Ali Ahmeti urges Kosovars to vote, warns against isolation

Published on February 8, 2025
Ali Ahmeti, leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI) in North Macedonia, addressed the citizens of Kosovo ahead of the country’s parliamentary elections on...

Why is this important: Ahmeti’s statement comes amid growing regional tensions. Kosovo’s tensions with the U.S. and EU, as well as internal divisions among Albanian leaders in North Macedonia, have complicated efforts for integration and political cooperation. His remarks are also seen as a subtle criticism of Albin Kurti on the eve of Kosovo’s crucial elections this Sunday. The situation underscores how Kosovo’s upcoming elections carry broader regional and geopolitical implications.


In Focus


1. Online harassment cases surge in Albania, police report

February 8, 2025
A surge in online harassment and bullying has become a growing concern in Albania, with over 700 cases reported to the police in Tirana last year. The head of the...

Why is this important: The rapid rise in social media usage has exposed more Albanians to online threats and risks, particularly the youth. However, cyber harassment is no longer limited to specific age groups, prompting authorities to take a more proactive role in raising awareness and improving response mechanisms.


All latest stories


Online harassment cases surge in Albania, police report

Published on February 8, 2025
A surge in online harassment and bullying has become a growing concern in Albania, with over 700 cases reported to the police in Tirana last...

Why is this important: The rapid rise in social media usage has exposed more Albanians to online threats and risks, particularly the youth. However, cyber harassment is no longer limited to specific age groups, prompting authorities to take a more proactive role in raising awareness and improving response mechanisms.


Rama open to Afghan refugees staying in Albania following U.S. policy change

Published on February 8, 2025
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed no concern over U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to block Afghan refugees from continuing their resettlement process in the...

Why is this important: Albania was one of the few countries that welcomed Afghan refugees fleeing Kabul after U.S. forces withdrew in 2021. Refugees were temporarily housed in northern Albanian hotels while awaiting resettlement procedures for entry into the United States. With the new U.S. policy blocking further admissions, Albania now faces the prospect of hosting these refugees for a longer term.


Albanian PM rules out additional migration agreements similar to Italy pact

Published on February 8, 2025
During a press conference in Madrid, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama ruled out the possibility of signing agreements with other countries similar to the migration...

Why is this important: The November 2023 agreement between Albania and Italy, which allows for the construction of an asylum-seeker camp in northern Albania, sparked interest across Europe as a potential solution to managing migration flows. Several EU countries have approached Albania to negotiate similar deals. Rama has categorically rejected these offers, citing Albania’s unique relationship with Italy, which has provided significant support to the country over the past three decades.


Fierce rivalries erupt among new Albanian political parties, undermining reformist image

Published on February 7, 2025
An escalating series of public feuds among leaders of Albania’s new political parties is threatening their credibility just months before the May 11 elections. Following...

Why is this important: There have long been calls in Albania for fresh political leadership to challenge the dominance of traditional parties. Many hoped that the May 11 elections would finally introduce serious new forces into the political arena. The weakening of the Democratic Party and the long spell in power by the Socialists has created space for new actors. Polls too indicated substantial support for these new parties, which were seen as a clean break from the old politics. However, critics now question whether voting for these so-called “reformist” parties is worthwhile, given their recent behavior, which is becoming identical to the conduct of the establishment they aim to replace.


Belarusian opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya honored in Tirana

Published on February 7, 2025
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was awarded the “Key to the City” by Tirana’s mayor, Erion Veliaj, during her visit to the “Free Cities Pact”...

Why is this important: Tsikhanouskaya has been one of the main leaders of the protest and opposition to Belarus’ authoritarian regime. Her recognition in Tirana is a reflection of Albania’s support for the Belarus opposition’s struggle.


Berisha vows to disband SPAK if elected on May 11

Published on February 7, 2025
Sali Berisha has pledged to dissolve Albania’s Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) if he wins the May 11 elections. Berisha claims SPAK is a politically compromised...

Why is this important: SPAK is a cornerstone of Albania’s justice reform. These accusations come as Berisha himself faces corruption charges, raising questions about true motivations behind his attack. It remains to be seen how SPAK and its head will react to Berisha’s direct accusations of corruption.


Czech scientists discover world’s largest underground thermal lake in Albania

Published on February 7, 2025
A team of Czech scientists has discovered the world’s largest underground thermal lake in southern Albania. Named Lake Neuron, in honor of the Neuron Foundation...

Why is this important: The discovery, reported by Radio Prague International, is a significant breakthrough for geological and hydrological research. The thermal lake, which measures 138 meters in length and holds over 8,000 cubic meters of hot water, is expected to deepen scientific understanding of unique cave and water systems. It may also contribute to the preservation and hydrological management of the area.


Himara listed among top Mediterranean gems for 2025

Published on February 7, 2025
Coastal countries bordering the Mediterranean, including Albania, have been classified as some of the most beautiful destinations to visit in 2025 by the U.S. travel...

Why is this important: The article recommends five Mediterranean jewels that remain untouched by overcrowding. These destinations offer warm weather, stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and, in some cases, very affordable prices. Among them, Albania’s Himara stands out as a top pick.


Democrats calls “historic, largest ever” nationwide protest against Rama government

Published on February 7, 2025
The Democratic Party (PD) has announced a nationwide protest this Saturday. Leader Sali Berisha has described it as the largest opposition demonstration to date, though...

Why is this important: Opposition leaders have consistently declared each protest a historic event aimed at toppling Rama’s government. However, these claims have repeatedly fallen flat due to a lack of popular support and the fact that protests often coincide with the leaders’ own legal troubles. PD’s internal divisions and declining credibility have further diminished the impact of their political actions.


Albania launches €250 million agricultural financing scheme to boost rural investments and exports

Published on February 6, 2025
The Albanian government has introduced a €250 million financing scheme to support rural development and agriculture. The plan, backed by the state as guarantor, will...

Why is this important: Albania’s agricultural sector has historically struggled with low investment and limited access to credit. With only 2.1% of bank loans allocated to agriculture, the new financing scheme aims to overcome these barriers by offering reduced interest rates and easier collateral requirements. This initiative is expected to drive growth, increase competitiveness, and attract investments, particularly from the diaspora, enhancing the long-term sustainability of rural development and exports.


All latest stories


Rama open to Afghan refugees staying in Albania following U.S. policy change

Published on February 8, 2025
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed no concern over U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to block Afghan refugees from continuing their resettlement process in the...

Why is this important: Albania was one of the few countries that welcomed Afghan refugees fleeing Kabul after U.S. forces withdrew in 2021. Refugees were temporarily housed in northern Albanian hotels while awaiting resettlement procedures for entry into the United States. With the new U.S. policy blocking further admissions, Albania now faces the prospect of hosting these refugees for a longer term.


Albanian PM rules out additional migration agreements similar to Italy pact

Published on February 8, 2025
During a press conference in Madrid, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama ruled out the possibility of signing agreements with other countries similar to the migration...

Why is this important: The November 2023 agreement between Albania and Italy, which allows for the construction of an asylum-seeker camp in northern Albania, sparked interest across Europe as a potential solution to managing migration flows. Several EU countries have approached Albania to negotiate similar deals. Rama has categorically rejected these offers, citing Albania’s unique relationship with Italy, which has provided significant support to the country over the past three decades.


Fierce rivalries erupt among new Albanian political parties, undermining reformist image

Published on February 7, 2025
An escalating series of public feuds among leaders of Albania’s new political parties is threatening their credibility just months before the May 11 elections. Following...

Why is this important: There have long been calls in Albania for fresh political leadership to challenge the dominance of traditional parties. Many hoped that the May 11 elections would finally introduce serious new forces into the political arena. The weakening of the Democratic Party and the long spell in power by the Socialists has created space for new actors. Polls too indicated substantial support for these new parties, which were seen as a clean break from the old politics. However, critics now question whether voting for these so-called “reformist” parties is worthwhile, given their recent behavior, which is becoming identical to the conduct of the establishment they aim to replace.


Belarusian opposition leader Tsikhanouskaya honored in Tirana

Published on February 7, 2025
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya was awarded the “Key to the City” by Tirana’s mayor, Erion Veliaj, during her visit to the “Free Cities Pact”...

Why is this important: Tsikhanouskaya has been one of the main leaders of the protest and opposition to Belarus’ authoritarian regime. Her recognition in Tirana is a reflection of Albania’s support for the Belarus opposition’s struggle.


Berisha vows to disband SPAK if elected on May 11

Published on February 7, 2025
Sali Berisha has pledged to dissolve Albania’s Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) if he wins the May 11 elections. Berisha claims SPAK is a politically compromised...

Why is this important: SPAK is a cornerstone of Albania’s justice reform. These accusations come as Berisha himself faces corruption charges, raising questions about true motivations behind his attack. It remains to be seen how SPAK and its head will react to Berisha’s direct accusations of corruption.


Czech scientists discover world’s largest underground thermal lake in Albania

Published on February 7, 2025
A team of Czech scientists has discovered the world’s largest underground thermal lake in southern Albania. Named Lake Neuron, in honor of the Neuron Foundation...

Why is this important: The discovery, reported by Radio Prague International, is a significant breakthrough for geological and hydrological research. The thermal lake, which measures 138 meters in length and holds over 8,000 cubic meters of hot water, is expected to deepen scientific understanding of unique cave and water systems. It may also contribute to the preservation and hydrological management of the area.


Himara listed among top Mediterranean gems for 2025

Published on February 7, 2025
Coastal countries bordering the Mediterranean, including Albania, have been classified as some of the most beautiful destinations to visit in 2025 by the U.S. travel...

Why is this important: The article recommends five Mediterranean jewels that remain untouched by overcrowding. These destinations offer warm weather, stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and, in some cases, very affordable prices. Among them, Albania’s Himara stands out as a top pick.


Democrats calls “historic, largest ever” nationwide protest against Rama government

Published on February 7, 2025
The Democratic Party (PD) has announced a nationwide protest this Saturday. Leader Sali Berisha has described it as the largest opposition demonstration to date, though...

Why is this important: Opposition leaders have consistently declared each protest a historic event aimed at toppling Rama’s government. However, these claims have repeatedly fallen flat due to a lack of popular support and the fact that protests often coincide with the leaders’ own legal troubles. PD’s internal divisions and declining credibility have further diminished the impact of their political actions.


Albania launches €250 million agricultural financing scheme to boost rural investments and exports

Published on February 6, 2025
The Albanian government has introduced a €250 million financing scheme to support rural development and agriculture. The plan, backed by the state as guarantor, will...

Why is this important: Albania’s agricultural sector has historically struggled with low investment and limited access to credit. With only 2.1% of bank loans allocated to agriculture, the new financing scheme aims to overcome these barriers by offering reduced interest rates and easier collateral requirements. This initiative is expected to drive growth, increase competitiveness, and attract investments, particularly from the diaspora, enhancing the long-term sustainability of rural development and exports.


SPAK investigates Belind Këlliçi for diploma forgery and false declarations

Published on February 6, 2025
The Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) is investigating Belind Këlliçi, a leading opposition figure, over allegations of high school diploma forgery and...

Why is this important: Këlliçi has been one of the opposition’s most vocal critics, frequently denouncing corruption and scandals involving Socialist Party officials. With allegations of forgery and false declarations gaining legal traction, Këlliçi’s political reputation is likely to suffer ahead of any future electoral ambitions.