Rama’s ‘Bektashi State’ proposal raises major concerns, faces negative backlash
TIRANA, Sept 24, 2024 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has ignited a major debate in Albania over his proposal to transform the global Bektashi Order’s headquarters in Tirana into a Vatican-style sovereign state. The Albanian public debate has been almost universally against the idea and there is anger at the …
Critics Pour Scorn on Albanian PM’s ‘Microstate’ Plan for Bektashi Muslims
Behind Edi Rama’s announcement of a Vatican-type ‘microstate’ for the Bektashi movement in Tirana, some critics of his rule see a bid to distract attention from domestic scandals and win more favourable foreign media coverage. Original post Here
Joint exercise with British troops, Vengu: Response to the reality of security in the region
The Minister of Defense, Pirro Vengu, participated in the DVDay (Distinguished Visitors Day) of the joint exercise between the Albanian and British troops “Austere wolf – 24”. During his speech, he said that this exercise is a response to the reality of security in the Western Balkans region. “Commitment to …
Accused for prostitution, Tirana police has arrested two foreign citizens
Two citizens, Russian and Ukrainian, have been arrested in Tirana. These two citizens were caught red-handed on “Naim Frasheri” street, taking sums of money from foreign citizens, which they allegedly used for prostitution. During the verifications carried out, it was found that these citizens collected the sums of money obtained …
A Rising Tide Lifts Empty Boats
Interpreting an Improved Economy in the Face of Depopulation Mark Crawford In 2024 Albania faces a paradox of statistics. After a couple of years of strong GDP growth, Albania is projected to have a stable, if not solid next couple of years. Tourism in 2023 boomed and investment in …
A Courageous Tug o’ War for American Investment
A delicate game attracting Democrat and Republican attention in the Western Balkans Mark Crawford Sir Humphrey: There are four words you have to work into a proposal if you want a Minister to accept it. Sir Frank: Quick, simple, popular, cheap. And equally there are four words to …
SPAK/ Former prime minister, Berisha will be officially recognized with the closure of the investigations on Wednesday
Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha will appear in the Special Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday. ABC News reporter Ermal Vija reports that SPAK has called Berisha to officially inform him of the closure of the investigation into the “Partizani” file. “It is about the completion of the investigations, SPAK will communicate …
Interior minister: 17% more people than last year were arrested in the national search
The Minister of the Interior, Ervin Hoxha, reported to the Security Commission the state of order in the country and the criminal events that happened recently. He emphasized that 17% more people were arrested in the national search between January and August of this year, more than last year. “You …
Rama invites everyone to join: 215 applicants for MPs of Socialist Party
The Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, invited everyone this Sunday who want to be part of the socialist team, to apply at the ‘Members of Parliament that we want’. In a message in the social media, Rama said that everyone is welcomed to join SP2030. Some 215 candidates applied to …
Two citizens from Poland arrested for cultivating cannabis
Two Polish citizens have been arrested in Saranda as part of the police mega-operation coded “Temple 3”. During the check in the premises of a hotel in Saranda, with one of the Polish administrators, specifically in the room where he was staying with the other Polish citizen, the Police services …
The European Union Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, said in a speech delivered at the opening ceremony of Europe Week that strengthening the rule of law is the foundation of prosperity and the key to Albania’s integration into the EU. Gonzato stated that Albania, as a candidate country seeking membership …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said in his speech at the opening of Europe Week that, for Albanians, Europe remains both a dream and a promised land because of the country’s long isolation from the rest of the world. “For us Albanians, Europe remains, even in these gloomy times, what it …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said in his speech at the opening of Europe Week that Albania’s path toward the European Union is difficult, but irreversible. Rama emphasized that the rule of law, as a guarantee ensured by the EU, cannot be negotiated. “If today we are confident about the progress …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”fff59cf8-973b-45ad-9994-a7bce15b632b” data-turn-id-container=”fff59cf8-973b-45ad-9994-a7bce15b632b” data-testid=”conversation-turn-17″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, is expected to make her first official visit to Kosovo on Friday, May 15. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:e00a4416-cd7f-4e71-ab3d-695465d210ed-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:e00a4416-cd7f-4e71-ab3d-695465d210ed-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> This was confirmed by unofficial sources within European institutions …
The city of Shkodër came alive on Friday evening with the unique atmosphere of “Moto Fest Shkodra 2026,” an event that brought together hundreds of bikers, rock music fans, and visitors from different countries in the heart of the city. The main square was transformed into a massive celebration stage, …
Xhoela Bame, a young researcher from Korçë, has been named by the prestigious magazine Forbes as one of the “30 Under 30” individuals with extraordinary global impact — a recognition that places her among the most promising names in science and medicine. For several years, the young woman from Korça …
The “Asim Vokshi” High School in Tiranë is one of the educational facilities rebuilt after the November 26, 2019 earthquake. Along with this school, 62 other educational buildings have been reconstructed across 11 of the country’s most affected municipalities. “A project based on two main pillars: building better and building …
Europe Day: EU Ambassador, Gonzato says Albania plays key role in European Union security and future
TIRANA, May 9 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato marked Europe Day during the opening of Europe Week under the motto “Open Space”. Speaking at the event, Gonzato said the European Union has taken steps to protect stability and democratic values at a time when global conflicts threaten …
TIRANA, May 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama marked Europe Day during the opening of Europe Week, describing 9 May as a symbol of European courage and cooperation. Speaking at the event, Rama said the European Union represents a space where different cultures live and cooperate in peace and equality. …
Tirana protest unfolds amid EU concerns over shrinking parliamentary oversight. TIRANA, May 08, 2026 — Albania’s opposition staged a national protest in Tirana on Friday evening, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and what it described as his corrupt government, while accusing the ruling majority of abuse of …