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Gonxhja Visits Albania’s Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale

Albania inaugurated its National Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia with the presentation of “A Place in the Sun” by artist Genti Korini, curated by Małgorzata Ludwisiak. During the opening ceremony, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports Blendi Gonxhja described Albania’s participation as a …

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Lamallari at the UN: Albania Strengthens Its Role in Migration Management

Minister of Interior Besfort Lamallari addressed the International Migration Forum at the United Nations and reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to safe, orderly, and legal migration. During his speech, Lamallari stressed that Albania supports migration policies based on human rights, international cooperation, and stronger engagement with the Albanian diaspora. Furthermore, he said …

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Jaupaj: Regional Forestry Initiative with North Macedonia Brings $50 Million Investment

Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj met today with Dame Dimitrovski, adviser to the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, and Raimund Jehle during the regional conference United for Climate. During the meeting, Jaupaj discussed a regional forestry initiative supported by the Green Climate Fund and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Furthermore, …

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“Flagship” Band Performs in Tirana, VanHorn Honors 250 Years of American Independence

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn attended the “Battle of the Bands” concert in Tirana featuring the Flagship and the Orchestra of the Albanian Armed Forces. During her opening remarks, VanHorn said the event celebrated “Freedom 250,” a global initiative launched by Donald Trump to honor 250 years of American independence, …

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Ura e Kamarës: A Medieval Monument Near Mirakë

Ura e Kamarës is a historic medieval bridge located near the village of Mirakë, along the Elbasan–Librazhd national road. To reach it, visitors follow the old Egnatia Road and pass through a narrow village path. Then they arrive at the bridge site. The bridge measures about 40 meters in length …

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Opposition protest held in central Tirana

TIRANA, May 8 – An opposition protest took place in central Tirana on Friday evening, gathering supporters along “Dëshmorët e Kombit” boulevard in front of the Prime Minister’s Office. The demonstra ion started at around 19:30 and formed part of a series of opposition rallies against the government. Unlike previous …

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Week in Review: Turning Points and Endless Loops

While some events covered in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week suggest that possible changes are afoot, other parts of the region seem stuck in the same rut. Original post Here

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Himara Triathlon Links Sport and Tourism on the Albanian Riviera

Himara Triathlon will take place on May 10 in the coastal town of Himarë, bringing together professional and amateur athletes. The event combines three disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running. It promotes both competitive sport and active lifestyles. The race will start at Potam Beach with the swimming stage. It will …

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Mesi Bridge in Shkodër, a preferred destination for local and foreign tourists

TIRANA, May 8 – Mesi Bridge attracts daily visitors from Albania and abroad. Tourists admire its history, architecture, and cultural heritage value. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos from the site in Shkodër and described it as a restored pearl of cultural heritage. The bridge lies about 8 kilometres from …

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EU Ambassador Gonzato: Better services and infrastructure at core of “EU4Municipalities II”

TIRANA, May 8 – EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato attended today the official launch of the “EU4Municipalities II” project in Durrës. He described the initiative as a concrete programme that brings direct benefits at local level and places citizens at the centre of Albania’s EU integration process. Referring to …

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Konjufca: Serbia’s Territorial Ambitions Pose a Serious Threat to Kosovo and Regional Stability

Kosovo’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Glauk Konjufca, said that Serbia’s territorial ambitions pose a serious threat to Kosovo’s sovereignty and regional stability. In an interview with Hungary Insider, Konjufca said that Serbia’s territorial ambitions must be understood through the connection between its political rhetoric and …

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Skënder Hita: 132 Police Officers Injured During Protests, 5 Today Alone, One Suffers Multiple Jaw Fractures

The General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, has provided an update on the number of police officers injured during the protests, stating that a total of 132 officers have been injured in Tirana, Shkodër and Lezhë. According to Hita, five police officers were injured today alone, one of …

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Health Ministry Updates Hospital Casualty Figures and Their Conditions: 9 Protesters, 4 Police Officers and 1 Bystander

The Ministry of Health has issued another update on the number of people admitted to hospital after being injured during the student protests in recent hours. According to the Ministry of Health, nine protesters, four police officers and one bystander have sought medical attention at the University Trauma Hospital (SUT). …

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QSUT: 21 Police Officers and 13 Protesters Seek Medical Assistance Following Protest

The University Hospital Centre of Tirana (QSUT) has updated its figures on the health conditions of people injured during the protest, covering the period from 5:00 p.m. until now. According to the statement, a total of 21 police officers and 13 protesters have sought medical assistance. Full statement: University Trauma …

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A Bulgarian young anthropologist, cook,  and researcher

Vera Prokopieva is a nutrition scientist from Bulgaria who has studied food from three angles: as an anthropologist, as a cook in Copenhagen kitchens, and as a researcher at Stanford, working on clinical trials of food as medicine and on how fermented foods shape the gut microbiome. Albania is living …

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Quo Vadis, Albania?

by Dr. Elez Bebiraj Tirana Times, October 17, 2026 – Albania is facing the most serious political crisis of Edi Rama’s thirteen years in power. Protesters demanding the prime minister’s resignation have attacked government buildings, clashed with police, and damaged public and private property. The unrest has spread from Tirana …

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Chief of General Staff of Albanian Armed Forces Meets US Ambassador Eric Wendt

The Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, has met with the new US Ambassador, Eric Wendt. In a social media post, Kingji said that during the meeting, he expressed his gratitude for the United States’ continued support in the field of defence, …

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Tirana Protests, US Embassy Tells Euronews: Citizens Should Express Their Views Lawfully

Sources at the US Embassy, speaking to Euronews Albania about the situation surrounding the protests in Tirana, stressed the importance of ensuring that demonstrations are conducted lawfully and peacefully. “We encourage citizens participating in protests to express their views in a lawful and peaceful manner. Acts of violence have no …

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Former Albanian Ministers Face New Anti-Corruption Scrutiny

Olta Xhaçka under investigation for corruption and money laundering as prosecutors examine a separate case involving the husband of former minister Ogerta Manastirliu. Tirana Times, October 16, 2026 – Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has formally placed former Defense and Foreign Minister Olta Xhaçka under …

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Tougher Security Response Won’t Solve Albania’s Growing Crisis: Experts

As Prime Minister Edi Rama rules out resignation in response to violent protests, a political solution is needed to calm the unrest, experts argue. Original post Here

News

Konjufca: Serbia’s Territorial Ambitions Pose a Serious Threat to Kosovo and Regional Stability

Kosovo’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Glauk Konjufca, said that Serbia’s territorial ambitions pose a serious threat to Kosovo’s sovereignty and regional stability. In an interview with Hungary Insider, Konjufca said that Serbia’s territorial ambitions must be understood through the connection between its political rhetoric and …

News

Skënder Hita: 132 Police Officers Injured During Protests, 5 Today Alone, One Suffers Multiple Jaw Fractures

The General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, has provided an update on the number of police officers injured during the protests, stating that a total of 132 officers have been injured in Tirana, Shkodër and Lezhë. According to Hita, five police officers were injured today alone, one of …

News

Health Ministry Updates Hospital Casualty Figures and Their Conditions: 9 Protesters, 4 Police Officers and 1 Bystander

The Ministry of Health has issued another update on the number of people admitted to hospital after being injured during the student protests in recent hours. According to the Ministry of Health, nine protesters, four police officers and one bystander have sought medical attention at the University Trauma Hospital (SUT). …

News

QSUT: 21 Police Officers and 13 Protesters Seek Medical Assistance Following Protest

The University Hospital Centre of Tirana (QSUT) has updated its figures on the health conditions of people injured during the protest, covering the period from 5:00 p.m. until now. According to the statement, a total of 21 police officers and 13 protesters have sought medical assistance. Full statement: University Trauma …

News

A Bulgarian young anthropologist, cook,  and researcher

Vera Prokopieva is a nutrition scientist from Bulgaria who has studied food from three angles: as an anthropologist, as a cook in Copenhagen kitchens, and as a researcher at Stanford, working on clinical trials of food as medicine and on how fermented foods shape the gut microbiome. Albania is living …

News

Quo Vadis, Albania?

by Dr. Elez Bebiraj Tirana Times, October 17, 2026 – Albania is facing the most serious political crisis of Edi Rama’s thirteen years in power. Protesters demanding the prime minister’s resignation have attacked government buildings, clashed with police, and damaged public and private property. The unrest has spread from Tirana …

News

Chief of General Staff of Albanian Armed Forces Meets US Ambassador Eric Wendt

The Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, has met with the new US Ambassador, Eric Wendt. In a social media post, Kingji said that during the meeting, he expressed his gratitude for the United States’ continued support in the field of defence, …

News

Tirana Protests, US Embassy Tells Euronews: Citizens Should Express Their Views Lawfully

Sources at the US Embassy, speaking to Euronews Albania about the situation surrounding the protests in Tirana, stressed the importance of ensuring that demonstrations are conducted lawfully and peacefully. “We encourage citizens participating in protests to express their views in a lawful and peaceful manner. Acts of violence have no …

News

Former Albanian Ministers Face New Anti-Corruption Scrutiny

Olta Xhaçka under investigation for corruption and money laundering as prosecutors examine a separate case involving the husband of former minister Ogerta Manastirliu. Tirana Times, October 16, 2026 – Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has formally placed former Defense and Foreign Minister Olta Xhaçka under …

News

Tougher Security Response Won’t Solve Albania’s Growing Crisis: Experts

As Prime Minister Edi Rama rules out resignation in response to violent protests, a political solution is needed to calm the unrest, experts argue. Original post Here