The Honorary Consul of the Republic of Albania was invited on 19 September 2025 to a special cultural event in Berlin: the 16th “Westbalkan-Salon,” organized by the International Club (ICAA) in cooperation with the German Federal Foreign Office.

Under the title “Nothing new on the other side of the fence – A sketch of Albanian unofficial culture,” the well-known Albanian writer Stefan Çapaliku delivered a much-acclaimed lecture on Albania’s unofficial culture. He traced a wide historical arc—from the early misunderstandings of European geography, through the birth of the modern Albanian state, to the intellectual and artistic movements during the communist dictatorship.

In the photo: Adia Sakiqi, Ambassador of Albania to Germany; writer Stefan Çapaliku (left); and Prof. Dr. Thomas Druyen, Honorary Consul of Albania in North Rhine-Westphalia (right).

With numerous anecdotes, Çapaliku showed how literature and art in Albania, even during periods of strict censorship, found ways to develop beyond official directives. He spoke about the so-called “drawer literature,” works written in secret and discovered only after the fall of communism, as well as the writings of exiled authors such as Ernest Koliqi and Martin Camaj, who wrote in freedom yet remained deeply connected to their homeland.

His lecture made it clear that Albania’s unofficial culture was not only a mirror of resistance but also a source of hope and creative renewal.

Founded in 2024, the Salon offers diplomats, artists, and those interested from politics and business a platform for exchange and networking in the Western Balkans region.

For Honorary Consul Prof. Dr. Thomas Druyen, attending the event was a valuable opportunity to deepen contacts and strengthen the cultural dialogue between Germany and Albania.

On 18 September 2025, Edi Rama was officially confirmed by the Albanian parliament for his fourth consecutive term as Prime Minister. His Socialist Party secured an absolute majority of over 52% of the votes in the May 2025 parliamentary elections. In parliament, Rama received 82 out of 140 votes, thereby legally securing his mandate.

Rama has been in office since 2013 and has significantly shaped Albania’s governance over the past twelve years. His campaign pledge to bring Albania into the European Union by 2030 remains a central goal of his policy. Despite ongoing challenges and criticism of his governing style, his dominant position has been strongly reinforced by the election results.

On 16 September 2025, Thomas Byrne, Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, welcomed Albania’s encouraging progress in its accession process to the European Union. The occasion was the official opening of Cluster 4 during the sixth intergovernmental conference between Albania and the EU. This cluster covers transport policy, energy, trans-European networks, and environment and climate change—key areas for sustainable and modern development.

Minister Byrne praised the remarkable determination of the Albanian government, which he had witnessed first-hand during his visit in July. He underlined that Ireland actively supports the EU enlargement process and looks forward to giving Albania further momentum during Ireland’s upcoming EU Presidency next year.

The opening of this important cluster represents a major milestone on Albania’s ambitious path toward full EU integration. It demonstrates the country’s commitment to implementing legislative and political reforms aligned with the Union’s high standards.

Despite the progress achieved so far, challenges remain, particularly in the areas of rule of law and the fight against corruption. Nevertheless, the recent developments show that Albania is on a promising path and continues to enjoy the support of the EU and individual member states.

With these steps, hope is growing that Albania could become a full member of the European Union by 2030—a development of great significance not only for the country itself but for the entire Western Balkans region.

Source: 
https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-foreign-affairs/press-releases/continued-progress-by-albania-towards-eu-accession-welcomed-by-minister-byrne/

Zwischen schneeweißen Schotterbänken und türkisgrünen Strömungen fließt die Vjosa frei – vom Pindos-Gebirge in Griechenland bis zur Adria. Was lange umkämpft war, ist Realität: Entlang des Flusses und seiner Zuflüsse Drino, Bença und Shushica steht nun ein großflächiger Nationalpark. Statt Staudämmen setzt Albanien damit ein starkes Zeichen für Europas letzte große Wildflusslandschaft – und für eine Zukunft, in der Artenvielfalt, lebendige Auen und natürliche Dynamik Vorrang haben. Getragen wurde di eser Schritt von lokalen Initiativen wie EcoAlbania, internationalen Naturschutzorganisationen und viel zivilgesellschaftlicher Ausdauer.

Die Vjosa ist Heimat für über tausend Arten, vom Fischotter bis zum ägyptischen Schm

utzgeier. Gleichzeitig bietet die Region Raum für sanften Tourismus: Rafting bei Përmet, Wanderwege rund um Tepelena, heiße Quellen von Benjë und Kulturjuwele wie Gjirokastra.

Source: https://www.vjosanationalpark.al/