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Slovenia pulls Albanian red peppers from market over pesticide levels

Published on September 6, 2025
Slovenia has withdrawn a shipment of red peppers imported from Albania after tests showed excessive pesticide residues, continuing a series of recent bans on Albanian...

Why is this important: The case adds to growing concerns over food safety standards in Albanian agricultural exports. Just days earlier, Croatia and Bosnia blocked shipments of Albanian peaches and tomatoes for the same reason.


Nigel Farage to meet Rama over deportation of foreign criminals

Published on September 6, 2025
British MP and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage declared he will have lunch with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in the coming weeks to discuss...

Why is this important: The declaration follows a heated exchange between Rama and Farage earlier this summer over the number of Albanians imprisoned in the UK. Farage has made deportations and stopping migrant boat crossings central to his party’s political agenda.


Le Soir on Çopja clan, Albanian mafia empire dismantled in Belgium

Published on September 6, 2025
Belgian daily Le Soir has published an extensive report on the dismantling of the Çopja clan, an Albanian mafia organization described as one of the...

Why is this important: The Çopja clan’s trajectory illustrates how Albanian organized crime grew from local gangs in Albania or among the Albanian diaspora communities to a European-level powerhouse in cocaine trafficking, money laundering, and contract killings. Its dismantling required years of cooperation between Albanian police and law enforcement agencies in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Italy. The clan’s rise and fall, as detailed by Le Soir, underscores both the global reach of Albanian mafia structures and the risks posed if such networks are left unchecked.


€93 million for natural gas, two key projects in Albania get green light

Published on September 6, 2025
The Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF) has approved financing for two natural gas projects in Albania, with support from international donors and development banks. Why...

Why is this important: Albania, along with Kosovo and Montenegro, remains one of the few countries in Europe not connected to cross-border gas transmission systems. These investments aim to modernize Albania’s outdated gas infrastructure, reduce dependence on imports, and boost energy security.


National Theatre of Opera and Ballet unveils September program highlighted by Ermonela Jaho and Verdi’s La Traviata

Published on September 4, 2025
The Albanian National Theatre of Opera and Ballet has unveiled its cultural calendar for September, promising a rich and diverse program that spans opera, folk...

Legendary Albanian film director Dhimitër Anagnosti dies at 89

Published on September 2, 2025
One of the greatest figures of Albanian cinema, director Dhimitër Anagnosti, passed away today at the age of 89. The news was announced by his...

Why is this important: Anagnosti shaped generations of Albanian cinema with films that remain part of the country’s cultural memory. His work defined the artistic landscape during a period of both restrictions and creativity, leaving a lasting legacy.


Albanian Democratic Party appeals certification of May 11 elections in Electoral College

Published on September 2, 2025
The Democratic Party filed an appeal today at the Electoral College against the Regulatory Commission’s decision to certify the results of the May 11 parliamentary...

Why is this important: The opposition’s move delays President Bajram Begaj from setting a date for the first session of the new parliament.


EU leaders give optimism on enlargement, Albania could join by 2029

Published on September 2, 2025
European Union leaders at the Bled summit delivered optimistic messages on enlargement, with Albania and Montenegro emerging as frontrunners to become the bloc’s newest members...

Why is this important: In the past ten months, Albania has opened five negotiation clusters and is expected to open the final one in mid-September. Clear timelines from Brussels signal the strongest momentum yet for Western Balkan accession.


SPAK sends Ilir Meta and Monika Kryemadhi to trial on corruption and money laundering charges

Published on September 2, 2025
The Special Prosecution (SPAK) has sent former president Ilir Meta and MP Monika Kryemadhi to trial, announcing three charges against them: corruption, money laundering, and...

Why is this important: This case targets two of Albania’s most prominent political figures, marking one of SPAK’s highest-profile prosecutions since its creation. The proceedings will test the strength of judicial reform and the credibility of anti-corruption efforts in the country.


Sylvinho sticks with core squad for Gibraltar friendly and Latvia qualifier

Published on September 2, 2025
Albania coach Sylvinho has made no changes to his squad list for the September 4 friendly against Gibraltar and the September 9 World Cup qualifier...

Why is this important: Albania sits on five points after four group matches, making the home clash with Latvia crucial to stay in step with group rivals. After June’s draws, the team needs a win to keep its qualification hopes alive.