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Albania Says Farewell to Archbishop Who Restored Orthodox Church

Archbishop Anastasios, who has passed away after almost 33 years as Primate, rebuilt hundreds of churches and schools, had a canny eye for business – and did his best to stay out of nationalist conflicts. Original post Here

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Skyscrapers and Social Media: Getting Out the Albanian Vote Abroad

An Albanian businessman based in Italy is pulling the strings of a major online ad campaign to secure the votes of Albanians abroad for the ruling Socialist Party in upcoming elections. He also just got the green light for a major real estate development in Tirana. Original post Here

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Digital Rights Review: Turkey Detains Data ‘Exploiters’, Serbian Tabloids’ ‘Hate’ Stories Removed

Turkey carried out arrests after disaster victims’ data was stolen, while Serbia and Albania faced crackdowns over misinformation and online violence, BIRN’s digital rights monitors found in December and January. Original post Here

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Italy Sends Third Ship Transporting Migrants to Albania

After two failed attempts to sent migrants and asylum seekers to camps in Albania for processing under a controversial scheme instigated by Italian premier Giorgia Meloni, Italy sent a third ship that reached Albania on Tuesday. Original post Here

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Anastasios, the Archbishop Who Rebuilt the Orthodox Church of Albania

He revived the Orthodox Church, which had been destroyed under the communist regime. Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Primate of Albania, passed away at the age of 95. He was a tireless advocate for ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue. By Ilda Mara Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania, a key …

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A wasted chance for internal party democracy

This week the Central Elections Commission (CEC) consolidated what was previously agreed between the two major political parties in Albania, SP and DP, when it comes to the composition of the MP candidate lists in the upcoming general elections on May 11,2025. According to the formula that will be applied …

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Albanian Art Show Depicts Trump as Icon of Freedom

Albanian artist Avni Delvina’s ‘Triumph’ exhibition playfully explores themes of the new US president as a Roman emperor, a Greek god and a ‘spirit of freedom’. Original post Here

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Italy-Albania Migrant Offshoring Deal Tests Respect for Rule of Law

The opening of two Italian-run migrant camps in northwest Albania was a short-lived boon for local villagers. The camps’ fate now hangs in the balance, as a test of Europe’s commitment to the rule of law, rights activists say. Original post Here

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Albanian PM Accused of Allotting Island to Trump’s Son-in-Law to Win Favour

A firm linked to Jared Kushner was granted ‘strategic investor’ status just weeks before the new US president’s inauguration, even without a business plan or feasibility study for the construction of a luxury resort on an uninhabited island once used by the army for shooting practice. Original post Here

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Balkan Politicians Visit Washington to Pay Homage to Trump

A convoy of politicians from Balkan countries has trouped to Washington for Donald Trump’s inauguration – some boasting about their invites, others making the trip simply to demonstrate their enthusiasm for the new president. Original post Here

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Infrastructure and Energy Minister in Athens; Albania and Greece strengthen energy cooperation

TIRANA, May 15 – Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi met Greek Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou in Athens during the Energy Conference. Karakaçi discussed current cooperation between Albania and Greece, while also addressing joint strategic energy projects. A key topic focused on a new interconnection line between the two countries. …

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PM Rama visits NATO cyber defence centre in Estonia, Albania joins cyber excellence hub

TIRANA, May 15 – Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Estonia during his official trip with the Albanian delegation. He met the centre’s leadership and learned about its role in strengthening NATO cyber defence. Meanwhile, Rama said in a social media post …

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EU Delegation Shares Meeting Between Gonzato and SPAK Court Chief Erion Bani

*]: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=”8fa7d608-d719-4436-9c65-0352c40cc134″ data-turn-id-container=”8fa7d608-d719-4436-9c65-0352c40cc134″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-9″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The building of the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) has recently been renovated to meet the highest European Union standards, while the project’s funding was supported by the EU. *]: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:92c9d7c5-2d9e-4efd-92bd-a0a1908c78ca-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:92c9d7c5-2d9e-4efd-92bd-a0a1908c78ca-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ …

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“Tour of Albania 2026” Cycling Race: Police Publish Traffic Restriction Plan for 5 Days

*]: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=”5b0f1cb6-6588-41e1-9b36-c1f3b3458222″ data-turn-id-container=”5b0f1cb6-6588-41e1-9b36-c1f3b3458222″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The Albanian State Police has published the traffic management plan for the “Tour of Albania 2026,” an event that will take place on May 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, 2026, across the territory of the Republic of Albania. *]:pointer-events-auto …

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Albania-Italy Anti-Cannabis Air Campaign Launched

For the 15th consecutive year, the Albanian State Police and the Italian Guardia di Finanza officially launched this Friday their joint campaign for aerial monitoring of Albanian territory, focusing on the prevention and crackdown of narcotic plant cultivation. The ceremony took place at the General Directorate of the State Police, …

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Tax Administration Announces Cancellation of Fines for Businesses Before 2014

The Tax Administration and Customs Administration are required to remove from their balance sheets all business debts created before December 31, 2014. The General Directorate of Taxes has announced that businesses with unpaid liabilities from 2015 to 2024 will be able to begin installment payments starting June 10. According to …

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Ombudsman: Priority Must Be Given to Prisoners Who Have No Voice — Well-Known Inmates Already Have “Public Advocacy”

The Ombudsman of Albania, Endri Shabani, speaking from Pogradec in a statement to the media, addressed complaints submitted to the Ombudsman’s institution by imprisoned citizens. He stated that although public attention is mainly focused on famous inmates, priority should be given to citizens suffering from health problems and living in …

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Nufi: Focus on Modernizing Air Defense and Cyber Capabilities in the Armed Forces

Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi stated during a press conference on Friday that the country’s main priority is the development of military and technological capabilities for the modernization of the Armed Forces, as well as preparedness for civil emergencies during the summer season. According to Nufi, particular focus is being …

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U.S. Embassy in Tirana: Cybersecurity Essential for Sovereignty and Economic Growth

Cybersecurity has now become an inseparable element of economic growth and national security. This was stated by the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Tirana, Kathryn Hammond, during an event where American cybersecurity solutions were presented. Referring to the importance of protecting digital infrastructure, Hammond …

News
Rama from Estonia: “I Came and Brought You the Sunshine — In Albania You Will Not Find Sympathy for Putin”

Prime Minister Edi Rama, during a joint press conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, spoke about the relationship between Albania and Estonia. Rama began his speech with a few jokes, humorously saying that he had “brought the sunshine to Estonia” with his arrival. At the same time, the Prime …

News

Infrastructure and Energy Minister in Athens; Albania and Greece strengthen energy cooperation

TIRANA, May 15 – Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi met Greek Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou in Athens during the Energy Conference. Karakaçi discussed current cooperation between Albania and Greece, while also addressing joint strategic energy projects. A key topic focused on a new interconnection line between the two countries. …

News

PM Rama visits NATO cyber defence centre in Estonia, Albania joins cyber excellence hub

TIRANA, May 15 – Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Estonia during his official trip with the Albanian delegation. He met the centre’s leadership and learned about its role in strengthening NATO cyber defence. Meanwhile, Rama said in a social media post …

News

EU Delegation Shares Meeting Between Gonzato and SPAK Court Chief Erion Bani

*]: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=”8fa7d608-d719-4436-9c65-0352c40cc134″ data-turn-id-container=”8fa7d608-d719-4436-9c65-0352c40cc134″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-9″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The building of the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) has recently been renovated to meet the highest European Union standards, while the project’s funding was supported by the EU. *]: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:92c9d7c5-2d9e-4efd-92bd-a0a1908c78ca-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:92c9d7c5-2d9e-4efd-92bd-a0a1908c78ca-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ …

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“Tour of Albania 2026” Cycling Race: Police Publish Traffic Restriction Plan for 5 Days

*]: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=”5b0f1cb6-6588-41e1-9b36-c1f3b3458222″ data-turn-id-container=”5b0f1cb6-6588-41e1-9b36-c1f3b3458222″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The Albanian State Police has published the traffic management plan for the “Tour of Albania 2026,” an event that will take place on May 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, 2026, across the territory of the Republic of Albania. *]:pointer-events-auto …

News

Albania-Italy Anti-Cannabis Air Campaign Launched

For the 15th consecutive year, the Albanian State Police and the Italian Guardia di Finanza officially launched this Friday their joint campaign for aerial monitoring of Albanian territory, focusing on the prevention and crackdown of narcotic plant cultivation. The ceremony took place at the General Directorate of the State Police, …

News

Tax Administration Announces Cancellation of Fines for Businesses Before 2014

The Tax Administration and Customs Administration are required to remove from their balance sheets all business debts created before December 31, 2014. The General Directorate of Taxes has announced that businesses with unpaid liabilities from 2015 to 2024 will be able to begin installment payments starting June 10. According to …

News

Ombudsman: Priority Must Be Given to Prisoners Who Have No Voice — Well-Known Inmates Already Have “Public Advocacy”

The Ombudsman of Albania, Endri Shabani, speaking from Pogradec in a statement to the media, addressed complaints submitted to the Ombudsman’s institution by imprisoned citizens. He stated that although public attention is mainly focused on famous inmates, priority should be given to citizens suffering from health problems and living in …

News

Nufi: Focus on Modernizing Air Defense and Cyber Capabilities in the Armed Forces

Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi stated during a press conference on Friday that the country’s main priority is the development of military and technological capabilities for the modernization of the Armed Forces, as well as preparedness for civil emergencies during the summer season. According to Nufi, particular focus is being …

News

U.S. Embassy in Tirana: Cybersecurity Essential for Sovereignty and Economic Growth

Cybersecurity has now become an inseparable element of economic growth and national security. This was stated by the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Tirana, Kathryn Hammond, during an event where American cybersecurity solutions were presented. Referring to the importance of protecting digital infrastructure, Hammond …

News

Rama from Estonia: “I Came and Brought You the Sunshine — In Albania You Will Not Find Sympathy for Putin”

Prime Minister Edi Rama, during a joint press conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, spoke about the relationship between Albania and Estonia. Rama began his speech with a few jokes, humorously saying that he had “brought the sunshine to Estonia” with his arrival. At the same time, the Prime …