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Albanian Environmentalists See Red Over Green Sludge Coating Tirana’s Lake

The main artificial lake in the capital has been covered for weeks by thick green algae, which environmental activists blame on untreated urban sewage flowing into the water. Original post Here

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Could Michigan’s Albanian-Americans Swing the Vote for Trump?

Albanian-American supporters of Donald Trump are campaigning hard in the swing state of Michigan, where their numbers could sway the result. But some fear the return of Trump’s controversial Balkan envoy Richard Grenell. Original post Here

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Moldova Should Learn from Albania’s Mistakes in Justice Reform

As EU hopeful Moldova embarks on a complex process of judicial reform and vetting to root out corruption, experts advise it to note what has gone right – and wrong – in Albania, which began the same process a decade ago. Original post Here

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Albania Opens EU Accession Negotiations, Seeks Membership by 2030

In Luxembourg on Tuesday, Albania opened its first negotiation ‘cluster’, with Prime Minister Edi Rama saying his country has its sights set on joining the European club by the end of the decade. Original post Here

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Digital Rights Review: Websites Promote and Profit from Abuse of Women

BIRN’s monitoring of digital rights violations in August and September highlighted a threatening Hungarian ‘dark web’ site that contained illegally obtained images of women, plus a series of arrests for online sexual abuse in Romania. Original post Here

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As Talks Begin, EU Chides Albania’s ‘Limited Progress’ in Tackling Corruption

As accession talks got underway, the EU ‘negotiating position’, published on Tuesday, says corruption remains “prevalent in most areas of public and business life, including in all branches of central and local government”. Original post Here

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Androulakis Wins Second Chance to Revive Greece’s Centre-Left Party

After his re-election as leader of PASOK, Nikos Androulakis promised that “the best things are ahead” – but only time will show whether he can win back the trust of Greek voters for the once-powerful party he has supported since his youth. Original post Here

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Albanian Police Arrest Two for Forcibly Exploiting Afghan Teenager

Police said they arrested two people for exploiting a 16-year-old from Afghanistan in the northern city of Shkodra, forcing him to work at a car service centre. Original post Here

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Albanian Govt Fails to Attract Bidders for New Durres Port

After no companies presented bids to redevelop the old Port of Durres as a marina with apartment blocks, the government’s plans for the site – which include building a new port – are in disarray. Original post Here

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Kosovo to Abolish Visas for Bosnian Citizens from 2025

At the Berlin Process Summit, Kosovo’s prime minister announced that his country will allow residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina to enter Kosovo only with ID cards – even if Bosnia does not do the same. Original post Here

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Rana Hedhun remains one of Albania’s top beach destinations

*]: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:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-125″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-125″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-2″ data-turn=”assistant”> The Shëngjin coastline and Rana e Hedhun Beach remain top choices for Albanian holidaymakers and international visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage on social media showing hundreds of people enjoying the sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and water sports at Rana …

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Around 100,000 vulnerable children to benefit from Albania’s European Child Guarantee Plan

*]: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:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-130″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-130″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ 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:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-132″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-132″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> Around 100,000 children facing social exclusion or complex vulnerabilities will benefit from Albania’s European Child Guarantee Action Plan 2026–2030. The plan covers social protection, healthcare, and education. As a result, it will …

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Filip Shiroka, the poet of exile and a voice of Albania’s National Awakening

*]: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:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-133″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-133″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-turn=”assistant”> Today marks the 167th birth anniversary of Filip Shiroka, one of Albania’s finest lyric poets and a leading voice of the Albanian National Awakening. Filip Shiroka was born in Shkodër on August 3, 1859. He attended the Franciscan school in his …

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Korça beer festival celebrates its 20th anniversary

The Korça Beer Festival will take place from August 12 to 16, marking the 20th anniversary of one of Albania’s biggest summer events. This year, the festival moves to South Pole in Drenovë for the first time. The new venue offers much more space and will welcome thousands of visitors. …

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Hot and sunny weather continues across Albania

Hot and stable air will keep temperatures high across Albania this Monday. Meanwhile, clear skies will dominate most of the country. A few passing clouds may develop over the mountains from midday through the afternoon. Minimum temperatures will drop to 14°C in mountainous areas. However, maximum temperatures will climb to …

News
Korçë sees strong demand for medicinal herbs

The medicinal herb harvest has begun across the Korçë region. This season, farmers mainly collect cornflowers and mountain tea. Demand remains strong. Moreover, collectors say prices have increased compared with previous years. As a result, farmers expect higher profits. Collector and exporter Gjergji Çibuku said farmers across Pogradec, Korçë, Devoll, …

News
Kosovo discovers another mass grave from the war

Authorities have discovered another mass grave containing the remains of victims of the Kosovo war. The site lies in the village of Jabukë, in Zubin Potok Municipality. Acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla announced the discovery. He noted that authorities found the site just days after uncovering another mass grave in …

News
PM Rama: Municipalities to submit written views on territorial reform

TIRANA, August 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama responded today to objections over the Socialist Party’s proposed administrative and territorial reform. He described recent protests in several municipalities as a normal part of the public consultation process. Rama said the draft remains under a 60-day legal consultation. He stressed that …

News
Foreign minister: Serbian consulate in Shkodër does not threaten sovereignty

TIRANA, August 3 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said the opening of a Serbian consulate in Shkodër does not threaten Albania’s sovereignty. He also said Albania’s plan to open a consular office in Bujanoc serves the country’s national interest. In an interview with Top Channel TV, Hoxha said no country …

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Seabourn Quest Cruise Ship Arrives in Saranda with 467 Tourists

Albania continues to attract growing numbers of visitors through cruise tourism, with the Port of Saranda remaining one of the country’s main gateways for foreign tourists during the summer season. The Port of Saranda welcomed the cruise ship Seabourn Quest today, carrying 467 passengers who chose to explore the Albanian …

News

Rana Hedhun remains one of Albania’s top beach destinations

*]: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:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-125″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-125″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-2″ data-turn=”assistant”> The Shëngjin coastline and Rana e Hedhun Beach remain top choices for Albanian holidaymakers and international visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage on social media showing hundreds of people enjoying the sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and water sports at Rana …

News

Around 100,000 vulnerable children to benefit from Albania’s European Child Guarantee Plan

*]: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:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-130″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-130″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ 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:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-132″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-132″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> Around 100,000 children facing social exclusion or complex vulnerabilities will benefit from Albania’s European Child Guarantee Action Plan 2026–2030. The plan covers social protection, healthcare, and education. As a result, it will …

News

Filip Shiroka, the poet of exile and a voice of Albania’s National Awakening

*]: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:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-133″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-133″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-turn=”assistant”> Today marks the 167th birth anniversary of Filip Shiroka, one of Albania’s finest lyric poets and a leading voice of the Albanian National Awakening. Filip Shiroka was born in Shkodër on August 3, 1859. He attended the Franciscan school in his …

News

Korça beer festival celebrates its 20th anniversary

The Korça Beer Festival will take place from August 12 to 16, marking the 20th anniversary of one of Albania’s biggest summer events. This year, the festival moves to South Pole in Drenovë for the first time. The new venue offers much more space and will welcome thousands of visitors. …

News

Hot and sunny weather continues across Albania

Hot and stable air will keep temperatures high across Albania this Monday. Meanwhile, clear skies will dominate most of the country. A few passing clouds may develop over the mountains from midday through the afternoon. Minimum temperatures will drop to 14°C in mountainous areas. However, maximum temperatures will climb to …

News

Korçë sees strong demand for medicinal herbs

The medicinal herb harvest has begun across the Korçë region. This season, farmers mainly collect cornflowers and mountain tea. Demand remains strong. Moreover, collectors say prices have increased compared with previous years. As a result, farmers expect higher profits. Collector and exporter Gjergji Çibuku said farmers across Pogradec, Korçë, Devoll, …

News

Kosovo discovers another mass grave from the war

Authorities have discovered another mass grave containing the remains of victims of the Kosovo war. The site lies in the village of Jabukë, in Zubin Potok Municipality. Acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla announced the discovery. He noted that authorities found the site just days after uncovering another mass grave in …

News

PM Rama: Municipalities to submit written views on territorial reform

TIRANA, August 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama responded today to objections over the Socialist Party’s proposed administrative and territorial reform. He described recent protests in several municipalities as a normal part of the public consultation process. Rama said the draft remains under a 60-day legal consultation. He stressed that …

News

Foreign minister: Serbian consulate in Shkodër does not threaten sovereignty

TIRANA, August 3 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said the opening of a Serbian consulate in Shkodër does not threaten Albania’s sovereignty. He also said Albania’s plan to open a consular office in Bujanoc serves the country’s national interest. In an interview with Top Channel TV, Hoxha said no country …

News

Seabourn Quest Cruise Ship Arrives in Saranda with 467 Tourists

Albania continues to attract growing numbers of visitors through cruise tourism, with the Port of Saranda remaining one of the country’s main gateways for foreign tourists during the summer season. The Port of Saranda welcomed the cruise ship Seabourn Quest today, carrying 467 passengers who chose to explore the Albanian …