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Germany on the protests: A citizens’ right, but an internal matter for Albania

In a public statement, Martin Giese, spokesperson for Germany’s Foreign Ministry, was asked about the ongoing protests taking place in Tirana. Specifically, Giese was asked whether the German government is in contact with the protesters in Albania, whether Berlin is aware of the protesters’ demands, and what it expects from …

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Specialist Chambers: Detainees may visit Kosovo for humanitarian reasons

The legal framework of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers allows detainees to request visits to Kosovo for compelling humanitarian reasons. In a video statement released on Monday, the institution said that the regulations governing such visits were adopted by the judges in accordance with international human rights standards, including Article 5 …

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Day 23 of protests in Tirana, organizers publish five main demands

For the 23rd consecutive day, starting at 7:00 p.m., citizens gathered on the “Dëshmorët e Kombit” boulevard in Tirana to protest against the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama. As on previous days, protesters first assembled in Skanderbeg Square before marching toward the government headquarters. Their chants echoed through the …

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More than 32,000 applications submitted for agricultural support funds, farmers have until June 26 to apply

Around 32,300 farmers have applied so far to benefit from Albania’s 2026 agricultural support schemes, for which a total fund of €52 million has been made available. This year, financial support for livestock and beekeeping has been increased, while the minimum herd size required to qualify for assistance has been …

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World Bank: Albanian children are not reaching their full potential

A child born in Albania today is likely to fall short of reaching his or her full potential. According to the World Bank’s latest Human Capital Index report, a child born today is expected to achieve only 63% of the economic productivity they could attain if they enjoyed full health …

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Jet Bank officially launches operations in Albania as the first 100% digital bank

Jet Bank has officially launched its operations and its mobile application, marking a historic milestone for the Albanian financial sector as the first 100% digital bank in the country. At the launch event held at the Palace of Brigades, with the participation of representatives from state institutions, the banking sector, …

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Albania’s Street Revolt Turns Political

Tens of thousands filled Tirana on June 20 demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and his government, turning a three-week protest movement into the most serious political challenge to his 14-year rule. Tirana Times, June 20, 2026 – Albania witnessed its largest anti-government protest in years on Saturday, …

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Tirana’s Towers, Albania’s New Pyramids?

How a criminal political economy built on concrete, dirty money and construction may put the Albanian state at risk. Tirana Times, June 22, 2026 – Tirana’s skyline has become the most visible expression of Albania’s new political economy. Over the past six or seven years, dozens of high-rise towers have …

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Albania’s Missing Generation: A Country Losing Its Future Before 2050

Tirana Times, June 22, 2026 – Albania is no longer facing a normal demographic decline. It is facing the possible disappearance of the very generation on which its economic, social and political future depends. New United Nations population projections cited in the latest analysis show that Albania is expected to …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 22, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Approves Albania’s Proposal: Autumn Session 2027 to Be Held in Tirana

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has approved the proposal of the Albanian parliamentary delegation to host the Autumn Session 2027 in Tirana, with the participation of all OSCE member states. First, Socialist Party Secretary General Blendi Klosi announced the decision and described it as an important achievement for Albanian parliamentary diplomacy. …

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Hoxha: Democracy Comes from Dialogue, Not Force or Intimidation

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha commented today on last night’s protest in the capital. First, he said democracy, freedom, and rights are not given but earned through effort, sacrifice, and responsibility. He also said they come from dialogue and wisdom, not intimidation or imposition. In addition, he …

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Peleshi Meets Schellenberger: Strengthening Parliamentary Cooperation with Germany

Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi held a meeting with Gunnar Schellenberger, President of the Parliament of the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, focusing on strengthening parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. First, the two sides discussed expanding institutional relations and increasing cooperation in key areas such as economy, education, …

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Rama: Fincantieri Deal to Create 500 New Jobs at Pashaliman Shipyard

Prime Minister Edi Rama presents key government developments of the week and highlights a new partnership between Italy’s “Fincantieri” and the state-owned company “KAYO”. First, he says the agreement strengthens Albania’s defense sector and supports the revival of the country’s military industry. Next, he explains that the partnership expands to …

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PM Rama to BBC: Judicial reform remains one of Albania’s most significant achievements in recent years

TIRANA, July 5 – Judicial reform remains one of Albania’s most significant achievements in recent years, according to Prime Minister Edi Rama in an interview with BBC News. He said the justice system must operate independently and act without political influence. Rama reiterated that judicial reform is a central milestone …

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Paesi online: Journey to Durrës, the 2,500-year-old city between ancient empires and modern life

TIRANA, July 5 – The Italian media outlet “Paesi online” highlights Durrës in a feature story, describing it as one of the Adriatic’s most fascinating destinations, where ancient history and modern urban life coexist side by side. The article presents Durrës as one of Albania’s oldest cities, with more than …

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Fire in Shëngjin mountain brought under control after overnight battle with flames

TIRANA, July 5 – Firefighters brought a blaze under control in the Shëngjin mountain area near the main road in the “Sakë” neighbourhood in Lezha after an overnight operation. Fire units from Lezha and Tirana worked through the night to contain the flames. Lezha Mayor Pjerin Ndreu said firefighters stayed …

News
Tirana Accuses Kremlin of Being Behind Protests?

Russian Embassy rejects the claims as “completely unfounded” and tells Albanian officials not to “look for enemies where they do not exist.” Tirana Times, July 04, 2026 – Albania’s government is increasingly casting the country’s month-long anti-government protests as part of a foreign-backed effort to destabilize the country, with senior …

News
PM Rama congratulates the United States on Independence Day, calls July 4 a shared celebration for Albanians

TIRANA, July 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has extended his congratulations to the United States of America on the occasion of July 4, Independence Day. He said July 4 is also a special celebration for Albanians. He highlighted the historic ties and friendship between the two countries. Rama referred …

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President Begaj congratulates United States on 250th Independence anniversary, expresses gratitude for long-standing support

TIRANA, July 4 – President Bajram Begaj has extended congratulations to the United States of America on the 250th anniversary of Independence Day. He conveyed his warmest wishes to President Donald Trump and the American people. Begaj said Albania deeply values its enduring friendship and strategic partnership with the United …

News

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Approves Albania’s Proposal: Autumn Session 2027 to Be Held in Tirana

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has approved the proposal of the Albanian parliamentary delegation to host the Autumn Session 2027 in Tirana, with the participation of all OSCE member states. First, Socialist Party Secretary General Blendi Klosi announced the decision and described it as an important achievement for Albanian parliamentary diplomacy. …

News

Hoxha: Democracy Comes from Dialogue, Not Force or Intimidation

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha commented today on last night’s protest in the capital. First, he said democracy, freedom, and rights are not given but earned through effort, sacrifice, and responsibility. He also said they come from dialogue and wisdom, not intimidation or imposition. In addition, he …

News

Peleshi Meets Schellenberger: Strengthening Parliamentary Cooperation with Germany

Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi held a meeting with Gunnar Schellenberger, President of the Parliament of the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, focusing on strengthening parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. First, the two sides discussed expanding institutional relations and increasing cooperation in key areas such as economy, education, …

News

Rama: Fincantieri Deal to Create 500 New Jobs at Pashaliman Shipyard

Prime Minister Edi Rama presents key government developments of the week and highlights a new partnership between Italy’s “Fincantieri” and the state-owned company “KAYO”. First, he says the agreement strengthens Albania’s defense sector and supports the revival of the country’s military industry. Next, he explains that the partnership expands to …

News

PM Rama to BBC: Judicial reform remains one of Albania’s most significant achievements in recent years

TIRANA, July 5 – Judicial reform remains one of Albania’s most significant achievements in recent years, according to Prime Minister Edi Rama in an interview with BBC News. He said the justice system must operate independently and act without political influence. Rama reiterated that judicial reform is a central milestone …

News

Paesi online: Journey to Durrës, the 2,500-year-old city between ancient empires and modern life

TIRANA, July 5 – The Italian media outlet “Paesi online” highlights Durrës in a feature story, describing it as one of the Adriatic’s most fascinating destinations, where ancient history and modern urban life coexist side by side. The article presents Durrës as one of Albania’s oldest cities, with more than …

News

Fire in Shëngjin mountain brought under control after overnight battle with flames

TIRANA, July 5 – Firefighters brought a blaze under control in the Shëngjin mountain area near the main road in the “Sakë” neighbourhood in Lezha after an overnight operation. Fire units from Lezha and Tirana worked through the night to contain the flames. Lezha Mayor Pjerin Ndreu said firefighters stayed …

News

Tirana Accuses Kremlin of Being Behind Protests?

Russian Embassy rejects the claims as “completely unfounded” and tells Albanian officials not to “look for enemies where they do not exist.” Tirana Times, July 04, 2026 – Albania’s government is increasingly casting the country’s month-long anti-government protests as part of a foreign-backed effort to destabilize the country, with senior …

News

PM Rama congratulates the United States on Independence Day, calls July 4 a shared celebration for Albanians

TIRANA, July 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has extended his congratulations to the United States of America on the occasion of July 4, Independence Day. He said July 4 is also a special celebration for Albanians. He highlighted the historic ties and friendship between the two countries. Rama referred …

News

President Begaj congratulates United States on 250th Independence anniversary, expresses gratitude for long-standing support

TIRANA, July 4 – President Bajram Begaj has extended congratulations to the United States of America on the 250th anniversary of Independence Day. He conveyed his warmest wishes to President Donald Trump and the American people. Begaj said Albania deeply values its enduring friendship and strategic partnership with the United …