that insisting on continuing protests while refusing dialogue was pointless, stressing that protesters were afraid to engage in talks for fear of being labelled traitors. “When …