OSCE human rights office calls for peaceful protests and independent investigations
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expressed concern over reports of violence during student and high school protests in Albania. It called for immediate and independent investigations into every reported case of unlawful use of force. In a statement published on X, ODIHR urged all sides …
Frontex reports nearly one-third fewer irregular border crossings into the European Union
Irregular border crossings into the European Union fell by almost one-third in the first nine months of 2026, with preliminary data recording just over 91,000 crossings, according to Frontex. The Central Mediterranean route saw the sharpest decline, with detections down 56% year on year. However, the Western Mediterranean route recorded …
Albania and Turkey conduct joint naval exercise in Vlora Bay
As part of NATO’s “Neptune Strike-26” exercise, the Albanian and Turkish Naval Forces conducted a joint military exercise in Vlora Bay and at the Pashaliman Naval Base. The exercise involved the Albanian patrol vessel “Oriku” P-132 and its boarding team, alongside the Turkish naval vessels TCG Anadolu and TCG Gaziantep. …
Supreme Court postpones hearings after court files damaged during protests in Tirana
Albania’s Supreme Court has announced the postponement of court hearings, except for urgent cases, following property damage and damage to judicial files caused by a fire during the protests on October 17. In a public statement issued on October 20, the court said that damage to its premises and infrastructure …
UN Security Council to discuss key issues concerning Kosovo today: What does the new UN report say?
The United Nations Security Council will hold its next meeting on the situation in Kosovo today, with discussions expected to focus on political developments, the security situation, and the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. New York time, corresponding to 9:00 p.m. …
ODIHR on Protests in Albania: Concern Over Violence, Calls for Peace
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has expressed concern over reports of violence during protests in Albania, as demonstrations in Tirana enter their eighth consecutive day. In a public statement, ODIHR called on all parties to maintain peace, stressing that law enforcement authorities must refrain from …
Begaj Meets US Ambassador in Tirana and Several EU Ambassadors: Reason for Meetings Revealed
Albanian President Bajram Begaj met with US Ambassador to Tirana Eric Wendt on Tuesday. The meeting comes at a time when Albania is facing a series of protests, accompanied by clashes between demonstrators and the State Police. The head of state holds regular meetings with representatives of the diplomatic corps …
PM Rama Responds After Students Reject Dialogue: “I Am Available”
Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded after lecturers and intellectuals who joined the anti-government protests rejected dialogue, reiterating that he is ready to hold talks with anyone willing to engage in discussions. In a video posted on social media, filmed inside the Prime Minister’s Office, Rama highlighted the chants of …
Albania’s Student Revolt Broadens as Trust in Dialogue Erodes
Lecturers, writers and parents joining the demonstrations deepen the political challenge facing Prime Minister Edi Rama, as allegations of police brutality fuel demands for his resignation. Tirana Times, October 20, 2026 – The participation of university lecturers, writers, artists and parents in Albania’s student protests marks a significant widening of …
Albania’s Former Deputy Prime Minister Faces Corruption Charges After Months of Political Protection
The expanded case against Belinda Balluku puts the government’s defence of senior officials—and Parliament’s refusal to authorize her arrest—under renewed scrutiny. Tirana Times, October 20, 2026 – Albania’s special anti-corruption prosecution, SPAK, on Tuesday communicated final charges against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, including corruption, money laundering, asset concealment …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has unveiled “Pasqyrë Albania”, a new digital platform designed to improve transparency over public investments and help citizens track applications, public services and complaints in real time. During the launch, Saimir Kapllani, an expert at the National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI), outlined the platform’s four …
Albania marks 73 years since the premiere of the opera “Rusalka”, staged in November 1953. The production marked the first opera staged by the Albanian Philharmonic. It also laid the foundations for the establishment of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet and the Popular Ensemble. The Albanian Telegraphic Agency …
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to EU membership, marking 33 years since the Maastricht Treaty entered into force and established the foundations of the European Union. In a social media post on November 1, Hoxha said the anniversary offered Albania an opportunity to look ahead to EU …
Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting today with experts from the National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI), who have been working on the development of the “Pasqyra Albania” platform, to learn more about its features and innovations. During the discussion, Rama explained that the platform is built around four …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has commemorated the 33rd anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty’s entry into force, highlighting Albania’s path toward integration into the European Union. In a post on social media platform X, Hoxha described the treaty as a defining moment in the establishment of …
Around 55 pilots from Albania and various European countries are taking part in the 14th edition of the “Korça Open Air” championship, held in Lumalas. For four days, the airfield has been transformed into an arena for precision landing competitions, where pilots challenge one another to achieve the most accurate …
Albania plans to return to international financial markets in 2027 with the issuance of a new Eurobond. The planned amount is approximately €690 million, which would make it the largest borrowing of this kind ever undertaken by the country. According to the draft 2027 budget, the Eurobond issuance will amount …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has appointed Vlera Gjakova as his media adviser. Gjakova is originally from North Macedonia but has spent a significant part of her life in Kosovo, where she has also been involved in politics. Eight years ago, she joined Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje Movement, and in the 2019 …
Two separate protests took place in Tirana on Saturday. Students, lecturers and citizens gathered outside the Ministry of Education for the 19th consecutive day, demanding political change, the prime minister’s resignation and better living and education conditions. Meanwhile, the main opposition party held a rally outside the Prime Minister’s Office. …
The US Embassy in Tirana has urged American citizens to avoid protest areas, warning that demonstrations could escalate into violence and disrupt traffic and public services. In an official security alert, the embassy said protests continue in central Tirana and near government institutions. Some demonstrations have turned violent, with reports …