Albania struggles with hazardous waste scandal as ship awaits clearance off Durres coast
DURRES, Oct. 31, 2024 – A cargo ship laden with over 100 containers of suspected hazardous waste, which arrived in Albania from Singapore, remains anchored off the coast of Durres for the fourth consecutive day. The ship’s entry into port has been delayed by authorities awaiting necessary safety preparations, intensifying …
Is Albania Slipping into a one part-system ?
Albania is now an efficient laboratory to prove how easy it is to rebuild a totalitarian society in the conditions when the country is open to the world. The head of Albania’s opposition, Sali Berisha Albania’s former President and a former two-term Prime Minister was arrested on Saturday, Dec. …
From Ant to Colony
The late 1870s and early 1890s ushered in the Gilded Age of the U.S., where rapid industrialization and free-flowing innovations were sweeping the nation. As I see it, successful ventures from the private sector played an interesting role in the development of the state during this period. The steel conglomerate …
File Not Found: Drive for Open Data Stalls in Western Balkans
Governments in the Western Balkans committed years ago to make official data open and transparent – but a BIRN survey suggests they sometimes supply only incomplete or out-of-date information. Original post Here
USA and Albania toast the 248th Anniversary of US Independence Day
Courtesy of New York Magazine Erjola Braha, recently celebrated by Forbes Italia, presents Robert Mondavi’s wines at the official ceremony organized in Tirana on the occasion of US Independence Day. The United States Embassy in Tirana celebrated the 248th Anniversary of US Independence with a prestigious event, which saw the …
Exhibition of Prisoners’ Letters Sheds Light on Albania’s Communist-Era Jails
‘Letters From Hell’, an exhibition in Tirana, explores the grim conditions in two of Communist Albania’s most infamous prisons, Spac and Burrel, showcasing correspondence from some of the prisoners. Original post Here
Open Data Deficit Hinders Green Transition in Kosovo and Albania
Experts say a lack of open data when it comes to the environment is hindering the green transition in Albania and Kosovo. Original post Here
Albanian Opposition Protesters Block Roads in Six Towns
Albania’s opposition continued what it called its campaign of “civil disobedience” against Edi Rama’s government by blocking roads in six towns across the country. Original post Here
Albania Prosecution Orders Seizure of Suspected Hazardous Waste on Ship
After a ship refused entry to Thailand arrived back in Albania, prosecutors ordered the seizure of the cargo for examination. Original post Here
Using AI in Albanian Public Procurements ‘No Easy Solution’ for Corruption
Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama has proposed using artificial intelligence in public procurement processes to tackle corruption – but experts argue that the root causes should be dealt with first. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and European Union integration. He described both as part of a single transformation process. In a video message for the 2026 Sustainable Development Goals Moment, Rama said poverty had fallen from 23.7% in 2018 to 19%. He also said …
More than 9.4 million foreign visitors entered Albania in the first eight months of 2026, up 5.3% from the same period last year. Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja said more than 2.4 million foreign tourists visited Albania in August alone, marking a 2% annual increase. Meanwhile, Gonxhja said Albania must turn …
Surrounded by the green landscapes of northern Albania and waters flowing toward the Adriatic Sea, the Buna River remains one of the country’s most distinctive natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video of the Buna River on social media today, highlighting the natural beauty of one of northern …
Korça has come alive with the sounds of serenades during the third edition of the “Serenights Festival.” The four-day celebration brings one of the city’s best-loved traditions back to its streets, squares and iconic venues. The festival began last night and will run through September 20. It features a music …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa met today with Justice Minister Toni Gogu to discuss justice reform and Albania’s priorities in the European integration process. Moreira de Sousa stressed the importance of strengthening public trust in the justice system. She described it as essential to Albania’s future in …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti traveled to New York today, where he will hold meetings with world leaders, according to his office. The meetings will take place during the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Kurti will promote …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa met with Finance Minister Petrit Malaj to discuss the Finance Ministry’s role in Albania’s European Union accession process. In a social media post, Moreira de Sousa stressed the importance of the ministry’s role in managing EU funds and preparing Albania for the …
September is showing that Albania’s tourist season continues beyond the summer months, with many visitors choosing to explore the country in early autumn. Saranda remains one of the preferred destinations for travelers. Today, the “Seven Seas Navigation” cruise ship arrived at the port with 457 tourists from different countries, who …
Albanian Ambassador to France Dritan Tola met with INTERPOL President Lucas Philippe in Paris to discuss cooperation between Albania and the international police organization. During the meeting, Ambassador Tola congratulated Philippe on the new momentum and dynamism he has brought to the organization since taking office. He also reaffirmed Albania’s …
Ervin Demo has taken office as Minister of Interior after being sworn in at the Presidency. In the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, outgoing Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari formally handed over his duties to Demo. Koçiu shared images on social media from Demo’s first moments as Interior Minister. …