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A US Kosovo Pull-Out? The Wrong Move at a Bad Time

Reports say Washington is considering the withdrawal of US forces from the NATO-led Kosovo Force (KFOR), sparking pushback in Washington and across Europe. By David J. Kostelancik  Lawmakers from both parties in Congress, NATO allies, and regional governments responded to the report by warning that a premature withdrawal could destabilize the fragile …

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“Through roots we rise” marks day three of diaspora summit focused on integration and Arbëresh heritage

TIRANA, April 15 – The third day of the 4th Diaspora Summit opened on Wednesday in Tirana with a symbolic event titled “Brotherhood Breakfast.” The gathering brought together representatives of Albania’s religious communities from the country and abroad. Organisers held the event at the Palace of Congresses. Journalist Monika Stafa …

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Kokona invites diaspora to invest in Albania’s transformation

The Director of the Albanian Investment Corporation, Elira Kokona, called on the diaspora to trust Albania and take part in its transformation during the Albanian Diaspora Summit in Tirana. She said the summit builds real bridges with the diaspora, not abstract ideas. She invited Albanians abroad to invest in the …

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Tourism students graduate from Swiss program in Albania

The Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, attended the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of students from the professional Hotel and Tourism school program in Albania. The students studied under the Swiss École Hôtelière de Lausanne program. They received internationally recognized training that improves their job prospects and …

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Diaspora seen as key partner in Albania’s EU integration push

TIRANA, April 15 – Albania’s chief EU negotiator Majlinda Dhuka said on Wednesday that the country stands at a decisive stage in its European integration process. She described the current phase as both historic and transformative. Speaking at the 4th Diaspora Summit in Tirana, Dhuka said the “Albania 2030 in …

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FSHF changes Superiore calendar, Dinamo City–Tirana moved to Saturday

The FSHF Competitions Department announced changes to the Week 32 schedule of the Abissnet Superiore. Officials adjusted the fixtures following a request from the State Police. The request relates to security measures during an opposition protest planned for April 17. The department rescheduled Dinamo City vs Tirana for Saturday at …

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Education minister calls for structured policies to protect Albanian language in diaspora

TIRANA, April 15 – Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro on Wednesday called for a new and structured approach to teaching the Albanian language in diaspora communities. She warned that younger generations face a real risk of losing the language without concrete and long-term intervention. Speaking at the Diaspora Summit in Tirana, …

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Municipalities seen as key drivers of local economic development, MP Mazniku says

TIRANA, April 15 – Municipalities must act as key drivers of economic development, not just service providers, Arbjan Mazniku said on Wednesday. He spoke at the conference “Implementation of the City Climate Contract” in Elbasan. Mazniku, co-chair of the Special Parliament Committee on Territorial Reform, addressed the session on structuring …

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Fuel prices capped as diesel set at 207 Lek per litre

TIRANA, April 15 – Albania’s Transparency Board set new maximum fuel prices on Wednesday, with diesel capped at 207 Lek per litre. The decision takes effect at 13:30 local time. Under the ruling, retail diesel (SSH EN 590 standard) must not exceed 207 Lek per litre. Wholesale diesel stands at …

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Speaker Peleshi and North Macedonian Parliament Speaker Gashi discuss parliamentary cooperation and EU integration

TIRANA, April 15 – Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi met North Macedonian Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi on Wednesday for talks focused on bilateral parliamentary cooperation and European integration. Both officials reviewed relations between Albania and North Macedonia. They described ties as friendly and stable. In addition, they stressed the need …

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Albania sets fuel price caps with diesel not exceeding 210 lek per litre

.TIRANA, April 17 – Albania’s Transparency Board has set new maximum fuel prices that take effect at 1600 local time on Friday. The decision caps retail diesel prices at no more than 210 Lek per litre. The board set wholesale diesel prices at no more than 198 Lek per litre. …

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EU-harmonised inflation in Albania reaches 2.6% in March, driven by transport and food

TIRANA, April 17 – Albania’s annual inflation measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices stood at 2.6% in March. The data follows the methodology of Eurostat and reflects changes in consumer prices. The Institute of Statistics reported a monthly increase of 0.9% compared with February. Transport led the rise …

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Albanian president receives credentials of new Turkish ambassador

TIRANA, April 17 – President Bajram Begaj received the credentials of Turkey’s new ambassador to Albania, Barıs Ceyhun Erciyes. The ceremony took place in Tirana as part of formal diplomatic procedures. During the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral relations, regional cooperation and their partnership within NATO. They also addressed European …

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EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos tells BBC Albania making steady progress toward membership

TIRANA, April 17 – European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is progressing steadily on its path toward European Union membership. She made the remarks in an interview with BBC. Kos said Albania continues to advance in its reform agenda as enlargement returns to the European Union’s strategic priorities. …

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Week in Review: Big Changes and Steep Climbs

A momentous election spells change not just for Hungary but also for much of the Western Balkans, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here

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In Albania, Is Tailor-Made Legislation Being Written for Tycoons?

New legal amendments allowing ‘strategic investors’ to develop port facilities at tourist resorts without competitive tenders represent the latest custom-written legislation brought in by Edi Rama’s government to benefit big business, critics claim. Original post Here

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Albania introduces new foreigners’ regulation with online applications and one-day provisional permit

TIRANA, April 17 – The Albanian government has approved a set of regulatory changes for foreign nationals aimed at reducing bureaucracy and speeding up procedures. The reform also seeks to align migration and labour rules with European standards. The changes were published in the Official Gazette. The new framework introduces …

News
Kategoria Superiore: “Final Four” match tickets go on sale

The Albanian Football Federation announced ticket sales for the “Final Four” of the Abissnet Superiore. Fans can buy tickets starting today. The four best teams will play six matches to decide the champion. All games will take place at Air Albania Stadium. First and second round matches will be held …

News
Ylli in Rome: Italian support for establishing Albanian Paralympic Committee

Fidel Ylli, President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee, visited the Italian Paralympic Committee headquarters in Rome. He met President Marco Giunio De Sanctis. They discussed technical assistance for creating the Albanian Paralympic Committee. They called it an important step for Paralympic sport in Albania. The process follows recent changes …

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Director General of Albanian Customs meets World Customs Organization chief, focus on digitalisation and EU integration

TIRANA, April 17 – Director General of Albanian Customs Besmir Beja met World Customs Organization Secretary General Ian Saunders in Brussels during the Annual Meeting of European regional customs leaders. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation and accelerating customs digitalisation. The Albanian side highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at modernising customs …

News

Albania sets fuel price caps with diesel not exceeding 210 lek per litre

.TIRANA, April 17 – Albania’s Transparency Board has set new maximum fuel prices that take effect at 1600 local time on Friday. The decision caps retail diesel prices at no more than 210 Lek per litre. The board set wholesale diesel prices at no more than 198 Lek per litre. …

News

EU-harmonised inflation in Albania reaches 2.6% in March, driven by transport and food

TIRANA, April 17 – Albania’s annual inflation measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices stood at 2.6% in March. The data follows the methodology of Eurostat and reflects changes in consumer prices. The Institute of Statistics reported a monthly increase of 0.9% compared with February. Transport led the rise …

News

Albanian president receives credentials of new Turkish ambassador

TIRANA, April 17 – President Bajram Begaj received the credentials of Turkey’s new ambassador to Albania, Barıs Ceyhun Erciyes. The ceremony took place in Tirana as part of formal diplomatic procedures. During the meeting, both sides discussed bilateral relations, regional cooperation and their partnership within NATO. They also addressed European …

News

EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos tells BBC Albania making steady progress toward membership

TIRANA, April 17 – European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is progressing steadily on its path toward European Union membership. She made the remarks in an interview with BBC. Kos said Albania continues to advance in its reform agenda as enlargement returns to the European Union’s strategic priorities. …

News

Week in Review: Big Changes and Steep Climbs

A momentous election spells change not just for Hungary but also for much of the Western Balkans, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here

News

In Albania, Is Tailor-Made Legislation Being Written for Tycoons?

New legal amendments allowing ‘strategic investors’ to develop port facilities at tourist resorts without competitive tenders represent the latest custom-written legislation brought in by Edi Rama’s government to benefit big business, critics claim. Original post Here

News

Albania introduces new foreigners’ regulation with online applications and one-day provisional permit

TIRANA, April 17 – The Albanian government has approved a set of regulatory changes for foreign nationals aimed at reducing bureaucracy and speeding up procedures. The reform also seeks to align migration and labour rules with European standards. The changes were published in the Official Gazette. The new framework introduces …

News

Kategoria Superiore: “Final Four” match tickets go on sale

The Albanian Football Federation announced ticket sales for the “Final Four” of the Abissnet Superiore. Fans can buy tickets starting today. The four best teams will play six matches to decide the champion. All games will take place at Air Albania Stadium. First and second round matches will be held …

News

Ylli in Rome: Italian support for establishing Albanian Paralympic Committee

Fidel Ylli, President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee, visited the Italian Paralympic Committee headquarters in Rome. He met President Marco Giunio De Sanctis. They discussed technical assistance for creating the Albanian Paralympic Committee. They called it an important step for Paralympic sport in Albania. The process follows recent changes …

News

Director General of Albanian Customs meets World Customs Organization chief, focus on digitalisation and EU integration

TIRANA, April 17 – Director General of Albanian Customs Besmir Beja met World Customs Organization Secretary General Ian Saunders in Brussels during the Annual Meeting of European regional customs leaders. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation and accelerating customs digitalisation. The Albanian side highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at modernising customs …