Clashes Escalate in Tirana as Protesters Set Kiosks Ablaze
Masked protesters continued to clash with police in Tirana on Thursday. They damaged public spaces and private businesses as unrest spread across the capital. After vandalizing businesses on Elbasan Street, masked youths set a kiosk ablaze on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Flames engulfed the structure and sent thick smoke into …
Begaj: Violence Is Not the Answer; Albania Needs Calm, Responsibility and Dialogue
President Bajram Begaj has called on citizens and all parties involved in the recent protests to reject violence and prioritize dialogue. He stressed that Albania needs calm, responsibility and cooperation. In a message to the public, Begaj said he had followed both the protesters’ demands and the acts of violence …
OSCE Ready to Facilitate Dialogue in Albania
The OSCE Presence in Albania has welcomed President Bajram Begaj’s call for calm and inclusive dialogue amid the recent unrest. It has also offered to help facilitate talks if the parties request its support. In a statement, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) joined the President’s appeal …
Student Protests: EU Delegation Urges Young People to Avoid All Acts of Violence
The EU Delegation in Tirana issued a statement on Thursday regarding the student protests, condemning the escalation of violence and damage to property. In its statement, the delegation called on protesters to refrain from violence. According to the EU, constructive dialogue among all parties is the only way forward to …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro Reacts to Student and High School Protests
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro has responded following three days of protests by university and high school students, calling on parents, teachers, and the wider community to work together to ensure the safety of young people and prevent the situation from escalating. In a message addressed to parents, pupils, and university …
Tirana Chamber of Commerce: Businesses Must Not Become Targets of Political Tensions
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reacted to acts of violence and damage to public and private property during protests in the capital, condemning attacks on institutions, banks, shopping centers, and business premises. In its statement, the Chamber emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a …
Businesses Take Precautions Amid Protests, Shops Seen Installing Security Shutters
Student protests continue to escalate in the capital. In the former Blloku area, private businesses have begun taking protective measures, installing security shutters and reinforcing their commercial premises. These security measures follow incidents reported in recent hours, during which some young protesters attacked and damaged private property, as well as …
Albania’s Police Chief Reports 71 Officers Injured During Three Days of Protests in Tirana
The General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, said during a press conference at the State Police General Directorate that 71 police officers had been injured in acts of violence over the three days of protests in Tirana. Hita called on parents and teachers not to allow children and …
Health Ministry: 14 Injured During Protests, Police Officers and Protesters Still Receiving Medical Treatment
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has provided the latest update on the condition of those injured during the protests. According to the official statement, a total of 14 injured people were admitted to the University Trauma Hospital, including eight police officers, four protesters and two minors. Four police …
Socialist Party Reacts to Protests: Albanians Will Not Be Hostages to the Past
The Socialist Party of Albania has reacted to the escalating situation surrounding the protests in Tirana through a post on social media. In its statement, the Socialist Party emphasized that Albanians will not be held hostage by the past. The post was accompanied by a video showing clashes between protesters …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the state budget has exceeded €10 billion for the first time in Albania’s history. He made the announcement in a message on economic performance and addressed students as well. The government has submitted the 2027 draft budget to the Assembly for discussion and approval. Rama …
The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination has brought together national stakeholders to explore new opportunities for regional cooperation and financing. The meeting also marked the first thematic workshop under the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region Stakeholders Engagement Point (StEP) project. Representatives of public institutions, development …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced plans to reduce the price of diesel by 32 Albanian Lek (ALL) per litre by removing the circulation tax from fuel. Under the proposed changes, the government would shift the tax to vehicles and collect it through the relevant road transport directorate. The measure …
The European Union has told Serbia’s incoming government, which will be formed following the elections, that it is expected to engage constructively in the dialogue aimed at normalizing relations with Kosovo, including implementing all agreements reached so far. An EU spokesperson made the statement, stressing that the outcome of the …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has reacted to the tragic train crash in Spain, where at least 68 people lost their lives following a collision between two high-speed trains. In a message posted on social media platform X, Begaj expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the Spanish …
The foreign policy programme of Serbia’s student movement, which won the parliamentary elections and removed Aleksandar Vučić from power, could fuel new tensions in the Balkans, particularly over Kosovo. This is the assessment of German journalist Michael Martens in an analysis published by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). According to Martens, …
The Albanian government has approved a normative act introducing a state compensation scheme for businesses affected by violent protests held between October 13 and 22, 2026. Under the new measures, businesses with an annual turnover of up to 14 million Albanian lek, based on their 2025 tax declarations, will be …
The Albanian government has approved a new legislative package aimed at preventing violence during public protests, introducing tougher fines, temporary restrictions on gatherings and additional police powers. Under the new measures, participation in a prohibited assembly and concealing one’s identity during protests may result in fines ranging from 10,000 to …
The world marks the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage today, highlighting the importance of preserving films, recordings and other audiovisual materials for future generations. The annual observance recognises the work of specialists who protect materials at risk of being lost. It also raises awareness of the urgent need to preserve …
Deputy Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enkelejda Muça presented a draft law today to the Assembly’s Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. The bill concerns amendments adopted on May 30, 2025, to the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control, originally signed in 1982. The amendments aim to bring national …