Rama Responds Again on Zvërnec: “It Is Not the Eyes That See, but the Mind”
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted once again on Wednesday to the ongoing debate and protests against the development project in Zvërnec, publishing a lengthy statement defending both the project and the investors involved. “IT IS NOT THE EYES THAT SEE, BUT THE MIND” Two projects already completed by the very same co-investors behind …
Latvia reaffirms support for Albania’s European Union path, Speaker Peleshi says
TIRANA, June 3 – Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi continued his Baltic parliamentary diplomacy tour with an official visit to Latvia, where he met Speaker of the Latvian Parliament (Saeima) Daiga Mieriņa. The two officials discussed bilateral relations, Albania’s European Union accession process, European and Euro-Atlantic security, support for Ukraine, …
Albanian lawmakers attend regional security and defence committees meeting in Zagreb
TIRANA, June 3 – Members of Albania’s Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence, Agron Malaj and Bujar Rexha, took part in the annual meeting of parliamentary security and defence committees from Southeast European countries in Zagreb, Croatia. The Croatian Parliament organised the event with RACVIAC (Centre for Security Cooperation), …
Finance Minister Malaj: Albanian Development Bank to finance up to €1 billion in investments
TIRANA, June 3 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj outlined plans for the Albanian Development Bank after a government meeting. The new financial institution will support strategic sectors of the economy and key development projects. Malaj said the bank will start with an initial capital of €100 million. He added that …
Prime Minister Rama says Zvërnec land funds cleared after verification, warns of hybrid influence activity
TIRANA, June 3 – The government said it completed verification of funds used for the purchase of land in Zvërnec. It said investors passed financial checks. However, it said payments to the seller remain frozen due to a separate judicial process. Prime Minister Edi Rama made the announcement after a …
Costa Visits Kosovo, Meets Haxhiu and Kurti
President of the European Council, António Costa, visited Kosovo as part of his Western Balkans tour. First, Costa met acting President Albulena Haxhiu in Pristina. The two officials discussed issues of mutual interest and Kosovo’s European path. Afterward, Costa held talks with acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti. Meanwhile, the European …
Program ‘Double Your Enterprise’ launches July 1 with €250 mln fund for businesses
TIRANA, June 3 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the government will launch the “Double Your Enterprise” programme on July 1. The scheme aims to support Albanian businesses through new financing opportunities. Ibrahimaj said the Bank of Albania has made €250 million available for the programme. In addition, …
“Vlora Airport Will Be Built and Become Operational” – Karakaçi: Companies Given 30 Days to Resolve Their Dispute
The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Enena Karakaçi, stated to the media following the government meeting that the ministry has given the contracting companies responsible for the construction of Vlora International Airport a 30-day deadline to resolve their commercial dispute. Karakaçi emphasized that Vlora Airport will be completed and become operational according to …
Rama on Zvërnec: Luxury Resorts Bring High Revenue to the Country, the Project Will Not Be Cancelled
Following the government meeting this Wednesday, Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed the media, also commenting on the construction of the resort in Zvërnec. Rama stated that resorts are among the main drivers of a country’s economic development and that he will not cancel the project. “I have to deal with people who say, …
“Property’s Origin Is Now in SPAK’s Hands” – Rama on Zvërnec: This Will Put an End to Any Speculation That Project Is Not Based on the Law
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke at a press conference regarding the construction project in the Zvërnec area, following the protests that have taken place there. Rama described the land purchase transaction as a positive development and stressed that anyone claiming ownership of the property will be subject to investigation. “What I want to talk …
Prime Minister Edi Rama described the Hague verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders as a painful moment for Kosovo and Albanians. He spoke during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama said he struggled to find the right words. He said the Hague decision felt like …
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the role of the Albanian diaspora and the importance of democratic coexistence during his meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama also addressed calls by some community members to protest during his visit to the United States. He said they have the right to …
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted new steps to strengthen Albania’s ties with its diaspora during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. He also announced that Albania will soon open a consulate in Detroit. Rama recalled that Albanians living abroad voted in Albania’s parliamentary elections for the first time …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with US Congressman Mike Lawler in New York. They discussed developments in Kosovo, focusing on the Kosovo Specialist Chambers’ verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders. Lawler serves on the US House Foreign Affairs Committee and chairs its Subcommittee on the Middle East …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa held her first meeting with Ilir Rusi, head of the High Judicial Council (HJC). They discussed the importance of judicial independence and efficiency in Albania’s justice reform. In a social media post, Moreira de Sousa highlighted the HJC’s key role in judicial …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the European Union’s support for the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). She described SPAK’s work as essential to strengthening the rule of law in Albania. Moreira de Sousa held her first meeting with SPAK head Klodjan Braho. …
The Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, chaired by Igli Hasani, held its latest meeting and approved three bills. The committee reviewed the bills in its capacity as a consultative body. The discussions focused first on the bill “On the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.” Deputy Finance Minister …
The Light Infantry Battalion Group has been certified “Mission Capable” after completing an evaluation during the “Shield of the Arbër-26” military exercise at the Biza training area. President Bajram Begaj, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, commanders, NATO representatives, military attachés and other …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with members of the diaspora, US entrepreneurs and American politicians during his visit to the United States. They discussed opportunities to attract US investment to Kosovo and the diaspora’s role in facilitating these investments. Kurti highlighted the long-standing contribution of Kosovo’s diaspora in the …
Strengthening customs cooperation and facilitating trade through modern border management were the focus of the first day of a seminar in Durrës. The event brings together the Albanian Customs Administration and Kosovo Customs. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja said the US Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) …