Environment Paying Price of Albania’s Failure to Rehabilitate after Mining
A law requiring mining companies to rehabilitate the environment after their operations shut down is being almost completely ignored, and the state has failed to step in. Original post Here
Albania joins SEPA, marking tangible step in economic integration with the EU
TIRANA, Nov. 22, 2024 – Albania’s application to join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) has been approved, and the country will join on Jan. 1, 2025, alongside Montenegro, the central bank announced Thursday. SEPA membership is particularly important because it is a rare tangible measure of EU integration at …
Albania Condemns ‘Passivisation’ of Albanians’ Addresses in South Serbia
Albania joined Kosovo in criticising Serbia’s practice of marking ethnic Albanians’ addresses as ‘inactive’, describing it as a “violation of human rights and standards for the protection of minorities”. Original post Here
Western Balkans’ Biodiversity Threatened by Development and Mismanagement, Report Warns
German-based EuroNatur Foundation report highlights escalating threats to ecosystems im Western Balkans, saying development pressures, policy gaps and poor enforcement of rules jeopardise their future. Original post Here
As Borders Tighten, Violence Rises on Migrant Route Through the Balkans
With the EU tightening its borders, violent transnational smuggling groups have strengthened their grip on the smuggling route that brings refugees and migrants to Europe through the Balkans. Original post Here
Balkan Countries at UN Climate Summit: Touting Renewables, Chasing Gas Deals
The COP29 climate change summit in Baku has proven a lucrative side hustle for the host – gas-producing, oil-rich Azerbaijan – with Balkan visitors lining up to strike deals. Original post Here
The Re-election of Donald Trump and its Implications
By Bernd J. Fischer Professor Emeritus ,Indiana University On November 6th the world woke to what was, for many, an unexpected event, the re-election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. Since then, there has been considerable speculation generated concerning how this happened, and some anxiety about what …
Albanian Minister’s Bargain Lakeside Land Purchase ‘Raises Red Flags’
Experts say the details of a 2021 land deal involving Albania’s current justice minister warrant investigation. Original post Here
Reality Bites: Illegal, Isolated, Overworked Albanians Count Cost of UK Dream
Though numbers are down, Albanians are still being drawn to British shores by the social media promise of a better life. The reality is often very different. Original post Here
Italy-Albania Migrant Deal Branded ‘Failure’ After Court Ruling
After Italian judges scuppered a second attempt to send migrants for processing in Albania, critics say the ‘offshoring’ agreement between the two countries is in deep trouble. Original post Here
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 …