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
Skyscrapers and Social Media: Getting Out the Albanian Vote Abroad
An Albanian businessman based in Italy is pulling the strings of a major online ad campaign to secure the votes of Albanians abroad for the ruling Socialist Party in upcoming elections. He also just got the green light for a major real estate development in Tirana. Original post Here
Digital Rights Review: Turkey Detains Data ‘Exploiters’, Serbian Tabloids’ ‘Hate’ Stories Removed
Turkey carried out arrests after disaster victims’ data was stolen, while Serbia and Albania faced crackdowns over misinformation and online violence, BIRN’s digital rights monitors found in December and January. Original post Here
The Albanian Riviera remains one of the country’s most popular summer destinations. Qeparo continues to attract local and foreign visitors with its coastline, natural beauty and distinctive southern atmosphere. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the “Te Stefi” accommodation facility in Qeparo. He described it as “a beautiful address …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the “Golden Voyager” show from the Paris Olympic Games, which created a unique atmosphere along Vlora’s Lungomare as part of “DansMusik Fest.” “Towards the Moon,” Rama wrote alongside the footage of the seaside performance. Music, dance and artistic choreography combined with a spectacular …
TIRANA, August 20 – Members of Parliament from the Democratic Party of Kosova continued their blockade of the Government of Kosova for a sixth consecutive day. They protested the failure to resume the constitutive session of the Assembly. MPs from the Alliance for the Future of Kosova also joined Thursday’s …
TIRANA, August 20 – Albanian football faces an important European night as Egnatia and Dinamo play their opening play-off matches. Egnatia, the Albanian champion, will face Norway’s Lillestrøm in the Europa League play-offs. The match starts at 19:00, with the Rrogozhina club holding home advantage. Egnatia coach and former Albania …
TIRANA, August 20 – Loro Boriçi remains one of the most important figures in Albanian football history. Born in Shkodër on August 4, 1922, he became a leading player, national team captain and coach. He made his football debut for Vllaznia at just 14 years old. A prolific striker, Boriçi …
TIRANA, August 20 – Albania’s inflation measured under the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices methodology used by Eurostat reached 3.4% in July 2026, according to data published by the Institute of Statistics, INSTAT. Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution, adding 1.09 percentage points as prices rose 3.2% year-on-year. …
Albania’s history comes to life through photography in a special exhibition at Rinia Park, organized for World Photography Day. The General Directorate of Archives (DPA), in cooperation with the Tirana Municipality’s Parks and Recreation Agency, presented a collection of photographs by Korçë photographers Vani Burda and Thimi Raci, two pioneers …
Gjirokastra will host a special music event on September 4 and 5, bringing artists, visitors and a festive atmosphere to the historic city. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the event and invited visitors to enjoy “two nights, one city and thousands of moments that turn into memories.” …
Perched on the slopes above the Ionian Sea, Vuno offers a quieter and more authentic side of the Albanian Riviera. Located between Himara and Dhërmi, the historic village combines stone architecture, narrow cobbled streets, centuries-old churches and sweeping coastal views. Unlike the busier seaside resorts along the Riviera, Vuno preserves …
TIRANA, August 20 – Albania’s beekeeping sector continues to show potential for development, with 7,016 beekeepers applying for support under the 2026 National Scheme. The Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development said the number followed a change in the funding threshold for beekeeping support. Data for 2025 show that Albania …