Archbishop Anastasios, who revived Albania’s Orthodox Church, laid to rest, marking end of an era
TIRANA, Jan. 30, 2025 – The Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania bid farewell to its long-serving leader, Archbishop Anastasios Yannoulatos, on Thursday, marking the end of a transformative era for the church and Albania’s religious landscape. The 95-year-old archbishop, who led the revival of Albanian Orthodoxy for more than three …
Albania Says Farewell to Archbishop Who Restored Orthodox Church
Archbishop Anastasios, who has passed away after almost 33 years as Primate, rebuilt hundreds of churches and schools, had a canny eye for business – and did his best to stay out of nationalist conflicts. Original post Here
Skyscrapers and Social Media: Getting Out the Albanian Vote Abroad
An Albanian businessman based in Italy is pulling the strings of a major online ad campaign to secure the votes of Albanians abroad for the ruling Socialist Party in upcoming elections. He also just got the green light for a major real estate development in Tirana. Original post Here
Digital Rights Review: Turkey Detains Data ‘Exploiters’, Serbian Tabloids’ ‘Hate’ Stories Removed
Turkey carried out arrests after disaster victims’ data was stolen, while Serbia and Albania faced crackdowns over misinformation and online violence, BIRN’s digital rights monitors found in December and January. Original post Here
Italy Sends Third Ship Transporting Migrants to Albania
After two failed attempts to sent migrants and asylum seekers to camps in Albania for processing under a controversial scheme instigated by Italian premier Giorgia Meloni, Italy sent a third ship that reached Albania on Tuesday. Original post Here
Anastasios, the Archbishop Who Rebuilt the Orthodox Church of Albania
He revived the Orthodox Church, which had been destroyed under the communist regime. Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Primate of Albania, passed away at the age of 95. He was a tireless advocate for ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue. By Ilda Mara Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania, a key …
A wasted chance for internal party democracy
This week the Central Elections Commission (CEC) consolidated what was previously agreed between the two major political parties in Albania, SP and DP, when it comes to the composition of the MP candidate lists in the upcoming general elections on May 11,2025. According to the formula that will be applied …
Albanian Art Show Depicts Trump as Icon of Freedom
Albanian artist Avni Delvina’s ‘Triumph’ exhibition playfully explores themes of the new US president as a Roman emperor, a Greek god and a ‘spirit of freedom’. Original post Here
Italy-Albania Migrant Offshoring Deal Tests Respect for Rule of Law
The opening of two Italian-run migrant camps in northwest Albania was a short-lived boon for local villagers. The camps’ fate now hangs in the balance, as a test of Europe’s commitment to the rule of law, rights activists say. Original post Here
Albanian PM Accused of Allotting Island to Trump’s Son-in-Law to Win Favour
A firm linked to Jared Kushner was granted ‘strategic investor’ status just weeks before the new US president’s inauguration, even without a business plan or feasibility study for the construction of a luxury resort on an uninhabited island once used by the army for shooting practice. Original post Here
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said economic growth has increased financial support for citizens. He referred to state budget figures for the first 7 months of the year. During this period, the government spent ALL 841 million more than a year earlier on economic assistance, people with disabilities and their caregivers. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the transformed Koman road, on social media today. The road connects the Vau i Dejës and Koman hydroelectric power plants. Rama highlights its setting in the spectacular landscape of northern Albania. The reconstruction began in February last year. The project received around ALL …
A small but valuable photo collection has joined the Albanian Telegraphic Agency’s (ATA) archives. The collection brings back images of Tirana in February 1991, during one of the most turbulent periods of Albania’s transition from communist rule. Photographer Petrit Kozeli took the images while working in Tirana. The original photographs …
The Albanian manufacturing sector is seeking tax and financial measures to offset rising costs and encourage investment in technology. During consultations on the 2027 Fiscal Package, the Albanian Manufacturing Association submitted several proposals to the authorities. One calls for aligning the tax-free threshold with the minimum wage. Economic specialist Florian …
The Ethnographic Museum in Gjirokastër used traditional clothing today to present the city’s history and traditions. The activity introduced visitors to clothing elements from the area and their meaning across generations. Tourists praised the clothing and its detailed craftsmanship. They said the garments also offered insights into local culture and …
Interest in swimming remains high among children in Saranda. Around 60 children of different age groups currently train with the city’s swimming team, according to coach Edmond Vasi. Vasi said children’s participation supports physical development, discipline and self-confidence. He said the team includes children aged 14 and under, including 12 …
The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble (TKOBAP) will open its doors to the public on September 15 as part of “Open Opera – A Day at the Theatre.” The event will give visitors a chance to explore the theatre beyond the stage. They will discover the spaces, …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Yohei Wakabayashi to discuss international and regional security developments. They also discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral defence and security cooperation. Nufi said Albania considers Japan an important partner. He said the two countries can expand cooperation through expert exchanges, stronger …
Albania, Greece and North Macedonia aim to advance their joint bid to nominate the Lake Prespa region for UNESCO World Heritage status. The region spans all three countries. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja discussed the initiative with Greece’s new ambassador to Albania, Lambrini Komini. Albania welcomes the proposal …
Tickets for Albania’s two UEFA Nations League matches at Air Albania Stadium can now also be bought in person. Albania will face Belarus on September 26 and San Marino on October 6. The Albanian Football Federation said fans can buy tickets online through the official ebileta.al platform. They can also …