Albanian FM expresses concern over Israeli minister’s video on detained activists, confirms consular assistance
TIRANA, May 21 – Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has expressed concern over a video published by Israel’s Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir showing detained activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, among them an Albanian national. Meanwhile, Hoxha reacted on the social media platform X, …
Albania at international film industry market “Marché du Film”
TIRANA, May 21 – The Marché du Film concluded in Cannes, with Albania and Kosova represented through a joint stand by the National Cinematography Center of Albania and the Cinematography Center of Kosova. The Marché du Film, held within the Cannes Film Festival framework, functions as the festival’s business market …
Ombudsman contacts Israeli counterpart over Albanian activist
TIRANA, May 21 – The Ombudsman of Albania, Endrit Shabani, contacted Matanyahu Englman, the Israeli State Comptroller and Ombudsman. He requested full guarantees for the rights, physical integrity, and treatment of Albanian citizen Baki Goxhaj. Israeli authorities detained Goxhaj during an operation against the humanitarian initiative “Global Sumud Flotilla”. Shabani …
Gashani hosts leaders of the Mediterranean Games 2030, coordination for major project in focus
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”7bc4bf37-c90d-4560-a851-2eb1752bfc4d” data-turn-id-container=”7bc4bf37-c90d-4560-a851-2eb1752bfc4d” data-testid=”conversation-turn-27″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Preparations for the biggest sporting event in the country’s history, the “Prishtina 2030” Mediterranean Games, are entering an intensive phase of institutional coordination. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-13″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-13″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-28″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Acting Minister of Youth and Sports, Blerim …
OSCE: Electoral reform in Albania is a slow but important process; decision-making belongs to Albanians
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”c95c2a13-72c0-43e1-9252-fe79f8d8e808″ data-turn-id-container=”c95c2a13-72c0-43e1-9252-fe79f8d8e808″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-33″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Presence in Albania has assessed that the work of the Special Commission on Electoral Reform has progressed slowly, but welcomed the resumption of its activity and its focus on important issues such …
Celebrations and historical remembrance: Montenegro marks 20 years of independence
Montenegro this week is marking the 20th anniversary of its independence with concerts and festive activities taking place in the capital, Podgorica, and other cities across the country. On May 21, 2006, Montenegrin citizens voted in a historic referendum on the future of the state, with 55.5% choosing independence after …
Albanian activist leaves Israel on a flight to Turkey
Albanian citizen Baki Goxhaj has departed for Turkey on one of the aircraft provided by the Turkish government for the transport of activists detained by Israel. According to sources from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, he is currently on his way to Istanbul, where he will be received …
SPAK, corruption, elections: IBAR document revealed, what was decided on Albania’s criteria
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”32a4dda1-cf36-4cd4-b698-7534afe718a0″ data-turn-id-container=”32a4dda1-cf36-4cd4-b698-7534afe718a0″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-35″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> This Thursday, Albania passed the draft of the European Union’s common interim position in the COELA working group in Brussels. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-17″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-17″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-36″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Meanwhile, tomorrow the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report, otherwise known as …
Pushing Against Inertia: How Harnex Is Testing the Balkans’ Appetite for Innovation
Tirana loves a good spectacle. Walk through the capital today and you are greeted by sleek new glass towers, vibrant urban spaces, and a relentless political chorus proclaiming Albania as the next big digital hub of the Western Balkans. But scratch beneath the surface of this calculated showmanship, and a …
Transparency Board lowers fuel prices, diesel drops to 197 ALL per litre
TIRANA, May 21 – The Transparency Board set new ceiling prices for fuel trading during its latest meeting. The new prices enter into force today at 13:00. According to the decision, the retail price of SSH EN 590 diesel will not exceed 197 ALL per litre. Meanwhile, the wholesale price …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has unveiled “Pasqyrë Albania”, a new digital platform designed to improve transparency over public investments and help citizens track applications, public services and complaints in real time. During the launch, Saimir Kapllani, an expert at the National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI), outlined the platform’s four …
Albania marks 73 years since the premiere of the opera “Rusalka”, staged in November 1953. The production marked the first opera staged by the Albanian Philharmonic. It also laid the foundations for the establishment of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet and the Popular Ensemble. The Albanian Telegraphic Agency …
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to EU membership, marking 33 years since the Maastricht Treaty entered into force and established the foundations of the European Union. In a social media post on November 1, Hoxha said the anniversary offered Albania an opportunity to look ahead to EU …
Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting today with experts from the National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI), who have been working on the development of the “Pasqyra Albania” platform, to learn more about its features and innovations. During the discussion, Rama explained that the platform is built around four …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has commemorated the 33rd anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty’s entry into force, highlighting Albania’s path toward integration into the European Union. In a post on social media platform X, Hoxha described the treaty as a defining moment in the establishment of …
Around 55 pilots from Albania and various European countries are taking part in the 14th edition of the “Korça Open Air” championship, held in Lumalas. For four days, the airfield has been transformed into an arena for precision landing competitions, where pilots challenge one another to achieve the most accurate …
Albania plans to return to international financial markets in 2027 with the issuance of a new Eurobond. The planned amount is approximately €690 million, which would make it the largest borrowing of this kind ever undertaken by the country. According to the draft 2027 budget, the Eurobond issuance will amount …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has appointed Vlera Gjakova as his media adviser. Gjakova is originally from North Macedonia but has spent a significant part of her life in Kosovo, where she has also been involved in politics. Eight years ago, she joined Albin Kurti’s Vetëvendosje Movement, and in the 2019 …
Two separate protests took place in Tirana on Saturday. Students, lecturers and citizens gathered outside the Ministry of Education for the 19th consecutive day, demanding political change, the prime minister’s resignation and better living and education conditions. Meanwhile, the main opposition party held a rally outside the Prime Minister’s Office. …
The US Embassy in Tirana has urged American citizens to avoid protest areas, warning that demonstrations could escalate into violence and disrupt traffic and public services. In an official security alert, the embassy said protests continue in central Tirana and near government institutions. Some demonstrations have turned violent, with reports …