Albanian Criminal Procedure Bill Slammed as Bid to ‘Neuter’ Anti-Graft Body
While addressing widely-held concerns about pretrial detention measures, a bill to rewrite a big chunk of Albania’s Code of Criminal Procedure has been met with consternation among judges, prosecutors and civil society groups worried it will ‘neuter’ a key anti-corruption body none too popular with PM Edi Rama. Original post …
Rama: 32 SME loans worth €5 million approved under “Double Your Business” scheme
Prime Minister Edi Rama said interest from businesses in the “Double Your Business” scheme has increased, with 32 loans worth around €5 million approved by October 5. Speaking at an event dedicated to the scheme, Rama said the program aims to support small and medium-sized businesses that have survived the …
“Double Your Business”, Rama: 32 loans worth €5 million approved
Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the “Double Your Business” programme on Wednesday. He said the programme aims to support small and medium-sized businesses through financing at interest rates of up to 2%. According to Rama, around 400 businesses are currently in the application process. He also said that 32 loans …
Free flu vaccination campaign begins, 280,000 doses available at health centres
Health centres across the country have begun administering seasonal flu vaccinations. The vaccine is provided free of charge to all groups at risk of developing severe forms of the illness, as well as to those who are in constant contact with the public and are therefore at greater risk of …
Judges and prosecutors call for special security and threat assessment unit
One year after Judge Astrit Kalaja was killed in a courtroom, the Union of Judges, the National Association of Judges and the Association of Prosecutors of the Republic of Albania are calling for the establishment of a dedicated police unit to ensure security at courts and prosecutors’ offices, as well …
Who Loses Power When the Map Changes?
Fifteen municipalities are expected to disappear under Albania’s proposed new territorial map. While the government presents the reform as a matter of efficiency and consolidation, communities that may lose municipal status fear that services will move farther away, local representation will weaken, and already shrinking peripheral areas will become even …
Albanian parliamentary delegation visits Berlin to strengthen cooperation
Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Citizens’ Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight held a two-day working visit to Berlin. They focused on handling petitions and citizens’ initiatives, strengthening parliamentary oversight and deepening institutional cooperation. At the German Bundestag, the delegation attended a meeting of the Committee on Petitions and exchanged …
Albanian parliamentary delegation joins NATO seminar in Moldova
The Albanian parliamentary delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, led by Igli Hasani and including Bledar Çuçi, Damian Gjiknuri and Fatmir Mediu, attended the 109th Rose-Roth Seminar in Chisinau, Moldova, on October 6-7. The seminar, organized with Moldova’s Parliament, focused on NATO-Moldova cooperation, regional and Black Sea security, and the …
US Embassy: Over 200 Albanian law enforcement professionals certified in 2026
More than 200 Albanian law enforcement professionals earned certifications in 2026 after completing crime investigation training. The US Embassy in Tirana congratulated State Police crime specialists who completed the Level 1 Crime Investigation Course at the Security Academy. The US Department of Justice’s International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) …
Albania establishes State-Owned Companies Operator with ALL 100 million capital
The Council of Ministers approved the founding act and statute of the state-owned company “Operator of State-Owned Companies” sh.a. during its meeting on Wednesday. The decision, proposed by the Minister of Economy and Innovation, also sets the company’s initial capital. The new company will start with ALL 100 million in …
The European Commission has condemned violent incidents in Tirana and other Albanian cities, stressing that freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental rights that must be exercised peacefully. In a statement on Sunday, the Commission denounced arson, attacks on state institutions and damage to public and private property. It also …
The Muslim Community of Albania has called on all sides to preserve peace, show restraint and resolve differences through dialogue amid ongoing protests across the country. In a statement on Sunday, the community warned that tensions could threaten public safety and social cohesion. At the same time, it reaffirmed citizens’ …
Skënderbeu claimed their first win of the Albanian Superliga season on Sunday, beating Elbasan 2-1 in the seventh round. Meanwhile, media reports say Elbasan coach Ivan Gvozdenović has resigned following the defeat. Under coach Julian Ahmataj, the Korçë side overturned an early deficit thanks to Bismark, who scored twice to …
Nufi Condemns Attack on Socialist Party Headquarters as Protesters Set Fire to Tirana Police Station
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has condemned the attack on the Socialist Party headquarters, calling it a threat to political pluralism and democracy. Meanwhile, protesters set fire to Police Station No. 3 on Mine Peza Street in Tirana, injuring several police officers, according to reports. In a social media post, Nufi …
European Parliament rapporteur for Albania Andreas Schieder has expressed concern over clashes between protesters and police in Tirana, urging all sides to stop the escalation immediately. In a social media statement, Schieder noted that young people across Europe, from Paris and Berlin to Tirana, are demanding better education and equal …
Vora secured a commanding 4-1 win over Partizani in the seventh round of the Albanian Superliga on Sunday, with Bernard Karrica scoring a hat-trick. Arian Bellaj’s side controlled the match and made their chances count. Karrica opened the scoring in the 17th minute before converting a penalty in the 50th …
Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania Joan has called on decision-makers to make wise and mature choices in the interests of the country and all its citizens. Speaking at the end of the Divine Liturgy, Joan stressed that Albania belongs to all its citizens and that everyone has the …
Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi has condemned violence during protests in Albania, stressing that attacks on institutions and the destruction of public and private property have nothing to do with the right to demonstrate. Peleshi said young people have every right to demand greater opportunities and rights. They also deserve to …
Albert Nushi, Head of the Management Sector at the Public Security Department, announced at a press conference that 54 people were taken into police custody following the previous day’s violent protest. Of those, 27 were arrested and 27 others face criminal proceedings for property destruction and violence against police officers. …
The official visit that Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama had planned to make to Vienna, Austria, on Monday, October 19, has been cancelled by the Albanian side. The news was published by the Austrian press release portal OTS.at. According to the announcement, the scheduled meeting between the Albanian Prime Minister …