New Book “The Lisbon Treaty and Transatlantic Dialogue: Significance and Inefficiencies”
A new book, The Lisbon Treaty and Transatlantic Dialogue: Significance and Inefficiencies, recently published by the EU Publications Office, provides a unique insight into the complex diplomatic dynamics between the European Union and the United States over the past three decades. Written by Dr. Álvaro Renedo, a Spanish diplomat, researcher …
UAE President’s Historic Visit to Albania Strengthens Bilateral Ties, Sparks Debate
In a rare and tightly scheduled diplomatic visit, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, arrived in Tirana on Friday for a two-hour stay, marking the first-ever visit by a UAE leader to Albania. The trip, which included high-level meetings and the signing of …
Serbian Prosecutors Move Against Construction Graft, on President’s Order
For years, prosecutors in Serbia have been sitting on evidence of graft in the Belgrade real estate sector. Only when the country’s embattled president announced a crackdown on corruption was the man at the top finally arrested. Original post Here
A legal and moral Victory against unjust detention in Albania
ECHR Rules in Favor of Thoma Gëllçi Tirana Times, Februar 25.The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg ruled today in favor of Thoma Gëllçi, confirming that his arrest was unlawful. This decision represents a significant legal and moral victory for the former director of Albania’s national broadcaster, RTSH, …
Albanian Mayor Takes Aim at Corruption Prosecutor from Detention
Tirana’s mayor Erion Veliaj, who is in custody facing corruption charges, has been mounting daily verbal assaults on his case prosecutor and the judge via his social media accounts. Original post Here
At an Albanian Market, Fruit, Veg and Claims of Organised Crime
In Albania’s Elbasan, prosecutors say the town’s only fruit and vegetable market is the base of a powerful organised crime gang. That hasn’t stopped the local council from giving its owner permission to expand. Original post Here
Serbia Arrests Former Mayor of Nis for Alleged Corruption
In the latest in a series of corruption arrests in Serbia, the former mayor of Nis was held for allegedly offering contracts to companies for construction work in the southern Serbian city, bypassing laws on procurement. Original post Here
Internet Freedoms ‘Deteriorated Again in Southeast Europe in 2024’
AI caused an increase in digital rights violations in 2024 while discrimination, genocide denial and disinformation continued to flourish, a webinar held by BIRN and the European Centre for Press and Media Freedom heard. Original post Here
THE UNITED STATES AND KOSOVA: FROM A SPECIAL TO A MORE COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP
Elez Biberaj Having made such huge investments in Kosova, the U.S should now help it get to the finishing line in its efforts to cement its sovereignty and achieve lasting peace with Serbia. The United States and Kosova have had a unique, multi-faceted, special relationship. As any bilateral, asymmetrical relationship, …
Lutfi Dervishi It is not easy to summarize three eras in one sentence: post-war, post-wall, post-west. Historian, commentator, and author Timothy Garton Ash articulated this postulate two years ago in his book “Homelands.” Among these three eras, in one, we have been the luckiest country on earth. From a war-weary …
Work on Phase III of the Tirana–Durrës highway expansion is progressing rapidly. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared footage from the construction site. The project aims to transform one of Albania’s busiest transport corridors into modern infrastructure that meets European standards. The investment will improve traffic flow and increase road …
A well-known travel website has included Albania among the destinations where tourists can get more value for their money. TravelOffPath highlights Albania as an affordable alternative as travel costs rise in many popular destinations around the world. The website praises Albania for its beaches, natural landscapes, cultural heritage and rich …
“Pilgrims’ Day”, a celebration honoring Albanian emigrants, has become a popular tradition in Lezhë. Thousands of tourists and residents gathered in Gjergj Kastrioti Square to celebrate. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the festivities on social media. He highlighted the lively atmosphere across Lezhë during the summer nights. Every …
Vlora Port has recorded a strong flow of passengers during the summer tourist season. The port serves both the ferry route between Vlora and Brindisi and cruise ships that bring visitors to the coastal city. According to Port Captain Lorenc Rexhepaj, more than 45,000 passengers traveled on the Vlora–Brindisi–Vlora route …
Solar Music Festival brought a vibrant summer atmosphere to Saranda. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the event, showing music, entertainment and large crowds of young people. The festival formed part of Albania’s summer calendar of cultural and music events. These activities attract both visitors and music fans to …
A fire broke out at a hotel in Vlora early on August 16. Police said the incident happened at around 4:05 a.m. in the “10 Korriku” neighborhood. Six tourists suffered injuries. Five were citizens of Kosovo, while one was from Rrëshen. Five of the injured tourists were taken to the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama told British media outlet UnHerd that recent protests in Albania differ from those held in June. According to Rama, more political parties and opposition groups have joined the latest demonstrations. These groups include both far-left and far-right forces. Despite the tensions, Rama said he was “very …
TIRANA, August 14 – Kosova is ready to assist Albania and Montenegro as they tackle wildfires in several areas, acting Defence Minister Ejup Maqedonci said. Maqedonci said he had informed his counterparts in Albania and Montenegro that Kosova’s Ministry of Defence could provide support through its available capabilities. He said …
TIRANA, August 14 – The wildfire situation in Kruja has improved significantly over the past 24 hours. The remaining active fires in Abaze and Gryka e Vajës are burning at much lower intensity. Kruja Mayor Artur Bushi said teams have tackled the fires from the air and on the ground. …
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania is experiencing high tourist flows this summer. Visitors have access to a wide calendar of cultural, artistic, sports and gastronomic activities. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo album today featuring major tourist destinations across the country. Alongside coastal resorts, visitors are showing growing interest …