Tirana police fine 37 protesters for blocking traffic
Tirana police said on Wednesday that they had issued 37 fines to protesters over the past two days. Police said the protesters had blocked the road and obstructed traffic on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Each protester was fined 5,000 lek. “In Tirana, 37 administrative penalties were imposed for blocking the …
Musicians with disabilities deliver moving rendition of patriotic song
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – For more than two decades, the “The Door Albania” brass band in Shkodra has demonstrated how music can foster inclusion, social interaction and the development of skills among people with disabilities. The band’s musicians have given a special performance of “Për ty Atdhe” (For You, …
Justice Minister meets Italian officials to discuss faster court proceedings, lower costs
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Justice Minister Toni Gogu held meetings in Rome with Italian institutional representatives to strengthen judicial cooperation between Albania and Italy, focusing on shortening court proceedings and reducing costs. During a visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met with Maurizio Gasparri, chairman of the Foreign Affairs …
Defense Minister: Armed Forces’ Special Operations capabilities assessed against NATO standards
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – The assessment of Albania’s Special Operations Land Task Group (SOLTG), a capability declared by the Albanian Armed Forces to NATO, is under way as part of the “Illyrian Shield 26” military exercise. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi, who shared footage from the exercise on Wednesday, said …
Socialists set Nov. 30 deadline for electoral reform, rule out extending committee’s mandate
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – The ruling Socialist Party will not support an extension of the parliamentary committee tasked with electoral reform beyond November 30, Socialist parliamentary group chairman Taulant Balla said on Wednesday, warning that the party would push through the legislation without opposition support if no agreement is …
CEC head hosts EU Ambassador to discuss Albania’s electoral reform, OSCE/ODHIR recommendations
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Electoral reform, the implementation of OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and improvements to Albania’s electoral processes were the focus of talks between Central Election Commission (CEC) Chairman Ilirjan Celibashi and European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa on Wednesday. In a social media post, Celibashi said …
Albania’s National Folk Ensemble to perform in Scotland for first time in 70 years
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Albania’s National Ensemble of Folk Songs and Dances is set to perform in Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time in its 70-year history, bringing the country’s rich cultural heritage to an international audience. The Albanian artists will present a show entitled “Albania Through Byron’s Eyes”, …
Berisha: DP ready to back fully open national electoral lists
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Main opposition Democratic Party (DP) supports fully open electoral lists at the national level as part of ongoing discussions on Albania’s electoral reform, party leader Sali Berisha said on Wednesday. Berisha said he favoured the Kosovo electoral model, which allows voters greater freedom to express …
Government allocates 32.2 billion leks for hospital care, plans new facility in Korça
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – The government’s draft 2027 budget allocates 32.2 billion leks for hospital services, targeting around 370,000 patients across Albania’s public hospital network, Health Minister Klodiana Spahiu said on Wednesday. The funding is intended to support five tertiary hospitals, 12 regional hospitals and 23 municipal hospitals as …
Albania earmarks 5.3 billion leks for national farm support scheme in 2027
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Albania’s draft 2027 budget provides increased support for farmers, domestic production, investment and food safety, as the country seeks to modernise its agricultural sector and bring it closer to European Union standards, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said on Wednesday. The ministry has …
TIRANA, November 13 /ATSH/ – The Pathological Anatomy Laboratory at the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” (QSUNT) has expanded its diagnostic capacity to serve approximately 24,000 patients across Albania, utilizing advanced technology and modern diagnostic methods. Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu shared footage today of the work …
TIRANA, November 13 /ATSH/ – Nestled among the chestnut groves of Tropoja, the “Chestnut Hill” agrotourism retreat has become one of the region’s premier destinations. Today, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared “magical” photos of the cloud-level property on social media, highlighting that its doors remain open to visitors. This agrotourism …
TIRANA, November 13 /ATA/ – Interchange fees for card payments will be capped at 0.2% for debit cards and 0.3% for credit cards, starting from January 1, 2027. In a statement on social media, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj announced that this measure aims to reduce payment costs …
TIRANA, November 13 /ATSH/ – Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj, accompanied by Director General of the Customs Besmir Beja, paid a working visit to Porto Romano to mark the launch of the e-seals system—a new mechanism for monitoring and controlling the transport of goods under customs supervision. During the visit, …
Albanian businesses are required by law to facilitate payments by card but complain of exorbitant bank fees. Original post Here
The proposed amendments to Albania’s sponsorship law aim to encourage businesses to fund sports, arts and cultural activities through tax incentives, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today. Under the proposed scheme, businesses could deduct up to 30% of their corporate income tax through sponsorships of activities …
The Albanian government today approved amendments to its agreement with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), which supports the country’s EU accession negotiations. The Council of Ministers approved Amendment No. 1 to the implementation agreement between the Ministry of Economy and Innovation and GIZ. The agreement forms part of …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi today expressed his condolences following the deaths of four members of the Turkish Armed Forces in an S-70 helicopter crash in Malatya, Turkey. In a message posted on social media, Nufi expressed his sorrow over the tragic accident and extended his deepest sympathies to the victims’ …
Prime Minister Edi Rama today shared a photo on social media from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing a group of European leaders and senior representatives walking down an escalator together. At the centre of the photo, Rama appears alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The European Political Community …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has called for a stronger focus on economic diplomacy, highlighting its role in the country’s development and European Union integration. Hoxha made the remarks during a discussion at Ludovika University of Public Service in Budapest, where he presented Albania’s vision for …