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 …
Parliament reappointed Denar Biba as head of the Competition Authority Commission. It approved the decision with 73 votes in favor and 13 against. Biba has held the post since December 2021. He graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tirana. He completed a master’s degree in Southeast …
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said IPARD funds will be available to farmers within this year. He made the statement in Parliament. He responded to LSI MP Tedi Blushi, who raised concerns about the IPARD funds. Salla said the process is currently under investigation. He assured that Albania …
Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the agreement on implementing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is an important international instrument. It targets the management of transboundary and highly migratory fish stocks. He spoke in Parliament. He said the agreement promotes conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama visited Italy. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed him in an official ceremony at Palazzo Chigi. They then held a one-on-one meeting. They discussed bilateral cooperation. They focused on deepening relations. They also addressed regional and European issues of common interest. Rama also met Italian Defense Minister …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko and Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met with the new IMF mission chief for Albania, Diego Cerdeiro. The meeting took place during the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington. Sejko and Malaj presented an overview of Albania’s latest economic and financial situation. They …
BALA organized a panel with the High Inspector of Justice in Tirana. Diaspora Albanian jurists attended during the Fourth Diaspora Summit. Metani hosted the meeting. Rusi and Çela joined the discussion. The panel focused on justice reform and the role of the diaspora. Muharremi moderated the event. Metani said institutions …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, Tatiana Mrazikova from the European Parliament office in Tirana, and IDEA +7 representatives. The meeting took place at the Albanian Parliament. It focused on strengthening cooperation between Albanian institutions and the European Parliament. Peleshi said closer EU cooperation helps speed …
Painter Skënder Kamberi has died at the age of 87. He dedicated his life to art and painting. He was born in Vlorë on February 2, 1939. He graduated from the Artistic Lyceum in 1960. He later studied at the Higher Institute of Arts, graduating in 1965. After his studies, …
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commented after her meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Rome. She said both countries continue to cooperate closely. She stressed that the main priority remains the fight against irregular migration. Meloni said the meeting at Palazzo Chigi reviewed the strengthening of bilateral partnership. …
The Albanian Parliament approved all items on the agenda during today’s plenary session. It passed four key agreements and legislative acts. Lawmakers ratified Protocol No. 7 of CEFTA. The protocol covers dispute settlement in trade agreements. It passed with 87 votes in favor. Parliament also approved a financing agreement between …