Albanian Opposition Protesters Block Roads in Six Towns
Albania’s opposition continued what it called its campaign of “civil disobedience” against Edi Rama’s government by blocking roads in six towns across the country. Original post Here
Albania Prosecution Orders Seizure of Suspected Hazardous Waste on Ship
After a ship refused entry to Thailand arrived back in Albania, prosecutors ordered the seizure of the cargo for examination. Original post Here
Using AI in Albanian Public Procurements ‘No Easy Solution’ for Corruption
Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama has proposed using artificial intelligence in public procurement processes to tackle corruption – but experts argue that the root causes should be dealt with first. Original post Here
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Begins Balkan Tour to Enhance Services for “Guests of God”
Tirana, October 26, 2024 Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, has begun a four-day official visit to several Western Balkan countries, including Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. This visit is part of Saudi Arabia’s strategic efforts to strengthen cooperation with the Western Balkans and improve …
Albania Socialist Party MP Charged With Violating Procurement Rules
Ruling party MP Plarent Ndreca was charged with procurement-related offences allegedly committed four years ago during his time as general secretary at the Interior Ministry. Original post Here
Opposition Leaders’ Arrests May Signal Demise of Albania’s Old Political Class
The arrests of two important opposition leaders hopefully mark the end of one era – and the birth of a new one in which justice no longer cowers before corrupt politicians in a captured state. Original post Here
The State Agency for Innovation and Excellence – A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing?
You may have not heard of this, but there is a new State Agency for Innovation and Excellence in Albania. This was a collaborative effort from multiple international and domestic actors. Of note is the EU4Innovation program, which may have served as an important catalyst for this mobilization towards innovation …
Albania’s Ex-President Meta Traded Favours for Luxury Villa, Prosecutors Allege
Anti-corruption prosecutors in Albania say Ilir Meta, a former president, prime minister and parliament speaker, and his MP wife had a “corrupt relationship” with a prominent tycoon, trading favours for gifts including a luxury villa, Beyoncé concert tickets and lunch in London. Original post Here
BIRN Spots Controversial Ship Allegedly Transporting Explosives to Israel in Albania
Cargo vessel denied entry to multiple ports owing to concerns about faciliating war crimes in Gaza has been seen in a private port in Albania. Original post Here
Lost in Translation: Open Balkan ID Initiative Yet to Take Off
Launched six months ago, the Open Balkan ID Number was presented as marking the start of a single labour market between Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania. It has had some teething troubles. Original post Here
The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, said that tensions in the Middle East remain a major source of risk for the global and Albanian economy. He stressed that the impact of the conflict depends on its duration and intensity. As a result, inflation risks rise, while economic …
The Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania has decided to keep the base interest rate unchanged at 2.5%. Governor Gent Sejko announced the decision during a press conference. He also said the Council kept the overnight deposit rate unchanged at 1.5% and the overnight lending rate at 3.5%. The …
The Chargé d’Affaires of the United States in Albania, Nancy VanHorn, attended the 25th anniversary ceremony of the State Partnership Program between the New Jersey National Guard and the Albanian Armed Forces. She said the New Jersey National Guard and the Albanian Armed Forces train together and strengthen each other. …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj met with Michael Granoff, Chairman of the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), along with its executive directors. The discussion focused on the foundation’s latest projects. These projects aim to develop agriculture, tourism, education in artificial intelligence, and stronger links between diaspora researchers and Albanian institutions. …
A meeting focused on improving lawmaking and increasing transparency took place today in Tirana. Participants included members of Parliament, state institutions, civil society, and international partners. The discussions focused on more inclusive processes. These processes aim to ensure wider participation and faster alignment with EU standards. EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato …
President Bajram Begaj attended the 25th anniversary ceremony of cooperation between the Albanian Armed Forces and the New Jersey National Guard in Zall-Herr. He said the strategic partnership with the United States is a key pillar of Albania’s foreign policy and security. He described the cooperation as one of the …
President Bajram Begaj attended the 25th anniversary ceremony of cooperation between the Albanian Armed Forces and the New Jersey National Guard in Zall-Herr. During the event, officials from Albania and the United States gathered alongside senior defense representatives. In his speech, Begaj stated that the strategic partnership with the United …
The Minister of Justice, Toni Gogu, will welcome French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin in Tirana today. He said this is the first time a French Justice Minister has visited Albania. He described the visit as a strong signal of trust in Albania’s European justice reform path. Gogu said the visit …
The event was organized as part of the project “Nota mbi pentagram,” which was implemented by CEDI with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. During the concert, organizers presented a selection of Kushta’s works, and the program offered audiences an emotional artistic journey. Shpëtim Kushta, born in …
The Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Rural Development approved a financial agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB) for the “Porta e Alpeve” infrastructure project. The agreement provides a €50 million loan from the EIB to support infrastructure development in northern Albania. Deputy Minister of Finance Endrit Yzeiraj presented …