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 …
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 …
TIRANA, August 5 – Albania’s Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met with Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in Rome to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and security. The two ministers discussed deeper cooperation between Albania and Italy, focusing on increasing the interoperability of the Armed Forces and exploring new opportunities …
TIRANA, August 5 – Albania will experience stable and hot weather conditions on Wednesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain clear across the country, with occasional light clouds expected in mountainous areas from midday to afternoon hours. Winds will blow from the southeast to southwest at …
TIRANA, August 5 – The American travel magazine “Islands” has presented Albania as a rising destination where wild landscapes, breathtaking coastlines and thousands of years of history come together. Writing for “Islands”, Rebecca High described Albania as a lesser-known Balkan country that is increasingly attracting visitors from North America. She …
TIRANA, August 5 – The Albanian Road Authority announced a temporary traffic closure on the Tirana-Durrës road during the nights of August 6 and 7, 2026, as part of the second phase of expansion works on the main road corridor. The closure will be in force from 00:00 to 04:30, …
TIRANA, August 5 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja said the national program “Double Your Business” aims to improve access to financing for businesses and farmers. The scheme supports investments that increase productivity, modernization, innovation and competitiveness. Gonxhja highlighted tourism and agro-tourism as sectors with major potential …
TIRANA, August 5 – Dinamo lost 1-0 to Latvian side Auda in the first match of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The narrow defeat keeps the qualification battle open ahead of the return leg. The match in Latvia remained balanced, while the Albanian team created the …
TIRANA, August 5 – Egnatia lost 3-1 to Irish side Shamrock Rovers in the first match of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. The result leaves the qualification battle open ahead of the return leg. The hosts took the lead in the 29th minute when Burke converted …
TIRANA, August 5 – Albania recorded another strong tourism month in July. Passenger flows increased during the peak summer season. More than 2.05 million passengers used Tirana International Airport “Mother Teresa” and the country’s main ports. Meanwhile, data from the Media and Information Agency (MIA) shows that Tirana International Airport …
TIRANA, August 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today images from Gjuhadol, one of the most characteristic areas in the centre of Shkodër. The historic district remains one of the city’s most vibrant neighbourhoods. Its architecture and atmosphere continue to attract visitors. Meanwhile, several private homes have turned into …
TIRANA, August 5 – Albania is expanding its public management model for healthcare support services, Health Minister Evis Sala said after inspecting the facilities of the Integrated Sterilisation Services Operator (OSHIS). Meanwhile, OSHIS has already taken over the integrated sterilisation service. It will also manage the National Basic Medical Check-Up …