Greek Prime Minister Pays Historic Visit to Minority in Albania
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has made the first visit to the Greek minorityin Albania in decades, where he voiced support for Albania’s European integration. Original post Here
Hidden Victims: Workplace Accidents go Underreported in Albania
Data analyzed by BIRN, and interviews with employers, lawyers and activists, suggest that the publicly available statistics on workplace accidents in Albania are just ‘the tip of the iceberg’. Original post Here
Albania Backs Scrapping Visas for Chinese in Snub to EU
Albania has decided to join Serbia in agreeing to offer Chinese citizens visa-free travel – the only two countries in the region to do this. Original post Here
‘Caged like a dog’; Russian Blogger Accused of Espionage Languishes in Albanian Prison
An eccentric Russian blogger or a dangerous spy? Friends of Svetlana Timofeeva and lawyers are asking why she has been kept for six months in isolation in pre-trial detention in Albania and still has no prospect of facing a court. Original post Here
Hoax Bomb Threats Leave Balkan Region Frustrated, Unnerved
Security agencies face growing questions – but also criticism – over the wave of false bomb threats that’s been shaking the region since March Original post Here
Year in Pictures: 2022 in the Balkans
From political protests to rising inflation and living costs, a new war in Europe and milestones in European Union integration processes, BIRN has selected photographs from across the region that highlight some key events of 2022. Original post Here
French Museum Keeps Memory of Long-Ago Balkans Alive
A vast treasure trove of photos of the Balkans, taken more than a century ago as part of a rich banker’s project, has been lovingly preserved in a Paris museum. Original post Here
Albania Opposition Says Theft Exposes Alleged Officials’ Ill-Gotten Wealth
The theft of over a hundred thousand euros from a governing official has stirred an opposition outcry about government corruption. Original post Here
Divided Albanian Democrats Row over Appointment of Election Officials
Concerns are growing over the credibility of Albania’s May local elections due to an ongoing court battle over control of the opposition Democrats. Original post Here
Old Albanian Woman Keeps Ancient Dress-Making Tradition Alive
A 70-year-old woman from northern Albania is one the few women still making the ancestral dress called the Xhubleta – which UNESCO recently added to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Original post Here
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs shared messages from Albanians worldwide. They participated in the fourth Diaspora Summit. They expressed strong emotional ties to their homeland. Participants said distance does not weaken their sense of belonging. “Our hearts beat Albanian wherever we are,” they said. Albanians living in Brussels, …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu and Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari attended the opening of the “Publik Galeri” exhibition. The initiative aims to transform confiscated spaces into art and community centers. Authorities converted the space from a site linked to illegal profits and criminal activity into a public venue. It now …
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy has released the Transport Sector Strategy and Action Plan 2030 for public consultation. The documents set the direction for transport development aligned with national priorities and EU integration. The strategy aims to build a modern, safe, and sustainable transport system. It seeks to improve …
TIRANA, April 17 – President Bajram Begaj met the Coordinating Council of Diaspora in Tirana after the fourth diaspora summit. The meeting took place at the Presidential Institution following the closing of the event. Officials focused on diaspora engagement and cultural identity. Begaj praised the contribution of diaspora members across …
TIRANA, April 17 – Albania’s Military Meteorological Service said the country will face unstable weather conditions on Friday. The day will bring alternating sunshine and cloud cover across most regions. Cloudiness will increase mainly around midday. Forecasters expect light, localised rain in southern and southeastern mountain areas. Rain will develop …
Renowned lahuta player from Malësia e Madhe, Jonuz Delaj, passed away. He left a rare legacy in preserving the Epic of the Kreshniks and the Albanian lahuta tradition. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania lost more than a musician. He said the country lost a living era …
Parliament reappointed Denar Biba as head of the Competition Authority Commission. It approved the decision with 73 votes in favor and 13 against. Biba has held the post since December 2021. He graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tirana. He completed a master’s degree in Southeast …
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said IPARD funds will be available to farmers within this year. He made the statement in Parliament. He responded to LSI MP Tedi Blushi, who raised concerns about the IPARD funds. Salla said the process is currently under investigation. He assured that Albania …
Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the agreement on implementing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is an important international instrument. It targets the management of transboundary and highly migratory fish stocks. He spoke in Parliament. He said the agreement promotes conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama visited Italy. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed him in an official ceremony at Palazzo Chigi. They then held a one-on-one meeting. They discussed bilateral cooperation. They focused on deepening relations. They also addressed regional and European issues of common interest. Rama also met Italian Defense Minister …