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2024 Jorgji Qirjako Translation Prize applications open

TIRANA, Oct. 8, 2024 – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has announced the opening of applications for the prestigious annual translation award set up to honor Jorgji Qirjako, the institute’s former deputy director and one of Albania’s most prolific translators of international non-fiction and academic works. “Jorgji Qirjako …

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Albanian opposition demands caretaker government, calls for civil disobedience in disruptive mass protest

TIRANA, Oct. 8, 2024 – In one of the most hard-line demonstrations in recent years, Albania’s opposition Democratic Party led a protest in Tirana on Monday night, calling for a caretaker transitional government and civil disobedience against the government. The protest, which drew thousands of supporters, was set up in …

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Spurned by Stakeholders, Albanian Govt’s Anti-Graft Initiative Unravels

In Albania, a new commission ostensibly created to spur reform and tackle corruption has been rebuffed by the justice system and civil society and criticised by the EU. Original post Here

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Albanian Anti-Govt Protesters Throw Molotov Cocktails, Clash with Police

Opposition supporters demonstrating in Tirana about the jailing of an MP threw incendiary devices at the prime minister’s office and the ruling Socialist Party headquarters and clashed with police outside parliament. Original post Here

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Will any other Western Balkans country join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) on the same day as Montenegro?

by Marija Stojanović Journalist at European Western Balkans   According to the recent announcement by Gert Jan Koopman, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR), Montenegro is poised to become the first country in the Western Balkans to join the Single Euro Payments Area …

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How Much Has Organised Crime Penetrated Albania’s Police?

A number of high-ranking police officers have been arrested, charged or sentenced for involvement in organised crime networks after an underworld phone app was hacked. BIRN examines what is known about the suspects so far. Original post Here

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Floods and Landslides Leave 14 Dead in Bosnia

A state of natural disaster has been declared in Bosnia after heavy rainfall overwhelmed homes and roads, leaving many dead, including a baby. Original post Here

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In the Eye of the Storm – Farmers of Albania

What Albania has a lot of is agricultural potential. Fertile lands and excellent weather. We can produce twice, even thrice a year. Yet, productivity is low and financial security for farmers is inexistant. Because of that, cropland abandonment has become a staple, as has urban migration and even emigration. The …

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Lenin’s footsteps in Tirana

By Veto Surroi The debate about beliefs with the “Bektashi Vatican” and the imprisonment of MP Salianji as a punishment for free speech are new and completely unnecessary problems for a state that, with major problems such as organized crime, will begin EU membership negotiations 1. Albania can paraphrase the …

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Albanians Fighting Cancer – AFC USA – Gala Concert with Impromptu Singalongs Elevates Pride Craving More Encores

Rafaela Prifti “The first time I heard the name Albanians Fighting Cancer AFC, it was through a GoFundMe page that someone launched for a relative with a cancer diagnosis,” said Fotini Kokeri of the Kosloski Family Foundation at the Gala Concert Saturday night featuring two remarkable Albanian performers, tenor Rame …

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Eyes on the Sky for the Solar Eclipse in the Balkans

People gathered at vantage points all across the Balkans to enjoy the unique experience of watching the solar eclipse on Thursday evening. Original post Here

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10 fires recorded in Lezha, deliberate arson under investigation

TIRANA, August 13 – The Municipality of Lezha recorded 10 fires across its territory on Wednesday. Mayor Pjerin Ndreu urged residents to remain extremely cautious. He also called on them to report to authorities anyone identified as starting a fire. Ndreu said firefighters responded to 10 fires in different areas …

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Agritourism AL platform helps visitors discover rural destinations

TIRANA, August 13 – The Agritourism AL application has become an information platform for agritourism and rural tourism destinations in Albania. It helps tourists and visitors plan trips and discover offers linked to nature, gastronomy and Albanian traditions. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said users can download the …

News
Mahmut Orhan to perform in Drymades on August 15

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania has become a popular summer destination for international electronic music artists. On August 15, Turkish DJ and producer Mahmut Orhan will perform at MOYO Drymades. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the event. The performance will start at 20:00 and continue into the …

News
12 active fires reported across Albania, 418 hectares burned

TIRANA, August 13 – Authorities reported 45 fires across Albania during the past 24 hours. Twelve remain active and 1 remains under monitoring. The Agency for Media and Information said 72 firefighting vehicles and 839 operational personnel have joined the response. The Armed Forces have provided 250 personnel, 5 helicopters …

News
Ministers visit tourism measures in Saranda

TIRANA, August 13 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja, and Saranda Mayor Oltion Çaçi visited tourism measures in Saranda. Lamallari said rising tourist numbers bring greater responsibility for the State Police. He stressed the need to protect residents and visitors. He also called for …

News
Egnatia face Shamrock Rovers in bid for historic comeback

TIRANA, August 13 – Albanian champions Egnatia face Shamrock Rovers tonight in the second leg of the Europa League third qualifying round. The match starts at 21:00 and RTSH will broadcast it live. Egnatia lost the first leg 3-1. The Rrogozhina side need a victory by at least 2 goals …

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Dobërdol Mountains attract growing interest from nature lovers

TIRANA, August 13 – Mountain tourism is attracting more domestic and foreign visitors to areas that once received little attention. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the Dobërdol Mountains in Tropoja on social media. The area is attracting growing interest from nature enthusiasts each year. The Dobërdol Mountains lie …

News
Temporary traffic restrictions on Tirana-Durrës highway on August 14-15

TIRANA, August 13 – Temporary traffic restrictions will affect the Tirana-Durrës highway on August 14 and 15. The Albanian Road Authority will carry out work on the new Kashar overpass. The work will take place from 23:00 to 05:00. Crews will install the overpass’s metal beams. Authorities will close 2 …

News
Dinamo seek another European comeback against Auda

TIRANA, August 13 – Dinamo face Latvian side Auda tonight in the second leg of the Conference League third qualifying round. The match starts at 21:00 at Elbasan Arena. Dinamo lost the first leg in Latvia 1-0. The capital club need a win by at least 1 goal to force …

News

Eyes on the Sky for the Solar Eclipse in the Balkans

People gathered at vantage points all across the Balkans to enjoy the unique experience of watching the solar eclipse on Thursday evening. Original post Here

News

10 fires recorded in Lezha, deliberate arson under investigation

TIRANA, August 13 – The Municipality of Lezha recorded 10 fires across its territory on Wednesday. Mayor Pjerin Ndreu urged residents to remain extremely cautious. He also called on them to report to authorities anyone identified as starting a fire. Ndreu said firefighters responded to 10 fires in different areas …

News

Agritourism AL platform helps visitors discover rural destinations

TIRANA, August 13 – The Agritourism AL application has become an information platform for agritourism and rural tourism destinations in Albania. It helps tourists and visitors plan trips and discover offers linked to nature, gastronomy and Albanian traditions. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said users can download the …

News

Mahmut Orhan to perform in Drymades on August 15

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania has become a popular summer destination for international electronic music artists. On August 15, Turkish DJ and producer Mahmut Orhan will perform at MOYO Drymades. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the event. The performance will start at 20:00 and continue into the …

News

12 active fires reported across Albania, 418 hectares burned

TIRANA, August 13 – Authorities reported 45 fires across Albania during the past 24 hours. Twelve remain active and 1 remains under monitoring. The Agency for Media and Information said 72 firefighting vehicles and 839 operational personnel have joined the response. The Armed Forces have provided 250 personnel, 5 helicopters …

News

Ministers visit tourism measures in Saranda

TIRANA, August 13 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja, and Saranda Mayor Oltion Çaçi visited tourism measures in Saranda. Lamallari said rising tourist numbers bring greater responsibility for the State Police. He stressed the need to protect residents and visitors. He also called for …

News

Egnatia face Shamrock Rovers in bid for historic comeback

TIRANA, August 13 – Albanian champions Egnatia face Shamrock Rovers tonight in the second leg of the Europa League third qualifying round. The match starts at 21:00 and RTSH will broadcast it live. Egnatia lost the first leg 3-1. The Rrogozhina side need a victory by at least 2 goals …

News

Dobërdol Mountains attract growing interest from nature lovers

TIRANA, August 13 – Mountain tourism is attracting more domestic and foreign visitors to areas that once received little attention. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the Dobërdol Mountains in Tropoja on social media. The area is attracting growing interest from nature enthusiasts each year. The Dobërdol Mountains lie …

News

Temporary traffic restrictions on Tirana-Durrës highway on August 14-15

TIRANA, August 13 – Temporary traffic restrictions will affect the Tirana-Durrës highway on August 14 and 15. The Albanian Road Authority will carry out work on the new Kashar overpass. The work will take place from 23:00 to 05:00. Crews will install the overpass’s metal beams. Authorities will close 2 …

News

Dinamo seek another European comeback against Auda

TIRANA, August 13 – Dinamo face Latvian side Auda tonight in the second leg of the Conference League third qualifying round. The match starts at 21:00 at Elbasan Arena. Dinamo lost the first leg in Latvia 1-0. The capital club need a win by at least 1 goal to force …