Albanian gov’t, UAE investor sign deal on €2 billion redevelopment of Durrës waterfront
TIRANA, Jan. 30, 2023 – Albania’s government has officially signed off on a 2 billion euro private-public partnership with a major UAE investor, Muhamed Alabbar, to redevelop the Durrës port area waterfront. The agreement on the Durrës Yacht and Marina Project signed Monday follows almost a year of negotiations between …
Illegal Builder in Albania’s capital Linked to Ruling Party
Government’s claim to be leading crackdown on illegal builds hides an important fact – that such violators are often well connected to the ruling Socialist Party. Original post Here
Britain Must Focus on Root Causes of Migrant Crisis
In dealing with the mass influx of Albanians into the UK, it is not enough to tighten security; measures must be taken to disincentivize their flight. Original post Here
Greek Prime Minister Pays Historic Visit to Minority in Albania
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has made the first visit to the Greek minorityin Albania in decades, where he voiced support for Albania’s European integration. Original post Here
Hidden Victims: Workplace Accidents go Underreported in Albania
Data analyzed by BIRN, and interviews with employers, lawyers and activists, suggest that the publicly available statistics on workplace accidents in Albania are just ‘the tip of the iceberg’. Original post Here
Albania Backs Scrapping Visas for Chinese in Snub to EU
Albania has decided to join Serbia in agreeing to offer Chinese citizens visa-free travel – the only two countries in the region to do this. Original post Here
‘Caged like a dog’; Russian Blogger Accused of Espionage Languishes in Albanian Prison
An eccentric Russian blogger or a dangerous spy? Friends of Svetlana Timofeeva and lawyers are asking why she has been kept for six months in isolation in pre-trial detention in Albania and still has no prospect of facing a court. Original post Here
Hoax Bomb Threats Leave Balkan Region Frustrated, Unnerved
Security agencies face growing questions – but also criticism – over the wave of false bomb threats that’s been shaking the region since March Original post Here
Year in Pictures: 2022 in the Balkans
From political protests to rising inflation and living costs, a new war in Europe and milestones in European Union integration processes, BIRN has selected photographs from across the region that highlight some key events of 2022. Original post Here
French Museum Keeps Memory of Long-Ago Balkans Alive
A vast treasure trove of photos of the Balkans, taken more than a century ago as part of a rich banker’s project, has been lovingly preserved in a Paris museum. Original post Here
Edi Rama held a meeting in Vlora with tourism operators. He focused on tourism development and future investments.First, he said Albania is negotiating a major project on Sazan Island. He explained that the state is in talks with investors. Moreover, he clarified the ownership issue. He said Albania has not …
The Diaspora Summit IV opened today in Tirana. It gathers Albanians from around the world. The event promotes cooperation, identity, and development. The summit runs on April 13–15. It uses the slogan “Through roots we rise.” It brings together diaspora representatives, state institutions, business leaders, academics, and civil society. The …
The match between Bylis and Dinamo City ended 1–1 in Ballsh. It was part of week 31 of the Albanian Superliga. First, Bylis took the lead early. In the 9th minute, Aboubacar Camara scored. As a result, the home team went ahead. However, Dinamo City pushed forward. In the 82nd …
Ferit Hoxha said the Albanian diaspora represents “Albania beyond borders.” He shared the message on social media. He spoke after the opening of the Fourth Diaspora Summit. During the event, President Bajram Begaj honored several prominent diaspora figures. Hoxha praised the diaspora’s role. He highlighted its contribution to promoting Albania …
The Ministria për Evropën dhe Punët e Jashtme e Shqipërisë congratulated Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party. First, the ministry welcomed the election victory. It praised the strong mandate from Hungarian voters. Moreover, it said Albania values close cooperation with Hungary. Therefore, it committed to strengthening …
The Edi Rama congratulated Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar for his election victory. First, Rama praised past cooperation with Hungary’s previous government. He highlighted close Albania–Hungary relations. Moreover, he thanked former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for collaboration during his term. In addition, he welcomed Hungary’s political change. He congratulated …
TIRANA, April 13 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Swedish Member of Parliament Arbër Gashi in Tirana during the fourth Diaspora Summit. In a social media post, Hoxha described Gashi as a success story and a dignified representative of Albanians abroad. He said such examples reflect …
The Aeroporti Ndërkombëtar “Nënë Tereza” hosted a special cultural moment. Folk artists from Përmet performed traditional music and dance. First, the Edi Rama shared the event on social media. He highlighted the warm atmosphere created by the performers. Moreover, the Ansambli Folklorik i Përmetit brought traditional “saze” music to life. …
Albania is gaining global attention. It is no longer a hidden secret. Instead, it is becoming a rising travel trend. In recent years, people no longer rely only on travel guides. They use social media to plan trips. They trust real experiences shared online. As a result, new destinations are …
With European car demand fluctuating and margins under pressure, manufacturers of car parts in Albania are navigating a delicate shift from cost-based competitiveness to structural adaptation. Original post Here