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Albanian’s Leap to Freedom Was Only the Start of His Journey

An Albanian who 34 years ago jumped over an embassy wall in Tirana to escape the country’s repressive communist regime recalls his struggle to find freedom and a new home in Western Europe. Original post Here

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Obituary: Ismail Kadare, the global writer who helped ‘making Albania’

TIRANA, June 1, 2024 – Albania’s greatest writer and perennial Nobel Prize candidate, Ismail Kadare, has died at the age of 88.   Kadare had permanently moved back to his homeland of Albania from France in recent years and died of a heart attack Monday morning, doctors at Tirana’s largest public …

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Drug trafficking and organized criminal group/ SPAK sends for trial Gezim Çela and 13 others

The Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has closed the investigations and sent Gëzim Çela and 13 other people to trial for drug trafficking and organized criminal group. Gëzim Çela and Arlind Ismailukaj are considered to be the leaders of the criminal group that were hit during the “Flame at Sea” operation. …

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Ismail Kadare, Greatest Albanian Writer, Dies at 88

The author of dozens of books translated into dozens of languages was feted abroad, in France especially – but some at home were less forgiving of his role during the communist era. Original post Here

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Albanian renown writer Ismail Kadare, dies age 88

The Albanian renown writer, poet and novelist, Ismail Kadare died this Monday in Tirana, age 88. Were his familiars that found him lifeless in his home. He is the only Albanian national who was many time a candidate to win the Nobel price in Literature. In 1992, Kadare was awarded …

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Oncology scandal, Rama: A crime against humanity

Prime Minister Edi Rama qualifies as a crime against humanity, the use of a doctor’s uniform, to extract money with blood for medicines of the sick, referring to the Oncology scandal. During his speech at the meeting of heads of services at QSUT, Rama said that nothing is missing in …

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Albania’s population shrank by 429,000,  census results show

TIRANA, June 28, 2024 – Albania’s population shrank by almost 14 percent in 12 years, losing about 429,000 residents, according to the country’s official 2023 census, the results of which were just released.  The census conductor, the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), said the number of residents of Albania is now …

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Rama: We will forgive fines for illegal construction

Prime Minister Edi Rama has handed over the ownership titles of the houses in Theth and in some other areas of the North, where the inherited problems have been solved. During his speech, he said that fines for constructions without permission will be waived, as they were done out of …

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A 25 year old arrested for smuggling emigrants

A 25-year-old man was arrested as part of the police operation codenamed “Axis” The 25-year-old man was caught red-handed on the “Korçë-Pogradec” road axis, near the village of Vërdovë, Pogradec, transporting 17 immigrants from third countries, in the direction of Tirana, with an “Opel” van, against profit, with purpose of …

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The results of the exam for optional subjects in the State Matura are published

This Sunday, the results of the optional subjects exam for the state matura were released. The Minister of Education, Ogerta Manastirliu stated that graduates can see the results on the link provided by the ministry. “Important notice for Graduates. The results of the optional subjects exam of Matura 2024 are …

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Albania expands ALBTraceCo’s role in biometric and digital identity services

The Council of Ministers has approved changes that expand the activity of ALBTraceCo, the company responsible for producing and distributing biometric documents. The new decision adds services and technology systems linked to biometric and digital identity. Under the decision, the company will manage and develop high-security infrastructure and technologies. ALBTraceCo …

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Shijak approves 11 new priority zones for mountain economy development

The Council of Ministers has approved changes that add new priority areas for developing the mountain economy in Shijak. The government introduced the changes under Law No. 20/2025, known as the “Mountain Package”. The Minister of State for Local Government proposed the amendments. Under the decision, authorities have revised the …

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Hoxha: Russian aggression will not weaken Europe’s resolve, security or unity

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has reacted to the latest attacks in Kyiv and the reported Russian drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany. Hoxha said the incidents will not weaken Europe’s determination to support Ukraine. “Russia has once again shown that it will not stop its …

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Rama thanks Sala for her contribution and continued international engagement

Prime Minister Edi Rama has thanked Prof. Evis Sala for her dedication and professionalism during her time as Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Rama praised Sala for her work on the government’s new reform program. He also highlighted her continued contribution through her international engagement. “I warmly thank Professor …

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New EU Ambassador Dirk Schuebel begins his mission in Kosovo

Germany’s Dirk Schuebel has started his mandate as the new European Union Ambassador to Kosovo. Schuebel has called for the rapid formation of Kosovo’s institutions. He said functioning institutions would allow the EU to fully engage with Kosovo and provide the support available to the country. “There is an important …

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PM Rama: Inspections must pass “Besa” test, no unannounced checks

TIRANA, September 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said inspections must pass the “Besa” test and that authorities should no longer conduct checks without prior notice. Speaking at an extended meeting with inspectors, attended by Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj and General Inspector Dashnor Sula, Rama called for a …

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President President Begaj receives new EU Ambassador de Sousa, reaffirms 2030 membership goal

TIRANA, September 2 – President Bajram Begaj received the new European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, who presented her credentials. The president wished de Sousa success in her new role and praised the EU Delegation’s contribution to strengthening relations between Tirana and Brussels and supporting Albania’s European …

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Europexplores names Albania Europe’s top travel destination

TIRANA, September 2 – Albania has been highlighted as Europe’s top travel destination by Europexplores in an Instagram post. The travel platform describes Albania as one of the most talked-about destinations for European getaways. It highlights the turquoise beaches of the Albanian Riviera and Ksamil, along with the historic streets …

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Gonzato Departs as New EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa Officially Takes Office

A new chapter in the European Union’s diplomatic representation in Albania begins this Wednesday. Sofia Moreira de Sousa officially takes office as the EU Ambassador to Tirana, following the end of Italian diplomat Silvio Gonzato’s mandate. The Portuguese diplomat’s first institutional engagement will be at the Presidency of the Republic, …

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Grenell Backs Six LDK MPs Who Rejected Sejdiu’s Candidacy for Kosovo President: “Great Friends of America”

Former U.S. envoy for the Balkans Richard Grenell has reacted to the latest political developments in Kosovo, expressing support for six MPs from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) who have said they will not vote for Bekim Sejdiu as president. Grenell posted a photo of the six MPs on …

News

Albania expands ALBTraceCo’s role in biometric and digital identity services

The Council of Ministers has approved changes that expand the activity of ALBTraceCo, the company responsible for producing and distributing biometric documents. The new decision adds services and technology systems linked to biometric and digital identity. Under the decision, the company will manage and develop high-security infrastructure and technologies. ALBTraceCo …

News

Shijak approves 11 new priority zones for mountain economy development

The Council of Ministers has approved changes that add new priority areas for developing the mountain economy in Shijak. The government introduced the changes under Law No. 20/2025, known as the “Mountain Package”. The Minister of State for Local Government proposed the amendments. Under the decision, authorities have revised the …

News

Hoxha: Russian aggression will not weaken Europe’s resolve, security or unity

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has reacted to the latest attacks in Kyiv and the reported Russian drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany. Hoxha said the incidents will not weaken Europe’s determination to support Ukraine. “Russia has once again shown that it will not stop its …

News

Rama thanks Sala for her contribution and continued international engagement

Prime Minister Edi Rama has thanked Prof. Evis Sala for her dedication and professionalism during her time as Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Rama praised Sala for her work on the government’s new reform program. He also highlighted her continued contribution through her international engagement. “I warmly thank Professor …

News

New EU Ambassador Dirk Schuebel begins his mission in Kosovo

Germany’s Dirk Schuebel has started his mandate as the new European Union Ambassador to Kosovo. Schuebel has called for the rapid formation of Kosovo’s institutions. He said functioning institutions would allow the EU to fully engage with Kosovo and provide the support available to the country. “There is an important …

News

PM Rama: Inspections must pass “Besa” test, no unannounced checks

TIRANA, September 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said inspections must pass the “Besa” test and that authorities should no longer conduct checks without prior notice. Speaking at an extended meeting with inspectors, attended by Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj and General Inspector Dashnor Sula, Rama called for a …

News

President President Begaj receives new EU Ambassador de Sousa, reaffirms 2030 membership goal

TIRANA, September 2 – President Bajram Begaj received the new European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, who presented her credentials. The president wished de Sousa success in her new role and praised the EU Delegation’s contribution to strengthening relations between Tirana and Brussels and supporting Albania’s European …

News

Europexplores names Albania Europe’s top travel destination

TIRANA, September 2 – Albania has been highlighted as Europe’s top travel destination by Europexplores in an Instagram post. The travel platform describes Albania as one of the most talked-about destinations for European getaways. It highlights the turquoise beaches of the Albanian Riviera and Ksamil, along with the historic streets …

News

Gonzato Departs as New EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa Officially Takes Office

A new chapter in the European Union’s diplomatic representation in Albania begins this Wednesday. Sofia Moreira de Sousa officially takes office as the EU Ambassador to Tirana, following the end of Italian diplomat Silvio Gonzato’s mandate. The Portuguese diplomat’s first institutional engagement will be at the Presidency of the Republic, …

News

Grenell Backs Six LDK MPs Who Rejected Sejdiu’s Candidacy for Kosovo President: “Great Friends of America”

Former U.S. envoy for the Balkans Richard Grenell has reacted to the latest political developments in Kosovo, expressing support for six MPs from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) who have said they will not vote for Bekim Sejdiu as president. Grenell posted a photo of the six MPs on …