150,000 euro of confiscated crime assets allocated to 21 non-governmental organisations for social projects
TIRANA, April 30 – Minister of Interior Besfort Lamallari met representatives of 21 civil society organisations (NGOs) selected for funding from a special state fund. The fund comes from assets seized and confiscated from criminal activity. The programme is managed by the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated …
Slovak foreign minister: Western Balkans EU integration a strategic priority, rule of law in focus
TIRANA, April 30 – Slovakia’s Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar said European Union enlargement remains a strategic priority. He spoke at a joint press conference with Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, Austria’s Beate Meinl-Reisinger, and the Czech Republic’s Petr Macinka. Blanár described the meeting as useful and necessary. …
Czech foreign minister: Western Balkans belongs in EU, Albania’s progress impressive
TIRANA, April 30 – Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka joined Austrian and Slovak counterparts in Tirana for a joint press conference with Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, where they reaffirmed support for Albania’s European Union path and reviewed progress in accession talks. At the start, Macinka framed the visit as …
Austria’s foreign minister backs Albania’s EU path, urges continued reforms and delivery from the EU
TIRANA, April 30 – Austria’s Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger expressed strong support for Albania’s European Union path during a joint appearance in Tirana with Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha and counterparts from the Czech Republic and Slovakia, where she framed EU enlargement as a strategic investment for Europe rather than …
Albania’s foreign minister Hoxha meets Austrian, Czech and Slovak counterparts, strong backing for EU path
TIRANA, April 30 – Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha hosted counterparts from Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia in Tirana. Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Petr Macinka and Juraj Blanár joined him in a joint media statement. They confirmed continued support for Albania’s European Union path. At the start, Hoxha described the visit as …
Battle of Kaçanik Gorge marks symbol of Albanian resistance and sacrifice
TIRANA, April 30 – April 30, 1910 remains recorded in history as the day of a major confrontation between Albanian insurgents and Ottoman forces in Kaçanik Gorge. Idriz Seferi, one of the best-known leaders of the Albanian uprisings, chooses Kaçanik Gorge as a strategic position to stop the advancing Ottoman …
Berisha at IDU Forum in Zagreb: Electoral Autocracy and “Narco-State” Hindering EU Integration
The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, spoke at the forum of the International Democrat Union (IDU) in Zagreb, where he addressed Albania’s European Union integration process and the factors he claims are obstructing it. He identified what he described as “electoral autocracy” and a “narco-state” as the main …
Malaj: Only Two Secondary Acts Remaining Before Launch of Online Betting
The Minister of Finance, Petrit Malaj, stated today that the process for opening online sports betting is in its final stage, with only two secondary legal acts remaining to be approved before licensed operators can begin operating legally. In a press conference, Malaj said that these acts are being coordinated …
Rama Responds to Criticism of Government Information Agency: SIGMA Report Shows the Truth
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted this Thursday on the social network X (formerly Twitter), referring to a SIGMA OECDreport on the Media and Information Agency (MIA). In his response, Rama emphasized that the institution has received a positive evaluation in an international report, rejecting what he described as earlier criticism …
Kosovo Elections: EU Expresses Regret
The European Union has expressed regret that political parties in Kosovo failed to identify a unifying figure for the position of president, leading the country to organize its third election in less than a year and a half. An EU spokesperson told Radio Free Europe that the bloc has continuously …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, Israeli Ambassador Galit Peleg, and Agriculture Minister Andis Salla visited the experimental farm at the “Mihal Shahini” vocational school in Cërrik. MASHAV developed the project to support education, training, and innovation in agriculture. Ambassador Peleg said the project represents more than an agricultural investment. She called …
Arbjan Mazniku spoke at a public hearing on territorial reform in Fier. He said municipalities still face major challenges in efficiency and service delivery. Mazniku stressed that local governments must provide equal and quality services for all citizens. “The main challenge remains the efficiency of municipal functions and the real …
Albania launched the “EU for Democracy” project at Parliament in Tirana. The European Union program aims to strengthen Parliament’s role in Albania’s EU integration process. Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi joined EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato and International IDEA Regional Director Sam van der Staak at the presentation ceremony. Peleshi called the …
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of Albania has presented the National Mining Strategy 2026–2040 in Tirana. The plan sets a long-term vision for a modern and sustainable mining sector aligned with European Union standards. The strategy is based on three key frameworks: NSDI 2030, the EU Critical Raw Materials Act …
General Directorate of Customs of Albania hosted the 31st meeting of the EU Customs Coordinators Network in Tirana, in cooperation with the European Commission. In addition, representatives from EU member states and candidate countries took part in the discussions. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between customs administrations. It also …
President Bajram Begaj received the Chief of General Staff of North Macedonia, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, in Tirana. The two sides focused on strengthening defense and security cooperation between the two NATO allies. In addition, they discussed the importance of regional coordination in addressing current security challenges. Begaj praised North …
Taulant Balla said that Albania is advancing at record speed in its EU integration process during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs in Tirana. He stated that the country could complete accession negotiations with the European Union by next Christmas. In addition, Balla praised the …
Ferit Hoxha attended the High-Level Meeting of the “Friends of the Western Balkans” Group in Bratislava. He said the meeting confirmed a shared understanding that EU integration of the Western Balkans is no longer a long-term aspiration but a geostrategic necessity. He stressed that a stronger, safer, and more united …
Ferit Hoxha clarified his earlier remarks regarding the possible renewal of the migration protocol between Albania and Italy. He explained that a journalist in Brussels asked whether the agreement would be renewed after its initial five-year period. Hoxha said he responded: “I am not sure.” He added that he assumed …
Pirro Vengu met with Ali Ahmeti in Tetovo. He stressed the role of Albanians as a force for stability and European integration. Vengu praised Ahmeti as a key political figure. He called him a reference point in changing times. He said Ahmeti represents wisdom and long-term vision. He added that …