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Albanian opposition demands caretaker government, calls for civil disobedience in disruptive mass protest

TIRANA, Oct. 8, 2024 – In one of the most hard-line demonstrations in recent years, Albania’s opposition Democratic Party led a protest in Tirana on Monday night, calling for a caretaker transitional government and civil disobedience against the government. The protest, which drew thousands of supporters, was set up in …

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Spurned by Stakeholders, Albanian Govt’s Anti-Graft Initiative Unravels

In Albania, a new commission ostensibly created to spur reform and tackle corruption has been rebuffed by the justice system and civil society and criticised by the EU. Original post Here

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Albanian Anti-Govt Protesters Throw Molotov Cocktails, Clash with Police

Opposition supporters demonstrating in Tirana about the jailing of an MP threw incendiary devices at the prime minister’s office and the ruling Socialist Party headquarters and clashed with police outside parliament. Original post Here

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Will any other Western Balkans country join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) on the same day as Montenegro?

by Marija Stojanović Journalist at European Western Balkans   According to the recent announcement by Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), Montenegro is poised to become the first country in the Western Balkans to join the Single Euro Payments Area …

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How Much Has Organised Crime Penetrated Albania’s Police?

A number of high-ranking police officers have been arrested, charged or sentenced for involvement in organised crime networks after an underworld phone app was hacked. BIRN examines what is known about the suspects so far. Original post Here

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Floods and Landslides Leave 14 Dead in Bosnia

A state of natural disaster has been declared in Bosnia after heavy rainfall overwhelmed homes and roads, leaving many dead, including a baby. Original post Here

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In the Eye of the Storm – Farmers of Albania

What Albania has a lot of is agricultural potential. Fertile lands and excellent weather. We can produce twice, even thrice a year. Yet, productivity is low and financial security for farmers is inexistant. Because of that, cropland abandonment has become a staple, as has urban migration and even emigration. The …

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Lenin’s footsteps in Tirana

By Veto Surroi The debate about beliefs with the “Bektashi Vatican” and the imprisonment of MP Salianji as a punishment for free speech are new and completely unnecessary problems for a state that, with major problems such as organized crime, will begin EU membership negotiations 1. Albania can paraphrase the …

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Albanians Fighting Cancer – AFC USA – Gala Concert with Impromptu Singalongs Elevates Pride Craving More Encores

Rafaela Prifti “The first time I heard the name Albanians Fighting Cancer AFC, it was through a GoFundMe page that someone launched for a relative with a cancer diagnosis,” said Fotini Kokeri of the Kosloski Family Foundation at the Gala Concert Saturday night featuring two remarkable Albanian performers, tenor Rame …

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Before He’s Even Started, Albania’s New Police Chief Has Phone Seized in Probe

Days before he is due to officially start the role, Albania’s police chief-elect, Ilir Proda, has had his mobile phone seized by anti-corruption prosecutors over a suspected leak of information to a notorious organised crime group. 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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …