Albanian ‘Smart City’ Deal with UAE Firm Flagged as ‘Serious’ Surveillance Risk
Digital rights groups have sounded the alarm over a city ‘smart camera’ deal between Albania and an Abu Dhabi-based company with links to UAE security services and – allegedly – China. Original post Here
Trump’s Suspension of US Foreign Aid Hits Hundreds of Balkan Projects
The three-month pause in foreign aid imposed by the new US administration has left the future of numerous civil society, human rights and independent media projects in the Western Balkans in limbo. Original post Here
SPAK takes measures to implement a dedicated strategy against electoral crime
TIRANA, Jan 29, 2025 – The Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has outlined its plan to investigate and prevent electoral crimes for the May 11, 2025 elections. Under the direction of Chief Prosecutor Altin Dumani, the plan includes the creation of a Task Force, field monitoring and investigations, and a special platform …
Swiss cultural week provides a highlight for Albanian art and creativity
Unlike typical cultural weeks organized by embassies, this event features the works of Albanian artists Jan 29, 2025 The Swiss Cultural Week 2025 officially began on January 28, kicking off a nine-day program that highlights the artistic talents of Albania’s independent cultural community while promoting dialogue on social issues. The …
Archbishop Anastasios, who revived Albania’s Orthodox Church, laid to rest, marking end of an era
TIRANA, Jan. 30, 2025 – The Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania bid farewell to its long-serving leader, Archbishop Anastasios Yannoulatos, on Thursday, marking the end of a transformative era for the church and Albania’s religious landscape. The 95-year-old archbishop, who led the revival of Albanian Orthodoxy for more than three …
Albania Says Farewell to Archbishop Who Restored Orthodox Church
Archbishop Anastasios, who has passed away after almost 33 years as Primate, rebuilt hundreds of churches and schools, had a canny eye for business – and did his best to stay out of nationalist conflicts. Original post Here
Skyscrapers and Social Media: Getting Out the Albanian Vote Abroad
An Albanian businessman based in Italy is pulling the strings of a major online ad campaign to secure the votes of Albanians abroad for the ruling Socialist Party in upcoming elections. He also just got the green light for a major real estate development in Tirana. Original post Here
Digital Rights Review: Turkey Detains Data ‘Exploiters’, Serbian Tabloids’ ‘Hate’ Stories Removed
Turkey carried out arrests after disaster victims’ data was stolen, while Serbia and Albania faced crackdowns over misinformation and online violence, BIRN’s digital rights monitors found in December and January. Original post Here
Italy Sends Third Ship Transporting Migrants to Albania
After two failed attempts to sent migrants and asylum seekers to camps in Albania for processing under a controversial scheme instigated by Italian premier Giorgia Meloni, Italy sent a third ship that reached Albania on Tuesday. Original post Here
Anastasios, the Archbishop Who Rebuilt the Orthodox Church of Albania
He revived the Orthodox Church, which had been destroyed under the communist regime. Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Primate of Albania, passed away at the age of 95. He was a tireless advocate for ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue. By Ilda Mara Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania, a key …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”be058c35-e82e-43c8-8d85-0d7c47dc523e” data-turn-id-container=”be058c35-e82e-43c8-8d85-0d7c47dc523e” data-testid=”conversation-turn-15″ data-turn=”user”> Residents and local government representatives gathered outside Patos Municipality on Monday to protest a proposal to merge the Municipality of Patos with the Municipality of Fier. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-7″ …
Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has been denied conditional release from pre-trial detention in The Hague. According to Klan Kosova, the request was rejected due to concerns over the risk of flight and the potential for interference with the judicial proceedings. Thaçi had offered a financial guarantee of €50,000 and …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-turn=”assistant”> Obesity is becoming one of Europe’s biggest public health challenges, but Albania continues to rank among the countries with the lowest obesity rates on the continent. According to Eurostat data for 2022, 12.6% of Albanians aged 18 and over are classified …
At the end of June, the Municipality of Durres introduced the city’s first public beach, equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers available free of charge for visitors. The initiative has been welcomed by residents, particularly elderly beachgoers who have frequented this stretch of sand along the Taulantia promenade for years. …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”4ca8945c-e447-4e71-aff9-53c29cb8b97e” data-turn-id-container=”4ca8945c-e447-4e71-aff9-53c29cb8b97e” data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-turn=”user”> Rising temperatures have led to an increase in heat-related health emergencies across Albania. In an interview with Euronews Albania, National Emergency Service Director Skënder Brataj said that emergency teams assisted more than 6,700 people during July who sought help for heat-related …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”5a79515d-c08e-45c0-b7db-3afcb0f8a319″ data-turn-id-container=”5a79515d-c08e-45c0-b7db-3afcb0f8a319″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-5″ data-turn=”user”> Albanian State Police Director General Skënder Hita welcomed a high-level delegation from Italy’s Guardia di Finanza, led by the Commander of Air and Maritime Operations, Major General Joselito Minuto. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-turn=”assistant”> During the meeting, …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”10e5ebe6-16b5-4cec-91e2-c7592938b98c” data-turn-id-container=”10e5ebe6-16b5-4cec-91e2-c7592938b98c” data-testid=”conversation-turn-3″ data-turn=”user”> The 65th protest organized by activists and citizens took place in Tirana on Monday, as participants once again gathered to demonstrate against the government. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> Protesters initially assembled at Skanderbeg Square before marching …
TIRANA, August 3 – Emergency teams continue operations to extinguish a fire that broke out yesterday afternoon in Vilz village, in the Postriba administrative unit of Shkodër. The Shkodër Prefecture and the National Civil Protection Agency are coordinating the response. Local civil protection forces and the Shkodër Fire and Rescue …
TIRANA, August 3 – Italian news outlet Fanpage.it has ranked the Albanian Alps among the best-value mountain destinations for summer 2026. The report recommends Theth and Valbona Valley as ideal retreats for travelers seeking cooler temperatures during Italy’s Ferragosto holiday. According to Fanpage.it, Italy has experienced repeated heatwaves this summer, …
TIRANA, August 3 – Gjirokastër has launched “Iso mbi Kalldrëm” (Iso on the Cobblestones), a month-long cultural event that fills the city’s historic bazaar with the sounds of Albanian iso-polyphony. Gjirokastër Mayor Flamur Golemi shared scenes from the lively streets, where performances will take place every evening from August 1 …