The Hague Prosecution Seeks Six-Year Prison Sentence for Hashim Thaçi
Following the closing arguments presented by Chief Prosecutor Kimberly West and the prosecutor in the case, the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office in The Hague has requested a six-year prison sentence for former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi in the case concerning obstruction of justice. “Based on all the evidence and facts, the …
Rama Unveils “Housing Program”: Confiscated Properties to Be Used for Housing
The government is expected to take a new approach to housing. The new National Housing Program provides for six new schemes, focusing on young families and young people who face difficulties in securing a home. During the presentation, Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the program is not simply a …
Fires, IPH: Smoke Affects the Health of At-Risk Groups
Albania has been facing persistent outbreaks of fires for several months. In addition to the environmental impact, specialists from the Institute of Public Health (IPH) say that the smoke released by the fires has an immediate impact on public health. Experts say that certain groups are at greater risk from …
Direct Flights Between Luxembourg and Tirana, Minister Hoxha: Another European Airline Comes to Albania
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced this Thursday, through a post on X, the launch of direct flights between Luxembourg and Tirana operated by Luxair. The Minister described the arrival of another European airline in Albania as excellent news. “Starting from March 29, 2027, this new year-round …
“Diary of a War Photographer”, Exhibition in Pristina Ahead of The Hague Verdict
Just days before the major verdict in The Hague concerning the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), their war and that of many other soldiers against Serbian forces has been presented in an exhibition in central Pristina. The exhibition is by Visar Kryeziu, a photographer who worked for …
Day 103 of the Protest, Citizens Gather Outside the Prime Minister’s Office
The protest by activists and citizens in Tirana entered its 103rd day this Thursday. As on every afternoon, after 7:00 p.m., they initially gathered in Skanderbeg Square, chanting: “Your time is up,” “A new Albania,” “Rama resign,” “Rama in prison, Berisha in prison,” among others. After gathering in Skanderbeg Square, …
Rama unveils six new housing schemes: social housing, subsidised loans and support for families in need
Housing will be one of the key priorities of the government’s “Rilindja 2.0” programme. Prime Minister Edi Rama has presented the new National Housing Programme, which aims to reshape the state’s approach to housing, particularly for young people and families. Rama said the programme follows a year of intensive work …
Government moves to centralise management of confiscated buildings
Parliament is reviewing amendments to the law on confiscated illegal constructions. The changes aim to improve their administration and support their use for social housing and public purposes. The draft law would centralize the process under the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets (AAPSK). The agency would …
Minister Ibrahimaj: Albania enters a new chapter in housing policy with 2030 national programme
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania is entering a new chapter in housing policy as she presented the National Housing Programme for Albania 2030. Ibrahimaj said the government has focused on supporting vulnerable groups since 2018. Around 30,000 families have received support through various housing programmes, while around …
LDK leader Abdixhiku meets US Embassy chargé d’affaires over Kosovo’s political deadlock
LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku met today with Anu Prattipati, chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Kosovo, to discuss the country’s political situation. According to an LDK statement, the meeting focused on recent developments in the Assembly and the process of constituting Kosovo’s institutions. Abdixhiku briefed Prattipati on the LDK’s …
Albania inaugurated its Honorary Consulate in Naples today. Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the ceremony at Villa Doria d’Angri. Honorary Consul Giuseppe Lettieri, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli and Albanian Ambassador to Italy Anila Bitri also attended. Campania Region President Roberto Fico, Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi and Naples Prefect …
Croatian Ambassador to Albania Zlatko Kramarić said today that Kosovo should accept the Special Court’s decision on Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, regardless of how painful it may be. Speaking to the media, Kramarić said a conviction of Thaçi would not help Kosovo’s image. “We need …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said Albania is ready to join European efforts against disinformation and hybrid threats. Hoxha welcomed a resolution adopted today by the European Parliament on the European Democracy Shield. The resolution recognizes the Western Balkans as a key target of foreign information manipulation …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that Albania and Italy share a long history of closeness and alliance. He also described Italy as Albania’s strongest representative of interests within the European Union. “When I said that Italy is Albania’s European alter ego, I meant something sacred: a very long history …
The National Tourism Agency and “Tradita.al” have formalized a partnership to promote Albania’s cultural heritage, traditions, handicrafts, gastronomy and authentic products. National Tourism Agency Director General Jola Hysaj and “Tradita.al” founder Edlira Sulaj signed the Memorandum of Cooperation. The agreement marks a new step toward joint initiatives that promote Albanian …
Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj took part in a regional meeting of chief EU negotiators from the Western Balkans in Skopje. Jaupaj said the meeting focused on the European Union’s new budget for 2028-2034. He said the participants also discussed the EU integration process and the environmental dimension of the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama sent a congratulatory letter to Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti on the start of his new government mandate. The Kosovo Prime Minister’s Office published Rama’s message today. In the letter, Rama reaffirmed the Albanian government’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Kosovo at all levels. “Your new …
Protecting Lake Ohrid and strengthening cross-border environmental cooperation were at the center of a meeting between Albania’s Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj and his North Macedonian counterpart Muamet Hoxha in Skopje. The meeting took place during a regional gathering of chief negotiators and officials responsible for European integration. Jaupaj said the …
Reshat Arbana celebrates his 86th birthday today. He remains one of the most important figures in Albanian cinema and theatre. Arbana was born in Tirana on September 15, 1940. He graduated from the Higher Institute of Arts and began his artistic career in theatre. He later became one of Albania’s …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met today with the new Dutch Ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster. They discussed ways to intensify political dialogue and strengthen bilateral relations. The two sides praised cooperation between Albania and the Netherlands. They also focused on parliamentary ties and exchanges between the Albanian Parliament, the …