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Albania’s Marginalised Small Parties Spy Opportunity in 2025 Elections

In a system that favours the two big players, their smaller rivals have traditionally stood no chance – but might things be different in the looming May 2025 elections? Original post Here

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Albanian Politician’s Arrest Lays Bare Organised Crime’s Electoral Influence

Corruption charges against a former MP of the ruling Socialist Party represent a case study in the transactional relationship between organised crime and politics in Albania, a relationship with the power to tip the electoral scales, experts say. Original post Here

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Albanian Cannabis Gangs Exploit Poverty to Hire Female Day Labourers

Women from impoverished parts of Albania are being lured into work as day labourers on illegal cannabis plantations; if caught, they face paying a high price for what their lawyers say is effectively ‘modern slavery’. Original post Here

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Afghan Refugees in Albania Alarmed as Trump Slams US Doors

New US administration’s freeze on foreign aid and crackdown on immigration has left Afghan refugees in Albania in a state of limbo. Original post Here

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2025- Tirana the Mediterranean capital of culture and dialogue

On top of celebrations, the city will serve also as a agora of open debate Tirana, the capital of Albania, has started its year as the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue for 2025. This title recognizes the city’s cultural growth and its importance in the Mediterranean region. Tirana and …

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Albanian ‘Smart City’ Deal with UAE Firm Flagged as ‘Serious’ Surveillance Risk

Digital rights groups have sounded the alarm over a city ‘smart camera’ deal between Albania and an Abu Dhabi-based company with links to UAE security services and – allegedly – China. Original post Here

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Trump’s Suspension of US Foreign Aid Hits Hundreds of Balkan Projects

The three-month pause in foreign aid imposed by the new US administration has left the future of numerous civil society, human rights and independent media projects in the Western Balkans in limbo. Original post Here

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SPAK takes measures to implement a dedicated strategy against electoral crime

TIRANA, Jan 29, 2025 – The Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has outlined its plan to investigate and prevent electoral crimes for the May 11, 2025 elections. Under the direction of Chief Prosecutor Altin Dumani, the plan includes the creation of a Task Force, field monitoring and investigations, and a special platform …

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Swiss cultural week provides a highlight for Albanian art and creativity

Unlike typical cultural weeks organized by embassies, this event features the works of Albanian artists  Jan 29, 2025 The Swiss Cultural Week 2025 officially began on January 28, kicking off a nine-day program that highlights the artistic talents of Albania’s independent cultural community while promoting dialogue on social issues. The …

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Archbishop Anastasios, who revived Albania’s Orthodox Church, laid to rest, marking end of an era

TIRANA, Jan. 30, 2025 – The Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania bid farewell to its long-serving leader, Archbishop Anastasios Yannoulatos, on Thursday, marking the end of a transformative era for the church and Albania’s religious landscape. The 95-year-old archbishop, who led the revival of Albanian Orthodoxy for more than three …

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Gonzato: Cooperation with General Prosecution Important for EU Membership Priorities

Silvio Gonzato met with Albania’s Prosecutor General Olsian Çela to discuss stronger institutional cooperation in delivering justice and fighting crime. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed support for Albania’s prosecution system at all levels. They also highlighted assistance for the Case Management System. Moreover, both sides agreed that justice and …

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Koçiu: Albania Committed to Stronger Institutions Through UN80 Initiative

Albana Koçiu attended the UN80 initiative conference and highlighted the importance of reforming and modernizing the United Nations system. First, Koçiu said global challenges require stronger international cooperation. Therefore, she stressed that reforms within the UN are essential for supporting Albania’s European aspirations. Moreover, Koçiu reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to stronger …

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Rama: Trump Forced Europe to Face Its Weaknesses

Edi Rama said U.S. President Donald Trump pushed Europe to recognize its weaknesses and rethink its future security strategy. He made the remarks during the Lennart Meri Conference in Estonia. First, Rama argued that Europe should take Trump seriously, even if not every statement should be interpreted literally. According to …

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Rama: Europe Risks Distorting Economic Priorities Under Security Pressure

Edi Rama warned that Europe risks weakening its economic priorities if security concerns dominate political decision-making. He delivered the remarks during the Lennart Meri Conference in Estonia. First, Rama reaffirmed Albania’s strong commitment to NATO. He described Albanians as “Western Taliban,” explaining that Albania remains fully loyal to the transatlantic …

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Gonzato: EU Remains Committed to Multilateralism and International Order

Representatives of the diplomatic corps and senior Albanian government officials gathered in Tirana to discuss how United Nations reform can deliver concrete improvements at the national level. During the discussions, participants highlighted the important role of the UN both globally and in Albania. Moreover, Silvio Gonzato stressed that the European …

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Begaj: Albania Needs People Who Think Freely

Bajram Begaj visited the Mediterranean University of Albania, where he met with academics, professors, and students. He also toured classrooms, IT laboratories, and medical science facilities. During the visit, Begaj encouraged public and private universities to face modern challenges and prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Moreover, he said …

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VanHorn Hosts Family of Former Embassy Employee Who Died Under Communist Regime

Nancy VanHorn welcomed the family of Loni Adami at the U.S. Embassy in Tirana. She honored his courage and sacrifice as symbols of the struggle for freedom. Loni Adami and his colleague Kol Kuqali worked for the American embassy during Albania’s communist regime. Moreover, both men faced imprisonment and torture …

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Beja at UNCTAD: Albanian Customs Moving Toward Full EU Standards Alignment

Besmir Beja held an official meeting at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in Geneva to discuss the modernization of Albania’s customs systems and their alignment with European Union standards. During the meetings with ASYCUDA program officials, participants highlighted the progress made by the Albanian customs administration in …

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Albanian Film Artist Shyqyri Sako Passes Away at 89

Shyqyri Sako, one of Albania’s most respected film artists, passed away at the age of 89. During a career that lasted more than 50 years, Sako worked extensively in Albanian cinema and contributed to the visual identity of many films. First, he studied film painting for three years at the …

News
Gonxhja: Prishtina and Durrës Ready to Write a Historic Chapter in Mediterranean Sport

Blendi Gonxhja held an important working meeting with officials involved in the preparations for the Mediterranean Games Prishtina 2030. First, the meeting included Julian Pace Bonello, as well as representatives of the International Committee of Mediterranean Games, Kosovo’s Olympic Committee, and Albania’s Olympic leadership. Moreover, discussions focused on coordination and …

News

Gonzato: Cooperation with General Prosecution Important for EU Membership Priorities

Silvio Gonzato met with Albania’s Prosecutor General Olsian Çela to discuss stronger institutional cooperation in delivering justice and fighting crime. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed support for Albania’s prosecution system at all levels. They also highlighted assistance for the Case Management System. Moreover, both sides agreed that justice and …

News

Koçiu: Albania Committed to Stronger Institutions Through UN80 Initiative

Albana Koçiu attended the UN80 initiative conference and highlighted the importance of reforming and modernizing the United Nations system. First, Koçiu said global challenges require stronger international cooperation. Therefore, she stressed that reforms within the UN are essential for supporting Albania’s European aspirations. Moreover, Koçiu reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to stronger …

News

Rama: Trump Forced Europe to Face Its Weaknesses

Edi Rama said U.S. President Donald Trump pushed Europe to recognize its weaknesses and rethink its future security strategy. He made the remarks during the Lennart Meri Conference in Estonia. First, Rama argued that Europe should take Trump seriously, even if not every statement should be interpreted literally. According to …

News

Rama: Europe Risks Distorting Economic Priorities Under Security Pressure

Edi Rama warned that Europe risks weakening its economic priorities if security concerns dominate political decision-making. He delivered the remarks during the Lennart Meri Conference in Estonia. First, Rama reaffirmed Albania’s strong commitment to NATO. He described Albanians as “Western Taliban,” explaining that Albania remains fully loyal to the transatlantic …

News

Gonzato: EU Remains Committed to Multilateralism and International Order

Representatives of the diplomatic corps and senior Albanian government officials gathered in Tirana to discuss how United Nations reform can deliver concrete improvements at the national level. During the discussions, participants highlighted the important role of the UN both globally and in Albania. Moreover, Silvio Gonzato stressed that the European …

News

Begaj: Albania Needs People Who Think Freely

Bajram Begaj visited the Mediterranean University of Albania, where he met with academics, professors, and students. He also toured classrooms, IT laboratories, and medical science facilities. During the visit, Begaj encouraged public and private universities to face modern challenges and prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Moreover, he said …

News

VanHorn Hosts Family of Former Embassy Employee Who Died Under Communist Regime

Nancy VanHorn welcomed the family of Loni Adami at the U.S. Embassy in Tirana. She honored his courage and sacrifice as symbols of the struggle for freedom. Loni Adami and his colleague Kol Kuqali worked for the American embassy during Albania’s communist regime. Moreover, both men faced imprisonment and torture …

News

Beja at UNCTAD: Albanian Customs Moving Toward Full EU Standards Alignment

Besmir Beja held an official meeting at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in Geneva to discuss the modernization of Albania’s customs systems and their alignment with European Union standards. During the meetings with ASYCUDA program officials, participants highlighted the progress made by the Albanian customs administration in …

News

Albanian Film Artist Shyqyri Sako Passes Away at 89

Shyqyri Sako, one of Albania’s most respected film artists, passed away at the age of 89. During a career that lasted more than 50 years, Sako worked extensively in Albanian cinema and contributed to the visual identity of many films. First, he studied film painting for three years at the …

News

Gonxhja: Prishtina and Durrës Ready to Write a Historic Chapter in Mediterranean Sport

Blendi Gonxhja held an important working meeting with officials involved in the preparations for the Mediterranean Games Prishtina 2030. First, the meeting included Julian Pace Bonello, as well as representatives of the International Committee of Mediterranean Games, Kosovo’s Olympic Committee, and Albania’s Olympic leadership. Moreover, discussions focused on coordination and …