Bosnian Serb Leaders Hold Cocktail Party to Toast Trump Victory
The US-sanctioned president of Republika Srpska, Milorad Dodik, threw a cocktail party in honour of Trump’s victory in the American presidential elections, saying his win “symbolises a return to values we hold dear”. Original post Here
‘Like Prison’: How African Migrant Workers Suffer Exploitation in Albania
Migrant workers from Africa have told BIRN about having to surrender their passports on arrival in Albania, working unpaid overtime and facing deportation once they are no longer required. Many are left with debts to the agencies that act as middlemen. Original post Here
How Allocation of EU Rapporteur Jobs Might Impact Western Balkan Accession Hopes
The names of the new EU rapporteurs for each of the six Western Balkan countries will emerge over the coming weeks. The relative strength of the various party groupings in the European parliament indicates how some countries might fare better than others. Original post Here
Baku hosting Global Summit of Religious Leaders within the framework of COP29
Baku, Azerbaijan – On November 5-6, 2024, the city of Baku is hosting the Global Summit of Religious Leaders within the framework of COP29, a highly significant event that brings together religious leaders and prominent figures from around the world to discuss the challenges of the climate crisis and the …
Albanian Premier Edi Rama’s Diaspora Tour: Outreach or Electioneering?
From New York to Thessaloniki, Prime Minister Edi Rama has been travelling the world to hold meetings with Albanian diaspora communities ahead of next year’s elections. Opponents say he’s trying to avoid discontent at home. Original post Here
UNED Campus in Gjirokastra: A European Hub in the Western Balkans
By Jerina Zaloshnja It is a beautiful, joyous day in Gjirokastra. October 30, 2024. The sun shines brightly in the warm, clear blue air. From the loudspeakers at the campus of UNED, Spain’s new university in the country, Spanish music reverberates slowly. Young students dressed in traditional Gjirokastra costumes …
The UNED Campus in Gjirokaster a gateway to global academic excellence and a bridge to Europe
By Ricardo Mairal Uson It is an immense honor and privilege for me to stand before you today, on this momentous occasion—the inauguration of the UNED Center in the historic and culturally significant city of Gjirokaster. This event marks the beginning of a new chapter in the strong relationship between …
Albania struggles with hazardous waste scandal as ship awaits clearance off Durres coast
DURRES, Oct. 31, 2024 – A cargo ship laden with over 100 containers of suspected hazardous waste, which arrived in Albania from Singapore, remains anchored off the coast of Durres for the fourth consecutive day. The ship’s entry into port has been delayed by authorities awaiting necessary safety preparations, intensifying …
Is Albania Slipping into a one part-system ?
Albania is now an efficient laboratory to prove how easy it is to rebuild a totalitarian society in the conditions when the country is open to the world. The head of Albania’s opposition, Sali Berisha Albania’s former President and a former two-term Prime Minister was arrested on Saturday, Dec. …
From Ant to Colony
The late 1870s and early 1890s ushered in the Gilded Age of the U.S., where rapid industrialization and free-flowing innovations were sweeping the nation. As I see it, successful ventures from the private sector played an interesting role in the development of the state during this period. The steel conglomerate …
Bajram Begaj welcomed the Albanian Parliament’s resolution on the European Union membership process. He described it as an appropriate response to the 2025 European Commission progress report on Albania and to the report of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee. Furthermore, Begaj said the resolution reflects the only correct approach: …
Delina Ibrahimaj said today that the government is ready to take additional measures if international prices continue to rise. Speaking in Parliament, Ibrahimaj addressed the measures taken to manage price increases caused by tensions in the Middle East and their impact on global markets. She responded to an interpellation requested …
TIRANA, May 15 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will carry out a working visit to Tallinn, Estonia, on Thursday. He will attend the Lennart Meri Conference 2026, one of the leading international forums on foreign policy, security and global geopolitical challenges. The event runs under the motto “Fate Favors the …
The Albanian Parliament approved today the resolution on Albania’s European Union membership process. Lawmakers passed the resolution with 114 votes in favor and one abstention. The ruling majority and the opposition joined votes to support the resolution. Meanwhile, Democratic Party MP Bujar Leskaj abstained. The resolution calls for broad cooperation …
Alis will represent Albania tonight at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with the song “Nân”. The song delivers an emotional message about motherhood. Albanians living abroad can support Alis by voting with code 13 during the live semifinal televote. Meanwhile, Albanians living in non-participating countries can vote online through esc.vote. …
Ferit Hoxha said today that Albania’s European integration remains a non-negotiable strategic objective. Speaking in Parliament, Hoxha responded to an interpellation requested by Democratic Party MP Tritan Shehu. The discussion focused on a joint article published in a German newspaper by Prime Minister Edi Rama and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …
Bajram Begaj received today the credentials of the Ambassador of Palestine, Rana Abusibaa, in Tirana. He welcomed the ambassador and wished her success in her diplomatic mission in Albania. Furthermore, Begaj said he is confident she will help strengthen friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries. He also said …
Bajram Begaj received today the credentials of the Ambassador of Kuwait, Mohsen Alajmi, in Tirana. He welcomed the ambassador and expressed confidence in strengthening relations between the two countries. Furthermore, Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s solidarity with Kuwait in the face of recent attacks from Iran. He described them as a clear …
Edi Rama attended the Charlemagne Prize ceremony in Aachen, Germany, where Mario Draghi was honored. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Rama described his participation as a special privilege. He praised Draghi as a key European figure in moments of crisis and difficult decision-making. Rama said Draghi represents European courage …
Erjona Ismaili said today in Parliament that European Union integration must remain a national project above political divisions. She called on the opposition to contribute constructively to Albania’s path toward the EU. Furthermore, she said Albania is at a historic moment, aiming to close negotiations by 2027 and achieve full …