Week in Review: Flamingos, Deflections and Posturing
Like the weather, the political temperature across the region is rising, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here
FM Hoxha in Cyprus: European Union support, Tirana-Nicosia flights discussed
TIRANA, June 26 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos during an official visit to Cyprus. The ministers discussed stronger bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of common interest. Meanwhile, Hoxha thanked Cyprus for its continued support for Albania’s European Union integration. …
Acting Tirana Mayor outlines second phase of soft loan applications in Tirana
TIRANA, June 26 – Acting Tirana Mayor Anuela Ristani said the extension of the application deadline for subsidized housing loans has increased the number of beneficiary families. She presented the update during Thursday’s municipal council meeting. Meanwhile, Ristani said authorities received 4,409 applications in the first phase. She added that …
Rama: Radhima Transforms as “Lungomare 4” Takes Shape
Edi Rama said that Vlora continues to transform through major investments in public spaces and tourism infrastructure. He stated that the coastal area of Radhimë is undergoing visible changes. As a result, the “Lungomare 4” project is now taking shape. Rama said the project is part of a broader vision …
Draft property tax law opens for public consultation, Finance minister highlights low rates
TIRANA, June 26 – The Ministry of Finance has opened a draft law on immovable property tax for public consultation. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the reform protects Albanian families and preserves one of the region’s lowest property tax rates. Meanwhile, Malaj said the proposal would not increase the tax …
Ksamil expands free public beach access for summer visitors
TIRANA, June 26 – Ksamil is welcoming visitors this summer with more public beach areas and improved services. Local authorities have introduced measures to provide functional public spaces, stronger safety and better conditions along the coastline. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of Ksamil’s public beaches. He said the …
Marubi Museum workshop explores light photography inspired by Gjon Mili
TIRANA, June 26 – The “Drawing with Light” creative workshop at the Marubi Museum in Shkodër introduced young participants to experimental photography. The museum’s education team organized the activity. Meanwhile, the workshop drew inspiration from the work of photographer Gjon Mili. Participants created light drawings by using light sources and …
Albania and Kosova sign two agriculture cooperation agreements
TIRANA, June 26 – Albania and Kosova signed two cooperation agreements on agriculture and rural development during Kosova Agriculture Minister Armend Muja’s visit to Tirana. Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla said the agreements reflected the strong relations between the two countries. He also stressed their shared …
PM Rama awards François Hollande Gold Medal of Public Gratitude
TIRANA, June 26 – Prime Minister Edi Rama awarded former French President François Hollande the Gold Medal of Public Gratitude in Tirana on Thursday. The ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s Office. Rama praised Hollande’s contribution to strengthening relations between Albania and France. He also highlighted his support for …
Ashura marked in Tirana, Baba Mondi calls for peace and compassion
TIRANA, June 26 – Bektashi believers marked the Day of Ashura on Thursday. The observance follows ten days of mourning in the Bektashi calendar. It commemorates Imam Hussein and 72 martyrs killed in the Battle of Karbala. Meanwhile, a ceremony took place at the World Bektashi Headquarters in Tirana. Haxhi …
TIRANA, June 29 – Parliament held the inaugural meeting of the Subcommittee on Public Information Integrity, Disinformation and Foreign Interference under the chairmanship of Iris Luarasi. The subcommittee includes Iris Luarasi as chair, Agron Gjekmarkaj as deputy chair, and Ardit Bido, Arbjan Mazniku and Greta Bardeli as members. Meanwhile, the …
TIRANA, June 29 – The parliamentary committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs approved three draft laws covering agriculture, energy and public administration reform during its latest meeting. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Fatmir Guri presented a draft law on commercial certificates for agricultural products. He said the measure …
TIRANA, June 29 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato called on newly graduated magistrates to carry out their duties with integrity, honesty, courage and humility. He said every decision they take will directly affect citizens’ lives and trust in the justice system. Meanwhile, Gonzato spoke at the National …
Emanuele Giordano dedicates his life to preserving Arbëresh heritage. He is born on 27 June 1920 in Frascineto, Calabria. He studies philosophy and theology in Rome and develops strong academic expertise. He becomes a leading voice in philology and literature. He writes major works such as “Fjalori i Arbëreshvet t’Italisë” …
TIRANA, June 29 – Around 900,000 pensioners will benefit from a new 2.7% pension indexation starting from July 1. The decision was approved at the latest government meeting. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the measure is part of the government’s ongoing policies to support pensioners. She made the …
TIRANA, June 29 – Supreme Court President Sokoli Sadushi spoke at the National Conference on the interaction between the justice system and the media. He said justice requires integrity, impartiality and public responsibility. Meanwhile, he called for deeper reflection on the role and responsibilities of magistrates in carrying out their …
The Italian newspaper La Repubblica describes Albania as a country where modern life and historical heritage coexist. It presents a journey from Tirana to Berat that reveals strong contrasts across the country. It shows Tirana with its new skyscrapers, electric vehicles, and rapid urban growth. It also shows rural areas …
TIRANA, June 29 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media from ongoing works on the “Lungomare 4” coastal promenade project in Radhima. He described the project as another milestone in the transformation of the Vlora coastline. Meanwhile, Rama also published a video showing the progress of works …
TIRANA, June 29 – Director of the School of Magistrates Arben Rakipi said media and the justice system must maintain a balanced relationship during the National Conference on the interaction between justice and media. Meanwhile, he said the justice system must remain open to the public. He stressed transparency and …
TIRANA, June 29 – The Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs reviewed a draft law on amendments to Law No. 90/2012 on the organisation and functioning of the state administration. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said the bill forms a key pillar of public …