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A wasted chance for internal party democracy

This week the Central Elections Commission (CEC) consolidated what was previously agreed between the two major political parties in Albania, SP and DP, when it comes to the composition of the MP candidate lists in the upcoming general elections on May 11,2025. According to the formula that will be applied …

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Albanian Art Show Depicts Trump as Icon of Freedom

Albanian artist Avni Delvina’s ‘Triumph’ exhibition playfully explores themes of the new US president as a Roman emperor, a Greek god and a ‘spirit of freedom’. Original post Here

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Italy-Albania Migrant Offshoring Deal Tests Respect for Rule of Law

The opening of two Italian-run migrant camps in northwest Albania was a short-lived boon for local villagers. The camps’ fate now hangs in the balance, as a test of Europe’s commitment to the rule of law, rights activists say. Original post Here

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Albanian PM Accused of Allotting Island to Trump’s Son-in-Law to Win Favour

A firm linked to Jared Kushner was granted ‘strategic investor’ status just weeks before the new US president’s inauguration, even without a business plan or feasibility study for the construction of a luxury resort on an uninhabited island once used by the army for shooting practice. Original post Here

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Balkan Politicians Visit Washington to Pay Homage to Trump

A convoy of politicians from Balkan countries has trouped to Washington for Donald Trump’s inauguration – some boasting about their invites, others making the trip simply to demonstrate their enthusiasm for the new president. Original post Here

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Thousands of Tons of Hazardous Waste Illegally Exported from Albania

At least 20,000 tonnes of hazardous waste have been illegally exported from Albania since 2020; experts say Albanian authorities are failing in their monitoring obligations. Original post Here

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Albania Opposition Chief to Ask Trump to Review ‘Persona Non Grata’ Status

Declaring Donald Trump’s victory in the US elections “a miracle”, Sali Berisha said he will call on the new US administration to remove his ‘persona non grata’ designation, which he called a “corrupt” decision. Original post Here

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Albanian PM Under Fire Over TikTok Ban in Election Year

Civil society groups in Albania have questioned the rationale behind an announced 12-month ban on TikTok in the wake of the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old. Opposition parties say PM Edi Rama’s decision is more about the upcoming election than child safety. Original post Here

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Great Expectations: Trump’s Return Sparks Hope on All Sides in Divided Albania

Both the ruling Socialists and opposition conservatives spy potential dividends from a second Trump term in the White House. Original post Here

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Kushner granted ‘strategic investor’ status for Sazan development ahead of Trump’s inauguration 

TIRANA, Jan. 16, 2025 – Albania has officially approved Jared Kushner’s ambitious plans to transform the uninhabited Sazan Island into a luxury eco-resort.  The Albanian government’s Strategic Investments Committee granted strategic investor status to Kushner’s Atlantic Incubation Partners LLC late last month, just three weeks ahead of the return to …

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Ura e Vashës: A Hidden Gem of Albania’s Cultural Heritage

Ura e Vashës stands as a valuable symbol of Albania’s history and traditional architecture. The stone bridge lies between the villages of Klos and Guri i Bardhë, where it connects the two sides of the Mat River. Built around 300 years ago, the bridge once served as the main connection …

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Vlora Bay naval base facility to produce vessels up to 82 meters

TIRANA, July 30 – The government approved a project act to close the old shipyard at the Vlora Bay naval base and make the facility available to Fincantieri. The Italian company will use the site through a joint venture with KAYO. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said the decision opens the …

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Tirana Welcomes Growing Number of Tourists at the End of July

Thousands of tourists are exploring Tirana this July, filling the city’s main squares, streets and landmarks with energy and activity. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of visitors walking along “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, where they captured photos of key attractions and discovered more about Albanian culture. Tourists continue to …

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Rare 1655 Map at National Library Traces the Journey of Ulysses

The National Library of Albania preserves a rare 1655 map of the Mediterranean that reflects how 17th-century scholars connected ancient myths with real geography. The map shows the coasts of Europe and Asia Minor and highlights locations such as Troy and Ithaca, known in the map as “Val Compare”. These …

News
Air Albania pitch to reopen in September

TIRANA, July 30 – Renovation work on the pitch at Air Albania Stadium is nearing completion, while the Albanian Football Association continues the project according to schedule. The association rebuilt the entire foundation of the pitch to meet modern technical and performance standards. It also completed the installation of a …

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INSTAT: Air passenger traffic rises 26.4% in second quarter

TIRANA, July 30 – More than 3.8 million passengers traveled by air in Albania during the second quarter of 2026, marking a 26.4% increase from the same period last year, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). INSTAT reported that 33 foreign airlines operated in Albania between April and June, …

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Defense minister: United States defense deal is transparent, national security must stay above politics

TIRANA, July 30 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi defended Albania’s defense financing agreement with the United States on Wednesday. He rejected opposition claims that the government approved the deal in violation of the Constitution. Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Nufi described the Democratic Party’s criticism as unacceptable. He said national …

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Italian travel website Turisti per Caso: Tirana offers memorable two-day city break

TIRANA, July 30 – Italian travel website Turisti per Caso highlights Tirana as an ideal destination for a two-day getaway. The article follows an Italian traveler who explores the Albanian capital and nearby attractions while praising the country’s affordability, hospitality and rich cultural heritage. The traveler visits Bunk’Art 1 and …

News
No agreement yet on consulates, Albanian foreign minister says

TIRANA, July 30 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania and Serbia have not yet reached an agreement on opening new consulates, responding to recent remarks by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric. Hoxha said Albania has requested to open a Consulate General in the Presheva Valley. Meanwhile, Serbia has requested …

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First Mountain Package permit approved, Prime Minister says

TIRANA, July 30 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said authorities approved the first permit under the Mountain Package during a meeting of the National Territorial Council. Rama announced on social media that the permit belongs to the Hasani family from Theth. He said the family decided to invest its savings …

News

Ura e Vashës: A Hidden Gem of Albania’s Cultural Heritage

Ura e Vashës stands as a valuable symbol of Albania’s history and traditional architecture. The stone bridge lies between the villages of Klos and Guri i Bardhë, where it connects the two sides of the Mat River. Built around 300 years ago, the bridge once served as the main connection …

News

Vlora Bay naval base facility to produce vessels up to 82 meters

TIRANA, July 30 – The government approved a project act to close the old shipyard at the Vlora Bay naval base and make the facility available to Fincantieri. The Italian company will use the site through a joint venture with KAYO. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said the decision opens the …

News

Tirana Welcomes Growing Number of Tourists at the End of July

Thousands of tourists are exploring Tirana this July, filling the city’s main squares, streets and landmarks with energy and activity. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of visitors walking along “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, where they captured photos of key attractions and discovered more about Albanian culture. Tourists continue to …

News

Rare 1655 Map at National Library Traces the Journey of Ulysses

The National Library of Albania preserves a rare 1655 map of the Mediterranean that reflects how 17th-century scholars connected ancient myths with real geography. The map shows the coasts of Europe and Asia Minor and highlights locations such as Troy and Ithaca, known in the map as “Val Compare”. These …

News

Air Albania pitch to reopen in September

TIRANA, July 30 – Renovation work on the pitch at Air Albania Stadium is nearing completion, while the Albanian Football Association continues the project according to schedule. The association rebuilt the entire foundation of the pitch to meet modern technical and performance standards. It also completed the installation of a …

News

INSTAT: Air passenger traffic rises 26.4% in second quarter

TIRANA, July 30 – More than 3.8 million passengers traveled by air in Albania during the second quarter of 2026, marking a 26.4% increase from the same period last year, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). INSTAT reported that 33 foreign airlines operated in Albania between April and June, …

News

Defense minister: United States defense deal is transparent, national security must stay above politics

TIRANA, July 30 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi defended Albania’s defense financing agreement with the United States on Wednesday. He rejected opposition claims that the government approved the deal in violation of the Constitution. Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Nufi described the Democratic Party’s criticism as unacceptable. He said national …

News

Italian travel website Turisti per Caso: Tirana offers memorable two-day city break

TIRANA, July 30 – Italian travel website Turisti per Caso highlights Tirana as an ideal destination for a two-day getaway. The article follows an Italian traveler who explores the Albanian capital and nearby attractions while praising the country’s affordability, hospitality and rich cultural heritage. The traveler visits Bunk’Art 1 and …

News

No agreement yet on consulates, Albanian foreign minister says

TIRANA, July 30 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania and Serbia have not yet reached an agreement on opening new consulates, responding to recent remarks by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric. Hoxha said Albania has requested to open a Consulate General in the Presheva Valley. Meanwhile, Serbia has requested …

News

First Mountain Package permit approved, Prime Minister says

TIRANA, July 30 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said authorities approved the first permit under the Mountain Package during a meeting of the National Territorial Council. Rama announced on social media that the permit belongs to the Hasani family from Theth. He said the family decided to invest its savings …