PM’s Order to Sing National Anthem in Schools Divides Albanians
PM Edi Rama’s decision that the national anthem be sung in all state schools at least once a week has not been universally welcomed, with some calling it a nationalist stunt. Original post Here
Floods in Western Balkans Cause Huge Damage, Drownings
States of emergency have been declared in some Western Balkan cities as floods block roads and cut off power while two people in Montenegro and Serbia reportedly drowned. Original post Here
Drug Traffickers’ Exploitation of Balkan Ports Requires Regional Response
Criminal networks are the primary illegal users of ports in the Balkans for the trafficking of cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin. Tackling them requires greater international police cooperation. Original post Here
US Probes FBI Ex-Agent’s Ties with Balkan Officials
A US federal grand jury is probing whether former senior FBI agent Charles McGonigal received payments or gifts from government officials in Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Kosovo. Original post Here
Albanians Mull Options as Data Security Takes New Hit
Albanians are seeking action after hackers behind a wave of cyber-attacks in 2022 opened a new front by hacking a private bank and leaking client data. Original post Here
Concerns Grow About Albanian Children Missing in UK
British admission that hundreds of Albanian minor asylum seekers have gone missing from placements in hotels has drawn criticism from experts demanding more responsibility on the issue. Original post Here
Attack on Albanian Journalist Over Court Report Widely Condemned
Local and international media organizations and the President of Albania have all condemned the attack on an Albanian journalist who had been threatened over his article reporting a court ruing. Original post Here
Albanian, Italian Authorities Conclude Operation Against Drug Gang
Albania’s Special Prosecution and counterparts in Bergamo, Italy, have cracked a drug-busting operation run by three Albanians, seizing large amounts of cocaine, heroin and marijuana. Original post Here
Albania Police Find More Surveillance Cameras Erected by Gangsters
Albania’s police are continuing an operation to find and dismantle surveillance cameras illegally erected in cities by criminal groups to collect information and monitor police movements. Original post Here
Italy Seeks Higher Profile Role in Western Balkans
A concern that Italy is not adequately exploiting its assets in the Balkans has again started to agitate Italian politicians. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 16 – European Union envoy for the Kosova–Serbia dialogue Peter Sorensen arrives in Prishtina on April 15. He meets Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti during the visit. A Brussels source told Radio Free Europe. A diplomatic source links the visit to ongoing efforts on the Kosova–Serbia dialogue process. …
A returned migrant builds a successful export farm in Çermë e Sipërme. Gëzim Bezhi runs a modern greenhouse farm in Divjakë. Albania exports agricultural products to 85 international markets. The government aims to reach €1 billion in exports by 2030. Minister Salla visits a farm in Çermë e Sipërme. He …
TIRANA, April 16 – Albania’s electricity distribution operator has introduced a new relief scheme aimed at restructuring outstanding electricity debts for large businesses. According to the announcement, eligible companies will be able to repay their obligations in up to 120 instalments. The exact number of instalments will depend on the …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu meets citizens in Vorë with Taulant Balla. They discuss EU integration and national development. First, Koçiu says EU membership remains Albania’s main goal. She calls it the final confirmation of Albania’s European identity. Meanwhile, the government informs citizens daily about reforms. It reports progress in …
Deputy Minister Fatmir Guri speaks at the 4th Diaspora Summit. He focuses on agriculture and exports. First, he says Albania enters a new phase as a producer and exporter country. In addition, he stresses the role of agriculture in the national economy. He links it to culture and identity. Meanwhile, …
The Përmet Folk Ensemble participates in the World Folklore Festival. The festival takes place in Italy, France, and Monaco. First, the artists perform in Sanremo, Italy. They join the opening parade of the festival. Moreover, they wear traditional costumes. They present songs and dances from Përmet. In addition, they showcase …
The newspaper “Ora e Maleve” begins publication in Shkodër on 15 April 1923. It becomes an important platform for political and social thought. First, it reflects the political and economic situation in Albania. It focuses especially on developments in Shkodër. Moreover, the newspaper publishes 51 issues until the end of …
TIRANA, April 16 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama begins a working visit to Italy and Spain from April 16 to 18. The trip includes meetings with European leaders and participation in an international summit. The Prime Minister’s Office said Rama will meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. …
TIRANA, April 16 – Albania plans to build a new commercial port in Porto Romano with a capacity of up to one million containers, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi told parliament. He described the project as a strategic investment for the country’s logistics sector. Karakaçi said the current Port …
TIRANA, April 16 – Albania’s State Police Director General Skënder Hita met Italian senior police official Lorenzo Bucossi in Tirana. Bucossi leads the International Police Cooperation Service of Italy. The two officials reviewed ongoing cooperation between Albanian and Italian police forces. Hita said both sides will strengthen multidimensional ties. Bucossi …