Read the latest news from regional and global sources, presenting different voices and perspectives.
Fortis Energy gets green light in Albania for 62 MW solar power project
Balkan Green Energy News
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June 27, 2025
Turkey-based Fortis Energy is expanding its presence across the Balkans. Its subsidiary Fortis Energy and Construction won consent from the Council of Ministers of Albania, where it has a 600 MW project pipeline, for a 62 MW solar power plant. At...
Albania extradites suspects from Dubai in crime sweep
Gazeta Tema
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June 20, 2025
Albania has extradited three organized crime suspects from Dubai under an Interpol-led operation, officials said late Thursday. The arrests came after joint efforts between Albanian and Emirati police, supported by Interpol offices in Tirana and...
Thousands stay out of Albania’s workforce despite job growth
Gazeta Tema
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June 27, 2025
Albania’s employment rate rose in early 2025, but over 100,000 working-age people remain out of the labor force due to household duties, discouragement, or early retirement, official data show. Roughly 39,000 say they’ve given up looking for work,...
Magnitude‑4.0 quake shakes central Albania
Gazeta Tema
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June 27, 2025
A magnitude‑4.0 earthquake struck Thursday near Krujë, about 40 km northwest of Tirana, according to seismic authorities. The tremor, centered close to Fushë-Krujë, occurred at a shallow depth of around 10 km and was felt in nearby towns....
NATO plan could cost Albania €1.3bn
Gazeta Tema
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June 27, 2025
If NATO formalizes a proposed increase in defense spending to 5% of GDP, Albania would be expected to allocate more than €1.3 billion annually to its military budget. With a GDP of €25.7 billion in 2024, Albania currently meets NATO’s 2% target...
Rentout: The best Car Rental App in Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia
Breaking Travel News
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June 27, 2025
We have unprecedented news for you, Rentout launched a supercar rental application in Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia. Practically, this app will simplify your life, offering such a high level of convenience that you will thank us...
Albania to host 2027 NATO summit, draft confirms
Gazeta Tema
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June 19, 2025
Albania is set to host the NATO summit in 2027, according to a draft declaration ahead of next week’s meeting in The Hague. The draft, reviewed by Radio Free Europe, states that alliance leaders will gather in Albania following the 2026 summit in...
Battling Graft Charges, Tirana Mayor Stages Online Charm Offensive
Balkan Insight
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June 27, 2025
Erion Veliaj hasn’t kept quiet since he was detained on charges of corruption, money-laundering and concealment of wealth in February this year. But this week, the former mayor of Tirana and close ally of Socialist premier Edi Rama has been...
Albania gains momentum in EU membership talks
Gazeta Tema
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June 19, 2025
Albania received strong backing for its EU membership path during the 19th meeting of the EU–Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, held Thursday in Strasbourg. In a joint closing statement, the committee welcomed Albania’s...
Wildfires scorch dozens of hectares across Albania amid heatwave
Gazeta Tema
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June 27, 2025
Albanian authorities reported 18 wildfires across 12 municipalities in the last 24 hours, affecting mostly shrubland and grass. No injuries or damage to homes or livestock were reported. About 36 hectares were burned before the fires were...
Biofuels plan puts Albania on greener transport path
Gazeta Tema
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June 26, 2025
Albania plans to cut carbon emissions from transport by increasing the use of renewable fuels, the government announced Thursday. The country aims to raise biofuel use in transport to 7% by 2030, starting in 2026. Deputy Prime Minister Belinda...
Undeclared income, luxury cars put pressure on Albania
Gazeta Tema
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June 26, 2025
Albania is under pressure to regulate online earnings and trace high-value assets after reports of €33 million in undeclared income and 400 luxury cars bought by individuals with no registered income. Experts warn of growing tax evasion and...
Farage tells Albania’s PM to “take back” convicted nationals
Gazeta Tema
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June 27, 2025
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage demanded that Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama repatriate Albanian prisoners in Britain, after Rama criticised post‑Brexit UK migration policy. Farage claimed one in 50 Albanians in the UK is imprisoned and urged Rama...
Albania launches €30M farm loan guarantee
Gazeta Tema
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June 19, 2025
Albania has launched a €30 million sovereign guarantee to boost financing for farmers and agri-businesses, aiming to speed up investment in production, exports, and rural jobs. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj and Agriculture Minister Anila Denaj met...
Middle East tensions impact Albania’s tourism season
Gazeta Tema
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June 26, 2025
Ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran is affecting tourism in the Western Balkans, with Albania reporting a sharp drop in bookings from Israeli travelers. Albania’s coastal tourism sector has seen cancellations from Middle Eastern tourists as...
Albania speeds up military ties with France
Gazeta Tema
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June 19, 2025
Albania’s defence minister met his French counterpart in Paris, pushing rapid advances in military readiness and air force modernization. Defense Minister Pirro Vengu met Sébastien Lecornu in Paris on June 19, just weeks after Lecornu’s visit to...
TikTok access reportedly restored in Albania three months after ban
BNE Intellinews
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Albania has quietly lifted restrictions on TikTok, just over three months after the popular video-sharing app was banned by the government over concerns about harmful content targeting young users. The restoration of access to TikTok was not...
Cham genocide gets official day of remembrance in Albania
Gazeta Tema
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June 27, 2025
Albanian parliament has officially designated June 27 as Cham Genocide Remembrance Day, recognizing atrocities against the Cham Albanian minority during 1944–45. The move was followed by national events honoring an estimated 5,000 Cham Albanian...
Review: Albania’s 2025 Bread & Heart Festival
The Architects’ Journal
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June 26, 2025
There’s a transformation under way in Albania. With confidence and a clear political will, the country is building a new future. This incredible shift was presented at the inaugural Bread & Heart Festival over four days in June in a sweltering...
Western Balkans urged to fast-track digital transformation
Gazeta Tema
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July 11, 2025
TIRANA, July 11 – The Western Balkans must accelerate digital transformation to close the gap with the EU’s Single Digital Market, a new report by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) warned Wednesday. The report identifies broadband and 5G...