BIRN Spots Controversial Ship Allegedly Transporting Explosives to Israel in Albania
Cargo vessel denied entry to multiple ports owing to concerns about faciliating war crimes in Gaza has been seen in a private port in Albania. Original post Here
Lost in Translation: Open Balkan ID Initiative Yet to Take Off
Launched six months ago, the Open Balkan ID Number was presented as marking the start of a single labour market between Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania. It has had some teething troubles. Original post Here
Amid Homophobic Rhetoric, Albania’s LGBTQ+ Community is ‘Battling Rejection’
Discriminatory comments from politicians are exacerbating prejudice and encouraging a hostile environment for the community in Albania, rights activist Amarildo Fecanji tells BIRN. Original post Here
Albanian Opposition Leaders’ Arrests Create Uncertainty Ahead of Elections
With two opposition leaders, Ilir Meta and Sali Berisha, both under arrest, the atmosphere ahead of polls due in 2025 looks increasingly fraught – with some fearing a drift towards radicalisation. Original post Here
Arrest of former President Ilir Meta on corruption allegations sends second key opposition leader into detention
TIRANA, Oct. 21, 2024 – The arrest on Monday of former President Ilir Meta, who now heads the opposition Freedom Party, on orders of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has sent shockwaves through Albania’s political landscape. Meta faces allegations of corruption, money laundering and asset concealment, …
Albania’s Ex-President Ilir Meta Arrested on Corruption Charges
Former President Ilir Meta, now leader of the opposition Freedom Party, was arrested on charges of corruption, money-laundering and non-declaration of assets. Original post Here
Italian Court Rules Migrants Shipped to Albania Must Be Sent Back
A Rome court dealt a blow to a controversial scheme to send migrants intercepted at sea by Italy to Albania, ruling that the first 12 migrants who were transported to an Albanian reception camp this week must be returned. Original post Here
Albanians Scent Profit in Italy’s Costly Offshore Migrant Processing Plan
An Italian opposition MP has lambasted the start of the scheme to process migrants in Albania as a fiasco – but locals living near the new facilities are eying up potential economic benefits. Original post Here
Albania Opposition MPs Claim Police Threatened Them in Parliament With Guns
After opposition MPs continued their protest in parliament on Thursday, clashing with the police and parliamentary guards, they claimed ‘armed persons threatened the deputies with weapons’. Original post Here
Italian ship brings first migrants to Albania-based camp under controversial asylum-processing deal
TIRANA, Oct. 16, 2024 – An Italian military ship carrying the first group of migrants arrived in the Albanian port of Shëngjin early Wednesday, marking the launch of a controversial project to process Italian asylum applications on Albanian soil, drawing much international attention. The initiative is part of a bilateral …
Albania is moving to bring its disabled access standards into line with the EU’s own, but activists warn that without funding and effective enforcement, the new law could once again fail to deliver meaningful change. Original post Here
The Albania national football team began preparations today for its next four UEFA Nations League matches. Head coach Rolando Maran led the first training session at the “House of Football” in Tirana. A total of 26 players took part in the session. Players who featured for their clubs over the …
Italian writer Roberto Ferrucci led the “Travel Diary” workshop today at the “Sotir Kolea” Centre of the National Library in Tirana. The workshop focuses on travel writing. It explores how writers can use their experiences to describe places, encounters and personal stories. The Italian Cultural Institute in Tirana organised the …
Albania has joined the international community committed to peaceful, transparent and responsible space exploration after Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha signed the Artemis Accords. The ceremony took place at NASA headquarters in Washington. NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Space and Environment Connor Tomlinson …
Tuesday will bring stable weather conditions across Albania, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The country will see clear skies. Eastern mountain areas may have occasional light to moderate cloud cover. Temperatures will reach up to 30C. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the northeast to northwest at an average speed …
The Encyclopaedia Britannica, a widely used reference publication, traces Albania’s history from ancient Illyria and the Roman period through Ottoman rule, independence, the two world wars, communism and the establishment of democracy. Its report also follows the country’s gradual orientation toward the West and Euro-Atlantic integration. The report highlights the …
RTSH has opened applications for the 65th Festival of Song. Albanian artists, composers and creators from Albania, Kosova and the diaspora can apply from September 22 to 27. The call targets creators and performers of Albanian popular music who want to compete in this year’s festival in December. Applicants must …
French media outlet Ouest France highlights Albania as an increasingly attractive option for affordable Mediterranean all-inclusive holidays. The article places Albania among destinations such as Tunisia, Greece, the Canary Islands, Bodrum, Egypt and Mallorca. It points to the country’s beaches, warm climate, Mediterranean cuisine and competitive prices. Ouest France presents …
Kosovo boxer Donjeta Sadiku secured a convincing victory at the “Sofia 2026” European Boxing Championships in Bulgaria. Sadiku defeated Russia’s Alina Pushkar 5-0 in the women’s up to 60-kilogram category. She controlled the bout from start to finish. The Kosovo boxer delivered a strong performance across all three rounds. She …
President Bajram Begaj attended the final stage of the “Arber Shield 2026” exercise in Bizë. The Light Infantry Battalion Group completed the exercise and received a “Mission Capable” certification under NATO standards. Speaking at the ceremony, Begaj praised the Armed Forces for their high level of training, discipline and professionalism. …