Albanian Environmentalists See Red Over Green Sludge Coating Tirana’s Lake
The main artificial lake in the capital has been covered for weeks by thick green algae, which environmental activists blame on untreated urban sewage flowing into the water. Original post Here
Could Michigan’s Albanian-Americans Swing the Vote for Trump?
Albanian-American supporters of Donald Trump are campaigning hard in the swing state of Michigan, where their numbers could sway the result. But some fear the return of Trump’s controversial Balkan envoy Richard Grenell. Original post Here
Moldova Should Learn from Albania’s Mistakes in Justice Reform
As EU hopeful Moldova embarks on a complex process of judicial reform and vetting to root out corruption, experts advise it to note what has gone right – and wrong – in Albania, which began the same process a decade ago. Original post Here
Albania Opens EU Accession Negotiations, Seeks Membership by 2030
In Luxembourg on Tuesday, Albania opened its first negotiation ‘cluster’, with Prime Minister Edi Rama saying his country has its sights set on joining the European club by the end of the decade. Original post Here
Digital Rights Review: Websites Promote and Profit from Abuse of Women
BIRN’s monitoring of digital rights violations in August and September highlighted a threatening Hungarian ‘dark web’ site that contained illegally obtained images of women, plus a series of arrests for online sexual abuse in Romania. Original post Here
As Talks Begin, EU Chides Albania’s ‘Limited Progress’ in Tackling Corruption
As accession talks got underway, the EU ‘negotiating position’, published on Tuesday, says corruption remains “prevalent in most areas of public and business life, including in all branches of central and local government”. Original post Here
Androulakis Wins Second Chance to Revive Greece’s Centre-Left Party
After his re-election as leader of PASOK, Nikos Androulakis promised that “the best things are ahead” – but only time will show whether he can win back the trust of Greek voters for the once-powerful party he has supported since his youth. Original post Here
Albanian Police Arrest Two for Forcibly Exploiting Afghan Teenager
Police said they arrested two people for exploiting a 16-year-old from Afghanistan in the northern city of Shkodra, forcing him to work at a car service centre. Original post Here
Albanian Govt Fails to Attract Bidders for New Durres Port
After no companies presented bids to redevelop the old Port of Durres as a marina with apartment blocks, the government’s plans for the site – which include building a new port – are in disarray. Original post Here
Kosovo to Abolish Visas for Bosnian Citizens from 2025
At the Berlin Process Summit, Kosovo’s prime minister announced that his country will allow residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina to enter Kosovo only with ID cards – even if Bosnia does not do the same. Original post Here
A fire broke out at a hotel in Vlora early on August 16. Police said the incident happened at around 4:05 a.m. in the “10 Korriku” neighborhood. Six tourists suffered injuries. Five were citizens of Kosovo, while one was from Rrëshen. Five of the injured tourists were taken to the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama told British media outlet UnHerd that recent protests in Albania differ from those held in June. According to Rama, more political parties and opposition groups have joined the latest demonstrations. These groups include both far-left and far-right forces. Despite the tensions, Rama said he was “very …
TIRANA, August 14 – Kosova is ready to assist Albania and Montenegro as they tackle wildfires in several areas, acting Defence Minister Ejup Maqedonci said. Maqedonci said he had informed his counterparts in Albania and Montenegro that Kosova’s Ministry of Defence could provide support through its available capabilities. He said …
TIRANA, August 14 – The wildfire situation in Kruja has improved significantly over the past 24 hours. The remaining active fires in Abaze and Gryka e Vajës are burning at much lower intensity. Kruja Mayor Artur Bushi said teams have tackled the fires from the air and on the ground. …
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania is experiencing high tourist flows this summer. Visitors have access to a wide calendar of cultural, artistic, sports and gastronomic activities. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo album today featuring major tourist destinations across the country. Alongside coastal resorts, visitors are showing growing interest …
Papers highlight Albania’s transformation since 1990s – with population growth limited to a few urban centres and most municipalities housing shrinking, elderly communities. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania has digitized its visa application process through the e-Visa system. The system allows foreign nationals who need a visa to apply and track their applications online. Besmir Meta, an IT specialist at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, said the National Agency of Information …
TIRANA, August 14 – Banks lowered interest rates on several major lending segments during the second quarter of the year. However, consumer loans and euro-denominated mortgages for individuals followed a different trend. Bank of Albania data show that the average rate on new ALL loans fell to 6.3%, from 6.5% …
TIRANA, August 14 – Startups supported through Albania’s grant scheme in 2024-2025 have increased their activity, employment, revenue and number of clients. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj shared data on the performance of the businesses after receiving grant funding. She said Startup Albania supports Albanian startups through the grant …
TIRANA, August 14 – Major foreign currencies recorded slight movements against the ALL, according to the Bank of Albania’s official exchange rate. The euro fell by 0.09 ALL from the previous day and trades at €1 = 92.92 ALL. Meanwhile, the British pound declined by 0.22 ALL and trades at …