Albania

A new book analyses the trajectory of media freedom in Albania, from the 'glorious' 1930s to its non-existence under communism and today's new instruments of control, with author Luljeta Progni believing that today's are the 'darkest days'

Albania and Kazakhstan agreed to cooperate in the field of tourism by establishing direct flights between the two capitals after a meeting of the Presidents of the two countries

A museum built in the 1980s to commemorate the long period of rule of communist dictator Enver Hoxha has now been converted into a computer training centre for young people

The oldest lake village in Europe has been found, with wooden remains dating back 8.000 years, on the Albanian shore of Lake Ohrid

Albanian tourism officials expect up to 10 million tourists this year, or 200% over last year's, mainly thanks to the offer of beautiful beaches and affordable prices

Albanians believe their country is more corrupt than any other nationality in the Western Balkans, but they also hope for EU membership before 2030 as a way to improve the situation

A UNECE study by Nevton Kodhelaj of Tirana Polytechnic University examines the characteristics of geothermal areas in Albania, their potential for direct use and the importance of adopting UNFC standards

Albania's participation in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023 has been confirmed; its entry will be selected through the Junior Fest

Unemployment is on the rise, especially among young people, while thousands of jobs in the tourism and services sector remain unfilled, putting at risk what is shaping up to be a record year for tourism

Following a public opinion poll whose results were questioned by some, the cabinet has backed a draft law that would legalise the use of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes

Albanian President Bajram Begaj has signed three new laws to increase salaries, including his own, making him the highest paid head of state in the region with a salary of €3860 per month

Archival reports written by academics who were allowed to travel abroad and official documents on students' non-conformist tendencies show that some citizens were critical of the country's authoritarian communist-era regime

The competition for the design of Butrint National Park visitor centre has been won by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma’s KKAA studio; the project presents a roof of layered stone slate and a wooden structure that blends into the landscape of the UNESCO site