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PM Rama in South Korea: Albania on difficult but clear path toward EU

TIRANA, May 20 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said South Korea stands as proof that history and culture matter, but do not alone determine the fate of nations. Rama made the remarks during the Asian Leadership Conference in South Korea. Rama said he first visited South Korea more than two …

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Rama to Estonian media: EU membership is a realistic goal. We acted correctly regarding Balluku’s immunity

*]: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:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Prime Minister Edi Rama gave an interview to the Swedish media outlet Postimees, where he spoke about Albania’s European Union membership process and also responded to questions regarding the immunity case of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. Full Interview: …

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EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans: European Commission allocates €158.9 million to Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia

The European Commission has today made available €49 million for Albania, €44.2 million for Montenegro, and €65.7 million for North Macedonia under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. According to the official website of the European Commission, this follows the third payment request and the Commission’s positive …

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Rama in Seoul: Albania was the “North Korea of Europe,” today we are moving toward the EU

*]: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:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Prime Minister Edi Rama held a press conference in South Korea, where he is on a several-day visit. During the visit, he also met today with his South Korean counterpart, Kim Minseok. In his remarks, Rama stressed that the Korean …

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Under tight security measures, the third stage of the Tour of Albania cycling race concludes in Vlora

The third stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania, following the Elbasan–Vlora route, concluded this Wednesday in the coastal city under strict security measures and temporary traffic restrictions. The tour began on May 18 and lasted for two days. The post Under tight security measures, the third stage of the …

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PM Kurti meets Ambassador Hamilton, focus on deepening cooperation with NATO

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met this Wednesday with NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Partnerships, Ambassador Kevin Hamilton. This marks Hamilton’s first visit to Kosovo. During the meeting, they discussed deepening cooperation with NATO. Prime Minister Kurti spoke about developments in the country, including in the fields of technology …

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Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Albania, Wendt: We will support the country in the fight against corruption and organized crime

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”29ffcb7e-d35b-4b20-b5da-416375ac529e” data-turn-id-container=”29ffcb7e-d35b-4b20-b5da-416375ac529e” data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Eric Wendt, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the position of U.S. Ambassador to Albania, delivered his opening statement before the U.S. Senate, where he focused on his military experience, relations with Albania, and the objectives he hopes to achieve if …

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Trump nominee for U.S. ambassador to Tirana, Eric Wendt, questioned by Senate about Trump family investments in Albania – here is his response

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”af7fec03-0c08-46eb-9dc4-a11509eee1fe” data-turn-id-container=”af7fec03-0c08-46eb-9dc4-a11509eee1fe” data-testid=”conversation-turn-15″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> During today’s Senate hearing on his nomination as U.S. ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt was asked by one of the senators about how he would institutionally respond to investments expected to be made by the Trump family in Albania. *]:pointer-events-auto …

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Wendt speaks in the Senate about Porto Romano: It is an effective location for our forces, I hope it will be developed by 2030

*]: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:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Eric Wendt spoke before the Senate about NATO’s role in Albania and his perspective as the future ambassador there, if confirmed by the Senate. Wendt specifically highlighted the importance of Porto Romano for NATO. “As for our NATO alliance, an …

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University of Tirana students represent Albania in Venice sports competition

TIRANA, May 20 – Students from the University of Tirana took part in the international sports competition “2nd Lion Explorer in Venice 2026” in Venice. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja described the participation of Albanian students in the event as an important step for university sports. He said …

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Albania’s Students Demand the Fall of Rama and an End to Corruption

A wave of student protests have swept Albania over the last week and escalated into clashes with police. BIRN spoke with some of the protesters to hear what brought them into the streets. Original post Here

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Albania sends first helicopter contingent to NATO mission in Kosova

Albania is expanding its contribution to NATO operations. For the first time, a helicopter contingent will join the KFOR mission in Kosova. Thirteen members of the Albanian Armed Forces will serve at the US military base of Camp Bondsteel. A farewell ceremony at Farka Air Base marked their departure. Defence …

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Central bank governor Sejko assures public deposits are safe

Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko has assured the public that deposits in the country’s banking system remain safe. He also pledged that the central bank would continue operating professionally and responsibly to meet the needs of citizens and the economy. Sejko spoke at a meeting in Tirana between Prime …

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Rama: Bank of Albania Was Not Attacked Even in 1997, We Are Facing the Radicalization of Young People

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the ongoing protests in Albania should not be compared to the unrest of 1997, arguing that the country is facing an entirely different situation. Speaking at a meeting with banking sector executives on Wednesday, Rama said the current developments were linked to the radicalization …

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PM Rama announces tough new measures against violent protesters, including travel restrictions

Prime Minister Edi Rama described the acts of violence during the eight days of protests in Albania as being orchestrated by domestic and foreign elements seeking to destabilize Albania and other European countries. During a meeting with representatives of Albania’s banking sector, Rama announced that the government would soon introduce …

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Bedri Hamza resigns as leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo

Bedri Hamza has resigned as leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK). He has also informed the party’s leadership of his decision. During a press conference, Hamza said that people must know when it is their responsibility to take on a leadership role and when it is time to …

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UN Security Council reviews Kosova report

The United Nations Security Council discussed Kosova on Tuesday, focusing on political developments, security and dialogue with Serbia. Peter Due, head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosova (UNMIK), presented the Secretary-General’s report covering March 16 to September 15, 2026. The report described overall security as stable but …

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Albanian Lek (ALL) strengthens against foreign currencies

The Albanian Lek strengthened against foreign currencies on the domestic exchange market on Tuesday, according to the Bank of Albania’s official exchange rates. The euro fell by 0.33 ALL to 90.77 ALL, while the US dollar lost 0.38 ALL to trade at 80.90 ALL. The British pound and Swiss franc …

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More than 20 psychologists offer support to students and minors

The Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the Order of Psychologists, has made a team of more than 20 psychologists available to support people emotionally affected by recent events. The service targets citizens, young people, minors and school students exposed to various forms of violent language and acts. Psychologists will …

News
Kosova’s FM Konjufca accuses Serbia of threatening Kosova and pursuing territorial expansion

Kosova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca accused Serbia of continuing threats against Kosova at a United Nations Security Council meeting. He described a United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosova (UNMIK) report as selective and influenced by Serbian propaganda. Konjufca said Serbia had killed 12,000 unarmed Albanian …

News

Albania’s Students Demand the Fall of Rama and an End to Corruption

A wave of student protests have swept Albania over the last week and escalated into clashes with police. BIRN spoke with some of the protesters to hear what brought them into the streets. Original post Here

News

Albania sends first helicopter contingent to NATO mission in Kosova

Albania is expanding its contribution to NATO operations. For the first time, a helicopter contingent will join the KFOR mission in Kosova. Thirteen members of the Albanian Armed Forces will serve at the US military base of Camp Bondsteel. A farewell ceremony at Farka Air Base marked their departure. Defence …

News

Central bank governor Sejko assures public deposits are safe

Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko has assured the public that deposits in the country’s banking system remain safe. He also pledged that the central bank would continue operating professionally and responsibly to meet the needs of citizens and the economy. Sejko spoke at a meeting in Tirana between Prime …

News

Rama: Bank of Albania Was Not Attacked Even in 1997, We Are Facing the Radicalization of Young People

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the ongoing protests in Albania should not be compared to the unrest of 1997, arguing that the country is facing an entirely different situation. Speaking at a meeting with banking sector executives on Wednesday, Rama said the current developments were linked to the radicalization …

News

PM Rama announces tough new measures against violent protesters, including travel restrictions

Prime Minister Edi Rama described the acts of violence during the eight days of protests in Albania as being orchestrated by domestic and foreign elements seeking to destabilize Albania and other European countries. During a meeting with representatives of Albania’s banking sector, Rama announced that the government would soon introduce …

News

Bedri Hamza resigns as leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo

Bedri Hamza has resigned as leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK). He has also informed the party’s leadership of his decision. During a press conference, Hamza said that people must know when it is their responsibility to take on a leadership role and when it is time to …

News

UN Security Council reviews Kosova report

The United Nations Security Council discussed Kosova on Tuesday, focusing on political developments, security and dialogue with Serbia. Peter Due, head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosova (UNMIK), presented the Secretary-General’s report covering March 16 to September 15, 2026. The report described overall security as stable but …

News

Albanian Lek (ALL) strengthens against foreign currencies

The Albanian Lek strengthened against foreign currencies on the domestic exchange market on Tuesday, according to the Bank of Albania’s official exchange rates. The euro fell by 0.33 ALL to 90.77 ALL, while the US dollar lost 0.38 ALL to trade at 80.90 ALL. The British pound and Swiss franc …

News

More than 20 psychologists offer support to students and minors

The Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the Order of Psychologists, has made a team of more than 20 psychologists available to support people emotionally affected by recent events. The service targets citizens, young people, minors and school students exposed to various forms of violent language and acts. Psychologists will …

News

Kosova’s FM Konjufca accuses Serbia of threatening Kosova and pursuing territorial expansion

Kosova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca accused Serbia of continuing threats against Kosova at a United Nations Security Council meeting. He described a United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosova (UNMIK) report as selective and influenced by Serbian propaganda. Konjufca said Serbia had killed 12,000 unarmed Albanian …