‘Return Hubs’ for Migrants Anticipated in Balkans for ‘Era of Deportations’
As the EU awaits final approval for plans to set up ‘return hubs’ in third countries for migrants awaiting deportation, it’s predicted that Balkan countries could end up hosting such holding centres despite concerns about human rights violations. Original post Here
Waste Money Wasted: The Millions of Euros Behind Albania’s Ghost Incinerators
BIRN dissects the accusations against 12 individuals standing trial for allegedly siphoning millions of euros in public money supposed to be spent on solving Tirana’s long-standing garbage problem. Original post Here
Egnatia Draw 0–0 with Lillestrøm, Europa League Tie Remains Open
Albanian champions Egnatia drew 0–0 with Norway’s Lillestrøm in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League play-off. Egnatia played the match at Arena Egnatia. The Rrogozhina side defended well and created several chances. Gruda came closest to scoring in the second half. His header hit the crossbar. Egnatia missed …
Farewell to Rezana Çeliku, an Actress Remembered for Her Talent and Kindness
Albanian actress Rezana Çeliku has died, leaving behind family, friends, colleagues and admirers who remember her with deep affection. Her relatives announced the sad news. They described Çeliku as a warm, kind and exceptional person. Although she did not appear in many film productions, she made a lasting impression in …
Albania Heads to Taranto 2026 Ahead of the Prishtina-Durrës Mediterranean Games
Albania will take part in the Mediterranean Games “Taranto 2026” as the country prepares to co-host the Prishtina-Durrës 2030 edition. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania will use the event to gain valuable experience from Italy. “Albania is going to Taranto not only to compete, but also …
Korçë and Greece Seek Stronger Cooperation in Tourism and Economy
Korçë Mayor Sotiraq Filo met with Greek Ambassador to Albania Lambrini Komini to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between Korçë and Greece. The two sides focused on tourism, the economy, culture, education and environmental cooperation. Filo said the meeting aimed to turn the close historical, cultural and people-to-people ties between …
Tirana International Airport Named Among Six Finalists for 2026 Airport Award
Tirana International Airport (TIA) has reached the final stage of the 2026 Airport Honour Awards. The airport is one of six international finalists selected by International Airport Review. TIA will compete against airports in New York, Munich, Vienna, Pittsburgh and Buenos Aires. The selection recognizes TIA’s growth, investment, innovation and …
U.S. Embassy: State Department Cancels Visas of Foreign Nationals Who Threaten National Security
The U.S. Department of State is cancelling the visas of foreign nationals who commit crimes, encourage violence against Americans or threaten U.S. national security, the U.S. Embassy in Albania said on Thursday. The embassy said the policy follows the Trump administration’s approach of taking action against foreign nationals who pose …
Bahri Beci: The Albanian Linguist Who Shaped Dialectology and Phonetics
The Academy of Sciences of Albania has commemorated academician Bahri Beci on the anniversary of his death. Beci died on August 20, 2023. Born in Shkodër in 1936, he began his scientific career in 1958 at the Institute of Linguistics and Literature. Soon after, he became involved in major research …
Albania’s Flamingo Movement Said ‘No’, Now It Needs the Courage to Say ‘Yes’
The protesters marching daily through the streets of Tirana know what they’re against. If they’re seeking genuine democratic change, it’s time for them to determine what they’re for. Original post Here
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs congratulated the Albanian Coalition and ethnic Albanians in the Presheva Valley on their results in Serbia’s parliamentary elections held the previous day. The ministry said the results highlighted the importance of civic engagement and free voting as expressions of democratic will. Preliminary projections …
Albania will experience mostly stable weather today, with generally clear skies. By midday, temporary patches of cloud will develop over the eastern mountain areas. According to the Military Meteorological Service, isolated light rain is expected in these areas, with light snowfall on mountain peaks. Winds will blow from the north-northeast …
British media outlet Rest Less, in an article by Selene Nelson, has included Albania among 14 of Europe’s most affordable destinations for travellers on a budget. The article highlights the Albanian Riviera, with its attractive beaches and clear blue waters. It names Dhërmi and Ksamil among the country’s popular coastal …
Korçë has become a meeting point for international cinema as the 13th edition of KO Film Fest opens, bringing 100 short films from 40 countries to the southeastern Albanian city over six days. The festival will screen films at Majestik Cinema and the Digital Arts Gallery (GAD), bringing together diverse …
Tropoja’s Chestnut Festival brings together growers and processors to promote local production and expand access to foreign markets. Traditional music and performances by the Dardania ensemble mark the start of the event, which continues into the evening. The festival showcases fresh chestnuts and related products, including honey and traditional dishes …
Durrës’ main entrance has undergone a major transformation following the reconstruction of Adria Street, improving access and creating more space for pedestrians and cyclists. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the renovated road on social media. The project features new sidewalks, bicycle lanes, modern lighting, road signs and green …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has ruled out resigning despite weeks of protests in Tirana, telling Greek newspaper Kathimerini that governments change through elections, not violence. Rama acknowledged young people’s concerns about education, corruption and the cost of living. He said these issues demand concrete solutions and pledged additional measures for …
Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister Ferit Hoxha has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to democratic freedoms, stressing that peaceful protest is a fundamental right but violence and vandalism have no place in political expression. Hoxha made the remarks during a meeting with ambassadors of European Union member states in Albania on …
Albania recorded an annual inflation rate of 2.9% in September, below the European Union average, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said, pointing to the resilience of the country’s economy amid price pressures. In a social media post, Malaj highlighted measures the government has introduced to monitor prices and protect household purchasing …
The Academy of Sciences of Albania has commemorated academician Alfred Uçi, a leading philosopher, aesthetician and cultural thinker who helped shape Albania’s school of aesthetic studies. The tribute marks 10 years since his death on Oct. 26, 2016. Born in Korçë on Dec. 12, 1930, Uçi studied philosophy at Moscow’s …