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Justice Minister Toni Gogu meets Council of Europe rapporteurs, focuses on judicial reform and anti-corruption

TIRANA, April 1 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu met yesterday with Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly rapporteurs Ionut-Marian Stroe and Pawel Jablonski. The discussion centered on the progress of judicial reform and upcoming challenges. Gogu emphasized that the vetting process is nearing completion, while judicial institutions have entered a new …

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National Padel Championship Concludes, Winners Announced

Albania’s national padel championship concluded today, highlighting the sport’s rapid growth in the country. Around 120 athletes competed over three days across multiple categories, showcasing high skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. The Albanian Padel Federation organized the event with support from the Albanian National Olympic Committee. Winners: Men’s Category 1: Alensio …

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Socialist Parliamentary Leader Taulant Balla meets CoE rapporteurs: Ready to advance electoral and territorial reform with opposition

TIRANA, April 1 – Chairman of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla met today with the rapporteurs for Albania at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Ionuț-Marian Stroe and Paweł Jabłoński. Balla assured that the parliamentary majority is ready to move forward together with the opposition on …

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Inspection reform in focus: Chief Inspector Sula highlights strengthening field controls and consumer protection as key for EU integration

TIRANA, April 1 – Chief Inspector Dashnor Sula organized a working session to review the implementation of inspection system reforms in daily field practice. The meeting aimed to improve control standards and ensure consumer protection, both essential for meeting European Union requirements. Sula stressed that a well-functioning inspection system increases …

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20 cm of snow reported on Boboshtica–Dardha road in Korça, route remains open for traffic

TIRANA, April 1 – Snowfall reached up to 20 cm overnight on the Boboshtica–Dardha road in the Korça area, according to the Albanian Road Authority, Central-East Directorate. Authorities confirmed that vehicle movement continues without major problems. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, follow road signs, and adjust speed according to …

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Bylis-Klos set for new cultural and tourist transformation

TIRANA, April 1 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced that the Archaeological Park of Bylis and Klos is entering a new development phase. The project will turn the sites into a full cultural and tourist experience. At yesterday’s meeting of the National Council for Territory and …

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Albanian power company signs 22.5 million euro deal with European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for underground substation

TIRANA, April 1 – The Albanian electricity company OSHEE signed a 22.5 million euro financing deal with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The agreement covers the construction of a new underground substation. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said the project will strengthen the power network. It …

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The WISA project for women in media and digital safety launched at Europe House

Europe House hosted the launch ceremony of “Weaving Digital Safety – Albania’s Women in Media Network Initiative (WISA)” today. The project aims to empower women in media and boost digital security in the sector. WISA responds to the challenges and needs of women working in media. It builds on their …

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Albania marks 17 years in NATO, President Begaj: Country a pillar of stability and security

TIRANA, April 1 – Albanian President Bajram Begaj marked the 17th anniversary of the country’s NATO membership, calling it a historic achievement. He said joining the alliance strengthened Albania’s security, sovereignty, and role in the Euro-Atlantic community. In a social media post, Begaj highlighted Albania’s contribution as a reliable ally …

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“School Sports Teams” Kick Off Tough Matches for Regional Championship

The fourth edition of the “School Sports Teams” project has started. The initiative promotes physical activity and sports in pre-university schools. Matches are underway between schools in every region. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared highlights from this year’s championship. The event features 608 teams from nine-year schools and high schools …

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Albania’s EU bid faces IBAR delay

Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Albania’s path toward European Union membership has entered a more uncertain phase as discussions over a key assessment report remain unfinished, exposing a gap between technical progress in reforms and the political consensus required among member states to move forward. At the center of …

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Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy

By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama recently declared that he feels offended by the widespread assumption that his government is systemically corrupt, offering as a counterargument that this “cannot be true” because the country is experiencing economic growth. This is an unconvincing argument. …

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Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens

Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Serbia’s path toward European Union membership is facing renewed uncertainty amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, rule of law deficiencies, …

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Dirty Money in the Skyline: Albania’s Tower Boom and the Laundering of Criminal Wealth

From towers to “new pyramids”: how money from organized crime, international drug trafficking and entrenched corruption is reshaping Tirana while leaving behind empty buildings, distorted prices and a deeper threat to Albania’s future. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – The forest of cranes and high rise towers that now dominates …

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Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë

Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …

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Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games

Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …

News
Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”

The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …

News
Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …

News
Edi Rama: No Compromise on Food Safety for EU Integration

Edi Rama said there will be no compromise on food safety. He spoke in Berat with olive oil producers. First, he highlighted food safety as a key condition for EU integration. He said standards must match those of the European Union. Then, he warned producers. He said non-compliant products will …

News
Delina Ibrahimaj said investment and cooperation in agro-processing are key for exports and EU integration

She spoke during a visit to an olive oil processing business. Edi Rama and other cabinet members were present. First, she stressed higher standards in production. She said agriculture and agro-processing must improve to enter the EU market. Then, she highlighted a new model of cooperation. Over 70 olive oil …

News

Albania’s EU bid faces IBAR delay

Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Albania’s path toward European Union membership has entered a more uncertain phase as discussions over a key assessment report remain unfinished, exposing a gap between technical progress in reforms and the political consensus required among member states to move forward. At the center of …

News

Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy

By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama recently declared that he feels offended by the widespread assumption that his government is systemically corrupt, offering as a counterargument that this “cannot be true” because the country is experiencing economic growth. This is an unconvincing argument. …

News

Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens

Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Serbia’s path toward European Union membership is facing renewed uncertainty amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, rule of law deficiencies, …

News

Dirty Money in the Skyline: Albania’s Tower Boom and the Laundering of Criminal Wealth

From towers to “new pyramids”: how money from organized crime, international drug trafficking and entrenched corruption is reshaping Tirana while leaving behind empty buildings, distorted prices and a deeper threat to Albania’s future. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – The forest of cranes and high rise towers that now dominates …

News

Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë

Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …

News

Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games

Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …

News

Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”

The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …

News

Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …

News

Edi Rama: No Compromise on Food Safety for EU Integration

Edi Rama said there will be no compromise on food safety. He spoke in Berat with olive oil producers. First, he highlighted food safety as a key condition for EU integration. He said standards must match those of the European Union. Then, he warned producers. He said non-compliant products will …

News

Delina Ibrahimaj said investment and cooperation in agro-processing are key for exports and EU integration

She spoke during a visit to an olive oil processing business. Edi Rama and other cabinet members were present. First, she stressed higher standards in production. She said agriculture and agro-processing must improve to enter the EU market. Then, she highlighted a new model of cooperation. Over 70 olive oil …