Albanian Activists Condemn Govt ‘Trick’, Paving Way for Investments in Protected Areas
Edi Rama’s government is attempting to radically change the law on protected areas, paving the way for construction for ‘strategic purposes’ and skipping the public consultation process. Original post Here
Book Review – Enver Hoxha’s Long Shadow: Travels in Albania
John Watkins’ new travelogue offers an intriguing snapshot of a country still scarred by the legacy of its brutal dictator. Original post Here
Albania Legalizes Online Sports Betting, Overturning 2018 Ban
After banning sports betting in 2018, Albania’s parliament has voted to permit it once again – in online form only, and under the management of ten selected companies. Original post Here
EU Urges Albania to Rethink Planned Changes to Protected Areas
Letter from the Head of the EU Delegation in Tirana expresses concern that planned changes to the law on national parks could result in ‘large tourism and industrial investments’ in areas whose biodiversity needs protection. Original post Here
Albanian Gang Killings Spur Calls for Better Prevention
Albania is being blighted by gangland killings and the authorities appear helpless to act, experts say. Original post Here
Albanian Socialists ‘Fishing for Votes’ to Pardon Corrupt Officials
Ruling Socialists face accusations that they are the real movers behind an opposition MP’s proposal to widen an amnesty to include officials sentenced for corruption and organised crime. Original post Here
Turkey-Albania Media Deal Risks ‘Exporting Erdogan’s Propaganda’ – Experts
New media cooperation agreement signed on Tuesday may well strengthen Turkish government propaganda in the Albanian media, experts warn. Original post Here
BIRN Film Recounts Albanian Artist’s Repression by Communist Regime
BIRN’s documentary ‘Painting in Darkness’, telling the story of an artist who was imprisoned as a political dissident and whose works were confiscated by Albania’s repressive Communist regime, was premiered in Tirana. Original post Here
Defendants’ Portraits Shed Light on Political Trials in Communist Albania
An exhibition of 150 photographs of ‘enemies of the state’ who were prosecuted for political reasons at trials held in cinemas offers a fresh insight into the injustices of Communist-era Albania. Original post Here
MP Expulsions Deepen Political Polarisation in Albania
Dozens of opposition MPs have been temporarily expelled from Albania’s parliament under new rules pushed through by the ruling Socialist Party, deepening a political crisis just when parties should be coming together to reform the electoral law. Original post Here
Albania moves closer to the European Union as it prepares for the 9th Intergovernmental Conference with the EU on July 14 in Brussels. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Albania will provisionally close the first three negotiation chapters, marking a major milestone in the country’s EU accession process. The conference …
Italian travel magazine “The Wom Travel” has ranked Albania among the 10 most authentic and least crowded destinations in Europe for summer 2026, highlighting the country’s untouched nature, cultural heritage and affordable travel options. According to the publication, Albania has strengthened its position on Europe’s tourism map by offering visitors …
Vila 31 x Art Explora is turning into a creative hub for cultural exchanges, artistic performances and public activities throughout July. The program includes literary talks, film screenings, live performances and children’s workshops, offering visitors new opportunities to engage with art and creativity. From July 17 to 19, Art Explora …
Albania celebrates 106 years since the establishment of the National Library of Albania, founded on July 10, 1920. The library began with the collection of the Albanian Literary Commission, which moved to the Ministry of Education in 1920. After its foundation, the institution worked to expand its collection and strengthen …
British newspaper “Telegraph” highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive travel destinations. The country attracts visitors with its crystal-clear waters, natural landscapes, affordable prices and growing popularity on social media. A few years ago, Albania was still a little-known destination. Today, more tourists are discovering the Albanian Riviera, historic …
Tirana, July 10 – The ninth edition of the MIK Festival has opened in Korça. The four-day event brings concerts and cultural performances to historic venues across the city. Organisers will present a wide range of musical genres throughout the festival. Festival founder and internationally acclaimed soprano Inva Mula said …
TIRANA, July 10 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the Friends of the Western Balkans meeting in Rome, hosted by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Participants discussed the region’s European future and the European Union’s enlargement process. In a post …
Albania and Italy are expanding customs cooperation by focusing on digital systems, electronic data exchange and the use of artificial intelligence in customs operations. Director General of the Albanian Customs Administration Besmir Beja met with Roberto Alesse, Director General of the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, during an official visit …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro welcomed the approval by COREPER to close the first three chapters of Albania’s EU accession negotiations, calling it a major achievement for the country and its negotiating team. Kumbaro highlighted that two of the three chapters are directly related to the Ministry of Education: Chapter 25 …
COREPER approved the provisional closure of three chapters in Albania’s European Union accession negotiations, pushing the country another step forward on its path toward membership. The Agency for Media and Information (MIA) announced that the Committee of Permanent Representatives of EU member states endorsed the EU’s Common Position on closing …