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Serbia in Year Zero

By Veton Surroi Tirana Times, October 26, 2026. Seven Points Following The Elections in Serbia 1. The Student Movement in Serbia, which won the parliamentary elections and paved the way for the end of the fourteen-year rule of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and the autocrat Aleksandar Vučić, is a …

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Albanian Prime Minister Announces New Anti-Protest Legislation

Amid continuing violence at anti-government protests at the weekend, during which one protester was hit in the eye with a rubber bullet, premier Edi Rama announced new measures to tackle “urban anarchy”. Original post Here

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Tepelena municipality steps up efforts to keep public spaces clean

Tepelena Municipality has focused on cleaning and maintaining its territory throughout October. The work covers the city and its administrative units. The aim is to keep public spaces clean and improve the environment for residents and visitors. Leonidha Shumeli, head of the central administrative unit, said the municipality had organised …

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“Venetiku” Photo Exhibition Explores Memory and Human Stories at Marubi Museum

The photo exhibition “Venetiku: Tracing a Photographic Collection” will remain open to visitors this weekend at the Marubi National Museum of Photography in Shkodra. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja described the exhibition, curated by Mikaela Minga, as an encounter with photography, collective memory and the human stories behind …

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Albanian internationals abroad; Uzuni scores twice in the United States as Asani and Bajrami also find the net

Albanian national team players made their mark for their clubs in international leagues this week. Several players scored goals or provided assists. Myrto Uzuni scored twice as Austin FC came from behind to beat Sporting Kansas City 2-1 away. The Albanian forward scored in the 64th minute and added his …

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Tirana Municipality announces 1,500 winners of subsidised loan scheme

Tirana Municipality has announced around 1,500 new winners under its social housing programme that subsidises loan interest. The scheme supports individuals and families seeking to buy an apartment in the capital. The municipality has submitted the list of successful applicants to the Tirana Municipal Council for approval at its October …

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Albania receives 62 points at Junior Eurovision 2026

Armenia has won the 2026 Junior Eurovision Song Contest, held in Malta. The event featured 16 singers from 16 countries, including Albania’s representative, Eslin Kurti. RTSH 1, RTSH Muzikë and Radio Tirana 1 broadcast the contest live. Albania received 62 points from the votes of professional juries and the public. …

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Protests cause limited disruption to banks, with psychological impact

Recent protests in Tirana have caused minimal disruption to commercial banks, banking expert Elvin Meka said. However, the events have had a psychological impact on the sector. Meka stressed that banking services continued without interruption. He said banks could absorb the additional costs of repairing damaged automated teller machines and …

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Albania and Azerbaijan Seek Stronger Tourism Ties and New Partnerships

Albania and Azerbaijan are seeking to expand tourism cooperation and build new partnerships between travel operators in both countries. National Tourism Agency Director General Jola Hysaj and Albania’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Besart Kadia, met in Baku with Goydaniz Gahramanov, chairman of the board of the Azerbaijan Tourism Agencies Association. The …

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National Olympiads begin on November 2, adding foreign languages

The first phase of Albania’s national Olympiads will begin on November 2, with students from schools across the country taking part. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said foreign languages will join the Olympiads for the first time. The new subjects are English, Italian, French and German for upper secondary school students. …

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What Does Aleksandar Vucic’s Defeat Mean for Balkan Autocrats?

Serbian strongman Aleksandar Vucic vowed to defeat the student protest movement, but lost in the end. Other movements across the region can learn lessons from the Serbian students about tactics and perseverance. Original post Here

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Kosova Assembly Speaker begins official visit to North Macedonia

Kosova Assembly Speaker Albulena Haxhiu has begun an official visit to North Macedonia. Her counterpart, Assembly Speaker Afrim Gashi, welcomed her with a state ceremony. During her stay in Skopje, Haxhiu is expected to meet North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. Her agenda also includes meetings …

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Gjon Mili: Capturing Time Through Light and Motion in Retrospective at Marubi Museum

The National Museum of Photography “Marubi” continues to host “Gjon Mili: Retrospective,” an exhibition celebrating the Albanian-American photographer who transformed motion photography and brought art and science into closer dialogue. Through bold experiments with light, movement and photographic techniques, Mili challenged traditional ways of seeing images. He captured fleeting moments …

News
World Bank forecasts faster Western Balkans growth as trade costs threaten jobs

The World Bank expects economic growth across the Western Balkans to accelerate in 2026 and strengthen further in 2027. Consumption and investment will support this growth. The region’s economies have remained resilient to shocks and continue to converge with the European Union. However, businesses need more efficient trade rules to …

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Albanian MP in Serbia Shaip Kamberi urges Student List to accept Kosova’s independence

Shaip Kamberi, an elected Albanian member of Serbia’s parliament, questioned whether the Student List would change its position on Kosova after the new government takes office. He said Serbian politicians continue to use the Kosova issue for political gain. He also argued that nationalist voters play a key role in …

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Fidel Ylli Attends European City of Sport Gala at Italian Olympic Committee

Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) President Fidel Ylli attended the “European City of Sport” Gala as a special guest, representing ACES Europe in his capacity as honorary president for the Balkans. The ceremony took place at the Hall of Honour of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). In his address, …

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Justice Ministry outlines proposed amendments on protest violence and legal aid for minors

Deputy Justice Minister Elona Hoxha outlined six proposed legal instruments to prevent violence during protests, property damage and threats to public order. Speaking to Vizion Plus, she said the package aims to protect citizens and institutions while safeguarding the right to peaceful protest. The proposed Criminal Code amendments would penalise …

News
Albania and Italy extend driving licence agreement for a further five years

Albania and Italy have extended their agreement on the mutual recognition and conversion of driving licences for another five years. Albania’s Council of Ministers has approved the amendment, which continues the arrangement through an exchange of notes. The agreement allows Albanian citizens living in Italy and Italian citizens living in …

News
Albania proposes EU-aligned rules for cross-border company mergers and restructuring

Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Enkelejd Musabelliu presented a bill on cross-border transformations, mergers and divisions of companies to the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. The bill aims to align Albanian legislation with European Union rules under Chapter 6 on company law. The proposal transposes EU Directive 2019/2121 …

News
New Bahçallëk Bridge brings modern infrastructure to Shkodër entrance

Construction of the new Bahçallëk Bridge continues at a rapid pace at the entrance to Shkodër. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the works today, highlighting the investment in modern infrastructure. The project aims to improve road safety and ease traffic entering and leaving the city. It will also …

News

What Does Aleksandar Vucic’s Defeat Mean for Balkan Autocrats?

Serbian strongman Aleksandar Vucic vowed to defeat the student protest movement, but lost in the end. Other movements across the region can learn lessons from the Serbian students about tactics and perseverance. Original post Here

News

Kosova Assembly Speaker begins official visit to North Macedonia

Kosova Assembly Speaker Albulena Haxhiu has begun an official visit to North Macedonia. Her counterpart, Assembly Speaker Afrim Gashi, welcomed her with a state ceremony. During her stay in Skopje, Haxhiu is expected to meet North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. Her agenda also includes meetings …

News

Gjon Mili: Capturing Time Through Light and Motion in Retrospective at Marubi Museum

The National Museum of Photography “Marubi” continues to host “Gjon Mili: Retrospective,” an exhibition celebrating the Albanian-American photographer who transformed motion photography and brought art and science into closer dialogue. Through bold experiments with light, movement and photographic techniques, Mili challenged traditional ways of seeing images. He captured fleeting moments …

News

World Bank forecasts faster Western Balkans growth as trade costs threaten jobs

The World Bank expects economic growth across the Western Balkans to accelerate in 2026 and strengthen further in 2027. Consumption and investment will support this growth. The region’s economies have remained resilient to shocks and continue to converge with the European Union. However, businesses need more efficient trade rules to …

News

Albanian MP in Serbia Shaip Kamberi urges Student List to accept Kosova’s independence

Shaip Kamberi, an elected Albanian member of Serbia’s parliament, questioned whether the Student List would change its position on Kosova after the new government takes office. He said Serbian politicians continue to use the Kosova issue for political gain. He also argued that nationalist voters play a key role in …

News

Fidel Ylli Attends European City of Sport Gala at Italian Olympic Committee

Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) President Fidel Ylli attended the “European City of Sport” Gala as a special guest, representing ACES Europe in his capacity as honorary president for the Balkans. The ceremony took place at the Hall of Honour of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). In his address, …

News

Justice Ministry outlines proposed amendments on protest violence and legal aid for minors

Deputy Justice Minister Elona Hoxha outlined six proposed legal instruments to prevent violence during protests, property damage and threats to public order. Speaking to Vizion Plus, she said the package aims to protect citizens and institutions while safeguarding the right to peaceful protest. The proposed Criminal Code amendments would penalise …

News

Albania and Italy extend driving licence agreement for a further five years

Albania and Italy have extended their agreement on the mutual recognition and conversion of driving licences for another five years. Albania’s Council of Ministers has approved the amendment, which continues the arrangement through an exchange of notes. The agreement allows Albanian citizens living in Italy and Italian citizens living in …

News

Albania proposes EU-aligned rules for cross-border company mergers and restructuring

Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Enkelejd Musabelliu presented a bill on cross-border transformations, mergers and divisions of companies to the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. The bill aims to align Albanian legislation with European Union rules under Chapter 6 on company law. The proposal transposes EU Directive 2019/2121 …

News

New Bahçallëk Bridge brings modern infrastructure to Shkodër entrance

Construction of the new Bahçallëk Bridge continues at a rapid pace at the entrance to Shkodër. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the works today, highlighting the investment in modern infrastructure. The project aims to improve road safety and ease traffic entering and leaving the city. It will also …