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Rama invites everyone to join: 215 applicants for MPs of Socialist Party

The Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, invited everyone this Sunday who want to be part of the socialist team, to apply at the ‘Members of Parliament that we want’. In a message in the social media, Rama said that everyone is welcomed to join SP2030. Some 215 candidates applied to …

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Two citizens from Poland arrested for cultivating cannabis

Two Polish citizens have been arrested in Saranda as part of the police mega-operation coded “Temple 3”. During the check in the premises of a hotel in Saranda, with one of the Polish administrators, specifically in the room where he was staying with the other Polish citizen, the Police services …

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UN General Assembly/ Minister Hasani arrives in New York

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, has arrived in New York, to participate in a series of activities, within the High Level Week of the UN General Assembly (September 22-30, 2024). Minister Hasani is expected to sign several agreements for the mutual liberalization of visas, in order to …

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Alienation of properties/ SPAK sends Jorgo Goro to trial, accused of abuse of duty and concealment of assets

The Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has closed the investigations and has sent the former head of Himara, Jorgo Goro, to the Special Court (GJKKO) for trial. SPAK accuses Goro of abuse of office in two cases, as well as of concealing assets. In the capacity of the mayor of Himara, …

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Albania Adopts Law Deterring Medical Students From Emigrating After Graduation

A new law approved by MPs obliges medical students to work for three years in Albania after graduation or incur the full cost of their tuition fees. Original post Here

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Mo, for short

(The image used in this article is from The Economist and is property of Dan Williams. It is used for illustrative purposes only; all rights belong to Dan Williams) The following is a story of immense personal achievement; it’s a story of a tremendous love for one’s country, and it …

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Noa Beci : How to keep your life together

The five stages of grief Noa Beci, an 18-year-old Albanian high school student residing in Austria, has won the opportunity to publish her book, The Five Stages of Grief, as part of the Young Storyteller Award. This award, presented by story.one and Thalia, seeks to uncover the next generation of …

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Albania’s Beleaguered Ex-PM Attacks Media After Corruption File Leak

Albanian rights groups criticised threats voiced by former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, who claimed, without providing proof, that some journalists were serving the interests of prosecutors by reporting the corruption charges against him. Original post Here

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‘Where I Belong’: The Charm, and the Challenges, of Small-Town Albania

For years, Albanians have been leaving behind small towns and villages for the capital, Tirana, or for life abroad. Some are drawn back, but it’s a choice that is not without challenges. Original post Here

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Assassination attempt against former prosecutor Arjan Ndoj/ SPAK requires 30 years in prison for 5 defendants

On Tuesday, the special prosecution requested a sentence of 30 years in prison in total for the 5 people accused of the assassination attempt of former prosecutor Arjan Ndoja and his friend Pëllumb Muharremi in November 2019. The attack took place near the Sukthi overpass on the Tirana Durres highway, …

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Kosovo’s Kurti Sued for Keeping Prime Ministerial Post Despite Resigning

The Democratic League of Kosovo has filed 17 lawsuits in a fresh legal challenge against the outgoing prime minister, Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti, and his ministers. Original post Here

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‘Third Parties’: Albanian Election Campaign Marred by Online Scheming

Anonymous social media accounts, a lack of financial transparency and the unethical use of AI could have an impact on voter opinion ahead of Albania’s May 11 parliamentary election, BIRN has found. Original post Here

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Albanian Ex-Negotiator Says PM’s Pledge of EU Accession in 2030 ‘Delusional’

In an interview with BIRN, Zef Mazi, Albania’s former chief negotiator with the EU, poured cold water on Prime Minister Edi Rama’s election promise of EU accession by 2030. Original post Here

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Albanian Elections – New Political Forces Challenge Albania’s Political Duopoly

TIRANA, Albania , May 6th (Tirana Times ) — On May 11, Albanians will head to the polls for parliamentary elections marked by a crowded field of contenders: 53 political parties and over 2,000 candidates will vie for 140 seats in the national legislature. While this diversity may signal political …

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Jordan’s King Abdullah II Makes Rare Visit to Albania Amid Sparse Bilateral Ties

President Begaj welcomes His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with a solemn ceremony. May 2, 2025 | TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times In a visit marked more by symbolism than substance, Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein arrived in Tirana on Friday for …

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Saudi Cultural Heritage Celebrated in Prishtina with Opening of “Urat” Exhibition

Tirana Times | May 2nd | Prishtina, Kosovo — A unique cultural bridge between Kosovo and Saudi Arabia was inaugurated on Thursday with the opening of the “Urat” exhibition in central Prishtina, showcasing the Kingdom’s rich Islamic and cultural heritage. Organized in partnership between the Islamic Community of Kosovo and …

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Criminal Enterprise and Investment Policy in Albania

The involvement of individuals with criminal backgrounds or ties to the underworld among Albania’s so-called strategic investors must be examined in a broader context. Politically, this phenomenon represents one of the clearest signs of the symbiosis between crime and politics — and of the state being effectively captured by organized …

News
RSF Report: Media Freedom Tumbling in Most Balkan Countries

Press freedom has continued a downward slide in most Balkan countries according to the latest report by Reporters Without Borders – although Albania, Montenegro and Serbia have bucked the trend. Original post Here

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The EU Court’s Verdict on Golden Passports: Implications for Albania

Genc Pollo – President of the Paneuropa Albania MovementFormer Minister and MP April 2025 “Whatever the European Court decides—if it says it can’t be done, we won’t do it; if it says it can, we will.” This was, roughly speaking, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s stance in March 2023, expressed at …

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Corridor VIII – the Forgotten Lifeline of the Balkans

An in-depth investigation into the EU-backed trans-Balkan transport project that remains stalled decades after its launch. Over two decades ago, European planners and Balkan leaders laid out the idea off Corridor VIII, a transport route that would traverse and link the difficult-to-navigate terrains of Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. Its …

News

Kosovo’s Kurti Sued for Keeping Prime Ministerial Post Despite Resigning

The Democratic League of Kosovo has filed 17 lawsuits in a fresh legal challenge against the outgoing prime minister, Vetevendosje leader Albin Kurti, and his ministers. Original post Here

News

‘Third Parties’: Albanian Election Campaign Marred by Online Scheming

Anonymous social media accounts, a lack of financial transparency and the unethical use of AI could have an impact on voter opinion ahead of Albania’s May 11 parliamentary election, BIRN has found. Original post Here

News

Albanian Ex-Negotiator Says PM’s Pledge of EU Accession in 2030 ‘Delusional’

In an interview with BIRN, Zef Mazi, Albania’s former chief negotiator with the EU, poured cold water on Prime Minister Edi Rama’s election promise of EU accession by 2030. Original post Here

News

Albanian Elections – New Political Forces Challenge Albania’s Political Duopoly

TIRANA, Albania , May 6th (Tirana Times ) — On May 11, Albanians will head to the polls for parliamentary elections marked by a crowded field of contenders: 53 political parties and over 2,000 candidates will vie for 140 seats in the national legislature. While this diversity may signal political …

News

Jordan’s King Abdullah II Makes Rare Visit to Albania Amid Sparse Bilateral Ties

President Begaj welcomes His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with a solemn ceremony. May 2, 2025 | TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times In a visit marked more by symbolism than substance, Jordan’s King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein arrived in Tirana on Friday for …

News

Saudi Cultural Heritage Celebrated in Prishtina with Opening of “Urat” Exhibition

Tirana Times | May 2nd | Prishtina, Kosovo — A unique cultural bridge between Kosovo and Saudi Arabia was inaugurated on Thursday with the opening of the “Urat” exhibition in central Prishtina, showcasing the Kingdom’s rich Islamic and cultural heritage. Organized in partnership between the Islamic Community of Kosovo and …

News

Criminal Enterprise and Investment Policy in Albania

The involvement of individuals with criminal backgrounds or ties to the underworld among Albania’s so-called strategic investors must be examined in a broader context. Politically, this phenomenon represents one of the clearest signs of the symbiosis between crime and politics — and of the state being effectively captured by organized …

News

RSF Report: Media Freedom Tumbling in Most Balkan Countries

Press freedom has continued a downward slide in most Balkan countries according to the latest report by Reporters Without Borders – although Albania, Montenegro and Serbia have bucked the trend. Original post Here

News

The EU Court’s Verdict on Golden Passports: Implications for Albania

Genc Pollo – President of the Paneuropa Albania MovementFormer Minister and MP April 2025 “Whatever the European Court decides—if it says it can’t be done, we won’t do it; if it says it can, we will.” This was, roughly speaking, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s stance in March 2023, expressed at …

News

Corridor VIII – the Forgotten Lifeline of the Balkans

An in-depth investigation into the EU-backed trans-Balkan transport project that remains stalled decades after its launch. Over two decades ago, European planners and Balkan leaders laid out the idea off Corridor VIII, a transport route that would traverse and link the difficult-to-navigate terrains of Albania, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria. Its …