Ibrahimaj: Card payment fees to be capped from January 2027, halving costs for retail businesses
TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ Businesses and consumers are set to benefit from lower costs for electronic and card payments under the new Payments Law, which will take effect on 1 January 2027. In a video message today, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said the legislation caps interchange fees at …
Përmet and Devoll Hospitals to adopt new management model, with services set to expand
TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ The hospitals in Përmet and Devoll have been included in the hospital reform as part of the reorganisation of healthcare facilities, aimed at improving management efficiency, optimising resources and enhancing services for citizens. Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu and Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro …
Albanian government approves cybersecurity law changes, fines of up to 10 million leks
TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ – Albania’s government has approved amendments to the country’s cybersecurity law, introducing new obligations for public institutions and operators of critical information infrastructure, alongside tougher penalties for non-compliance. Under the amendments, operators will be required to submit declarations to the National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK) detailing …
Minister: 72% of Culture Ministry budget to go to arts and heritage, new management model planned for Byllis
TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA-By Maela Marini/ – Around 72% of the 2027 budget of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport will be allocated to the arts, culture and cultural heritage, with a focus on restoring and protecting castles, museums, archaeological sites and historic monuments, Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on …
Reconstruction, Koçiu: 75 More Apartments handed over in Kombinat
TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu announced today that a further 75 apartments had been handed over this week to families affected by the 26 November 2019 earthquake in the Kombinat area of Tirana. Koçiu shared footage of a family moving into its new home in Kombinat, assuring …
Constitutional Court drafts 2027-2029 strategic plan with OSCE, Konrad Adenauer Foundation support
TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ – Albania’s Constitutional Court has begun drafting its Strategic Action Plan for 2027-2029, with support from the OSCE Presence in Albania and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS). During a two-day workshop, court members, together with experts and advisers from the OSCE and KAS, worked on defining …
Tirana introduces first fully electric buses as city pushes ahead with public transport overhaul
TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ – The Albanian capital is stepping up efforts to modernise its public transport system, with the introduction of its first fully electric buses as part of a broader strategy to reduce pollution, expand public transport and improve urban infrastructure, the Tirana Municipality said. The city’s Unaza …
Berisha: Tackling depopulation and doubling wages and pensions are top priorities
TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ Democratic Party chairman Sali Berisha said today that Albania faced an existential threat from depopulation, adding that doubling wages and pensions was a central pillar of the party’s programme. Addressing residents of Kukës, Berisha also highlighted the need to transform the country’s national wealth into greater …
Week in Review: To Be Or Not To Be
Amid fresh starts and problems old and new, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week suggests that many countries in the region are at a crossroads. Which way will they go? Original post Here
Heavy rain floods Theth in northern Albania, leaving tourist area without power
Heavy rainfall and rising water levels have caused flooding in Theth, a tourist destination in northern Albania. Overflowing streams have sent water towards several tourist businesses, reaching areas around guesthouses and disrupting their activities. Meanwhile, the area has been without electricity for around 24 hours due to the conditions. Continuous …