Blog
News

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”> …

Read More
News

“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 …

Read More
News

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 …

Read More
News

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 …

Read More
News

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 …

Read More
News

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 …

Read More
News

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 …

Read More
News

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 …

Read More
News

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

Read More
News

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 …

Read More
News
Rama meets Wendt, U.S. Embassy: A strong partnership is measured by what two nations achieve together

The U.S. Embassy has issued a statement regarding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s meeting on Wednesday with the new U.S. Ambassador, Eric Wendt. The Embassy shared images from the meeting, stating that a strong partnership is measured by what two nations achieve together. In its post, the Embassy said that Rama …

News
Ursula von der Leyen in Tirana, welcomed by Rama with an official ceremony

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was welcomed by Prime Minister Edi Rama with an official ceremony at midday on Wednesday, as part of her visit to Tirana. Von der Leyen arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office, where she was received by the head of the Albanian government. Her …

News
U.S. State Department Report on Albania: Foreign Investment Rises, but Corruption and Informality Remain Concerns

The U.S. Department of State has published its 2026 report on Albania’s investment climate, highlighting challenges related to corruption, organized crime, money laundering, property rights and competition. The 40-page report notes that despite the increase in foreign investment, investors continue to face a lack of transparency, informality, difficulties in contract …

News
Skender Hita Attends European Police Chiefs Convention: Cooperation with International Partners

Director General of the Albanian State Police, Skender Hita, attended the European Police Chiefs Convention (EPCC). Ahead of the conference, Director Hita was received in a separate meeting by Europol’s Acting Executive Director, Jürgen Ebner. Also present at the meeting was the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the …

News
Will Albania’s Handling of ‘Flamingo’ Protests Affect its EU Accession Progress?

The anti-government protests that rocked Albania this summer will not jeopardise its EU membership prospects – but will feed into a broader assessment of Tirana’s respect for democracy and that rule of law. Original post Here

News
Demo meets Director for Western Balkans Superti: Chapters 24 and 22 in focus as Albania presses ahead toward its 2027 goal

Interior Minister Ervin Demo met with Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement, to discuss Albania’s progress toward EU membership. Their first meeting focused on the final milestones for Chapter 24, “Justice, Freedom and Security,” and Chapter 22, “Regional Policy and Coordination of …

News
Albania Customs Administration publishes new manual to standardize customs valuation practices

Albania’s Customs Administration has published the “Customs Valuation Manual”, a practical guide designed to standardize procedures and ensure the consistent application of rules for determining the value of goods for customs purposes. The manual brings together the relevant legal framework and customs valuation methods. It also addresses issues that customs …

News
Minister Gogu presents Criminal Procedure Code changes: Pre-trial detention should remain exceptional; Electronic monitoring to start by next spring

Justice Minister Toni Gogu, together with the Council of Europe, presented proposed amendments to Albania’s Criminal Procedure Code today. The initiative launches a public consultation on a broad reform of criminal procedures. The proposals focus on pre-trial detention, alternatives to imprisonment, stronger safeguards and the protection of individual rights. In …

News
Parliament honors Vendim Kapaj: Albanian traditional sounds featured in Nolan’s “The Odyssey”

On National Cultural Heritage Day, the Albanian Parliament expressed its appreciation for everyone who works to preserve and pass on the country’s cultural heritage from one generation to the next. In a social media post, Parliament highlighted the work of Vendim Kapaj, who holds the title “Grand Master” and has …

News
Finance Minister Malaj meets IMF mission: Significant improvements in public investment planning and management

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission assessing public investment efficiency (PIMA), led by Ian Hawkesworth. The meeting focused on the IMF’s findings and assessment of Albania’s public investment efficiency. The IMF plans to publish the full report soon. During the meeting, participants highlighted Albania’s …

News

Rama meets Wendt, U.S. Embassy: A strong partnership is measured by what two nations achieve together

The U.S. Embassy has issued a statement regarding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s meeting on Wednesday with the new U.S. Ambassador, Eric Wendt. The Embassy shared images from the meeting, stating that a strong partnership is measured by what two nations achieve together. In its post, the Embassy said that Rama …

News

Ursula von der Leyen in Tirana, welcomed by Rama with an official ceremony

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was welcomed by Prime Minister Edi Rama with an official ceremony at midday on Wednesday, as part of her visit to Tirana. Von der Leyen arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office, where she was received by the head of the Albanian government. Her …

News

U.S. State Department Report on Albania: Foreign Investment Rises, but Corruption and Informality Remain Concerns

The U.S. Department of State has published its 2026 report on Albania’s investment climate, highlighting challenges related to corruption, organized crime, money laundering, property rights and competition. The 40-page report notes that despite the increase in foreign investment, investors continue to face a lack of transparency, informality, difficulties in contract …

News

Skender Hita Attends European Police Chiefs Convention: Cooperation with International Partners

Director General of the Albanian State Police, Skender Hita, attended the European Police Chiefs Convention (EPCC). Ahead of the conference, Director Hita was received in a separate meeting by Europol’s Acting Executive Director, Jürgen Ebner. Also present at the meeting was the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the …

News

Will Albania’s Handling of ‘Flamingo’ Protests Affect its EU Accession Progress?

The anti-government protests that rocked Albania this summer will not jeopardise its EU membership prospects – but will feed into a broader assessment of Tirana’s respect for democracy and that rule of law. Original post Here

News

Demo meets Director for Western Balkans Superti: Chapters 24 and 22 in focus as Albania presses ahead toward its 2027 goal

Interior Minister Ervin Demo met with Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement, to discuss Albania’s progress toward EU membership. Their first meeting focused on the final milestones for Chapter 24, “Justice, Freedom and Security,” and Chapter 22, “Regional Policy and Coordination of …

News

Albania Customs Administration publishes new manual to standardize customs valuation practices

Albania’s Customs Administration has published the “Customs Valuation Manual”, a practical guide designed to standardize procedures and ensure the consistent application of rules for determining the value of goods for customs purposes. The manual brings together the relevant legal framework and customs valuation methods. It also addresses issues that customs …

News

Minister Gogu presents Criminal Procedure Code changes: Pre-trial detention should remain exceptional; Electronic monitoring to start by next spring

Justice Minister Toni Gogu, together with the Council of Europe, presented proposed amendments to Albania’s Criminal Procedure Code today. The initiative launches a public consultation on a broad reform of criminal procedures. The proposals focus on pre-trial detention, alternatives to imprisonment, stronger safeguards and the protection of individual rights. In …

News

Parliament honors Vendim Kapaj: Albanian traditional sounds featured in Nolan’s “The Odyssey”

On National Cultural Heritage Day, the Albanian Parliament expressed its appreciation for everyone who works to preserve and pass on the country’s cultural heritage from one generation to the next. In a social media post, Parliament highlighted the work of Vendim Kapaj, who holds the title “Grand Master” and has …

News

Finance Minister Malaj meets IMF mission: Significant improvements in public investment planning and management

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission assessing public investment efficiency (PIMA), led by Ian Hawkesworth. The meeting focused on the IMF’s findings and assessment of Albania’s public investment efficiency. The IMF plans to publish the full report soon. During the meeting, participants highlighted Albania’s …