National Children’s Painting Competition brings together participants from Albania, Kosova, and North Macedonia
TIRANA, May 4 – The National Center for Children’s Culture closed the year’s largest painting event with the participation of around 500 children from Albania, Kosova, and North Macedonia. Meanwhile, Director Melsi Qirici described the second edition of the National Children’s Painting Competition as successful. She noted that children from …
President Begaj marks 70th ordination anniversary of Cardinal Ernest Simoni
TIRANA, May 4 – President Bajram Begaj attended the 70th anniversary of the priestly ordination of Cardinal Ernest Simoni at the Florence Cathedral “Santa Maria del Fiore”. He described Simoni as a symbol of resilience, faith, and sacrifice, and as a “living martyr”. In his message, Begaj said Simoni’s life …
Supreme Court sets clearer standard for pre-trial detention
TIRANA, May 4 – The Unified Chambers of the Supreme Court, composed of 16 judges, set new standards for the use of the security measure “arrest in prison” and required concrete, individualized reasoning for its imposition and continuation. The president of the Supreme Court initiated the review to address inconsistencies …
Economic sentiment dips in April, remains above average
TIRANA, May 4 – The Bank of Albania reported that the Economic Sentiment Indicator fell by 1.5 points in April. The bank said weaker confidence in services, trade, and among consumers drove the decline. Despite this drop, the indicator remained 6.4 points above its historical average, signaling a generally positive …
Traffic Police: 16 Drivers Prosecuted and Over 15,000 Fines in One Week
The Traffic Police have published their weekly report, highlighting a number of violations and criminal offenses identified and addressed. During this period, 33 criminal incidents were recorded. Of these, 16 drivers were prosecuted while remaining at liberty for “Violations of road traffic rules.” Additionally, 9 drivers were prosecuted for “Driving …
Family Photo: Rama Shares Images from the European Political Community Summit in Armenia
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared images on social media from the 8th Summit of the European Political Community, currently being held in Armenia. He posted part of the “family photo,” featuring leaders from across Europe. Shortly after arriving at the summit venue, Rama spoke to the media present about …
Eurostat Report: Poverty and Discrimination, Two Issues Linking Europe and Albania
Vulnerable groups continue to be the most discriminated against in Europe, according to data from Eurostat. The situation is similar in Albania. In 2024, people born outside their country reported higher levels of discrimination compared to natives. About 9.7% said they felt discriminated against when interacting with public administration, compared …
Young People Lead AI Use: Kosovo 7th and Albania 11th in Europe
Albania and Kosovo are not only using AI, but are increasingly mastering it, going beyond simple analysis and text generation to create videos, audio, and software. The latest data from the European Working Conditions Survey show that around 12% of employees in the EU use generative AI in their work. …
President Begaj at the 70th Anniversary of Cardinal Ernest Simoni’s Ordination: A Testament to Human Dignity
President Bajram Begaj attended the 70th anniversary of the priestly ordination of His Eminence, Cardinal Ernest Simoni. At the ceremony held at the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence, President Begaj praised Cardinal Simoni as a symbol of resilience, faith, and sacrifice—a “living martyr.” “Your story is living proof …
Economic Confidence Falls: Citizens Cut Spending, Uncertainty in Some Sectors
Confidence in the economy declined in April. According to the latest survey by the Bank of Albania, the Economic Sentiment Indicator dropped by 1.5 points, marking a reversal after several months of optimism. Consumers, along with sectors such as services and trade, contributed to the decline in the monthly survey …
Masked protesters continued to clash with police in Tirana on Thursday. They damaged public spaces and private businesses as unrest spread across the capital. After vandalizing businesses on Elbasan Street, masked youths set a kiosk ablaze on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Flames engulfed the structure and sent thick smoke into …
President Bajram Begaj has called on citizens and all parties involved in the recent protests to reject violence and prioritize dialogue. He stressed that Albania needs calm, responsibility and cooperation. In a message to the public, Begaj said he had followed both the protesters’ demands and the acts of violence …
The OSCE Presence in Albania has welcomed President Bajram Begaj’s call for calm and inclusive dialogue amid the recent unrest. It has also offered to help facilitate talks if the parties request its support. In a statement, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) joined the President’s appeal …
The EU Delegation in Tirana issued a statement on Thursday regarding the student protests, condemning the escalation of violence and damage to property. In its statement, the delegation called on protesters to refrain from violence. According to the EU, constructive dialogue among all parties is the only way forward to …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro has responded following three days of protests by university and high school students, calling on parents, teachers, and the wider community to work together to ensure the safety of young people and prevent the situation from escalating. In a message addressed to parents, pupils, and university …
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reacted to acts of violence and damage to public and private property during protests in the capital, condemning attacks on institutions, banks, shopping centers, and business premises. In its statement, the Chamber emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a …
Student protests continue to escalate in the capital. In the former Blloku area, private businesses have begun taking protective measures, installing security shutters and reinforcing their commercial premises. These security measures follow incidents reported in recent hours, during which some young protesters attacked and damaged private property, as well as …
The General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, said during a press conference at the State Police General Directorate that 71 police officers had been injured in acts of violence over the three days of protests in Tirana. Hita called on parents and teachers not to allow children and …
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has provided the latest update on the condition of those injured during the protests. According to the official statement, a total of 14 injured people were admitted to the University Trauma Hospital, including eight police officers, four protesters and two minors. Four police …
The Socialist Party of Albania has reacted to the escalating situation surrounding the protests in Tirana through a post on social media. In its statement, the Socialist Party emphasized that Albanians will not be held hostage by the past. The post was accompanied by a video showing clashes between protesters …