Albanian Politician’s Arrest Lays Bare Organised Crime’s Electoral Influence
Corruption charges against a former MP of the ruling Socialist Party represent a case study in the transactional relationship between organised crime and politics in Albania, a relationship with the power to tip the electoral scales, experts say. Original post Here
Albanian Cannabis Gangs Exploit Poverty to Hire Female Day Labourers
Women from impoverished parts of Albania are being lured into work as day labourers on illegal cannabis plantations; if caught, they face paying a high price for what their lawyers say is effectively ‘modern slavery’. Original post Here
Afghan Refugees in Albania Alarmed as Trump Slams US Doors
New US administration’s freeze on foreign aid and crackdown on immigration has left Afghan refugees in Albania in a state of limbo. Original post Here
2025- Tirana the Mediterranean capital of culture and dialogue
On top of celebrations, the city will serve also as a agora of open debate Tirana, the capital of Albania, has started its year as the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue for 2025. This title recognizes the city’s cultural growth and its importance in the Mediterranean region. Tirana and …
Albanian ‘Smart City’ Deal with UAE Firm Flagged as ‘Serious’ Surveillance Risk
Digital rights groups have sounded the alarm over a city ‘smart camera’ deal between Albania and an Abu Dhabi-based company with links to UAE security services and – allegedly – China. Original post Here
Trump’s Suspension of US Foreign Aid Hits Hundreds of Balkan Projects
The three-month pause in foreign aid imposed by the new US administration has left the future of numerous civil society, human rights and independent media projects in the Western Balkans in limbo. Original post Here
SPAK takes measures to implement a dedicated strategy against electoral crime
TIRANA, Jan 29, 2025 – The Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has outlined its plan to investigate and prevent electoral crimes for the May 11, 2025 elections. Under the direction of Chief Prosecutor Altin Dumani, the plan includes the creation of a Task Force, field monitoring and investigations, and a special platform …
Swiss cultural week provides a highlight for Albanian art and creativity
Unlike typical cultural weeks organized by embassies, this event features the works of Albanian artists Jan 29, 2025 The Swiss Cultural Week 2025 officially began on January 28, kicking off a nine-day program that highlights the artistic talents of Albania’s independent cultural community while promoting dialogue on social issues. The …
Archbishop Anastasios, who revived Albania’s Orthodox Church, laid to rest, marking end of an era
TIRANA, Jan. 30, 2025 – The Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania bid farewell to its long-serving leader, Archbishop Anastasios Yannoulatos, on Thursday, marking the end of a transformative era for the church and Albania’s religious landscape. The 95-year-old archbishop, who led the revival of Albanian Orthodoxy for more than three …
Albania Says Farewell to Archbishop Who Restored Orthodox Church
Archbishop Anastasios, who has passed away after almost 33 years as Primate, rebuilt hundreds of churches and schools, had a canny eye for business – and did his best to stay out of nationalist conflicts. Original post Here
Nearly a year after Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced an AI chatbot as a ‘virtual minister’ in his cabinet to tackle corruption, has the technology been a success? Original post Here
TIRANA, August 14 – International media network Euronews says the European Union faces a decisive moment over its enlargement policy. The bloc must balance progress by candidate countries with internal reforms needed to operate as a larger and more complex union. Montenegro and Albania rank among the most advanced candidates, …
TIRANA, August 14 – Dinamo secured a place in the Conference League play-off after beating Auda 4-0 at Elbasan Arena. Dinamo, coached by Albanian Ilir Daja, overturned a 1-0 first-leg defeat in Latvia and continued their European campaign. Qardaku opened the scoring in the 36th minute, while Qefalia doubled Dinamo’s …
TIRANA, August 14 – Albanian champions Egnatia reached the Europa League play-off after a 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers in Rrogozhina. The result overturned their 3-1 first-leg defeat and secured a meeting with Norwegian side Lillestrom. Egnatia have also secured a place in the Conference League league phase. This applies …
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania will experience broadly similar weather conditions today, August 14. Skies will remain mostly clear, with moderate cloud cover that will occasionally become denser over mountainous areas in the south and southeast. Meanwhile, light rain is expected across most of the country. Short thunderstorms may occur …
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania reported 29 wildfires during the past 24 hours. Eleven remain active, while authorities are monitoring 3 fires and have brought 4 under control. The Ministry of Defence said 249 firefighters, 48 police officers, 233 municipal and forestry personnel, 206 volunteers and 118 Armed Forces personnel …
TIRANA, August 14 – The George Kastrioti Skanderbeg Museum in Kruja remains a popular cultural tourism destination, welcoming large numbers of local and foreign visitors during the summer season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the museum, which stands inside the historic Kruja Castle. The Kruja Museum Centre also …
TIRANA, August 14 – Morocco has lifted visa requirements for Albanian citizens travelling for short stays. The decision takes effect on August 15, 2026. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said Morocco’s competent authorities had informed Albania of the decision. Morocco’s embassy accredited to Albania and based in Rome …
TIRANA, August 14 – Hasan Prishtina died in Thessaloniki on August 14 after an assassination attempt. Born in Vushtrri, Kosova, in 1873, he studied at the French High School in Thessaloniki and the Ottoman administration school Mulkiye in Istanbul. Prishtina served three times as a deputy in the Ottoman Parliament. …
TIRANA, August 13 – Firefighting operations continue on the ground and from the air. The Armed Forces are supporting operations in several areas across Albania. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said 274 Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed. They are using 21 vehicles, 1 water tanker, 3 ambulances and 9 firefighting …