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Albania Constitutional Court Overturns Decision Sacking Tirana Mayor

Country’s top court rules in favour of ousted Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj regarding his dismissal – also cancelling fresh elections for a replacement for Veliaj, who is facing corruption charges. Original post Here

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Commemorating the Restoration of China’s Legitimate Seat at the United Nations, Preserving and Advancing the Traditional China–Albania Friendship

— Article by the Chinese Ambassador to Albania, Pang Chunxue On 25 October 1971, at the 26th Session of the UN General Assembly, Resolution 2758 was adopted by an overwhelming majority, restoring all the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations and recognizing the representatives …

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US Academic Challenges National Narratives with Study of Race in Albania

In her new book based on her travels in Albania, Black American academic Chelsi West Ohueri looks at how people in the country see race and ethnicity – and the racial divides between Albanians and the marginalised Roma minority. Original post Here

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: November 3, 2025

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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Albania’s Former Prime Minister Fatos Nano Dies at 73

Albania’s president praised the legacy of the three-times prime minister, an important figure in the country’s post-communist politics, who died on Friday. Original post Here

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Albania’s Deputy PM Investigated for Violating Public Procurement Rules

Anti-corruption prosecutors said they are investigating deputy premier and infrastructure minister Belinda Balluku for violating tender rules, linked to the construction of a road in 2020. Original post Here

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Albania, China and the Case for a Balanced Foreign Policy

By Ambassador Fatmir Çela Diplomacy has always been the lifeline of small nations, and Albania is no exception. From Fan Noli’s influence in Washington to the decisive interventions of diplomats in 1913, Albania’s survival and recognition have often depended less on force and more on skillful negotiation and credibility. For …

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Syria Recognizes Kosovo in Diplomatic Breakthrough Backed by Saudi Arabia

TIRANA, October 29, 2025   In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Syria has officially recognized the Republic of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the 120th country to do so. The announcement was made in Riyadh during President Vjosa Osmani’s visit, marking one of the most significant moments in …

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Albanian Volleyball Authority Slammed for Suspending Player Over Gender Claims

The Albanian Volleyball Federation has been accused of discrimination and prejudice over its decision to suspend a Brazilian women’s volleyball player based on unsupported allegations about her gender. Original post Here

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Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama Meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama Meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh Riyadh, October 27, 2025 . Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama is paying an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he was received at the Royal Palace in Riyadh by the Crown Prince and …

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Albania’s Cash Boom Raises Money Laundering Concerns

Cash outside Albania’s banking system reached a record 5.6 billion euros, last month. Tirana Times, August 30, 2026 – The amount of cash circulating outside Albania’s banking system has reached a record high, raising fresh concerns over the scale of the informal economy, the possible presence of illicit money and …

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Mladić’s Death Exposes the Balkans’ Unfinished Reckoning With War Crimes

Thousands honor the convicted Bosnian Serb commander as reactions from Belgrade to Podgorica and Skopje reveal how deeply the wars of the 1990s still shape the region’s European future. Tirana Times, August 31, 2026 – PALE, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Candles burned and flares lit the Olympic Park as several thousand …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: August 31, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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Jaupaj: Nature tourism is growing in Albania, bringing greater responsibility to protect protected areas

Nature tourism continues to grow in Albania as more visitors choose national parks and protected areas to explore the country’s natural heritage. In a video message shared on social media, Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj highlighted several natural destinations that visitors can explore at the weekend, including Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, Llogara …

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Albania draws growing attention from international travel media

International media continue to highlight Albania as an emerging tourism destination. Recent articles focus on the country’s natural landscapes, coastline, cultural heritage, and lesser-known travel experiences. The Agency for Media and Information has shared several international articles published this week. Indonesian outlet “IDN Times” highlights the traditional streets and houses …

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Ura e Vashës in Klos emerges as a top tourist destination

Ura e Vashës has become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Klos area. The historic bridge is attracting a growing number of Albanian and international visitors this summer. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the bridge on social media. He highlighted it as a popular destination …

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Shkopet fires worsen as flames surround livestock farm

TIRANA, August 31 – The wildfire situation has worsened in the Shkopet area as flames spread rapidly through the villages of Trodhen and Lundra e Madhe in Mat and moved toward the Kurbin area. The fire is advancing toward the Skanderbeg mountain range, increasing the risk to homes, farmland and …

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Shkodër’s Migjeni Theatre archive calls for digitization

TIRANA, August 31 – The archive of the Migjeni Theatre in Shkodër preserves an important part of the institution’s history. Photographs, documents, posters and other materials record its activities over the years and the artists who have performed on its stage. Archivist Astrit Fani said the archive needs better conditions …

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Quartz: Durrës tops Europe’s list of most affordable coastal destinations

Durrës has topped a list of Europe’s best-value beach destinations, according to the US media outlet “Quartz”. The list brings together eight coastal destinations that offer travelers a combination of beaches, history, culture, gastronomy, and affordable prices. “Quartz” highlights destinations stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean and from …

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Hoxha: Albanian Alps offer a natural treasure that attracts more visitors

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha shared images of Tamara, Lepushë, and Vermosh on X. He highlighted the beauty of the Albanian Alps and their growing potential for mountain tourism. “Here, nature knows no limits, beauty becomes wealth, hospitality becomes law, and tradition becomes identity,” Hoxha wrote. He …

News

Albania’s Cash Boom Raises Money Laundering Concerns

Cash outside Albania’s banking system reached a record 5.6 billion euros, last month. Tirana Times, August 30, 2026 – The amount of cash circulating outside Albania’s banking system has reached a record high, raising fresh concerns over the scale of the informal economy, the possible presence of illicit money and …

News

Mladić’s Death Exposes the Balkans’ Unfinished Reckoning With War Crimes

Thousands honor the convicted Bosnian Serb commander as reactions from Belgrade to Podgorica and Skopje reveal how deeply the wars of the 1990s still shape the region’s European future. Tirana Times, August 31, 2026 – PALE, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Candles burned and flares lit the Olympic Park as several thousand …

News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: August 31, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

News

Jaupaj: Nature tourism is growing in Albania, bringing greater responsibility to protect protected areas

Nature tourism continues to grow in Albania as more visitors choose national parks and protected areas to explore the country’s natural heritage. In a video message shared on social media, Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj highlighted several natural destinations that visitors can explore at the weekend, including Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, Llogara …

News

Albania draws growing attention from international travel media

International media continue to highlight Albania as an emerging tourism destination. Recent articles focus on the country’s natural landscapes, coastline, cultural heritage, and lesser-known travel experiences. The Agency for Media and Information has shared several international articles published this week. Indonesian outlet “IDN Times” highlights the traditional streets and houses …

News

Ura e Vashës in Klos emerges as a top tourist destination

Ura e Vashës has become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Klos area. The historic bridge is attracting a growing number of Albanian and international visitors this summer. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the bridge on social media. He highlighted it as a popular destination …

News

Shkopet fires worsen as flames surround livestock farm

TIRANA, August 31 – The wildfire situation has worsened in the Shkopet area as flames spread rapidly through the villages of Trodhen and Lundra e Madhe in Mat and moved toward the Kurbin area. The fire is advancing toward the Skanderbeg mountain range, increasing the risk to homes, farmland and …

News

Shkodër’s Migjeni Theatre archive calls for digitization

TIRANA, August 31 – The archive of the Migjeni Theatre in Shkodër preserves an important part of the institution’s history. Photographs, documents, posters and other materials record its activities over the years and the artists who have performed on its stage. Archivist Astrit Fani said the archive needs better conditions …

News

Quartz: Durrës tops Europe’s list of most affordable coastal destinations

Durrës has topped a list of Europe’s best-value beach destinations, according to the US media outlet “Quartz”. The list brings together eight coastal destinations that offer travelers a combination of beaches, history, culture, gastronomy, and affordable prices. “Quartz” highlights destinations stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean and from …

News

Hoxha: Albanian Alps offer a natural treasure that attracts more visitors

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha shared images of Tamara, Lepushë, and Vermosh on X. He highlighted the beauty of the Albanian Alps and their growing potential for mountain tourism. “Here, nature knows no limits, beauty becomes wealth, hospitality becomes law, and tradition becomes identity,” Hoxha wrote. He …