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
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
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
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
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 …
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
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the opposition’s support for a parliamentary resolution on Albania’s European Union integration process. Speaking on the “FLASIM” podcast, Rama described the joint vote in Parliament as a positive step for Albania’s European future. He said opposition parties unexpectedly joined the ruling majority in backing the …
The Academy of Sciences commemorated writer, publicist, and patriot Haki Stërmilli on the anniversary of his birth. Stërmilli was born on May 17, 1895, in Dibër e Madhe. He studied in Manastir but could not finish school due to the Balkan Wars. After Dibra was left outside Albania’s borders, he …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has achieved strong progress in public procurement, ranking first in the region based on European Union assessments. Speaking on the “FLASIM” podcast, Rama described public procurement as one of the most important chapters in the EU integration process. He said international evaluations show significant …
The concert “Brez pas Brezi” brought back the legacy, emotion, and artistic heritage of the National Ensemble at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania, uniting past, present, and future on one stage. The event gathered veteran artists and young performers in a live dialogue between tradition and …
The joint training exercise between Albanian Special Operations Forces and instructors from United States Special Forces has been highlighted by NATO on social media. The Alliance shared images of the exercise focused on movement in difficult terrain and low-visibility operations. NATO stated: “Before the mission comes training. Before pressure comes …
Cannes Film Festival hosts a historic agreement between Albania and France on film co-productions. Minister Blendi Gonxhja signs the deal and calls it a strategic step for Albanian cinema. He says the agreement opens new doors for Albanian filmmakers in Europe and beyond. French officials welcome the partnership. They say …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announces that Albania develops the National Diaspora Strategy 2026–2030 after the 4th Diaspora Summit. He says the government finalizes the strategy and action plan through consultations with an inter-institutional working group. The strategy promotes investment, strengthens the Albanian language and culture, and …
The grand final of Eurovision was also marked by an incident at the Media Center. During the performance of Albanian singer Alis Kallaci, a member of the Serbian delegation allegedly tried to prevent the waving of the Kosovo flag. Albert Limani, a member of Eurovision Kosova who was present in …
Through an official telegram sent to local police directorates and departments, Police Chief Skënder Hita has ordered increased security measures in schools and stronger action against the distribution of narcotics within the security perimeter of educational institutions. It is learned that Hita’s order came after an analysis of issues during …
Vlora is bringing back traffic lights after many years in an effort to ease traffic on the city’s most problematic roads. For the first time in a long period, traffic lights will be installed at several key road intersections as part of measures aimed at improving circulation and preventing heavy …