Penal amnesty: Prison Authority says 553 inmates released, 863 receive sentence reductions
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”b00ac4c8-f68a-4447-b0ff-3cba8e686a39″ data-turn-id-container=”b00ac4c8-f68a-4447-b0ff-3cba8e686a39″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s General Directorate of Prisons has announced the completion of the implementation of the penal amnesty, confirming that 553 convicted individuals were granted immediate release, while 863 inmates benefited from sentence reductions. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-6″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-6″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ data-turn=”assistant”> …
“Social security agreement with Slovenia approved,” Minister Ibrahimaj says four more agreements are under negotiation
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj announced on Wednesday, following the government meeting, that the draft decision on the social security agreement with Slovenia had been approved in principle. The minister said that, under the new agreement, years of social security contributions will also be recognised by Slovenia. Ibrahimaj …
Implementation of penal amnesty begins for 1,300 inmates, first 541 released
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”65b85f6e-ddd5-4832-83f8-449e58c8e73f” data-turn-id-container=”65b85f6e-ddd5-4832-83f8-449e58c8e73f” data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-turn=”user”> The implementation of Albania’s penal amnesty law began on Wednesday across all correctional institutions, resulting in the immediate release of hundreds of inmates and sentence reductions for hundreds more. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-turn=”assistant”> According to official …
Euronews Albania reveals Socialist Party proposal for territorial reform, new municipal map unveiled
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”4b6d90cd-57c8-4e81-a50c-b61c5e8f6e62″ data-turn-id-container=”4b6d90cd-57c8-4e81-a50c-b61c5e8f6e62″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-9″ data-turn=”user”> The Special Parliamentary Committee on Territorial Reform met on Wednesday, but according to sources, no agreement was reached on the agenda, marking the conclusion of the committee’s working phase. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-turn=”assistant”> Sources say the …
Hita meets regional police chiefs, prioritises tourist season security and crime crackdown
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-5″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-5″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania’s General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, held a working meeting with regional police directors and department heads to assess the public order and security situation and set operational priorities for the period ahead. The meeting focused on strengthening …
Citizens’ protest in Tirana enters its 46th day outside the Prime Minister’s Office
The citizens’ protest in Tirana has entered its 46th consecutive day. As on previous days, demonstrators gathered on the boulevard in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, where they continued their rally with speeches and messages opposing the current government’s policies. The protesters are calling for political change, demanding the …
Banks’ profits fall 13% in May, while lending and deposits continue to grow
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”07805a4b-f4b9-47c7-bcb3-a3f53f8a9ddb” data-turn-id-container=”07805a4b-f4b9-47c7-bcb3-a3f53f8a9ddb” data-testid=”conversation-turn-5″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s banking sector recorded a decline in profits during the first five months of 2026, although lending and deposits continued to expand. Data from the Albanian Association of Banks (AAB), based on statistics from the Bank of Albania, show that the …
Albanian government approves opening of embassy in Dublin
The Albanian government has approved the opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Dublin, Ireland, expanding the country’s diplomatic network. The Council of Ministers adopted the decision under the Law on the Foreign Service of the Republic of Albania, following a proposal by the Minister for Europe …
Albanian Protesters Celebrate as PM Backtracks on Controversial Environment Laws
Protesters in Albania hail ‘moral victory’ after PM Edi Rama declares in Brussels that his government will revisit controversial laws that pave the way for a luxury resort linked to Donald Trump’s family. Original post Here
State Police and U.S. ICITAP reaffirm 30-year strategic partnership
TIRANA, July 15 – The State Police and the U.S. International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) reaffirmed their strategic partnership, built over more than 30 years of cooperation. State Police Director General Skënder Hita met with ICITAP Europe and Asia Programme Representative Alexzandria Burns and ICITAP Albania Programme Director …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja welcomed the delegations and artistic groups taking part in the sixth International Folk Festival Tirana, “Days of Celebration in Tirana,” after three nights of music, dance and cultural performances. Gonxhja praised the artists for their contribution and highlighted folklore’s role in bringing cultures …
The International Air Beat Festival – Lulu Fest filled the city of Korça with music and performances for two consecutive nights, bringing together more than 200 musicians from Albania, Italy, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the festival on social media. He said the …
Italian media outlet Quotidian Post.it has ranked Albania among Europe’s top 10 destinations for affordable summer holidays in 2026. Travel experts selected the destinations for their combination of natural beauty, quality experiences and reasonable prices. The report says travelers can still enjoy memorable holidays on a limited budget by choosing …
More than 34,000 domestic and international tourists visited the protected areas of Kukës during the first half of 2026, exploring alpine landscapes, mountain trails, biodiversity and natural attractions. The protected areas offer visitors a unique experience through forests, lakes, natural springs and cultural heritage sites, combining adventure with nature exploration. …
Agrotourism is becoming an important driver of economic and social development in Albania’s rural areas, creating jobs and strengthening local economies. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the “N’Kanu” agrotourism centre in Perlat, Mirditë, describing it as an example of returning migrants investing in their hometowns and promoting rural …
Seman Beach, located 18 kilometres from Fier, is attracting visitors with its wide coastline, fine therapeutic sand and warm waters. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the popular summer destination on social media, highlighting its appeal among holidaymakers. In recent years, Seman and Darzezë beaches have become increasingly popular …
President Begaj praised the forum as a valuable platform that strengthens interfaith dialogue and promotes peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation across Europe. He said Albania stands as a model of religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and hospitality. He added that these values define the country’s identity and encouraged the delegates to …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today. In a video message, Rama said the global index places Albania 46th among 177 countries. He added that the country has achieved …
An artisan workshop in the heart of Tropoja has become a model for preserving cultural heritage and strengthening women’s economic independence. With support from the European Union through the EU4Innovation programme, local women artisans are keeping traditional crafts alive while creating new job opportunities for the community. At the workshop, …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here