Albanian Activists Condemn Govt ‘Trick’, Paving Way for Investments in Protected Areas
Edi Rama’s government is attempting to radically change the law on protected areas, paving the way for construction for ‘strategic purposes’ and skipping the public consultation process. Original post Here
Book Review – Enver Hoxha’s Long Shadow: Travels in Albania
John Watkins’ new travelogue offers an intriguing snapshot of a country still scarred by the legacy of its brutal dictator. Original post Here
Albania Legalizes Online Sports Betting, Overturning 2018 Ban
After banning sports betting in 2018, Albania’s parliament has voted to permit it once again – in online form only, and under the management of ten selected companies. Original post Here
EU Urges Albania to Rethink Planned Changes to Protected Areas
Letter from the Head of the EU Delegation in Tirana expresses concern that planned changes to the law on national parks could result in ‘large tourism and industrial investments’ in areas whose biodiversity needs protection. Original post Here
Albanian Gang Killings Spur Calls for Better Prevention
Albania is being blighted by gangland killings and the authorities appear helpless to act, experts say. Original post Here
Albanian Socialists ‘Fishing for Votes’ to Pardon Corrupt Officials
Ruling Socialists face accusations that they are the real movers behind an opposition MP’s proposal to widen an amnesty to include officials sentenced for corruption and organised crime. Original post Here
Turkey-Albania Media Deal Risks ‘Exporting Erdogan’s Propaganda’ – Experts
New media cooperation agreement signed on Tuesday may well strengthen Turkish government propaganda in the Albanian media, experts warn. Original post Here
BIRN Film Recounts Albanian Artist’s Repression by Communist Regime
BIRN’s documentary ‘Painting in Darkness’, telling the story of an artist who was imprisoned as a political dissident and whose works were confiscated by Albania’s repressive Communist regime, was premiered in Tirana. Original post Here
Defendants’ Portraits Shed Light on Political Trials in Communist Albania
An exhibition of 150 photographs of ‘enemies of the state’ who were prosecuted for political reasons at trials held in cinemas offers a fresh insight into the injustices of Communist-era Albania. Original post Here
MP Expulsions Deepen Political Polarisation in Albania
Dozens of opposition MPs have been temporarily expelled from Albania’s parliament under new rules pushed through by the ruling Socialist Party, deepening a political crisis just when parties should be coming together to reform the electoral law. Original post Here
Prosecutors lift the lid on an alleged corruption scam involving the government body tasked with handling Albania’s digital public services. A handful of people made millions. Original post Here
Hasan Prishtina was born on April 27, 1873, in Vushtrri, Kosovo. He came from a wealthy family. He studied in Thessaloniki and Istanbul. He later became a strong voice in the Ottoman Parliament between 1908 and 1912. He defended the rights of Albanians in the Balkans. He played a leading …
The 33rd week of the Abissnet Superiore ends with two final matches. The round confirms strong competition in the decisive stage of the championship. AF Elbasani wins an important match 3–1 against Vllaznia at “Elbasan Arena”. The team moves to first place with 62 points. Vllaznia drops to second place …
Kosovo commemorates April 27 as the Day of Missing Persons from the war. The country holds various activities and symbolic visits. Institutions, organizations, and families take part. The day highlights the ongoing need for justice. It also stresses the importance of finding the truth. Families continue to seek answers about …
TIRANA, April 27 – Spring has increased visitor numbers at Viroi Park in Gjirokastër. Camper travellers now stop there during trips in southern Albania. The park offers a quiet setting, clean air, and open space. It attracts visitors who seek nature and calm conditions. Meanwhile, Jolanda and Frans Koopman from …
TIRANA, April 27 – Kosovo’s parliament approved the draft law ratifying an agreement with Albania for the Mediterranean Games “Prishtina 2030”. Lawmakers voted 93 in favour, with no votes against and no abstentions. The agreement formalises cooperation between the two countries for the organisation of the Games. Opposition parties, including …
TIRANA, April 27 – Justice institutions signed an agreement to standardise statistics across the justice system. The Ministry of Justice, judicial and prosecutorial bodies, the Prosecutor General’s Office, the High Inspectorate of Justice, and the School of Magistrates took part. The EU Delegation in Albania attended the signing. Justice Minister …
TIRANA, April 27 – Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Fatmir Guri described the cooperation protocol with Germany as an important and concrete step for aligning Albanian agriculture with European Union standards. He said the timing of the agreement matches Albania’s progress in the EU integration process. He also …
TIRANA, April 27 – The government and the parliamentary group of the Socialist Party held their expanded end-of-month meeting. Prime Minister Edi Rama chaired the meeting, which also included members of the cabinet. PM Rama said the discussion focused on communication with party structures under the framework of “Affairs of …
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Agron Gjekmarkaj meets Italian MP Giulio Cesare Sottanelli in the Parliament building. Sottanelli represents the “Azione” party. Gjekmarkaj thanks Italy for its long-standing support to Albania. He highlights Italy as a key and stable partner. He also praises the role of the Italian government, the Chamber …