Rama shares Israeli professor Harari’s view: Algorithms target engagement, not truth
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 …
Hoxha announces Virtual Diplomatic Presence for 24/7 consular services
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 …
Sevasti Qiriazi, a pioneer of education for Albanian girls and women
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 …
Shaban Demiraj, the patriarch of the Albanian language
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 …
Seven wildfires remain active across four counties, with 284 personnel deployed
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 …
Albanian Foreign Ministry to Launch Virtual Diplomatic Presence to Improve Consular Services
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, …
Missing persons, Kurti: We cannot wait until 2044, the EU must put pressure on Serbia to open the archives
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 …
Durrës port authority bars tanker suspected of belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet
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 …
Saturday to bring high temperatures, mostly stable weather and light rain in the east
TIRANA, August 29 – Albania will experience relatively stable weather conditions on Saturday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with periods of moderate and occasionally dense cloud over hilly and mountainous areas. Eastern areas may see occasional light rain from midday through the afternoon. …
Albanian Night becomes a popular cultural destination in central Tirana
TIRANA, August 29 – The Albanian Night Cultural Centre in central Tirana has become a popular destination for tourists interested in Albanian traditions and cultural heritage. Visitors can experience artistic performances, music and traditional elements during evening events at the centre. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the events …
Historical narratives, political systems, institutions and economies across the region are being put to the test as old problems collide with new pressures, our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories this week shows. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a change at the helm of the Interior Ministry. Besfort Lamallari will leave the post and move to the Prime Minister’s Office, while Ervin Demo will take over the ministry. Rama announced the move while presenting changes to the government. He said Lamallari would …
The Ministry of Defense reported 40 wildfires across Albania in the past 24 hours. Six remain active, nine are under monitoring and 25 have been fully extinguished. A total of 492 local personnel and 36 firefighting vehicles are supporting operations. The Armed Forces have deployed 133 personnel, one helicopter, two …
Klodiana Spahiu has been sworn in as Minister of Health and Social Welfare at the Presidency. President Bajram Begaj appointed her following Prime Minister Edi Rama’s proposal, after Evis Sala resigned from the post. Spahiu is a cardiologist and holds a medical degree from the University of Tirana. She later …
An exhibition dedicated to one of Albania’s leading 20th-century artists, Ibrahim Kodra, will open in Tirana on September 23. “Ibrahim Kodra – The Sea and Music” will be held at the Bank of Albania and will remain open until November 23. The exhibition features 41 works created between 1947 and …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the launch of a national campaign to register artisans across Albania. The campaign aims to identify, assess and promote traditional crafts and the people who preserve them. Gonxhja said the campaign would give greater visibility to artisans and their work. It will …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj has announced a new National Housing Fund to support not only vulnerable groups, but also professionals, young people and newly formed families. Speaking after a government meeting, Ibrahimaj said the programme will make 7,000 apartments available. Around 2,000 will be offered through interest-free loans …
The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, met with UNDP Resident Representative Randi Davis to discuss cooperation in green finance, financial and digital education, payment systems, and support for SMEs. The meeting focused on Albania’s latest economic and financial developments and the Bank’s ongoing initiatives. Davis praised the …
Albania is increasingly attracting visitors through its natural heritage, with protected areas becoming key destinations for tourists. Diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity and outdoor activities are drawing more visitors and adding a new dimension to the country’s tourism offer. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said more than 4.5 million visitors explored Albania’s …
General jurisdiction prosecutors from Tirana, Elbasan, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Kukës, Korçë, Berat, Fier, Vlora, Dibër, Lezhë and Shkodër took part in a training session on prosecutorial ethics and professional dilemmas. The Dutch Embassy in Albania said the training was led by Dutch prosecutor Disa Jironet. It focused on complex cases, …