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Under Spain’s EU Presidency, the Issue of the Western Balkans Will Be Sidelined

Spain’s 6-month presidency of the Council of the EU has been upended by a snap election in July. Yet regardless of who wins that vote, prospects for progress on the issue of EU enlargement are poor. Original post Here

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Albania Pressed to Act Over Currency’s Unexplained Rise

The rapid rise in the value of Albania’s currency, the lek, is alarming exporters and tourist operators – but the government is unwilling to take action. Original post Here

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A 31-year-old thief arrested in Tirana

A 31-year-old man from Kamza was arrested on charges of theft this Wednesday. He was put in handcuffs, as it is suspected that on July 10 he stole work tools in two different businesses. In the meantime, the young man is expected to be interrogated about the motives that led …

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Arrested for abuse of duty, former mayor of Durres will appear at court on July 18

The former mayor of Durres Vangjush Dako, arrested for abuse of duty, will appear in front of the Court of Special Appeal on July 18 at 10 am. The appeal session will be reviewed by Judge Daniela Shirka. Dako was arrested on June 6 by order of the Special Prosecutor’s …

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Rama: Vilnius summit finds NATO allies stronger and more determined

On July 11 and 12, the leaders of the member states of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will meet in Vilnius, Lithuania. They are expected to address the most urgent challenges for the alliance, to increase the defensive and preventive capacities of NATO, as well as to bring Ukraine …

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Two Kruja men arrested on drugs cultivation charges

Police of Kruja has put this Tuesday in handcuffs two citizens, who were wanted for criminal offenses in the field of narcotics. In the village of Shkoze, a 36-year-old resident of Thumanë was arrested. This citizen, together with his father and another citizen (previously arrested), cultivated 925 cannabis seedlings in …

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Tirana, woman found dead by husband

A 33-year-old woman has been found this Tuesday without signs of life inside her apartment in the Kombinati area, in Tirana. According to the police, the victim was found by her husband, while no signs of violence were found on her body during the preliminary examination. Meanwhile, the investigative group …

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Today the decision on Arben Ahmetaj’ arrest

The Council of Mandates meets this Tuesday at 16:00, to consider the request of SPAK for the arrest of former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj. The Special Prosecutor’s Office asked the assembly for permission to arrest the former finance minister and former deputy prime minister Arben Ahmetaj at the same …

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Begaj: Vilnius Summit, crucial to Euro-Atlantic security

President of the Republic Bajram Begaj declared Tuesday that the NATO meeting in Vilnius is a decisive moment for the Euro-Atlantic security. Through a social media statement at the beginning of the NATO summit in Lithuania, Begaj underlined that Albania continues to be steadfast in supporting the Alliance’s efforts to …

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Op/Ed: Remembering the Srebrenica Genocide

by George Monastiriakos In 1993, one year into the Bosnian War, the United Nations declared “safe areas” in the Muslim enclaves of Republika Srpska to protect Bosniak refugees fleeing from the violence. Security Council Resolution 819 designated the city of Srebrenica in eastern Bosnia as a “safe area.” Security Council …

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German Media Highlights Albania as a Rising European Destination for 2026

A German media outlet has described Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive emerging travel destinations for 2026. According to Baden24, Albania is gaining increasing international attention thanks to its turquoise waters, unspoiled coastline, and affordable prices. As a result, many travelers now view the country as an appealing alternative …

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Parliament Speaker Peleshi: Vetting subjected justice system to strongest scrutiny

TIRANA, June 17 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi described the justice reform as one of the deepest and most ambitious reforms ever undertaken by the Albanian state during a ceremony marking the conclusion of the Vetting process. In his address, Peleshi said the event closes an important chapter in the …

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Edi Rama’s Sculpture Featured at Art Basel 2026

Visitors to Art Basel 2026 will see a public artwork by Albanian Prime Minister and artist Edi Rama. His bronze sculpture, Untitled (2026), is on display in the “Parcours” public art section at the end of Clarastrasse, overlooking the Rhine River. According to The Art Newspaper, Rama presents a new …

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Venice Commission: Party finance platform boosts transparency but needs stronger legal safeguards

TIRANA, June 17 – The Venice Commission published its opinion on Albania’s draft law on political party financing. It described the reform as an important step toward modernizing the political finance system. At the same time, it called for further improvements to ensure legal clarity, proportionality, and effective implementation. The …

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U.S. Senate confirms Eric Wendt as ambassador to Albania

TIRANA, June 17 – The U.S. Senate confirmed retired Lieutenant General Eric Wendt as the next U.S. ambassador to Albania with 51 votes in favour and 47 against. The full Senate vote followed approval by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where Wendt secured majority support from committee members. Authorities now …

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Kosova, European Commission review European Union financial and technical support

TIRANA, June 17 – Kosova and the European Commission held the annual meeting of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Monitoring Committee. Participants reviewed the implementation of European Union financial and technical support for Kosova. They also discussed reforms that support Kosova’s European integration path. The European Union has provided …

News
Saranda sees tourist surge as foreign visitors praise prices and services

TIRANA, June 17 – Saranda is experiencing a strong influx of tourists in the early summer season. Foreign visitors praise local offers, services, and relatively affordable prices. Beaches along the Ionian coast are already crowded in June. Many travelers choose the destination for its clear waters and natural scenery. Several …

News
Ibrahimaj: Startups Drive Albania’s Green and Digital Transformation

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj attended the “Green & Digital Innovation” event and highlighted the growing role of startups in transforming Albania’s economy. She said startups are helping drive innovation, technology, and sustainable development across the country. Moreover, Ibrahimaj noted that government support and cooperation with European partners are …

News
EU4Schools programme rebuilds 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities

TIRANA, June 17 – The European Union, the Albanian government and UNDP held the closing conference of the EU4Schools programme. The initiative repaired and rebuilt 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities affected by the 2019 earthquake. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro thanked all partners who contributed to the programme. She said …

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Albanian Children’s Artwork to Be Showcased at International Art Event in Portugal

The National Center of Culture for Children (QKKF) will take part in the 27th International Meeting of Juvenile Art – Évora 2026 in Portugal. The center will represent Albania with 21 artworks created by children attending its painting course. The event is one of the most recognized international gatherings dedicated …

News

German Media Highlights Albania as a Rising European Destination for 2026

A German media outlet has described Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive emerging travel destinations for 2026. According to Baden24, Albania is gaining increasing international attention thanks to its turquoise waters, unspoiled coastline, and affordable prices. As a result, many travelers now view the country as an appealing alternative …

News

Parliament Speaker Peleshi: Vetting subjected justice system to strongest scrutiny

TIRANA, June 17 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi described the justice reform as one of the deepest and most ambitious reforms ever undertaken by the Albanian state during a ceremony marking the conclusion of the Vetting process. In his address, Peleshi said the event closes an important chapter in the …

News

Edi Rama’s Sculpture Featured at Art Basel 2026

Visitors to Art Basel 2026 will see a public artwork by Albanian Prime Minister and artist Edi Rama. His bronze sculpture, Untitled (2026), is on display in the “Parcours” public art section at the end of Clarastrasse, overlooking the Rhine River. According to The Art Newspaper, Rama presents a new …

News

Venice Commission: Party finance platform boosts transparency but needs stronger legal safeguards

TIRANA, June 17 – The Venice Commission published its opinion on Albania’s draft law on political party financing. It described the reform as an important step toward modernizing the political finance system. At the same time, it called for further improvements to ensure legal clarity, proportionality, and effective implementation. The …

News

U.S. Senate confirms Eric Wendt as ambassador to Albania

TIRANA, June 17 – The U.S. Senate confirmed retired Lieutenant General Eric Wendt as the next U.S. ambassador to Albania with 51 votes in favour and 47 against. The full Senate vote followed approval by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where Wendt secured majority support from committee members. Authorities now …

News

Kosova, European Commission review European Union financial and technical support

TIRANA, June 17 – Kosova and the European Commission held the annual meeting of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Monitoring Committee. Participants reviewed the implementation of European Union financial and technical support for Kosova. They also discussed reforms that support Kosova’s European integration path. The European Union has provided …

News

Saranda sees tourist surge as foreign visitors praise prices and services

TIRANA, June 17 – Saranda is experiencing a strong influx of tourists in the early summer season. Foreign visitors praise local offers, services, and relatively affordable prices. Beaches along the Ionian coast are already crowded in June. Many travelers choose the destination for its clear waters and natural scenery. Several …

News

Ibrahimaj: Startups Drive Albania’s Green and Digital Transformation

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj attended the “Green & Digital Innovation” event and highlighted the growing role of startups in transforming Albania’s economy. She said startups are helping drive innovation, technology, and sustainable development across the country. Moreover, Ibrahimaj noted that government support and cooperation with European partners are …

News

EU4Schools programme rebuilds 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities

TIRANA, June 17 – The European Union, the Albanian government and UNDP held the closing conference of the EU4Schools programme. The initiative repaired and rebuilt 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities affected by the 2019 earthquake. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro thanked all partners who contributed to the programme. She said …

News

Albanian Children’s Artwork to Be Showcased at International Art Event in Portugal

The National Center of Culture for Children (QKKF) will take part in the 27th International Meeting of Juvenile Art – Évora 2026 in Portugal. The center will represent Albania with 21 artworks created by children attending its painting course. The event is one of the most recognized international gatherings dedicated …