Albania’s massive ICSID court loss has Tirana pondering exiting jurisdiction
TIRANA, April 11, 2023 – With Albania’s government losing its final appeal to reverse a €120-million penalty in the Francesco Becchetti affair case earlier this month, Tirana is mulling exiting the jurisdiction of the international arbitration court that issued the ruling, according to Prime Minister Edi Rama. The tribunal organized …
Politicians and Public Targeted in Online Intimidation Cases
BIRN’s latest three-month monitoring review of digital violations, covering the period from January to March, highlights how online targeting of politicians and government critics, as well as other forms of digital intimidation, have become significant issues of concern in the Balkans and Central and Eastern Europe. Original post Here
Fresh Suspicions over Albania Airport after Turkish Partner Pulls Out
Environmentalists and the European Commission were already alarmed by Albanian plans to build an airport in a coastal region rich in biodiversity. Now one of the partners in the project has pulled out, taking its airport expertise with it. Original post Here
ODIHR starts monitoring mission for Albania’s May 14 administrative elections
TIRANA, March 8, 2023 – International observers of ODIHR, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, have started the mission of monitoring Albania’s local elections of May 14 with a press conference. The mission will be led by Ambassador Audry Glover, who has been in charge of international …
PM pitches large public sector wage increases, leading to concern over costs, political use
TIRANA, April 8 – Albania’s government is preparing to approve large wage increases in the public sector that could lead to the average salary going up 60 percent by 2024, Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced. According to the government, the new system of public sector wages will bring the …
Albanian PM Threatens to Quit International Arbitration Body
Premier Edi Rama reacted angrily to a decision by a World Bank-funded international arbitration body to grant around 110 million euros in compensation to an Italian businessman who claimed he was politically persecuted in Albania. Original post Here
Op/Ed: The Quad: Searching for purpose in yet another new regional constellation
By ALBA CELA Last week, the Foreign Affairs ministers of Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Kosovo launched the “Western Balkans Quad – 100% alignment with EU Common Foreign Security Policy” as a platform to address CFSP in the sensitive geopolitical context brought about by Russian aggression in Ukraine. All countries …
CEC introduces electronic platform on political parties’ funding monitoring
Central Elections Commission (CEC) has introduced Wednesday the Electronic Platform for Financial Reporting, which aims at strengthening the monitoring of the financing of political parties and the transparency of campaign funds. During the working table, the Head of the CEC, Ilirjan Celibashi, said that this platform will contribute to efficient …
Colombian woman busted with drugs in Rinas airport
A Colombian citizen has been arrested this Wednesday at Rinas airport, after a quantity of cannabis was found in her handbag. Law enforcement revealed that the citizen with the initials C.J, 26 years old, who was traveling from Colombia to Albania was discovered during the control at the second line. …
Two arrested and two wanted as drugs group dismantled in Fier
Police of Fier have finalized this Thursday the coded operation “Unique”, where quantities of narcotics heroin, cocaine and cannabis were seized. During this operation, the citizens, Klejdi Çela and Zhanri Hajdari, were arrested, while the citizens, Marsel Korreshi, previously convicted for the same criminal offense, and Selim Koçi were declared …
TIRANA, April 1 – Business confidence in Albania increased in March, according to a report published today by the Bank of Albania. The overall economic sentiment improved slightly, mainly due to stronger confidence in the trade sector, and remains well above its historical average. Confidence in the industrial sector declined …
TIRANA, April 1 – The government approved three acts at its latest meeting, Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said. One act covers electronic identification, trusted services, and a digital identity wallet. Ibrahimaj said the law will replace paper documents and handwritten signatures. She explained that the law strengthens legal …
TIRANA, April 1 – State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo announced the approval of new rules for the use of public spaces. He said the regulation aims to support business development while addressing issues that limit public access for citizens. Demo said the rules create statewide standards for how …
TIRANA, April 1 – The National Authority for Cybersecurity clarified that recent reports of a breach at the institution are false. In an official statement, the authority dismissed claims by “Homeland Justice” regarding a cyberattack on Albanian institutions. The statement stressed that the circulated material is an official communication to …
TIRANA, April 1 – Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Evis Sala, inspected ongoing reconstruction works at Berat Regional Hospital, focusing on the laboratory, where she assessed the uninterrupted provision of diagnostic services. Speaking with laboratory staff, Sala noted that the rise in cases, particularly chronic diseases, has increased the …
TIRANA, April 1 – The national team takes a break as Abissnet Superiore returns with its 30th week, scheduled across three days starting Friday. The week opens on Friday with the survival clash between Flamurtari and Tirana at 19:00 in Flamurtari Stadium. On Saturday, three more matches follow, including key …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …