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US Academic Challenges National Narratives with Study of Race in Albania

In her new book based on her travels in Albania, Black American academic Chelsi West Ohueri looks at how people in the country see race and ethnicity – and the racial divides between Albanians and the marginalised Roma minority. Original post Here

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: November 3, 2025

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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Albania’s Former Prime Minister Fatos Nano Dies at 73

Albania’s president praised the legacy of the three-times prime minister, an important figure in the country’s post-communist politics, who died on Friday. Original post Here

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Albania’s Deputy PM Investigated for Violating Public Procurement Rules

Anti-corruption prosecutors said they are investigating deputy premier and infrastructure minister Belinda Balluku for violating tender rules, linked to the construction of a road in 2020. Original post Here

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Albania, China and the Case for a Balanced Foreign Policy

By Ambassador Fatmir Çela Diplomacy has always been the lifeline of small nations, and Albania is no exception. From Fan Noli’s influence in Washington to the decisive interventions of diplomats in 1913, Albania’s survival and recognition have often depended less on force and more on skillful negotiation and credibility. For …

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Syria Recognizes Kosovo in Diplomatic Breakthrough Backed by Saudi Arabia

TIRANA, October 29, 2025   In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Syria has officially recognized the Republic of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the 120th country to do so. The announcement was made in Riyadh during President Vjosa Osmani’s visit, marking one of the most significant moments in …

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Albanian Volleyball Authority Slammed for Suspending Player Over Gender Claims

The Albanian Volleyball Federation has been accused of discrimination and prejudice over its decision to suspend a Brazilian women’s volleyball player based on unsupported allegations about her gender. Original post Here

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Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama Meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama Meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh Riyadh, October 27, 2025 . Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama is paying an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he was received at the Royal Palace in Riyadh by the Crown Prince and …

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State Capture and Electoral Manipulation

ODIHR Report on Albania’s 2025 Elections Tirana, October 25, 2025.  The final report of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on Albania’s May 11 parliamentary elections paints a deeply troubling picture of a country where democratic standards remain systematically undermined. The document exposes extensive evidence of …

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SPAK Summons Deputy Prime Minister Balluku

SPAK Summons Deputy Prime Minister Balluku A Major Test for Albania’s Anti-Corruption Drive Tirana, October 27, 2025 .The Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has officially summoned Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Belinda Balluku for questioning, marking one of the most politically sensitive moments in Albania’s ongoing …

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Eid al-Adha in Albania: Tradition, Faith, and Historical Memory

Eid al-Adha is one of the two most important holidays for Muslim believers, together with Eid al-Fitr. It marks a special moment in the Islamic calendar. Moreover, it is a day of reflection, sacrifice, and solidarity. Religious Meaning and Origins According to Islamic tradition, Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of …

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Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Adha Today

Muslim believers across Albania are celebrating Eid al-Adha today, the holiday that symbolizes the great sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, the father of prophets. Muslims across the country began the celebration early in the morning by gathering in mosques for prayers. In Tirana, hundreds of worshippers performed prayers on “Dëshmorët e …

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Eid al-Adha, Muslim Community Head Spahiu: A Day of Solidarity and Helping One Another

Muslims across Albania today celebrate Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s most important holidays. The holiday symbolizes sacrifice, devotion, and solidarity. Early in the morning, believers gathered in mosques across the country to perform Eid prayers. In Tirana, hundreds of worshippers prayed on “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard. After the prayer, the …

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Begaj Extends Eid al-Adha Wishes: Peace, Kindness, and Prosperity for Every Albanian Family

President Bajram Begaj today congratulated Muslim believers on Eid al-Adha. He wished Albanian families more prosperity, health, harmony, and kindness. He also highlighted the values that the holiday represents. Begaj said Eid al-Adha reminds people of sacrifice, devotion to God, solidarity, and care for those in need. Furthermore, he stressed …

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Rama Extends Eid al-Adha Wishes: Blessed Day, Bright Night

Prime Minister Edi Rama tonight congratulated Muslim believers on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. Rama shared images from the celebration at the Grand Mosque of Tirana and wrote, “Blessed day, bright night. Happy Eid al-Adha.” Today, believers performed the Eid prayer on “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard in Tirana. The Albanian …

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Kurti Extends Eid al-Adha Wishes: Solidarity and Generosity for the Common Good

Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti visited the Mufti of Kosovo, Naim Tërnava, at the headquarters of the Islamic Community of Kosovo on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. He said the holiday obliges people to show solidarity and generosity for the common good. Kurti also recalled the sacrifice of …

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Begaj: Albania Takes Historic Step Toward EU Membership

President Bajram Begaj welcomed the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference on Monday. He called it a historic moment for Albania’s European path. The conference officially opens the closing phase of accession talks with the European Union. Begaj said Albania took another important step toward the European family. He described EU integration …

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Rama: Albania Is Europe’s Most Pro-EU Country

Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania remains the most pro-European country in Europe after the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference. Rama welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s focus on EU enlargement. He called the attention important and positive. He said enlargement was once a taboo topic, but that has changed. Rama called …

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Raouna: EU Enlargement Remains a Priority, Candidate Countries Must Be Treated Equally

Cyprus Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna said EU enlargement remains a top priority after the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference in Tirana. Raouna spoke alongside Prime Minister Edi Rama and EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos. She commented on a letter from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about new ideas for …

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Rama After EU Conference: This Is the Beginning of the Final Stage

Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has entered an advanced stage in its EU integration process after the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference. He called the conference another major milestone for the country. Rama said Albania opened all negotiation chapters in just 11 months. He described the pace as fast and …

News

Eid al-Adha in Albania: Tradition, Faith, and Historical Memory

Eid al-Adha is one of the two most important holidays for Muslim believers, together with Eid al-Fitr. It marks a special moment in the Islamic calendar. Moreover, it is a day of reflection, sacrifice, and solidarity. Religious Meaning and Origins According to Islamic tradition, Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of …

News

Muslims Celebrate Eid al-Adha Today

Muslim believers across Albania are celebrating Eid al-Adha today, the holiday that symbolizes the great sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, the father of prophets. Muslims across the country began the celebration early in the morning by gathering in mosques for prayers. In Tirana, hundreds of worshippers performed prayers on “Dëshmorët e …

News

Eid al-Adha, Muslim Community Head Spahiu: A Day of Solidarity and Helping One Another

Muslims across Albania today celebrate Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s most important holidays. The holiday symbolizes sacrifice, devotion, and solidarity. Early in the morning, believers gathered in mosques across the country to perform Eid prayers. In Tirana, hundreds of worshippers prayed on “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard. After the prayer, the …

News

Begaj Extends Eid al-Adha Wishes: Peace, Kindness, and Prosperity for Every Albanian Family

President Bajram Begaj today congratulated Muslim believers on Eid al-Adha. He wished Albanian families more prosperity, health, harmony, and kindness. He also highlighted the values that the holiday represents. Begaj said Eid al-Adha reminds people of sacrifice, devotion to God, solidarity, and care for those in need. Furthermore, he stressed …

News

Rama Extends Eid al-Adha Wishes: Blessed Day, Bright Night

Prime Minister Edi Rama tonight congratulated Muslim believers on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. Rama shared images from the celebration at the Grand Mosque of Tirana and wrote, “Blessed day, bright night. Happy Eid al-Adha.” Today, believers performed the Eid prayer on “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard in Tirana. The Albanian …

News

Kurti Extends Eid al-Adha Wishes: Solidarity and Generosity for the Common Good

Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti visited the Mufti of Kosovo, Naim Tërnava, at the headquarters of the Islamic Community of Kosovo on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. He said the holiday obliges people to show solidarity and generosity for the common good. Kurti also recalled the sacrifice of …

News

Begaj: Albania Takes Historic Step Toward EU Membership

President Bajram Begaj welcomed the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference on Monday. He called it a historic moment for Albania’s European path. The conference officially opens the closing phase of accession talks with the European Union. Begaj said Albania took another important step toward the European family. He described EU integration …

News

Rama: Albania Is Europe’s Most Pro-EU Country

Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania remains the most pro-European country in Europe after the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference. Rama welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s focus on EU enlargement. He called the attention important and positive. He said enlargement was once a taboo topic, but that has changed. Rama called …

News

Raouna: EU Enlargement Remains a Priority, Candidate Countries Must Be Treated Equally

Cyprus Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna said EU enlargement remains a top priority after the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference in Tirana. Raouna spoke alongside Prime Minister Edi Rama and EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos. She commented on a letter from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about new ideas for …

News

Rama After EU Conference: This Is the Beginning of the Final Stage

Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has entered an advanced stage in its EU integration process after the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference. He called the conference another major milestone for the country. Rama said Albania opened all negotiation chapters in just 11 months. He described the pace as fast and …