Mega-operation in Shkodra, 8k cannabis seedlings seized
A mega-operation has been developed in Malesia e Madhe where 27 greenhouses were discovered in which about 8,000 suspected narcotic cannabis sativa seedlings were grown in cubes. A 52-year-old man with initials N.D, suspected of being the organizer of this criminal activity, was arrested in the operation. “As a result …
Albanians get visa-free access to UAE, part of larger expansion into Asia
TIRANA, March 23, 2023 – Starting on April 20, citizens of Albania will be able to travel visa-free to the United Arab Emirates, home of renowned cities and major airports, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Albanian government has announced. UAE citizens are also able to travel to Albania without …
Op/Ed: Balkan awakening – Strengthening ties between Israel and Albania
By Ohad Shpak* The upcoming Israel-Albania Tech Conference to be held in March 2023 aims to strengthen commercial ties between the two countries, following recent developments in the bilateral relations. Muslim-majority Republic of Albania and the Jewish State of Israel have maintained diplomatic relations since 1991, shortly after Albania emerged from …
Wage hikes in private sector outpacing public increases as Albania’s businesses struggle with retention
TIRANA, March 20, 2023 – Albania’s private sector salaries are increasing and doing so at a higher rate than public sector ones, as businesses struggle to retain workers competing with migration and the domestic labor market. However, public sector wages continue to be, on average, higher, according to the latest …
Green for growth fund to invest in landmark renewable energy project in Albania
TIRANA, March 11, 2023 – The Green for Growth Fund (GGF) has announced a EUR 28 million loan to fund a landmark transaction with SPV Blue 1 in Albania. The privately owned project marks a significant milestone in the history of energy production in Albania, as it is the largest …
Red and Blacks look for fresh start as Albania plays Poland for Euro 2024 qualifier
TIRANA, March 27, 2023 – Albania will begin their quest for a spot in the 2024 European Championship against Poland in Warsaw on Monday, hoping to break their seven-game losing streak against the hosts. The Red and Blacks will have their first match under Brazilian coach Sylvinho, who aims to …
In widely-condemned violent attack on media, shots fired at key Albanian TV channel headquarters, killing guard
TIRANA, March 27, 2023 – In what the media and authorities are calling “a terrorist act,” unidentified gunmen used automatic weapons to shoot at the headquarters of one of Albania’s largest private television stations, Top Channel, shortly after midnight on Monday, killing a security guard on duty. The attack on …
In Tirana visit, Kosovo PM discusses contentious deal with Serbia
TIRANA, March 27, 2023 – Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited Tirana over the weekend, holding discussions with Albania’s top leaders and focusing on his country’s ongoing dialogue with Serbia, which has been high on the agenda in recent months. Earlier this year, agreements to normalize relations between Kosovo and …
Albania’s central bank raises key rate by 0.25%
TIRANA, March 23, 2023 – Albania’s central bank has raised its key interest rate by another quarter of a percentage point in its attempt to fight inflation, the Bank of Albania governor announced in a press conference. The decision of the bank board brings the rate to 3 percent, directly …
As number of young workers declines, over 65s working at higher rates
TIRANA, March, 25, 2023 – While Albania’s employment indicators have improved year over year, since 2020, the number of employed people is decreasing in the younger population groups, while it is increasing among the elderly. In the fourth quarter of 2022, there were about 52,500 more people employed than in …