UK donated drones to monitor Albania’s land, sea borders
Interior Minister Taulant Balla and the Foreign Minister of Great Britain, James Cleverly visited together the new Border Police Station in Rinas, built with the funds of the British government as an aid to increase the capacities of the State Police. Minister Balla first expressed his gratitude for the support …
Details on Begaj-Macron meeting unveiled
Details from this Tuesday’s meeting of President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj with his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron have been revealed. This visit is a historic event in the relations between our two countries, as it is the first official visit of a French President to Albania. During the face-to-face …
Rama for the integration process: EU should give the Balkans a chance!
Prime Minister Edi Rama and French President Emmanuel Macron, after signing economic and cooperation agreements, held a press conference. During his speech, Prime Minister Rama said that the autocracy is gaining an advantage in relation to the democracies and this, he added, is not positive. Rama also thanked Macron for …
Albania-France deals signed by Rama, Macron
French President, Emmanuel Macron, met this Tuesday with Prime Minister Edi Rama, who received him at the entrance of the Prime Minister’s Office. In the Prime Minister’s premises, Emmanuel Macron together with Rama, as well as in the presence of ministers and officials from the cabinets of both governments, signed …
Integration into EU? Macron in Tirana: There is no fixed date
In the press conference with journalists, the French president, Macron, said that there is no fixed date for EU membership, as something like that does not make sense. According to him, two things are important to help speed up the process of Albania’s membership in the EU. “It’s completely true, …
Amid regional tensions, Berlin Process leaders’ meeting in Tirana promises economic growth, renewed enlargement focus
TIRANA, Oct. 16, 2023 – The annual Berlin Process meeting was held in Tirana on Monday, with Western Balkan leaders, top EU representatives and several heads of EU member states in attendance, focusing on renewed EU support for the Western Balkans, marked by the introduction of the new economic growth …
“Status for non-EU countries”, Rama: We would better understand common challenges
In his speech before the leaders of the EU and the Western Balkans at the first Berlin summit held in Tirana, the Albanian Prime Minister said that we must continue with inclusion in the EU, exploring new alternatives. According to Rames, something like this would create a harmonious existence to …
PM Rama’s statement ahead of Berlin Process Summit’s launch
For the first time in the region, the Berlin Process Summit is held this Monday, which will bring together the leaders of the Balkan countries, EU member states and higher representatives of the European Union. Through a Facebook status, Prime Minister Edi Rama has posted a photo from where the …
Michel arrived in Tirana for Berlin Process Summit
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, welcomed the President of the European Council Charles Michel in Tirana. EC’s President arrived to Tirana in the framework of the Summit that takes place this Monday in Albania. However, the Berlin process is an initiative that aims to increase regional …
Summit in Tirana, Begaj: Historical for Albania’s and the region’s path towards the EU
President Bajram Begaj has welcomed the holding of the Berlin Process Summit that is taking place today in Tirana. President Begaj says that this is a great historical event for the European journey of Albania and the region. “The holding of the Berlin Process Summit in Tirana today is a …
A leaked internal document from the Council of the European Union voices disquiet over ‘undue pressure’ on justice system and warns that Albania will not be able to close any accession chapters until it makes clear progress. Original post Here
A move to turn the site of the former Spac labour camp in northern Albania into a film set has revived calls for better protection of what’s left of Albania’s dark communist past. Original post Here
As Israel and Iran continued to exchange fire, sparking fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, several Balkan countries have transported their citizens home by plane. Original post Here
For years, a tobacco factory in eastern Albania churned out cigarettes that were then smuggled to other countries, all with the help of a network of corrupt customs officials, prosecutors allege. Original post Here
Critics are questioning the impact of Albania’s tourism boom on the environment and the lives of ordinary Albanians. Original post Here
12 June 2025 Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans has increased substantially, but won’t catch up with EU FDI any time soon. Governments must ensure that China’s investments comply with environmental and labour standards. Attracting high-quality FDI should be the goal image credit: unsplash.com/vxhorse By Branimir Jovanović This article draws on …
William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid. His central thesis focused on scrutinising the idealistic sentiment behind foreign aid, and the harsh reality of its lacklustre execution. In his cutting and astute observations, Easterly points to the fact that …
Albanians in the north say they find cheaper treatment and a more pleasant experience if they go to hospital across the border in Kosovo. Original post Here
TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times — The prolonged pre-trial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj — still held without formal charges — is raising fresh questions about Albania’s judicial practices, as critics point to growing divergence from European legal standards. Veliaj, once a key figure in the ruling Socialist Party and …
By Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania The Italian anthem was written by Goffredo Mameli, a young man who sacrificed his life for Italy’s freedom— the same desire for freedom that has always characterized the Albanian people. This sense of freedom unites us. The very first word of our …