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ago to make official data open and transparent – but a BIRN survey suggests they sometimes supply only incomplete or out-of-date information.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
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Begins Balkan Tour to Enhance Services for “Guests of God”
Tirana, October 26, 2024 Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, has begun a four-day official visit to several Western Balkan countries, including Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. This visit is part of Saudi Arabia’s strategic efforts to strengthen cooperation with the Western Balkans and improve …
Albania Socialist Party MP Charged With Violating Procurement Rules
Ruling party MP Plarent Ndreca was charged with procurement-related offences allegedly committed four years ago during his time as general secretary at the Interior Ministry. Original post Here
By Genc Pollo Tirana Times, September 21, 2026 – At Thessaloniki in June 2003, the European Union made a promise that sounded historic and irreversible. The heads of state and government declared that the future of the Western Balkans lay within the European Union. The phrase “EU perspective” was Brussels …
Prime Minister Edi Rama described the Hague verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders as a painful moment for Kosovo and Albanians. He spoke during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama said he struggled to find the right words. He said the Hague decision felt like …
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the role of the Albanian diaspora and the importance of democratic coexistence during his meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama also addressed calls by some community members to protest during his visit to the United States. He said they have the right to …
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted new steps to strengthen Albania’s ties with its diaspora during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. He also announced that Albania will soon open a consulate in Detroit. Rama recalled that Albanians living abroad voted in Albania’s parliamentary elections for the first time …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with US Congressman Mike Lawler in New York. They discussed developments in Kosovo, focusing on the Kosovo Specialist Chambers’ verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders. Lawler serves on the US House Foreign Affairs Committee and chairs its Subcommittee on the Middle East …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa held her first meeting with Ilir Rusi, head of the High Judicial Council (HJC). They discussed the importance of judicial independence and efficiency in Albania’s justice reform. In a social media post, Moreira de Sousa highlighted the HJC’s key role in judicial …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the European Union’s support for the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). She described SPAK’s work as essential to strengthening the rule of law in Albania. Moreira de Sousa held her first meeting with SPAK head Klodjan Braho. …
The Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, chaired by Igli Hasani, held its latest meeting and approved three bills. The committee reviewed the bills in its capacity as a consultative body. The discussions focused first on the bill “On the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.” Deputy Finance Minister …
The Light Infantry Battalion Group has been certified “Mission Capable” after completing an evaluation during the “Shield of the Arbër-26” military exercise at the Biza training area. President Bajram Begaj, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, commanders, NATO representatives, military attachés and other …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with members of the diaspora, US entrepreneurs and American politicians during his visit to the United States. They discussed opportunities to attract US investment to Kosovo and the diaspora’s role in facilitating these investments. Kurti highlighted the long-standing contribution of Kosovo’s diaspora in the …