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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.


Lonely Planet highlights Tirana as a rising cosmopolitan destination

Published on September 2, 2025
Lonely Planet has once again turned its attention to Albania, dedicating its latest article to the capital city, Tirana, which it describes as increasingly cosmopolitan....

Why is this important: Albania has seen a steady rise in tourism, and global recognition from a leading travel authority like Lonely Planet further cements Tirana’s reputation as a cultural and historical hub in the Balkans.


Albania to centralize waste management under a national operator from 2026

Published on September 2, 2025
The Albanian Government will send to Parliament for approval in the first week of September a draft law that transforms the current waste management agency...

Why is this important: The overhaul aims to end fragmented practices, close illegal dumps, standardize service quality across the country’s 10 waste-management zones, and align Albania with EU environmental rules. Speaking about the scale of the challenge the Prime Minister said: “There must be great awareness first and foremost at the level of all those who are directly connected, by virtue of their duty, with waste. There must be great dedication and there must be an extraordinarily complex organization to involve everyone in this process, but without these this process cannot get across and Albania cannot manage to fulfill its obligation to itself in the first place.”


Bashtova Castle reopens as modern cultural and tourism hub after EU-funded restoration

Published on September 1, 2025
Bashtova Castle, a 15th–16th century fortress and one of Albania’s most important heritage sites, has officially reopened after an extensive restoration funded by the European...

Shkodra Jazz Festival brings international talent and musical diversity to northern Albania

Published on August 29, 2025
The 16th edition of the “Shkodra Jazz Festival” is energizing the cultural life of this historic northern Albanian city with a rich blend of international...

Edi Rama returns to office with back-to-back meetings as September session, cabinet reset loom

Published on August 26, 2025
After summer leave, the prime minister spent Monday and Tuesday in a round of in-person and Zoom meetings with senior officials. On Monday he met...

Why is this important: No names have been selected or ruled out for the new cabinet, expected in early September. True to the approach he has followed after past elections, the prime minister’s silence has been tightlipped about his preferences during the last days of August.