How Voice of America ‘Opened a Window’ in Isolated, Communist Albania
Afrim Krasniqi’s new book highlights the US radio station’s crucial role in bringing about change in Albania in 1990 – then ‘the most closed society in Europe’. Original post Here
Emergency teams respond to large fire in Tirana complex
Fire broke out in a residential building near “Farmacia 10” in Tirana on Rruga e Dibrës. The fire started on the first floor. It quickly spread across the building’s facade. Flames engulfed the structure. Firefighters evacuated residents using ladders. Police secured the area with safety cordons. Emergency teams transported several …
Brataj: 11 people hurt in “Arlis” blaze, all out of danger
Emergency Director Skënder Brataj confirmed that the fire at the “Arlis” complex in Tirana injured 11 people. Doctors placed six patients in hospital care. They admitted four patients to the Toxicology ward, one to emergency care, and one to the burns unit. Doctors treated a woman in her 50s for …
Inspector orders checks of businesses after “Arlis” fire
Inspector General Dashnor Sula formed a working group after the fire at the “Arlis” complex in Tirana. The fire affected a building near Farmacia 10. The group will verify the circumstances of the incident. Officials will check businesses operating inside the complex. They will assess compliance with technical and legal …
Ali Ahmeti calls for a borderless and peaceful Balkans at Diaspora Summit
Ali Ahmeti spoke at the fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit in Tirana. He highlighted the role of the Albanian diaspora in national development. He said the diaspora has preserved language, culture, and identity. Ahmeti stated that Albanians abroad contributed to Kosovo’s freedom and state-building. He added that the Albanian language and …
NATO chief Rutte meets Albanian Defence Minister Nufi in Brussels
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi at NATO headquarters in Brussels. Rutte praised Albania’s commitment to NATO. He highlighted Albania’s contribution to collective security. Both sides discussed support for Ukraine. They also reviewed recent security developments. They focused on the situation in the Western Balkans. …
Rama grants Albanian passport to former New York mayor Eric Adams
Prime Minister Edi Rama gave former New York City mayor Eric Adams an Albanian ID card and passport in Tirana. The ceremony took place during the fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit gala evening. Rama said no one expected the former New York mayor to become a citizen of Tirana and Albania. …
“Jusuf Vrioni” translation awards announced at Albanian Diaspora Summit
Organizers presented the “Jusuf Vrioni” translation awards during the fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit gala in Tirana. The Publishing Center for the Diaspora launched the competition for young translators from the diaspora. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced the winners. They will receive contracts with the Publishing Center for the Diaspora. They …
Albania and Kosovo strengthen coordination on national interests and diaspora role
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca in Tirana during the fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit. Both leaders emphasized stronger cooperation between Albania and Kosovo. They highlighted the Albanian diaspora as a key asset for national development. Hoxha said the diaspora connects the nation …
105 years since the birth of beloved Albanian actor Pandi Raidhi
Albania marks 105 years since the birth of actor Pandi Raidhi. He remains one of the most beloved figures of Albanian theatre and cinema. He died in Tirana in 1999. Raidhi co-founded the Professional Estrada of Korça. He also helped establish the “Andon Zako Çajupi” Theatre. He made his film …
TIRANA, June 17 – The State Police announced new traffic restrictions for heavy vehicles during the 2026 summer season. Authorities based the measure on Joint Instruction No. 106 of June 14, 2024, issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy and the Ministry of Interior. The restrictions will remain in …
TIRANA, June 17 – Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi announced the signing of a bilateral agreement between Albania and Ukraine on the international road transport of passengers and goods. Karakaçi signed the agreement with Serhiy Derkach, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development. According to the minister, …
TIRANA, June 17 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the justice reform and vetting process marked a key pillar in Albania’s European integration path during the closing ceremony of the transitional reassessment of judges and prosecutors. Koçiu said the reform proved Albania can deliver difficult structural changes and confront …
TIRANA, June 17 – The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) continues to attract a high number of tourists during this period, confirming its position as one of the most popular destinations in southern Albania. The karst spring draws daily visitors from different countries. Tourists say they chose Albania after hearing …
TIRANA, June 17 – Sunny weather and high temperatures have increased the number of visitors on the beaches of Lezha during the first weeks of the summer season. Shëngjin has attracted the largest crowds. Most visitors come from Kosova and continue to choose the destination year after year because of …
TIRANA, June 17 – The European Parliament adopted its annual resolution on Albania with 483 votes in favor, 103 against and 70 abstentions, expressing broad support for the country’s EU integration process. Lawmakers welcomed Albania’s recent progress and called on authorities to ensure full implementation of adopted legislation. They also …
TIRANA, June 17 – Albania collected 340.5 billion ALL in total revenue during January-May 2026. The figure exceeded the period plan by 5.3%, according to the Finance Ministry. Revenue rose by 11.2% compared with the same period in 2025. The state budget recorded an additional 34.3 billion ALL. Tax and …
TIRANA, June 17 – The European Commission confirms its support for Albania’s European Union membership path. It links progress to maintaining the pace of reforms. The 2027 target for closing accession negotiations remains achievable, according to an exclusive response to Albanian Radio and Television. It describes sustained reform momentum as …
The Chairman of the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, has welcomed the adoption of the European Parliament’s annual Resolution on Albania, which was approved with 483 votes in favor. In a public statement, Balla described the decision as a major acknowledgment of Albania’s progress in the European integration process …
The head of Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK), Klodjan Braho, stated that the vetting process cannot be considered a guarantee or form of “immunity” for judges and prosecutors in the future, emphasizing that any potential acts of corruption will remain subject to criminal investigation. Speaking at the closing ceremony of …