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Allowed illegal constructions, 12 officials, police officers and owners condemned

Twelve people have been sentenced for allowing construction without a permit in Lushnje. ABC News reporter Valbona Davidhi reports that among those convicted are two chief inspectors and two inspectors of IKMT. Gjergji Mwhilli, Isa Buzi, Kudret Sulo and Xhezmi Zlali were sentenced to 4 months in prison. “We are …

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Former mayor Fran Tuci, is released from prison

The former mayor of Fushe Arrezi Fran Tuci, convicted of abuse of duty, together with his two associates Durim Margjekaj and Ndoc Marku, is released from prison. Tuci has served the sentence of 1 year and 6 months with the time spent in custody. GJKKO accepted the request of the …

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AIIS brings ‘A Concise History of Greece’ in Albanian, Tirana event launches book with author and Greek Embassy

TIRANA, March 25, 2024 – A launch event for the Albanian language edition of “A Concise History of Greece” has generated wide interest in the book, which brings a detailed overview of modern Greece’s political, economic and social developments to local readers.  The latest edition of the book by renowned …

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Reflecting renewed emigration wave, remittances to Albania reached record high in 2023

TIRANA, March 28, 2024 – Money sent home by Albanians working abroad saw a significant increase in 2023, reaching the highest historical level since 2008, according to the latest data reported by Albania’s central bank.  Remittances were almost 930 million euros in 2023, with an 11.3 percent increase compared to …

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Albania’s sovereign credit rating upgraded by major int’l agency

TIRANA, March 26, 2024 – The Standard & Poor’s (S&P) credit rating agency, one of the three largest in the world, has upgraded Albania’s long-term sovereign credit rating by one notch, pushing it for the first time into ‘BB-‘ from ‘B+’. “The rating strengthens Albania’s external positions and brings tangible …

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“Gerderc” case, one of the witnesses refuses to testify

In the next hearing against the former Minister of Defense, Fatmir Mediu for the “Gërdeci” case, Mihal Delijorgji appeared to testify. ABC News journalist Ermal Vija reports that Delijorgji refused to give explanations, taking advantage of the right not to do something like that, because he was convicted in the …

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Jorgo Goro resigns as mayor of Himara

Jorgo Goro has resigned from the post of mayor of Himara. ABC Nea has obtained the letter addressed to the municipal council of Himara, dated March 25, Goro expresses gratitude for the 12 years he served the citizens while denying the accusations of abuse of office and falsification of documents. …

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Balluku: The economic development of the country is happening very fast

The Deputy Prime Minister, at the same time the Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Belinda Balluku says that the economic development of Albania is very fast and that the labor market requires professional people. During her speech at the Conference on Education and Vocational Training, Balluku stated that there is …

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“Vatra” e Luzatit reborn – descendants remember and respect the past

by Aleksandër Toti, Chief of Cabinet, Tepelena Municipality This weekend was unusual for Luzati, the beautiful village of Tepelena, as the opening of a museum-like spot was being inaugurated, namely VATRA, thus marking a rebirth of cultural and patriotic life and history. Sultan Novruz Day, known as the New Day …

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Three arrested and one under investigation for gambling

Three people have been arrested and another has been put under investigation for the criminal offense of “Organizing or practicing gambling activities in violation of the law”. According to the police, these persons, aged 51, 44, 41 and 45 years old, practiced the illegal activity of gambling in a bar. …

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Albania’s EU bid faces IBAR delay

Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Albania’s path toward European Union membership has entered a more uncertain phase as discussions over a key assessment report remain unfinished, exposing a gap between technical progress in reforms and the political consensus required among member states to move forward. At the center of …

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Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy

By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama recently declared that he feels offended by the widespread assumption that his government is systemically corrupt, offering as a counterargument that this “cannot be true” because the country is experiencing economic growth. This is an unconvincing argument. …

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Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens

Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Serbia’s path toward European Union membership is facing renewed uncertainty amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, rule of law deficiencies, …

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Dirty Money in the Skyline: Albania’s Tower Boom and the Laundering of Criminal Wealth

From towers to “new pyramids”: how money from organized crime, international drug trafficking and entrenched corruption is reshaping Tirana while leaving behind empty buildings, distorted prices and a deeper threat to Albania’s future. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – The forest of cranes and high rise towers that now dominates …

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Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë

Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …

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Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games

Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …

News
Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”

The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …

News
Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …

News
Edi Rama: No Compromise on Food Safety for EU Integration

Edi Rama said there will be no compromise on food safety. He spoke in Berat with olive oil producers. First, he highlighted food safety as a key condition for EU integration. He said standards must match those of the European Union. Then, he warned producers. He said non-compliant products will …

News
Delina Ibrahimaj said investment and cooperation in agro-processing are key for exports and EU integration

She spoke during a visit to an olive oil processing business. Edi Rama and other cabinet members were present. First, she stressed higher standards in production. She said agriculture and agro-processing must improve to enter the EU market. Then, she highlighted a new model of cooperation. Over 70 olive oil …

News

Albania’s EU bid faces IBAR delay

Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Albania’s path toward European Union membership has entered a more uncertain phase as discussions over a key assessment report remain unfinished, exposing a gap between technical progress in reforms and the political consensus required among member states to move forward. At the center of …

News

Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy

By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama recently declared that he feels offended by the widespread assumption that his government is systemically corrupt, offering as a counterargument that this “cannot be true” because the country is experiencing economic growth. This is an unconvincing argument. …

News

Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens

Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Serbia’s path toward European Union membership is facing renewed uncertainty amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, rule of law deficiencies, …

News

Dirty Money in the Skyline: Albania’s Tower Boom and the Laundering of Criminal Wealth

From towers to “new pyramids”: how money from organized crime, international drug trafficking and entrenched corruption is reshaping Tirana while leaving behind empty buildings, distorted prices and a deeper threat to Albania’s future. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – The forest of cranes and high rise towers that now dominates …

News

Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë

Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …

News

Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games

Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …

News

Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”

The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …

News

Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …

News

Edi Rama: No Compromise on Food Safety for EU Integration

Edi Rama said there will be no compromise on food safety. He spoke in Berat with olive oil producers. First, he highlighted food safety as a key condition for EU integration. He said standards must match those of the European Union. Then, he warned producers. He said non-compliant products will …

News

Delina Ibrahimaj said investment and cooperation in agro-processing are key for exports and EU integration

She spoke during a visit to an olive oil processing business. Edi Rama and other cabinet members were present. First, she stressed higher standards in production. She said agriculture and agro-processing must improve to enter the EU market. Then, she highlighted a new model of cooperation. Over 70 olive oil …