Vetvendosje wins Kosovo elections, loses comfortable majority

Vetvendosje wins Kosovo elections, loses comfortable majority

Feb 10, 2025 The Vetvendosje Party led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti has claimed victory in the round of general elections held in Kosovo on February 9. With around 90 percent of the ballots counted, VV has reached about 41

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Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj arrested on corruption charges

Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj arrested on corruption charges

TIRANA, Feb. 10, 2025 – The mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, was arrested Monday afternoon by order of the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK).  Judicial police officers entered Veliaj’s office at around 2 p.m. and escorted

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Archbishop Anastasios, who revived Albania’s Orthodox Church, laid to rest, marking end of an era

Archbishop Anastasios, who revived Albania’s Orthodox Church, laid to rest, marking end of an era

TIRANA, Jan. 30, 2025 – The Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania bid farewell to its long-serving leader, Archbishop Anastasios Yannoulatos, on Thursday, marking the end of a transformative era for the church and Albania’s religious landscape. The 95-year-old archbishop, who

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SPAK takes measures to implement a dedicated strategy against electoral crime

SPAK takes measures to implement a dedicated strategy against electoral crime

TIRANA, Jan 29, 2025 – The Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has outlined its plan to investigate and prevent electoral crimes for the May 11, 2025 elections. Under the direction of Chief Prosecutor Altin Dumani, the plan includes the creation of a

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Albania signs €1bn deal with Italy and UAE on renewable energy, new undersea connection 

Albania signs €1bn deal with Italy and UAE on renewable energy, new undersea connection 

TIRANA, Jan. 16, 2025 – Albania, Italy and the United Arab Emirates have signed a trilateral agreement to develop renewable energy infrastructure, marking a €1 billion investment to produce and share solar, wind and other clean energy resources.  The project

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Kushner granted ‘strategic investor’ status for Sazan development ahead of Trump’s inauguration 

Kushner granted ‘strategic investor’ status for Sazan development ahead of Trump’s inauguration 

TIRANA, Jan. 16, 2025 – Albania has officially approved Jared Kushner’s ambitious plans to transform the uninhabited Sazan Island into a luxury eco-resort.  The Albanian government’s Strategic Investments Committee granted strategic investor status to Kushner’s Atlantic Incubation Partners LLC late

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Albania’s TikTok ban draws debate

Albania’s TikTok ban draws debate

TIRANA, Dec. 26, 2024 – The Albanian government’s recent announcement that will ban for at least a year the use within the country of the popular social media platform TikTok has generated debate over the impact of social media on

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Q&A: Trump will not sap the strength of US democratic institutions

Q&A: Trump will not sap the strength of US democratic institutions

Ilir Ikonomi, author, journalist, AIIS Associate In your opinion what were the factors that prompted Trump’s election victory? Donald Trump had a strong, dedicated, and enthusiastic base of support throughout the election process. His message was focused heavily on issues,

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Albania struggles with hazardous waste scandal as ship awaits clearance off Durres coast

Albania struggles with hazardous waste scandal as ship awaits clearance off Durres coast

DURRES, Oct. 31, 2024 – A cargo ship laden with over 100 containers of suspected hazardous waste, which arrived in Albania from Singapore, remains anchored off the coast of Durres for the fourth consecutive day.  The ship’s entry into port

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Arrest of former President Ilir Meta on corruption allegations sends second key opposition leader into detention

Arrest of former President Ilir Meta on corruption allegations sends second key opposition leader into detention

TIRANA, Oct. 21, 2024 – The arrest on Monday of former President Ilir Meta, who now heads the opposition Freedom Party, on orders of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has sent shockwaves through Albania’s political landscape.

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