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Film Exposes Persecution of Kosovo Albanian Writers in Hoxha’s Albania

Many Albanians in Yugoslavia came to see Albania as a promised land, but Albania’s treatment of ethnic Albanian writers and artists from outside its borders was often brutal. Original post Here

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Balkan Countries Must Respond Proactively to Evolving Cyber Threats: Report

As cyberattacks in the region become ever more sophisticated and daring, Western Balkan governments need to improve their cybersecurity frameworks and cooperate, a new BIRN report warns. Original post Here

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Fostering a thirst for knowledge: the key to building the world of tomorrow

H.E Alvaro Renedo Zalba, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain to Albania It is a true pleasure to speak to you today on this rainy November morning. The dim light of today’s overcast Tirana sky seems just right for inspiring fruitful academic exchanges and soulful musings. First and foremost, I …

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Saudi Arabia at the center of global foreign policy hosting USA-Russia talks

Saudi Arabia has consolidated its rising position in the global affairs arena, emerging as a focal point for the ongoing talks between USA the Russia for a variety of issues including recalibrating their bilateral relations and ultimately reaching an agreement about stopping the war in Ukraine. Representatives from the US …

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Albania will not shelter Palestinians from Gaza

The Albanian PM denies claims, provides no value statements over the proposal despite EU wide condemnation  Feb 16,2025 – At the Munich Security Conference, Albanian PM Edi Rama denied any claims that Albania will shelter Palestinians from Gaza. When asked about the controversial proposal of American President Donald Trump to …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 17, 2025

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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Mayor’s Arrest Deals Albania’s Ruling Party a Pre-Election Blow

Erion Veliaj’s arrest for alleged corruption, alongside his wife, has enraged the ruling Socialist Party – and could undermine its chances in the May elections. BIRN looks at the charges and their political impact. Original post Here

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Albanian PM Accused of Undermining Special Prosecution’s Independence

After Edi Rama criticised the Special Prosecution over the arrest for alleged corruption of his political ally, Tirana’s mayor, the country’s top judicial body delivered a stinging rebuke. Original post Here

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Erion Veliaj, Rising Star in Albania, Felled by Corruption Charges

The mayor of Tirana was once tipped to be Albania’s next prime minister. Now he’s behind bars after being arrested on graft charges, possibly facing a very different future. Original post Here

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Public Perceptions of Corruption in Balkans Continue to Worsen: Report

Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index makes grim reading for most Balkan countries, with Kosovo and Albania as rare exceptions to a worsening trend. Original post Here

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Kosova acting president Haxhiu receives Danish ambassador

Kosova’s acting President Albulena Haxhiu met Denmark’s non-resident Ambassador Christian Gronbech-Jensen. They discussed relations between the two countries, current developments in Kosova and opportunities to deepen cooperation. Haxhiu expressed gratitude for Denmark’s support for Kosova and its contribution to peace, security and development. Meanwhile, she and Ambassador Gronbech-Jensen reaffirmed their …

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Brilliance of the Seas Cruise Ship Brings More Than 2,000 Tourists to Sarandë

The cruise ship “Brilliance of the Seas” has arrived in Sarandë, bringing 2,195 tourists from different countries. According to the Port of Sarandë, the visitors explored several destinations and attractions in Sarandë and nearby areas. They enjoyed the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and local hospitality. The cruise ship’s arrival …

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Albanian and British armed forces hold friendly football match

The Armed Forces of Albania and the United Kingdom held a friendly football match to strengthen relations, mutual respect and cooperation between the two NATO allies. The Ministry of Defence said the sporting event aimed to promote the spirit of cooperation and alliance through sport. The ministry said teamwork, discipline, …

News
Albania coach Maran tests tactics ahead of Belarus match

Albania held its latest training session at the House of Football as preparations continue for four UEFA Nations League matches. Albania head coach Rolando Maran started the session in the gym before moving to the pitch. The team worked on tactics, different playing systems and set pieces. Kristjan Asllani continued …

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‘Art Library’ Introduces Young People to Leading Figures of Albanian Visual Art

The National Center of Books and Reading has launched the “Art Library” series at the “Jordan Misja” Artistic Lyceum. The initiative brings together words and images while highlighting key figures in the history of Albanian visual art. The series will continue throughout the school year with monthly meetings. At the …

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PISA Board to meet in Tirana for first time in October

The PISA Board will hold its meeting in Tirana for the first time in October, Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said. She described the meeting as one of the major international events for education and quality assessment. Kumbaro said hosting the PISA Board meeting places Albania at the centre of discussions …

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UEFA Women’s U-17 Euro: Albania Begin Camp as Coach Lulaj Calls Up 20 Players

Albania’s U-17 women’s national team begins its training camp today as the squad prepares for the first round of the 2027 UEFA Women’s U-17 European Championship qualifiers. Head coach Cyme Lulaj has announced a 20-player squad for Albania’s matches against Kosovo, Ireland and Azerbaijan. The young Reds and Blacks will …

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Interior Minister Demo highlights technology’s role in public security

Interior Minister Ervin Demo highlighted the growing role of technology in public security and government services at the Future Tech 2026 fair. He said technology has become a priority for his ministry and an increasingly important part of citizens’ lives. Demo said technology now supports every area of State Police …

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Albania Under-19 coach Tafaj calls up 22 players for Lithuania friendlies

Albania Under-19 will play two friendly matches against Lithuania on September 30 and October 2 at Vora Stadium. Albania Under-19 coach Fatjon Tafaj will begin the team’s training camp in Tirana today. The coaching staff has named 22 players for the two matches. Ten play in the Albanian league, while …

News
Tirana hosts international convention on regional cultural cooperation

Tirana is hosting the SEEDS International Convention, held under the project “Strengthening Entrepreneurship Economic Development Sustainably in South Adriatic Area.” The opening ceremony on September 23 brought together Deputy Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Marinela Prifti, representatives of the European Union Delegation in Albania, the Joint Secretariat, project partners and …

News

Kosova acting president Haxhiu receives Danish ambassador

Kosova’s acting President Albulena Haxhiu met Denmark’s non-resident Ambassador Christian Gronbech-Jensen. They discussed relations between the two countries, current developments in Kosova and opportunities to deepen cooperation. Haxhiu expressed gratitude for Denmark’s support for Kosova and its contribution to peace, security and development. Meanwhile, she and Ambassador Gronbech-Jensen reaffirmed their …

News

Brilliance of the Seas Cruise Ship Brings More Than 2,000 Tourists to Sarandë

The cruise ship “Brilliance of the Seas” has arrived in Sarandë, bringing 2,195 tourists from different countries. According to the Port of Sarandë, the visitors explored several destinations and attractions in Sarandë and nearby areas. They enjoyed the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and local hospitality. The cruise ship’s arrival …

News

Albanian and British armed forces hold friendly football match

The Armed Forces of Albania and the United Kingdom held a friendly football match to strengthen relations, mutual respect and cooperation between the two NATO allies. The Ministry of Defence said the sporting event aimed to promote the spirit of cooperation and alliance through sport. The ministry said teamwork, discipline, …

News

Albania coach Maran tests tactics ahead of Belarus match

Albania held its latest training session at the House of Football as preparations continue for four UEFA Nations League matches. Albania head coach Rolando Maran started the session in the gym before moving to the pitch. The team worked on tactics, different playing systems and set pieces. Kristjan Asllani continued …

News

‘Art Library’ Introduces Young People to Leading Figures of Albanian Visual Art

The National Center of Books and Reading has launched the “Art Library” series at the “Jordan Misja” Artistic Lyceum. The initiative brings together words and images while highlighting key figures in the history of Albanian visual art. The series will continue throughout the school year with monthly meetings. At the …

News

PISA Board to meet in Tirana for first time in October

The PISA Board will hold its meeting in Tirana for the first time in October, Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said. She described the meeting as one of the major international events for education and quality assessment. Kumbaro said hosting the PISA Board meeting places Albania at the centre of discussions …

News

UEFA Women’s U-17 Euro: Albania Begin Camp as Coach Lulaj Calls Up 20 Players

Albania’s U-17 women’s national team begins its training camp today as the squad prepares for the first round of the 2027 UEFA Women’s U-17 European Championship qualifiers. Head coach Cyme Lulaj has announced a 20-player squad for Albania’s matches against Kosovo, Ireland and Azerbaijan. The young Reds and Blacks will …

News

Interior Minister Demo highlights technology’s role in public security

Interior Minister Ervin Demo highlighted the growing role of technology in public security and government services at the Future Tech 2026 fair. He said technology has become a priority for his ministry and an increasingly important part of citizens’ lives. Demo said technology now supports every area of State Police …

News

Albania Under-19 coach Tafaj calls up 22 players for Lithuania friendlies

Albania Under-19 will play two friendly matches against Lithuania on September 30 and October 2 at Vora Stadium. Albania Under-19 coach Fatjon Tafaj will begin the team’s training camp in Tirana today. The coaching staff has named 22 players for the two matches. Ten play in the Albanian league, while …

News

Tirana hosts international convention on regional cultural cooperation

Tirana is hosting the SEEDS International Convention, held under the project “Strengthening Entrepreneurship Economic Development Sustainably in South Adriatic Area.” The opening ceremony on September 23 brought together Deputy Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Marinela Prifti, representatives of the European Union Delegation in Albania, the Joint Secretariat, project partners and …