Albania’s Gender Equality Law: Now Let’s See It Implemented
Online disinformation from opponents of the new gender equality law shouldn’t obscure the real issue: this vital legislation has been adopted by parliament, but now we need it to work in practice, not just on paper. Original post Here
Albania Gender-Equality Law Draws Praise and Condemnation
Women’s rights groups hailed adoption of the new equality law as a historic move – while the opposition Democratic Party and ‘pro-family’ groups called it an attack on traditional values. Original post Here
Leaked Albanian Investigation Implicates Deputy PM in Tender-Rigging
A leaked file, apparently from an anti-corruption prosecutors’ probe, suggests deputy prime minister Belinda Balluku played an active role in predetermining the winner of a major construction tender. Original post Here
Rama: Albania Has No Fear of Russia
Tirana Times | November 5, 2025 Berlin/Tirana – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has downplayed growing Western fears of a possible Russian expansion of aggression in Europe, declaring that Moscow would “not attack Albania or any other European country” and that NATO remains fully capable of deterring any threat. In …
Albania Boosts Defense Spending to Align with NATO Goals
By Tirana Times November 5, 2025 Albania’s draft budget for 2026 marks a significant milestone in the country’s defense modernization and strategic alignment with NATO objectives. The government has announced a €100 million increase in defense funding, raising total expenditures to €589 million or approximately 2.1% of GDP surpassing the …
Dark Secrets: How Encrypted Comms Boosted Organised Crime in the Balkans
Encrypted platforms and secure devices have helped crime gangs in the Balkans to coordinate trafficking and payments – but while police have cracked several of them, the criminals quickly adopt new tools. Original post Here
PM Rama’s Misguided Diplomacy on Kosovo
The Albanian Prime Minister’s suggestions have largely and consistently proven not to be in Kosovo’s best interest October 29, 2025 By Veton Suroi Last week, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama offered a new recommendation for Kosovo in the process of normalizing relations with Serbia: “In my view, Kosovo should completely …
Albanian Officials’ Harassment of Journalists is Becoming Normalised
Intimidation of journalists working for independent media in Albania is getting worse, as state-level and local officials attempt to silence critical voices, both online and face-to-face. Original post Here
EU Enlargement Report Criticises Serbia, Hails Montenegro’s Progress
Tough European Commission report takes Serbian democratic backsliding to task – while saying Montenegro will probably be the first among the current candidate countries to join the EU. Original post Here
Oligarchy, Governance, and Justice in the Eyes of Citizens’ Expectations
By Zef Preçi The recent decision of Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption (SPAK) to formally indict Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Belinda Balluku on charges related to abuse of office and corruption has sent shockwaves through the political establishment. Balluku widely regarded as the government’s second-in-command and …
The Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD) announced that it will soon open a premiere exhibition of one of the most extraordinary artists of global Surrealism, Salvador Dalí. The exhibition “Salvador Dalí” will open on April 9. It forms part of the “Argillet Collection,” curated by collector Christine Argillet. The …
Prime Minister Edi Rama called on mayors to draft plans to convert old houses into museums. He urged them to identify buildings with strong heritage value and save them from decay. Speaking at a meeting with mayors, Rama said the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports has launched a process …
The reconstruction of the “Shefqet Doda” Cultural Palace in Mat has brought new life to the city’s cultural and artistic scene. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, Minister Blendi Gonxhja, Mayor Altin Bojnini, and MP Agron Malaj visited the upgraded facilities. Koçiu said the project restores one of Mat’s key symbols. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, also leader of the Socialist Party of Albania, met the party assembly in Unit 3 in Tirana. Rama praised the results in the unit. He said the unit shows growth. He thanked party members for their work. He said 10 out of 12 regions show growth, …
Easter is approaching. If you want to enjoy the holiday with family or friends, here are four perfect films to watch together, reports hynerd.it. Who Framed Roger Rabbit In an alternate Hollywood where animated characters and humans coexist, detective Eddie Valiant investigates a case involving the cartoon star Roger Rabbit, …
Today, 42 Americans took the oath to serve as Peace Corps volunteers in Albania for two years. The U.S. Embassy announced that Nancy VanHorn and Mirela Kumbaro attended the ceremony. VanHorn said the Peace Corps reflects the spirit of ordinary citizens stepping forward to serve. She called it “America at …
The government of Kosovo, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, approved on Friday draft laws on price caps and mandatory health insurance, which are to be submitted to the Assembly of Kosovo for approval before becoming law. This marks a renewed effort by Kurti to strengthen these two laws, after …
The Albanian government has undertaken a new fiscal measure to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices in international markets. Through a recently approved normative act, a 20% reduction in excise taxes on diesel and gasoline has been introduced, to be applied under specific conditions. According to the decision, the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting this Friday with socialist mayors, where he emphasized that a key priority is the strengthening of emergency services. He noted that special focus is being placed on firefighting units, which face difficulties during the peak summer season due to frequent wildfires. Rama announced …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, during a meeting with mayors, stated that the next steps related to a project aimed at supporting local government are a primary focus. Rama also underlined that a key element of the work plan is maximum engagement in the legalization process. He said that, in cooperation …