Albania Greenlights Jared Kushner Plan to Develop Island as Luxury Resort
The government has granted Strategic Investor Status to a proposal by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of Donald Trump, to build a luxury resort on the uninhabited island of Sazan. Original post Here
Albania’s Government Criticised for Pre-Election ‘Sweeteners’
Though not strictly in violation of the law, a string of generous gestures by Albania’s government appears designed to curry favour with large segments of the electorate ahead of parliamentary polls in May. Original post Here
Often Unnoticed, Albania’s Graft Prosecutors are Targeting Mayors Too
Besides targeting political figures at the state level, special prosecutors in Albania are also going after mayors at the local level where corruption is often more prevalent. Original post Here
Albania to Register Diaspora Voters for First Time Ahead of May Polls
New regulations will allow Albanians living outside the country to cast postal ballots in the May parliamentary elections – a change long sought by most parties. Original post Here
FDI SCREENING AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR PROTECTING ALBANIAN NATIONAL INTERESTS AND ENHANCING ALIGNMENT WITH THE EU
Navigating Albania-China Relations amid Euro-Atlantic Commitments During the post-communist period, Albania’s priorities were largely defined by the need to rebuild its economy, modernize infrastructure, and reintegrate into the global political and economic systems. In its pursuit of development and modernization, the Albanian government sought partnerships with a wide array of …
FDI SCREENING AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR PROTECTING ALBANIAN NATIONAL INTERESTS AND ENHANCING ALIGNMENT WITH THE EU
Navigating Albania-China Relations amid Euro-Atlantic Commitments During the post-communist period, Albania’s priorities were largely defined by the need to rebuild its economy, modernize infrastructure, and reintegrate into the global political and economic systems. In its pursuit of development and modernization, the Albanian government sought partnerships with a wide array of …
Albania in 2025: Parliamentary Elections Approach, But ‘No Real Alternatives’ Appear
Many expect the ruling Socialist Party to win this year’s parliamentary elections again, and are placing their hopes in anti-corruption bodies to bring some genuine change by battling high-level graft. Original post Here
The Departed: Balkan Personalities Who Left the Stage in 2024
From a diplomat who fought in World War II to a Turkish cleric accused of subverting the state and a Bulgarian rock star who raised his voice for democracy, these are some of the key figures who passed away this year in the Balkans. Original post Here
Albania’s TikTok ban draws debate
TIRANA, Dec. 26, 2024 – The Albanian government’s recent announcement that will ban for at least a year the use within the country of the popular social media platform TikTok has generated debate over the impact of social media on society and the decision’s impact on free speech. According to …
1980s icon Simaku returns to the spotlight after decades of emigration hardship
TIRANA, Dec. 26, 2024 – Parashqevi Simaku, once Albania’s darling of song and stage, has re-emerged in the public eye after years of hardship, including a period of homelessness in New York City. The beloved singer, known for her velvety voice and electrifying performances during the 1980s, is now reclaiming …
TIRANA, August 5 – The Spanish travel blog “Viajablog” has presented Albania as a destination for every season. Writing for the blog, Quique Cardona highlights the country’s diverse climate and geographical position between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The article describes Albania as a destination where visitors can explore the …
TIRANA, August 5 – Fourteen wildfire outbreaks were reported across Albania during the past 12 hours. Five fires remain active, the Media and Information Agency (MIA) said on Tuesday. Emergency crews continue firefighting operations with 182 operational personnel. They also use 19 fire engines, three Air Force helicopters and one …
TIRANA, August 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images today from wildfire operations across Albania. He highlighted the deployment of the country’s first firefighting aircraft and praised the crews working on the front line. Rama said the aircraft has begun operations as an additional firefighting asset during the challenging …
TIRANA, August 5 – Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro welcomed the provisional closure of Chapter 25 of Albania’s European Union accession negotiations, which covers science and research. She described the step as further evidence of the country’s progress toward EU membership. Meanwhile, Kumbaro said the closure confirms Albania’s progress in aligning …
TIRANA, August 5 – Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the new agricultural cooperative “ARRKO” will create fresh opportunities for farmers in the municipality of Kolonja. The cooperative forms part of a national initiative that encourages farmers to organise around priority agricultural products. Meanwhile, the cooperative aims to unite local farmers …
TIRANA, August 5 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Democratic League of Kosova (LDK) leader Lumir Abdixhiku failed to reach a political agreement during their meeting on August 4. However, both leaders said they will continue negotiations to form Kosova’s new institutions after the June 7 elections. The meeting …
TIRANA, August 5 – The European Union will provide €100 million to Albania under a broad cooperation programme for 2025-2027, according to details published in the Official Journal. The funding will support critical raw materials, environmental protection and democratic reforms. Meanwhile, the programme places strong emphasis on developing Albania’s critical …
TIRANA, August 5 – A new artistic installation has been placed on the Taulantia promenade in Durrës. The artwork has become a new landmark for residents and visitors. Meanwhile, Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako said the installation represents more than an artistic work. She described it as a symbol of love …
TIRANA, August 5 – President Bajram Begaj received the credentials of Paraguay’s non-resident Ambassador to Albania, María José Argaña de Mateu, during an official ceremony in Tirana. Meanwhile, Begaj praised the friendly relations between Albania and Paraguay. He also expressed his commitment to giving new momentum to bilateral cooperation. In …
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 …