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More than 24,000 patients are served by QSUNT’s Pathological Anatomy Laboratory

TIRANA, November 13 /ATSH/ – The Pathological Anatomy Laboratory at the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” (QSUNT) has expanded its diagnostic capacity to serve approximately 24,000 patients across Albania, utilizing advanced technology and modern diagnostic methods. Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu shared footage today of the work …

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Tropoja’s “Chestnut Hill”, an alpine doorway

TIRANA, November 13 /ATSH/ – Nestled among the chestnut groves of Tropoja, the “Chestnut Hill” agrotourism retreat has become one of the region’s premier destinations. Today, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared “magical” photos of the cloud-level property on social media, highlighting that its doors remain open to visitors. This agrotourism …

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Card payment interchange fees will be capped at 0.2% for debit and 0.3% for credit, starting January 1

TIRANA, November 13 /ATA/ – Interchange fees for card payments will be capped at 0.2% for debit cards and 0.3% for credit cards, starting from January 1, 2027. In a statement on social media, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj announced that this measure aims to reduce payment costs …

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New e-seals system launches at Porto Romano to boost fuel transport security and enhance transparency-Malaj

TIRANA, November 13 /ATSH/ – Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj, accompanied by Director General of the Customs Besmir Beja, paid a working visit to Porto Romano to mark the launch of the e-seals system—a new mechanism for monitoring and controlling the transport of goods under customs supervision. During the visit, …

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High Bank Fees Hamper Albania’s Crackdown on Cash

Albanian businesses are required by law to facilitate payments by card but complain of exorbitant bank fees. Original post Here

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Changes to sponsorship law: Gonxhja says businesses can deduct up to 30% of corporate income tax

The proposed amendments to Albania’s sponsorship law aim to encourage businesses to fund sports, arts and cultural activities through tax incentives, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today. Under the proposed scheme, businesses could deduct up to 30% of their corporate income tax through sponsorships of activities …

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EU integration: Albania amends agreement with German agency GIZ

The Albanian government today approved amendments to its agreement with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), which supports the country’s EU accession negotiations. The Council of Ministers approved Amendment No. 1 to the implementation agreement between the Ministry of Economy and Innovation and GIZ. The agreement forms part of …

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Helicopter crash in Turkey: Nufi offers condolences to victims’ families

Defence Minister Ermal Nufi today expressed his condolences following the deaths of four members of the Turkish Armed Forces in an S-70 helicopter crash in Malatya, Turkey. In a message posted on social media, Nufi expressed his sorrow over the tragic accident and extended his deepest sympathies to the victims’ …

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European Political Community Summit: Rama shares photo alongside European leaders

Prime Minister Edi Rama today shared a photo on social media from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing a group of European leaders and senior representatives walking down an escalator together. At the centre of the photo, Rama appears alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The European Political Community …

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Hoxha: Diplomacy must turn political relations into economic opportunities

Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has called for a stronger focus on economic diplomacy, highlighting its role in the country’s development and European Union integration. Hoxha made the remarks during a discussion at Ludovika University of Public Service in Budapest, where he presented Albania’s vision for …

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Rain across Albania on Friday, with winds reaching 30 m/s

Albania will experience unsettled weather on Friday, with cloud cover, rain and strong winds, mainly along the coast and in valleys. The Military Meteorological Service forecasts moderate to dense cloud cover, with occasional sunny intervals. Rain will begin in the early hours across most of the country, with light intensity …

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Draft law sets 15-day deadline for banks to answer customer complaints

The Ministry of Finance has opened public consultation on a draft law to strengthen financial supervision and consumer protection. The proposal would replace the banking law adopted in 2006 and align legislation with European Union standards. Under the draft, credit institutions must respond to customer complaints within 15 working days, …

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Chestnut Hill agritourism welcomes visitors to Tropoja

Chestnut Hill, nestled among Tropoja’s chestnut trees, has become one of the area’s leading agritourism businesses. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the venture on social media, describing its views above the clouds as magical. The guesthouse has 12 rooms and welcomes visitors from Europe, America, Singapore and Australia. …

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Kosova’s PM Kurti calls UK a special partner and ally

Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti met his British counterpart, Andy Burnham, at the conclusion of the European Political Community (EPC) meeting. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Kurti described the United Kingdom as a special partner and ally of the Republic of Kosova. Kurti expressed gratitude for Britain’s continued and …

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Police chiefs from Albania and Italy plan new strategy against organised crime

Albanian State Police Director General Skender Hita met senior Italian police officials in Rome to strengthen cooperation against criminal groups operating in both countries. He met Raffaele Grassi, Deputy Director General of Public Security and Central Director of Criminal Police, and General Nicola Massimo Masciulli, head of Italy’s Anti-Mafia Investigation …

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Exhibition in Elbasan Ethnographic Museum raises awareness against illegal trafficking of cultural heritage

The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Korçë and the Ethnographic Museum of Elbasan have organised an exhibition to raise awareness about the illegal trafficking of cultural property. The exhibition, titled “Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future – Heritage Belongs Where It Is”, opened ahead of the International Day against …

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Tirana marathon to bring traffic restrictions on Sunday

Tirana will host the 10th edition of the Tirana Marathon on Sunday, November 15. The event will restrict traffic on several main roads. The Tirana Municipality and State Police have prepared a joint plan to close some roads and divert vehicles. The restrictions will apply from 08:00 to 16:00 on …

News
Electronic seals introduced for fuel tankers to combat smuggling and tax evasion

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj has inspected the new electronic sealing system at Porto Romano. The system will apply to all tankers transporting hydrocarbons in Albania, covering the entire transport chain from entry points to exit points and enabling electronic monitoring of tanker movements. According to Malaj, the system will simplify …

News
Autumn adds new charm to Tirana, attracting more tourists

Autumn has brought a new atmosphere to Tirana. Its vibrant colours have added to the experience of visitors exploring the Albanian capital during the mild November days. Tourists can enjoy walks along the city’s main streets, visit cultural monuments and discover its museums. These activities make Tirana an attractive destination …

News
Korça’s leatherworking tradition passes from one generation to the next

Spiro Shaka, 28, is turning his family’s leatherworking tradition into a business in Korça. Raised in a family that has practised the craft for more than 20 years, he now runs a shop selling mainly leather bags, belts, wallets and a small collection of shoes. Through his business, Shaka aims …

News

Rain across Albania on Friday, with winds reaching 30 m/s

Albania will experience unsettled weather on Friday, with cloud cover, rain and strong winds, mainly along the coast and in valleys. The Military Meteorological Service forecasts moderate to dense cloud cover, with occasional sunny intervals. Rain will begin in the early hours across most of the country, with light intensity …

News

Draft law sets 15-day deadline for banks to answer customer complaints

The Ministry of Finance has opened public consultation on a draft law to strengthen financial supervision and consumer protection. The proposal would replace the banking law adopted in 2006 and align legislation with European Union standards. Under the draft, credit institutions must respond to customer complaints within 15 working days, …

News

Chestnut Hill agritourism welcomes visitors to Tropoja

Chestnut Hill, nestled among Tropoja’s chestnut trees, has become one of the area’s leading agritourism businesses. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the venture on social media, describing its views above the clouds as magical. The guesthouse has 12 rooms and welcomes visitors from Europe, America, Singapore and Australia. …

News

Kosova’s PM Kurti calls UK a special partner and ally

Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti met his British counterpart, Andy Burnham, at the conclusion of the European Political Community (EPC) meeting. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Kurti described the United Kingdom as a special partner and ally of the Republic of Kosova. Kurti expressed gratitude for Britain’s continued and …

News

Police chiefs from Albania and Italy plan new strategy against organised crime

Albanian State Police Director General Skender Hita met senior Italian police officials in Rome to strengthen cooperation against criminal groups operating in both countries. He met Raffaele Grassi, Deputy Director General of Public Security and Central Director of Criminal Police, and General Nicola Massimo Masciulli, head of Italy’s Anti-Mafia Investigation …

News

Exhibition in Elbasan Ethnographic Museum raises awareness against illegal trafficking of cultural heritage

The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Korçë and the Ethnographic Museum of Elbasan have organised an exhibition to raise awareness about the illegal trafficking of cultural property. The exhibition, titled “Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future – Heritage Belongs Where It Is”, opened ahead of the International Day against …

News

Tirana marathon to bring traffic restrictions on Sunday

Tirana will host the 10th edition of the Tirana Marathon on Sunday, November 15. The event will restrict traffic on several main roads. The Tirana Municipality and State Police have prepared a joint plan to close some roads and divert vehicles. The restrictions will apply from 08:00 to 16:00 on …

News

Electronic seals introduced for fuel tankers to combat smuggling and tax evasion

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj has inspected the new electronic sealing system at Porto Romano. The system will apply to all tankers transporting hydrocarbons in Albania, covering the entire transport chain from entry points to exit points and enabling electronic monitoring of tanker movements. According to Malaj, the system will simplify …

News

Autumn adds new charm to Tirana, attracting more tourists

Autumn has brought a new atmosphere to Tirana. Its vibrant colours have added to the experience of visitors exploring the Albanian capital during the mild November days. Tourists can enjoy walks along the city’s main streets, visit cultural monuments and discover its museums. These activities make Tirana an attractive destination …

News

Korça’s leatherworking tradition passes from one generation to the next

Spiro Shaka, 28, is turning his family’s leatherworking tradition into a business in Korça. Raised in a family that has practised the craft for more than 20 years, he now runs a shop selling mainly leather bags, belts, wallets and a small collection of shoes. Through his business, Shaka aims …