Albania faces international scrutiny over suspected toxic waste trafficking

Albania faces international scrutiny over suspected toxic waste trafficking

TIRANA, Aug. 30, 2024 – The discovery that 800 tons of industrial waste, suspected to contain hazardous toxic substances, were exported from Albania’s port of Durrës — likely originating outside the country — has sparked a major international investigation, raising

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Socialists take Himara mayor’s seat amid complaints of election irregularities

Socialists take Himara mayor’s seat amid complaints of election irregularities

TIRANA, Aug. 6, 2024 – Vangjel Tavo, the Socialist Party candidate, won the race for mayor of Himara in by-elections held on Sunday, defeating his rival Petraq Gjikuria of the opposition coalition by about 1,500 votes. According to official data

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Albania’s two largest parties reach deal on electoral reform, face criticism

Albania’s two largest parties reach deal on electoral reform, face criticism

TIRANA, July 25, 2024 – Albania’s two largest political parties — the ruling Socialist Party and the main opposition Democratic Party — have reached a deal to make significant changes to the country’s electoral code ahead of next year’s parliamentary

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In surprise move, PM announces key changes to cabinet at party congress

In surprise move, PM announces key changes to cabinet at party congress

TIRANA, July 29, 2024 – In a surprise move at his Socialist Party congress, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced changes in some of the most important cabinet positions in his government a year before the next general election. 

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Doha Int’l Center for Interfaith Dialogue: Muslims join Christians in criticism of Olympic Opening ceremony appearing to mock biblical scene

Doha Int’l Center for Interfaith Dialogue: Muslims join Christians in criticism of Olympic Opening ceremony appearing to mock biblical scene

TIRANA, July 29, 2024 – Albanian media has been covering the controversy surrounding the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games for the reenactment of Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper by drag queens, something condemned by both Chrisitans and

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Qatar Square to serve as Tirana’s newest hub and vital part of New Boulevard project

Qatar Square to serve as Tirana’s newest hub and vital part of New Boulevard project

TIRANA, July 25, 2024 – The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has signed a grant agreement with the Municipality of Tirana to establish Qatar Square, a significant development in the heart of Albania’s capital.  The €11 million project, to be

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Ongoing heatwave negatively impacting Albania, region

Ongoing heatwave negatively impacting Albania, region

TIRANA, July 24, 2024 – A scorching heatwave has gripped Albania and southern Europe this month, affecting daily life and businesses across the country.  Health concerns for the most vulnerable, a series of wildfires, and slow business in the services

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More than 213,000 Albanians gained EU citizenship in past five years, EU data shows 

More than 213,000 Albanians gained EU citizenship in past five years, EU data shows 

TIRANA, July 21, 2024 – People born in Albania are seeking and acquiring citizenships in EU member states at a level that is higher than any other country in the continent, and ranking third globally, data from a series of

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EU agriculture funds for Albania suspended indefinitely following misuse investigation, ministry tells parliament 

EU agriculture funds for Albania suspended indefinitely following misuse investigation, ministry tells parliament 

TIRANA, July 21, 2024 – About 112 millions of euros aimed at helping Albanian farmers prepare for being part of the European Union have been suspended indefinitely due to prior misuse of the similar funds by Albanian government agencies, parliament

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Analysis: Bells toll for Albania’s demographics as census results confirm corrosive effects of massive emigration

Analysis: Bells toll for Albania’s demographics as census results confirm corrosive effects of massive emigration

TIRANA, July 4, 2024 – The much anticipated and much delayed results of the 2023 Census are out in Albania, confirming a massive population decline in 12 years and a worsening of all demographic indicators.  Albania’s population shrank by almost

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