Tourist season/ State Police: 378 arrested, 25 of them in the wanted list
The State Police has made the balance of the month, helping for a tourist season as safe as possible. It is known that 378 citizens were arrested and 25 of them were wanted internationally. So far, the Traffic Police has arrested 143 drivers, of which 104 for driving while intoxicated …
Independence of USA, Begaj: We share friendship and strengthened partnership towards democratic values
President Bajram Begaj congratulated July 4, the day of US Independence. In a post on social networks, Begaj emphasizes the joint commitment between Albania and the USA as strategic allies. “Albania and the U.S. share a friendship and partnership strengthened by a common commitment to democratic values. Together, as strategic …
Former Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj arrested
The former Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj, was arrested this Thursday. ABC News reporter Ermal Vija reports that Beqaj was arrested for embezzling funds from the State Agency for Strategic Program and Aid Coordination, also known as SASPAC. Regarding this file, a few months ago, several checks were carried out …
CEC postpones the decision on the validity for the mandate of Fredi Beleri
Central Election Commission (CEC) has postponed the decision regarding the validity of the mandate of the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri. “Regarding the time, I don’t believe we have the opportunity to do it today. We can probably organize it, it doesn’t have to come from the place of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, tribute to renowned writer Ismail Kadare
Tributes are being held in honor of Ismail Kadare, the well-known Albanian writer. Prime Minister Edi Rama, in the speech he is giving to the audience, said that Kadare feels protected by Mother Teresa, referring to the installation of the Albanian saint that stands next to the archmort of the …
25 police officers in Korça suspended for abuse with Frontex funds
Korça Prosecutor’s Office is criminally prosecuting 25 employees of the Korça Police Department and the Border and Migration Directorate. On the other hand, the court decides the suspension from duty of these employees. According to the Korca prosecutor’s office, the police officers are accused of abusing the funds in terms …
Chronicles and Fragments
The novels of Ismail Kadare. By James Wood Like Trieste or Lvov, the medieval city of Gjirokastër, in southern Albania, has passed its history beneath a sign perpetually rewritten, in different hands, but always with the same words: “Under New Management.” It enters the historical record in 1336, as a Byzantine …
A phone call not every writer wants
By Kristoffer Leandoer Every year he waits in vain by the phone on this very day, and a whole nation waits with him. Every year the Albanian people are equally surprised that Ismail Kadare has been passed over once again. The recently published “A dictator calls” (Counterpoint LLC), makes full use of …
Tribute to Ismail Kadare, state ceremony in honor of the well-known writer
Tributes have begun at the National Theater of Opera and Ballet in honor of the writer Ismail Kadare, who passed away at the age of 88. Helena Kadare, the wife of the late writer, arrived at the theater accompanied by the mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj. The highest heads of …
Anti-drug operation with France/ GJKKO leaves in prison the arrested
GJKKO has left in prison the three people arrested as part of a criminal group that operated in the French state for drug trafficking. Redian Doda, who is also considered the leader of the group, as well as Zabit Fisniku and Fabi Isaku, all three arrested in Albania, will remain …
SASPAC has launched a new online platform. The website is now accessible to the public. The platform brings together all foreign assistance data in Albania. It presents transparent and structured information. Users can find details on EU IPA programmes and funding. The site also lists donors, partners and implementing institutions. …
TIRANA, April 28 – Albanian composer Aleksandër Lalo (1949–2017), born on 27 April 1949, remains a key figure in the country’s film music tradition. He would have turned 77 years old. His work shaped Albanian cinema across several decades. He developed a distinctive musical language that combined emotional depth with …
Rustem Gjata, former head of the Constitutional Court, has died. His son, lawyer Çlirim Gjata, shared the news on social media. Rustem Gjata won a seat as a Democratic Party MP in the first pluralist elections in 1992. He helped draft the law on the Constitutional Court as a member …
President Bajram Begaj attended the 11th Three Seas Initiative summit in Dubrovnik, Croatia. He called for tangible results to speed up regional economic development and EU integration. He said the Western Balkans is now a strategic front for Europe. Begaj described the initiative as a success story. He said it …
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka met German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider. They discussed Albania’s progress in EU negotiations. Talks focused on Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change. The German minister expressed full support for Albania’s EU path. He confirmed strong partnership in advancing reforms and …
Andreas Schieder praised Albania’s progress in EU integration. He said negotiations could close by 2027–2028. He highlighted major reforms, especially in justice. He described them as among the deepest in the Western Balkans. Schieder said Albania has changed dramatically for the better. He stressed the need to present this progress …
Speaker Niko Peleshi met Irish MP Barry Ward in Dublin. They discussed Albania’s achievements and challenges in the EU accession process. Talks also focused on Ireland’s continued support. The meeting addressed Ireland’s upcoming EU Council Presidency from July to December 2026. Peleshi said Albania’s visible progress strengthens confidence in EU …
Silvio Gonzato highlights EU–Albania cultural partnership in Durrës museum reopening Silvio Gonzato said the EU and Albania strengthened their partnership through the reopening of the Archaeological Museum of Durrës. He stated that the EU4Culture programme restored the museum. He added that the project supports cultural revival and post-2019 earthquake recovery. …
Edi Rama said the Archaeological Museum of Durrës reopens after major restoration under the EU4Culture programme. He stated that the European Union has supported the restoration of 23 cultural heritage sites in Albania. Moreover, he highlighted the strong cooperation between Albania and the EU after the 2019 earthquake. He said …
Speaking at the joint meeting of the High Judicial Council and the High Prosecutorial Council, Minister of Justice Toni Gogu warned that the justice system will be measured by the results it delivers for citizens, highlighting one of the main issues—delays of up to three years in providing reasoned court decisions. “There …