Preparatory conference held in the “Thaçi 2” case, trial postponed until April 14
A defense preparatory conference was held at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague in the case against Hashim Thaçi, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu, and Hajredin Kuçi. Thaçi, Kilaj, and Fazliu attended via video link, while Kuçi and Smakaj waived their right to participate, which the presiding judge, …
Unpaid employee insurance contributions reach €270 million in 2025, up 8%
The value of unpaid obligations by businesses for social insurance contributions rose to €270 million last year, up from €250 million in 2024. According to the Tax Directorate, this 8% increase in the stock indicates that a portion of private businesses are not paying insurance contributions for their employees and …
Bank of Albania: Business confidence rises in March
TIRANA, April 1 – Business confidence in Albania increased in March, according to a report published today by the Bank of Albania. The overall economic sentiment improved slightly, mainly due to stronger confidence in the trade sector, and remains well above its historical average. Confidence in the industrial sector declined …
Government approves digital identity law, introduces screening of foreign investments in critical sectors
TIRANA, April 1 – The government approved three acts at its latest meeting, Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said. One act covers electronic identification, trusted services, and a digital identity wallet. Ibrahimaj said the law will replace paper documents and handwritten signatures. She explained that the law strengthens legal …
Government adopts unified rules for public space management across Albania
TIRANA, April 1 – State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo announced the approval of new rules for the use of public spaces. He said the regulation aims to support business development while addressing issues that limit public access for citizens. Demo said the rules create statewide standards for how …
National Authority for Cybersecurity rejects claims of cyberattack, says operations normal
TIRANA, April 1 – The National Authority for Cybersecurity clarified that recent reports of a breach at the institution are false. In an official statement, the authority dismissed claims by “Homeland Justice” regarding a cyberattack on Albanian institutions. The statement stressed that the circulated material is an official communication to …
Minister Sala inspects Berati Regional Hospital, emphasizes expanding laboratory testing
TIRANA, April 1 – Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Evis Sala, inspected ongoing reconstruction works at Berat Regional Hospital, focusing on the laboratory, where she assessed the uninterrupted provision of diagnostic services. Speaking with laboratory staff, Sala noted that the rise in cases, particularly chronic diseases, has increased the …
Abissnet Superiore week 30 on RTSH: three-day schedule opens with Flamurtari-Tirana
TIRANA, April 1 – The national team takes a break as Abissnet Superiore returns with its 30th week, scheduled across three days starting Friday. The week opens on Friday with the survival clash between Flamurtari and Tirana at 19:00 in Flamurtari Stadium. On Saturday, three more matches follow, including key …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu meets Council of Europe rapporteurs, focuses on judicial reform and anti-corruption
TIRANA, April 1 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu met yesterday with Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly rapporteurs Ionut-Marian Stroe and Pawel Jablonski. The discussion centered on the progress of judicial reform and upcoming challenges. Gogu emphasized that the vetting process is nearing completion, while judicial institutions have entered a new …
National Padel Championship Concludes, Winners Announced
Albania’s national padel championship concluded today, highlighting the sport’s rapid growth in the country. Around 120 athletes competed over three days across multiple categories, showcasing high skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. The Albanian Padel Federation organized the event with support from the Albanian National Olympic Committee. Winners: Men’s Category 1: Alensio …
TIRANA, June 4 – Representatives of the Albanian Customs Administration took part in a regional meeting on firearms trafficking held on 2–3 June in Sarajevo. The event took place under the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) project. It also …
TIRANA, June 4 – Albania lost 0–1 to Israel in a friendly match at “Air Albania” stadium in Tirana. The result marked an unsuccessful start to the new era under Italian coach Rolando Maran. Maran started Anis Mehmeti in attack alongside Armando Broja and used Qazim Laçi in an advanced …
TIRANA, June 4 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi concluded a parliamentary diplomacy tour of the Baltic states with an official visit to Lithuania, where officials reaffirmed support for Albania’s European Union membership process and its bid to host a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in 2027. During meetings with Lithuanian …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj held a meeting with the head of the International Monetary Fund mission for Albania, Diego Cerdeiro, as part of regular consultations on economic and fiscal developments. During the meeting, both sides discussed the performance of the Albanian economy. They noted that it continues to show stable …
TIRANA, June 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said nature protection should not stand in opposition to development. He said both objectives can advance together through responsible planning and architecture. Rama made the remarks at the second edition of the Bread & Heart festival in Tirana. Speaking at the event, …
TIRANA, June 4 – Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the discovery of significant archaeological remains near Lushnja. He said specialists identified a new archaeological site in the village of Zgjana. According to Gonxhja, experts from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage worked with the Department of Archaeology …
TIRANA, June 4 – Albania’s Construction Cost Index rose 1.1% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, according to the INSTAT, Albania’s Institute of Statistics. According to the institute, higher labour costs drove the annual increase. The “Wage Expenses” group rose 4.8%. In …
TIRANA, June 4 – Tourism in Shkodër has recorded a significant increase in recent years, strengthening the local economy and boosting activity across hotels, gastronomy, trade and tourism services. According to the Director of Tourism at Shkodër Municipality, Renato Lumçi, visitor numbers rose by 30% in the first five months …
TIRANA, June 4 – The Tax Administration has set 5 June 2026 as the deadline for applications to the Fiscal Peace Agreement and called on taxpayers to meet all legal conditions. The procedure runs online through the “e-filing” system. Meanwhile, the process covers registered taxpayers, including individuals and business entities …
The fourth edition of the Tirana European Youth Film Festival starts today at the “Agimi” art center in the capital. The festival will bring several days of European films for young audiences and film lovers. The festival promotes contemporary European cinema, supports young filmmakers, and encourages cultural dialogue through film. …