‘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
Ibrahimaj: 1,179 applications submitted to Startup Albania, support will continue for all applicants
Albania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, has highlighted the strong interest in Startup Albania 2026, which received 1,179 applications this year. Following the selection process, Ibrahimaj stressed that the programme will continue to support applicants who were not selected as winners. “Every idea deserves an opportunity,” Ibrahimaj said. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a special photo on social media, saying that the Hasa family from the United States sent it to him. The photo shows a cat with a business card bearing the name “Prime Minister Edi Rama” placed in front of its paws. In addition, Rama …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a video featuring Israeli professor Yuval Noah Harari discussing the way social media algorithms influence human behaviour. Harari argues that platforms such as Facebook, X and TikTok designed their algorithms to increase user engagement rather than build trust or promote truth. According to the …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha described Albania’s consular service as a success story for citizens at home and abroad. He said the transformation involves technology, but also the quality, speed, and accessibility of services. In a video message posted on social media, Hoxha said authorities administered 1.378 …
On August 30, 1949, Sevasti Qiriazi Dako, a teacher, patriot, and pioneer of education for Albanian girls and women, passed away. Born on February 24, 1871, in Manastir, Qiriazi became one of the earliest pioneers of organized national education for Albanian girls and women. She also played an important role …
Colleagues called him “the patriarch of the Albanian language.” Today, Albania remembers academic, linguist, and scholar Shaban Demiraj on the anniversary of his death on August 30, 2014. Demiraj was born in Vlora on January 1, 1920. He completed his secondary education at the Madrasa in Tirana before studying Albanian …
Albania continues to battle wildfires across several parts of the country. The Ministry of Defense reported 20 wildfires across the country by 20:00. Seven remain active, while authorities continue to monitor three others. A total of 284 operational personnel and 33 firefighting vehicles are supporting the response. The Armed Forces …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has described consular services for Albanians at home and abroad as a success story, linked not only to technological transformation but also to improvements in the way services are delivered, their quality and speed. In a video message published on social media, …
Kosovo’s acting president, Albulena Haxhiu, and acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti paid tribute at the Memorial to Missing Persons on the occasion of the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances. Haxhiu said that more than 1,500 people who disappeared by force during the last war in Kosovo are …
TIRANA, August 29 – The Durrës Port Harbour Master’s Office barred the tanker HANUMAN from entering the port’s roadstead on August 28. The Sierra Leone-flagged vessel continued sailing about 12 miles from the port after the decision. Ukraine’s military intelligence service, known as GUR, and partner agencies have identified the …