How Voice of America ‘Opened a Window’ in Isolated, Communist Albania
Afrim Krasniqi’s new book highlights the US radio station’s crucial role in bringing about change in Albania in 1990 – then ‘the most closed society in Europe’. Original post Here
Emergency teams respond to large fire in Tirana complex
Fire broke out in a residential building near “Farmacia 10” in Tirana on Rruga e Dibrës. The fire started on the first floor. It quickly spread across the building’s facade. Flames engulfed the structure. Firefighters evacuated residents using ladders. Police secured the area with safety cordons. Emergency teams transported several …
Brataj: 11 people hurt in “Arlis” blaze, all out of danger
Emergency Director Skënder Brataj confirmed that the fire at the “Arlis” complex in Tirana injured 11 people. Doctors placed six patients in hospital care. They admitted four patients to the Toxicology ward, one to emergency care, and one to the burns unit. Doctors treated a woman in her 50s for …
Inspector orders checks of businesses after “Arlis” fire
Inspector General Dashnor Sula formed a working group after the fire at the “Arlis” complex in Tirana. The fire affected a building near Farmacia 10. The group will verify the circumstances of the incident. Officials will check businesses operating inside the complex. They will assess compliance with technical and legal …
Ali Ahmeti calls for a borderless and peaceful Balkans at Diaspora Summit
Ali Ahmeti spoke at the fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit in Tirana. He highlighted the role of the Albanian diaspora in national development. He said the diaspora has preserved language, culture, and identity. Ahmeti stated that Albanians abroad contributed to Kosovo’s freedom and state-building. He added that the Albanian language and …
NATO chief Rutte meets Albanian Defence Minister Nufi in Brussels
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte met Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi at NATO headquarters in Brussels. Rutte praised Albania’s commitment to NATO. He highlighted Albania’s contribution to collective security. Both sides discussed support for Ukraine. They also reviewed recent security developments. They focused on the situation in the Western Balkans. …
Rama grants Albanian passport to former New York mayor Eric Adams
Prime Minister Edi Rama gave former New York City mayor Eric Adams an Albanian ID card and passport in Tirana. The ceremony took place during the fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit gala evening. Rama said no one expected the former New York mayor to become a citizen of Tirana and Albania. …
“Jusuf Vrioni” translation awards announced at Albanian Diaspora Summit
Organizers presented the “Jusuf Vrioni” translation awards during the fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit gala in Tirana. The Publishing Center for the Diaspora launched the competition for young translators from the diaspora. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced the winners. They will receive contracts with the Publishing Center for the Diaspora. They …
Albania and Kosovo strengthen coordination on national interests and diaspora role
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met Kosovo Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca in Tirana during the fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit. Both leaders emphasized stronger cooperation between Albania and Kosovo. They highlighted the Albanian diaspora as a key asset for national development. Hoxha said the diaspora connects the nation …
105 years since the birth of beloved Albanian actor Pandi Raidhi
Albania marks 105 years since the birth of actor Pandi Raidhi. He remains one of the most beloved figures of Albanian theatre and cinema. He died in Tirana in 1999. Raidhi co-founded the Professional Estrada of Korça. He also helped establish the “Andon Zako Çajupi” Theatre. He made his film …
TIRANA, April 16 – Kosova’s Minister of Education, Science and Technology Hajrulla Çeku attended the final of the National Albanian Language Competition in Tirana. He joined the event at the invitation of Albania’s Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro. Çeku said he chose Tirana for his first official visit as minister …
TIRANA, April 16 – Albania’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla said more than 65,000 farmers benefited from the national support scheme last year. He described the figure as evidence of broad participation across the country. Speaking in parliament, Salla addressed concerns raised by opposition lawmaker Ramadan Lika …
TIRANA, April 16 – Albania’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport signed an agreement with the Besa Cultural Foundation to establish the Besa [Faith] Museum in Tirana. The deal was signed during the fourth Diaspora Summit and launches a project focused on historical memory and cultural heritage. The museum will …
TIRANA, April 16 – Schools “Edith Durham” in Tirana and “Besëlidhja” in Lezha hosted the final of the fourth National Albanian Language Competition on Thursday. Albania’s Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro attended the event together with Kosova’s Minister of Education Hajrulla Çeku. Kumbaro praised students, teachers and parents for their …
TIRANA, April 16 – Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha condemned the latest wave of Russian strikes on Ukraine. He said drone and missile attacks hit civilian areas and caused casualties, including children. Hoxha expressed solidarity with victims, the injured, and their families. He said the attacks …
TIRANA, April 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Chigi Palace in Rome on Thursday. The visit focused on bilateral cooperation and ongoing strategic projects between Albania and Italy. PM Rama posted a statement on social media after the meeting. He said Italian …
Greek Minister of Defense Nikos Dendias is in Kosovo today for an official visit. It is reported that on Thursday morning he was received in a meeting by Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The news was announced by Dendias himself on X. “Working breakfast with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin …
The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has reacted to the latest massive Russian attacks on Ukraine. Through a post on X, Hoxha expressed solidarity with the victims, the injured, and their families, and described the attacks as unacceptable and a serious violation of international humanitarian law. “We …
Prime Minister Edi Rama arrived in Italy on Thursday afternoon, where he was received with a state ceremony by his counterpart Giorgia Meloni. Rama is expected to hold a meeting with Prime Minister Meloni, as well as with Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, focusing on joint projects and the strengthening of …
Over the past 10 years, Albania has approached EU price levels faster than any other country in the Western Balkans region. According to data from Eurostat, in 2015 the price level based on purchasing power was 48% of the EU average, making Albania one of the cheapest countries in the …