Book Review – Enver Hoxha’s Long Shadow: Travels in Albania
John Watkins’ new travelogue offers an intriguing snapshot of a country still scarred by the legacy of its brutal dictator. Original post Here
Albania Legalizes Online Sports Betting, Overturning 2018 Ban
After banning sports betting in 2018, Albania’s parliament has voted to permit it once again – in online form only, and under the management of ten selected companies. Original post Here
EU Urges Albania to Rethink Planned Changes to Protected Areas
Letter from the Head of the EU Delegation in Tirana expresses concern that planned changes to the law on national parks could result in ‘large tourism and industrial investments’ in areas whose biodiversity needs protection. Original post Here
Albanian Gang Killings Spur Calls for Better Prevention
Albania is being blighted by gangland killings and the authorities appear helpless to act, experts say. Original post Here
Albanian Socialists ‘Fishing for Votes’ to Pardon Corrupt Officials
Ruling Socialists face accusations that they are the real movers behind an opposition MP’s proposal to widen an amnesty to include officials sentenced for corruption and organised crime. Original post Here
Turkey-Albania Media Deal Risks ‘Exporting Erdogan’s Propaganda’ – Experts
New media cooperation agreement signed on Tuesday may well strengthen Turkish government propaganda in the Albanian media, experts warn. Original post Here
BIRN Film Recounts Albanian Artist’s Repression by Communist Regime
BIRN’s documentary ‘Painting in Darkness’, telling the story of an artist who was imprisoned as a political dissident and whose works were confiscated by Albania’s repressive Communist regime, was premiered in Tirana. Original post Here
Defendants’ Portraits Shed Light on Political Trials in Communist Albania
An exhibition of 150 photographs of ‘enemies of the state’ who were prosecuted for political reasons at trials held in cinemas offers a fresh insight into the injustices of Communist-era Albania. Original post Here
MP Expulsions Deepen Political Polarisation in Albania
Dozens of opposition MPs have been temporarily expelled from Albania’s parliament under new rules pushed through by the ruling Socialist Party, deepening a political crisis just when parties should be coming together to reform the electoral law. Original post Here
Separate Kitchen, Private Gym – Life Behind Bars Comes with Perks for Albania’s VIP Prisoners
Former ruling party officials and convicted organised crime gangsters enjoy privileged treatment in Albania’s jails, a BIRN investigation has found. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 28 – A leading international tourism magazine (TTW) reports that southern Albania is undergoing a significant economic transformation driven by cultural tourism. It describes the region as one of the richest areas in the Balkans for historical and cultural heritage. Cities such as Berat, Gjirokastër, Saranda and Përmet …
TIRANA, April 28 – Three rounds remain in the regular season of the Abissnet Superiore, broadcast on RTSH. Nine points are still available. The race for fourth place is effectively a Dinamo–Partizani duel and is likely to be decided in their direct clash in the final round. Meanwhile, the relegation …
TIRANA, April 28 – Authorities presented the “Green Vjosa” project in Përmet as a new step to protect biodiversity along the Vjosa River, described as Europe’s last wild river. The initiative focuses on environmental protection and sustainable development in areas along the river. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj and Germany’s Federal …
TIRANA, April 28 – Supreme Court President Sokol Sadushi took part in a joint meeting of the High Judicial Council and the High Prosecutorial Council focused on the ethical and professional evaluation of magistrates and measures to reduce the backlog. Sadushi said the evaluation process is not a formal procedure. …
TIRANA, April 28 – Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said energy security is a key state priority. He described it as a core element of economic stability and national resilience. He spoke at a meeting in Tirana where Albania signed an agreement with the United States and Greece on …
TIRANA, April 28 – U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle described Albania as a steadfast partner of the United States. She said the country holds strong strategic importance for the Balkans and Southeast Europe. She spoke at the Prime Minister’s Office during the signing of an energy security agreement between …
TIRANA, April 28 – Albania has signed an energy agreement with the United States and Greece on energy diversification and the strengthening of energy independence. Prime Minister Edi Rama described the United States as a key partner in consolidating energy security and said Albania is investing to diversify its energy …
The United States Ambassador to Athens paid a visit to Tirana, where she took part in the signing ceremony of an important agreement in the energy sector between Albania, international companies, and American partners. The agreement предусматриes a 20-year contract for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the …
Agreement with the U.S, Greece and Albania. U.S. Ambassador in Athens: Strengthens regional security
The U.S. Ambassador to Greece was in Tirana this Tuesday, where she participated in a ceremony marking Albania’s inclusion in an energy agreement with the United States and Greece, worth $6 billion. The signing ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Enea Kakaraçi, and …
Albania hosts MONEYVAL mission, Deputy PM Koçiu highlights progress in anti-money laundering efforts
TIRANA, April 28 – Albania has welcomed the MONEYVAL assessment mission, which focuses on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing efforts. The FATF (Financial Action Task Force) removed Albania from its grey list in 2023. Authorities present this decision, along with improving financial indicators, as evidence of progress, saying it strengthens …