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Constitutional Court Overturns Dismissal: Veliaj Formally Reinstated as Tirana Mayor

Tirana November 3,2025 The Constitutional Court has ruled in favor of Erion Veliaj, annulling the government’s decision to dismiss him from office and invalidating President Bajram Begaj’s decree for early elections in Tirana. With a 5–3 vote, the Court decided that Veliaj  who has been in pre-trial detention for nine …

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Albania Constitutional Court Overturns Decision Sacking Tirana Mayor

Country’s top court rules in favour of ousted Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj regarding his dismissal – also cancelling fresh elections for a replacement for Veliaj, who is facing corruption charges. Original post Here

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Commemorating the Restoration of China’s Legitimate Seat at the United Nations, Preserving and Advancing the Traditional China–Albania Friendship

— Article by the Chinese Ambassador to Albania, Pang Chunxue On 25 October 1971, at the 26th Session of the UN General Assembly, Resolution 2758 was adopted by an overwhelming majority, restoring all the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations and recognizing the representatives …

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US Academic Challenges National Narratives with Study of Race in Albania

In her new book based on her travels in Albania, Black American academic Chelsi West Ohueri looks at how people in the country see race and ethnicity – and the racial divides between Albanians and the marginalised Roma minority. Original post Here

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: November 3, 2025

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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Albania’s Former Prime Minister Fatos Nano Dies at 73

Albania’s president praised the legacy of the three-times prime minister, an important figure in the country’s post-communist politics, who died on Friday. Original post Here

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Albania’s Deputy PM Investigated for Violating Public Procurement Rules

Anti-corruption prosecutors said they are investigating deputy premier and infrastructure minister Belinda Balluku for violating tender rules, linked to the construction of a road in 2020. Original post Here

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Albania, China and the Case for a Balanced Foreign Policy

By Ambassador Fatmir Çela Diplomacy has always been the lifeline of small nations, and Albania is no exception. From Fan Noli’s influence in Washington to the decisive interventions of diplomats in 1913, Albania’s survival and recognition have often depended less on force and more on skillful negotiation and credibility. For …

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Syria Recognizes Kosovo in Diplomatic Breakthrough Backed by Saudi Arabia

TIRANA, October 29, 2025   In a major diplomatic breakthrough, Syria has officially recognized the Republic of Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the 120th country to do so. The announcement was made in Riyadh during President Vjosa Osmani’s visit, marking one of the most significant moments in …

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Albanian Volleyball Authority Slammed for Suspending Player Over Gender Claims

The Albanian Volleyball Federation has been accused of discrimination and prejudice over its decision to suspend a Brazilian women’s volleyball player based on unsupported allegations about her gender. Original post Here

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PM Rama: “Prania Besnike” (Committed Presence) to bring citizens’ concerns into institutional channels

TIRANA, September 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that “Prania Besnike” (Committed Presence) will take place every Friday at 17:00 across Albania. He said the initiative aims to make listening to citizens a condition and responding to their concerns an institutional duty. Speaking to the Socialist Party parliamentary group …

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Education Minister Kumbaro: New free textbooks for primary school students

TIRANA, September 3 – Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced the start of textbook distribution for the new school year. For the first time, all primary school students from first to fifth grade will receive new textbooks free of charge. Kumbaro said the measure would ease the financial burden on families. …

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At the Plane Tree, at the Hunters’ Club…

Gjirokastër has places that history preserves. People also keep them alive through memory. Near the famous plane tree in the city’s Bazaar, the Hunters’ Club became a well-known part of local life after 1947. The building had once housed the Prefecture café. Later, the hunters’ association moved its offices there. …

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“Daily Express”: British travel expert chooses Albania for an autumn getaway: “Absolutely wonderful”

Albania is quickly emerging as a top destination for autumn holidays. The country offers beaches, history, hospitality and affordable prices. British travel expert Simon Calder has highlighted Albania for its natural beauty, reasonable prices and the warm hospitality of its people. He described the country as “absolutely wonderful.” Calder selected …

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PM Rama: Public administration faces performance challenges but performed strongly in EU negotiations

TIRANA, September 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s latest public administration survey had identified challenges in employee performance. He highlighted the lack of measures for poor performance as an important issue, alongside salaries. At the same time, Rama praised the administration’s work during Albania’s European Union accession negotiations. …

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National Theatre closes season with 95 performances and more than ALL 10 million in revenue

TIRANA, September 3 – The National Theatre closed its 2025-2026 artistic season with 95 performances, more than 20,000 tickets sold and revenues exceeding ALL 10 million, according to Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja. The season ran from September 2025 to May 2026 and featured a diverse repertoire of …

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Klodiana Spahiu proposed as Minister of Health and Social Welfare

TIRANA, September 3 – The Agency for Media and Information announced Klodiana Spahiu’s proposed appointment as Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Spahiu graduated from the University of Tirana’s Faculty of Medicine in 1997 with a degree in General Medicine. From 1998 to 2002, she specialised in cardiology at the …

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President Begaj welcomes new Swiss ambassador, calls for increased investment

TIRANA, September 3 – President Bajram Begaj received Switzerland’s new ambassador to Albania, Siri Walt, who presented her credentials. Begaj expressed confidence that her mandate would further strengthen bilateral relations. The meeting covered cooperation in governance, economic development, education, healthcare, local government and environmental protection. Begaj thanked Switzerland for its …

News
EU ambassador in Albania Moreira de Sousa meets EU ambassadors

TIRANA, September 3 – EU ambassador in Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa held her first meeting with ambassadors of EU member states in Albania under the joint “Team Europe” approach. The EU Delegation said Moreira de Sousa presented her vision for supporting Albania’s reforms during the crucial stage of accession …

News
PM Rama: Digital radar to monitor issues of public interest and online misinformation

TIRANA, September 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government is developing a “digital radar” as part of a new digital system to identify trends and signals in the public-interest sphere. Speaking to the Socialist Party parliamentary group and the government cabinet, Rama said the radar would monitor developments …

News

PM Rama: “Prania Besnike” (Committed Presence) to bring citizens’ concerns into institutional channels

TIRANA, September 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that “Prania Besnike” (Committed Presence) will take place every Friday at 17:00 across Albania. He said the initiative aims to make listening to citizens a condition and responding to their concerns an institutional duty. Speaking to the Socialist Party parliamentary group …

News

Education Minister Kumbaro: New free textbooks for primary school students

TIRANA, September 3 – Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced the start of textbook distribution for the new school year. For the first time, all primary school students from first to fifth grade will receive new textbooks free of charge. Kumbaro said the measure would ease the financial burden on families. …

News

At the Plane Tree, at the Hunters’ Club…

Gjirokastër has places that history preserves. People also keep them alive through memory. Near the famous plane tree in the city’s Bazaar, the Hunters’ Club became a well-known part of local life after 1947. The building had once housed the Prefecture café. Later, the hunters’ association moved its offices there. …

News

“Daily Express”: British travel expert chooses Albania for an autumn getaway: “Absolutely wonderful”

Albania is quickly emerging as a top destination for autumn holidays. The country offers beaches, history, hospitality and affordable prices. British travel expert Simon Calder has highlighted Albania for its natural beauty, reasonable prices and the warm hospitality of its people. He described the country as “absolutely wonderful.” Calder selected …

News

PM Rama: Public administration faces performance challenges but performed strongly in EU negotiations

TIRANA, September 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s latest public administration survey had identified challenges in employee performance. He highlighted the lack of measures for poor performance as an important issue, alongside salaries. At the same time, Rama praised the administration’s work during Albania’s European Union accession negotiations. …

News

National Theatre closes season with 95 performances and more than ALL 10 million in revenue

TIRANA, September 3 – The National Theatre closed its 2025-2026 artistic season with 95 performances, more than 20,000 tickets sold and revenues exceeding ALL 10 million, according to Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja. The season ran from September 2025 to May 2026 and featured a diverse repertoire of …

News

Klodiana Spahiu proposed as Minister of Health and Social Welfare

TIRANA, September 3 – The Agency for Media and Information announced Klodiana Spahiu’s proposed appointment as Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Spahiu graduated from the University of Tirana’s Faculty of Medicine in 1997 with a degree in General Medicine. From 1998 to 2002, she specialised in cardiology at the …

News

President Begaj welcomes new Swiss ambassador, calls for increased investment

TIRANA, September 3 – President Bajram Begaj received Switzerland’s new ambassador to Albania, Siri Walt, who presented her credentials. Begaj expressed confidence that her mandate would further strengthen bilateral relations. The meeting covered cooperation in governance, economic development, education, healthcare, local government and environmental protection. Begaj thanked Switzerland for its …

News

EU ambassador in Albania Moreira de Sousa meets EU ambassadors

TIRANA, September 3 – EU ambassador in Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa held her first meeting with ambassadors of EU member states in Albania under the joint “Team Europe” approach. The EU Delegation said Moreira de Sousa presented her vision for supporting Albania’s reforms during the crucial stage of accession …

News

PM Rama: Digital radar to monitor issues of public interest and online misinformation

TIRANA, September 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government is developing a “digital radar” as part of a new digital system to identify trends and signals in the public-interest sphere. Speaking to the Socialist Party parliamentary group and the government cabinet, Rama said the radar would monitor developments …