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Himara towards the elections/ CEC: Fredi Beleri’s term is invalid!

Alfred Beleri loses his mandate as mayor of Himara. At this Friday’s meeting, the CEC decided to declare the mandate invalid The Special Court for Corruption and Organized Crime found the elected mayor of Himara Municipality, Fredi Beleri, guilty of active corruption in the elections and sentenced him to 2 …

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Opening of Llogora tunnel on friday

Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared views from the Acrisa tunnel, which will be opened this Friday. In a Facebook post, the head of government says it’s a historic feat that will forever change the journey to the south. “Good morning and with the Llogara tunnel, one of the historical …

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The hearing session for former minister Ilir Beqaj is postponed

24 hours were not enough for the legal defenders of Ilir Beqaj to familiarize themselves with the file of the special prosecution for his arrest. In the session that started at 09:00, they asked for time to familiarize themselves with the file in question, which led to the postponement of …

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Beleri: “I know that the mandate as mayor is expired”

While the CEC is discussing Fredi Beleri’s mandate, he said that it is clear that his mandate as mayor of Himara has ended, but he does not want the elections to be held in August. He emphasized that as he came to the meeting of the CEC, he could now …

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Western Balkans Six Need to Work Together for Sake of EU Enlargement

After Ukraine and Moldova started membership negotiations, would-be members of the EU in the Balkans need to take an ‘all for one and one for all’ approach to accession – or risk remaining stuck in the waiting room. Original post Here

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Analysis: Bells toll for Albania’s demographics as census results confirm corrosive effects of massive emigration

TIRANA, July 4, 2024 – The much anticipated and much delayed results of the 2023 Census are out in Albania, confirming a massive population decline in 12 years and a worsening of all demographic indicators.  Albania’s population shrank by almost 14 percent, losing about 429,000 residents. The country is also …

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Bank of Albania shifts policy, cutting key rate by 0.25% to 3%

TIRANA, July 4, 2024 – The Bank of Albania has shifted direction for the first time since March 2022, easing its monetary policy by reducing the key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points. The Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania decided to lower the base interest rate to 3.0 …

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Albania Former Health Minister Detained Over Misused EU Funds

Former Health Minister Ilir Beqaj was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of abusing EU funds, Albania’s Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organised Crime, SPAK, announced. Original post Here

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Ilir Beqaj, high Socialist official mired in corruption investigations, arrested for abuse of EU funds 

TIRANA, July 4, 2024 – Ilir Beqaj, Albania’s former minister of health who has a history of holding important position in the ruling Socialist Party, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of involvement in a corruption scheme to profit from funds from the Agency for the Coordination of Foreign Aid and …

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Share Your Experience: Corruption in Albania’s Health Sector

Have you been asked to transfer your treatment from a public to a private hospital? Do you suspect that healthcare staff are illicitly profiting from your treatment? Have you been asked for a bribe by a medical professional? Tell us your story. Original post Here

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Edi Rama: “Arbëri” winery promotes Albanian wine abroad for 25 years

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the Kantina Arbëri winery. He said it has represented Albanian wine in international markets for 25 years. The family-run business in Mirditë produces autochthonous wines. International media have rated its wines highly and increased its global visibility. Rama said public support helped expand the investment. …

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Fuel price cap lowered, diesel set at no more than 203 Lek per litre

TIRANA, April 29 – The Price Transparency Board has set new ceiling prices for petroleum products. The new prices enter into force today at 11:30. The board approves the decision at its latest meeting. It lowers the retail price of standard diesel (SSH EN 590) to a maximum of 203 …

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Research funding tripled as Albania aligns reforms with European Union directives

TIRANA, April 29 – Following the Thursday’s government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presented the latest decisions at a press conference. She said European Union integration remains a key priority for Albania. In this context, she announced that the budget for scientific research has tripled. Kumbaro stated that the …

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Tax relief, social security deal and record foreign investment highlighted by Finance Minister

TIRANA, April 29 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented three key developments following the government meeting, focusing on fiscal reforms, international agreements, and foreign investment growth. He said the process of debt cancellation and fiscal reconciliation will begin within May. He explained that secondary legislation is in its final stage. …

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Government backs “After School” programme, doubles pay for teachers and expands participation

TIRANA, April 29 – Following a government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presents new decisions. She focuses on the “After School” programme. She says the initiative has developed in different formats for over a decade. She adds that the programme will now expand further to give students more opportunities. …

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Blendi Gonxhja: Durrës Archaeological Museum showcases 3,200 artefacts in renewed exhibition spaces

Blendi Gonxhja highlights transformation of Durrës museum Blendi Gonxhja said the Archaeological Museum of Durrës now displays over 3,200 artefacts. He added that the museum presents Albania’s ancient history in modern, restructured pavillions. Moreover, he said new technologies allow visitors to experience a “journey through time.” In addition, he emphasized …

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Vlorë: Spring “postcard” views attract tourists between sea and sky

Vlorë looks like a spring postcard at the end of April. The city combines clear blue skies with calm seas. Although the beach season has not officially started, visitors continue to arrive. They enjoy the sunshine and even swim in the sea. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo from …

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Fincantieri–Kayo agreement signed for naval production in Vlora, PM Rama says first two ships will strengthen Albanian Navy

TIRANA, April 29 – A cooperation agreement between Italian company Fincantieri and company KAYO marks a step toward the modernization of the Albanian Armed Forces. The project focuses on the construction of military vessels in the Vlora Bay Naval Base naval base. The agreement establishes a new company that will …

News
Fire safety inspection plan launched in Tirana after apartment blaze

TIRANA, April 29 – The acting Mayor of Tirana, Anuela Ristani, meets emergency structures, municipal police, and fire service teams. The meeting follows a fire in an apartment building in the “Farmacia 10” area, where 71 apartments burned. Ristani praises the coordinated response of all structures. She says the quick …

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Marubi Museum joins Milan-based international photography network

TIRANA, April 29 – The National Museum of Photography “Marubi” joins Rete Fotografia, an international network based in Milan that brings together institutions and organisations active in the field of photography. The museum describes the membership as an important development for Albanian photography. It highlights new opportunities for international visibility …

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Edi Rama: “Arbëri” winery promotes Albanian wine abroad for 25 years

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the Kantina Arbëri winery. He said it has represented Albanian wine in international markets for 25 years. The family-run business in Mirditë produces autochthonous wines. International media have rated its wines highly and increased its global visibility. Rama said public support helped expand the investment. …

News

Fuel price cap lowered, diesel set at no more than 203 Lek per litre

TIRANA, April 29 – The Price Transparency Board has set new ceiling prices for petroleum products. The new prices enter into force today at 11:30. The board approves the decision at its latest meeting. It lowers the retail price of standard diesel (SSH EN 590) to a maximum of 203 …

News

Research funding tripled as Albania aligns reforms with European Union directives

TIRANA, April 29 – Following the Thursday’s government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presented the latest decisions at a press conference. She said European Union integration remains a key priority for Albania. In this context, she announced that the budget for scientific research has tripled. Kumbaro stated that the …

News

Tax relief, social security deal and record foreign investment highlighted by Finance Minister

TIRANA, April 29 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented three key developments following the government meeting, focusing on fiscal reforms, international agreements, and foreign investment growth. He said the process of debt cancellation and fiscal reconciliation will begin within May. He explained that secondary legislation is in its final stage. …

News

Government backs “After School” programme, doubles pay for teachers and expands participation

TIRANA, April 29 – Following a government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presents new decisions. She focuses on the “After School” programme. She says the initiative has developed in different formats for over a decade. She adds that the programme will now expand further to give students more opportunities. …

News

Blendi Gonxhja: Durrës Archaeological Museum showcases 3,200 artefacts in renewed exhibition spaces

Blendi Gonxhja highlights transformation of Durrës museum Blendi Gonxhja said the Archaeological Museum of Durrës now displays over 3,200 artefacts. He added that the museum presents Albania’s ancient history in modern, restructured pavillions. Moreover, he said new technologies allow visitors to experience a “journey through time.” In addition, he emphasized …

News

Vlorë: Spring “postcard” views attract tourists between sea and sky

Vlorë looks like a spring postcard at the end of April. The city combines clear blue skies with calm seas. Although the beach season has not officially started, visitors continue to arrive. They enjoy the sunshine and even swim in the sea. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo from …

News

Fincantieri–Kayo agreement signed for naval production in Vlora, PM Rama says first two ships will strengthen Albanian Navy

TIRANA, April 29 – A cooperation agreement between Italian company Fincantieri and company KAYO marks a step toward the modernization of the Albanian Armed Forces. The project focuses on the construction of military vessels in the Vlora Bay Naval Base naval base. The agreement establishes a new company that will …

News

Fire safety inspection plan launched in Tirana after apartment blaze

TIRANA, April 29 – The acting Mayor of Tirana, Anuela Ristani, meets emergency structures, municipal police, and fire service teams. The meeting follows a fire in an apartment building in the “Farmacia 10” area, where 71 apartments burned. Ristani praises the coordinated response of all structures. She says the quick …

News

Marubi Museum joins Milan-based international photography network

TIRANA, April 29 – The National Museum of Photography “Marubi” joins Rete Fotografia, an international network based in Milan that brings together institutions and organisations active in the field of photography. The museum describes the membership as an important development for Albanian photography. It highlights new opportunities for international visibility …