Albania’s two largest parties reach deal on electoral reform, face criticism
TIRANA, July 25, 2024 – Albania’s two largest political parties — the ruling Socialist Party and the main opposition Democratic Party — have reached a deal to make significant changes to the country’s electoral code ahead of next year’s parliamentary elections. Key changes include only partially opening candidate lists so …
Cooperation against crime with Montenegro, more than 11 thousand cannabis roots are destroyed
The operation “Bjeshket”, carried out in cooperation with the Albanian police and the police of Montenegro, is finalized. The director of the Shkodra Police, Edmond Sulaj, in a communication to the media, emphasized that hundreds of thousands of cannabis plants were destroyed by this operation. Accordingly, during this action, 11,358 …
Qatar Square to serve as Tirana’s newest hub and vital part of New Boulevard project
TIRANA, July 24, 2024 – The Qatar Fund for Development (QFFD) has signed a grant agreement with the Municipality of Tirana to establish Qatar Square, a significant development in the heart of Albania’s capital. The €11 million project, to be built on 23,700 square meters, aims to transform the end …
Accused of bribery of 25,000 to influence the judges, SPAK closes investigations for lawyer Petraq Semani
The Special Prosecutor’s Office has closed the investigations and submitted the file of lawyer Petraq Semani for trial. The investigation showed that Petraq Semani, as the legal defender of the citizen Llazar Dine, asked the citizens Llazar Dine and Sidorela Dine for the monetary amount of 25,000 Euros, after he …
Money laundering/ General Prosecutor’s Office charges against an Albanian and three foreigners
Illegal money laundering scheme in Spain revealed. The Prosecutor’s Office of Tirana has completed the investigations and is charging an Albanian citizen and three foreigners. It is about the Albanian citizen Jozefina Gjoni, and the three foreign citizens Saverio Ciampi, Claudio Cuchi and Manrico Erriu. From the investigations carried out …
A 33-year-old man arrested for drug trafficking from Italy
A 33-year-old man declared internationally wanted by Italy was arrested this Thursday morning in Fier. The young man is accused of participating in a structured criminal group for drug trafficking. His arrest was made with the purpose of extradition to Italy. “The services of the Fier Police Station, following the …
Promised Land: Hope and Illusion Characterise Kosovo’s Love Affair with Albania
During the turbulent 20th Century, many Kosovo Albanians looked at Albania as a land of hope and promise. Then they visited. Original post Here
Balkan Countries Eye Potential Medals at Paris Olympics
As Balkan teams descend on Paris for the 2024 summer Olympics, their countries are pinning their highest hopes of success on those sports in which they have traditionally excelled. Original post Here
Ongoing heatwave negatively impacting Albania, region
TIRANA, July 24, 2024 – A scorching heatwave has gripped Albania and southern Europe this month, affecting daily life and businesses across the country. Health concerns for the most vulnerable, a series of wildfires, and slow business in the services sector during the hot daytime hours are some of the …
Two arrested for sexual abuse with a minor
The police of Maliqi have arrested a 41-year-old and a 26-year-old, as they are accused of sexually abusing a minor for several months. It was the girl who accepted this event near the blue uniforms, after her mother filed a complaint at the police station. The two arrested are in …
New tax relief measures reduced state revenue from inheritance and property gifts in 2025. First, authorities expanded tax exemptions. As a result, revenue dropped sharply. Data from the General Directorate of Taxes show collections at 16.2 million lekë in 2025. This marks a fall from 35.8 million lekë in 2024. …
Hekurudha Shqiptare has opened a procurement procedure for the detailed design and construction of the Rinas airport railway station. The project is part of the Tirana–Durrës–Rinas rail line. The allocated budget for this phase stands at around 91.6 million lekë. The authority says the new station is essential to improve …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Cyber Operations Centre, part of the Cyber and Communications Command at the Ministry of Defence. He assessed progress in building cyber defence capabilities. He said the country has made significant advances in protecting defence ministry and armed forces infrastructure. He praised the results achieved …
The Tax Administration has approved a sectoral plan for tourism in 2026 aimed at reducing informality and increasing tax compliance. The plan introduces eight key measures to strengthen control, improve reporting, and increase revenue collection in the tourism sector. First, authorities will increase declared turnover compared to 2025. They will …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said technology is creating new opportunities for young people to access the global job market. He spoke during a discussion with young people in Gjirokastër. He focused on innovation, employment, and entrepreneurship. First, he said the government aims to increase funding for startup programs. At the …
TIRANA, May 6 – Prishtina hosts a full day of commemorative, cultural, and academic events in honour of George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, the national hero of Albanians. The programme brings together citizens, scholars, and delegations from Albanian territories and the Arbëresh diaspora from Italy. The organisation “Shqiptaria” [Albanian-ness] coordinates the activities. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the “Alegria” enterprise in Gjirokastër. He described it as a strong example of Albanian family business success and the potential of “Made in Albania” products abroad. He said the company has multiplied its exports tenfold in recent years. It has expanded into markets such as …
Former Speaker of Parliament Servet Pëllumbi has died at the age of 89. He co-founded the Socialist Party of Albania. He shaped the country’s democratic transition. Colleagues respected his integrity and leadership. He was born in Korça. He studied at the University of Saint Petersburg. He earned a PhD in …
Prime Minister Edi Rama urged unity to safeguard Albania’s EU accession process. He warned against any attempt to derail it. First, he spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Gjirokastër. There, he focused on EU integration. He described negotiations as tough and complex. Next, he stressed that a dedicated team …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted to the death of former Speaker Servet Pëllumbi. He expressed sorrow and paid tribute. “Farewell, dear professor,” Rama wrote. He shared a photo of Pëllumbi on social media. Servet Pëllumbi died today at the age of 89. He served as Speaker of Parliament from 2002 …