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Arrested for abuse of duty, the Court doesn’t change the security measure for former mayor of Durres

The Court of Special Appeal has approved the decision of the first instance, leaving in force the measure of prison arrest against the former mayor of the municipality of Durres, Vangjush Dako, ABC News journalist Ermal Vija reports. He will continue to stay in prison, where he is accused of …

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Arson suspected as three cars get burned in Vlora at night

Three cars were engulfed in flames in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Vlora, two of which were completely burned while another partially. Cause of the fire is suspected to have been arson. Police revealed that the incident happened around 04:55, when the fire service received a report of …

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Two arrested for Belgium-Albania goods’ smuggling

Two people have been arrested while another has been put under investigation for smuggling goods this Tuesday. Based on police information, the arrested are a 58-year-old man from Tirana, who transported smuggled goods from Belgium to Albania, and a 45-year-old man, also from the capital, who stored the goods in …

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Tirana’s Mayor introduces ‘Open Bus’ initiative

Tourists can now visit Tirana with an open bus tour, as the Albanian capital is buzzing with tourists, almost every month of the calendar year. Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj has shared some of the photos of the new initiative that allows many tourists to take a tour of the …

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Wings of Change: Why Armed Drones Are Proliferating in Western Balkans

Armed drones are becoming a favoured means for Balkan countries to boost their military muscle and regional clout – but even though they are unlikely to trigger a war, their unchecked spread brings substantial risks. Original post Here

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Italy Still Views Albania Through a Colonial Lens

Italy once conquered Albania, claiming it was bringing civilisation to a barbarous people; judging from the language of its current diplomats, its mindset hasn’t changed. Original post Here

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Tirana Mayor Slated by Watchdogs for Calling BIRN Journalist ‘Contract Killer’

Media watchdog tells Tirana Mayor to ‘stop denigrating journalists’ for doing their work – after calling Ola Xama ‘a contract killer’ for writing an article in BIRN about probes into disputed waste concession contracts. Original post Here

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Taulant Balla to swear in as Interior minister

This Saturday at 10:00 in the Presidency, the swearing-in ceremony of Taulant Balla as the Minister of the Interior will be held. The Parliament approved on July 13, with 75 votes in favour, 16 against, 1 abstention, the appointment of Balla, who will replace Bledi Çuçi after his dismissal. The …

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Elderly dies at Vlora beach, police gives details

An elderly, about 80 years old, lost his life at the “Old Beach” of Vlora. From the preliminary information, it is suspected that he suffered a “cardiac arrest”. “Today at around 08:10, in the neighborhood ‘1 Maji’, Vlorë, in the place called ‘Old Beach’, an 80-year-old citizen, a resident of …

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Taulant Balla sworn in as Interior minister

Taulant Balla was sworn in as Interior minister this Saturday at 11:00. Earlier, the Assembly approved on July 13, with 75 votes in favor, 16 against, 1 abstention, the appointment of Balla, who will replace Bledi Çuçi after his dismissal. Çuçi was fired by Prime Minister Edi Rama after the …

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Edi Rama: “Arbëri” winery promotes Albanian wine abroad for 25 years

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the Kantina Arbëri winery. He said it has represented Albanian wine in international markets for 25 years. The family-run business in Mirditë produces autochthonous wines. International media have rated its wines highly and increased its global visibility. Rama said public support helped expand the investment. …

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Fuel price cap lowered, diesel set at no more than 203 Lek per litre

TIRANA, April 29 – The Price Transparency Board has set new ceiling prices for petroleum products. The new prices enter into force today at 11:30. The board approves the decision at its latest meeting. It lowers the retail price of standard diesel (SSH EN 590) to a maximum of 203 …

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Research funding tripled as Albania aligns reforms with European Union directives

TIRANA, April 29 – Following the Thursday’s government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presented the latest decisions at a press conference. She said European Union integration remains a key priority for Albania. In this context, she announced that the budget for scientific research has tripled. Kumbaro stated that the …

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Tax relief, social security deal and record foreign investment highlighted by Finance Minister

TIRANA, April 29 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented three key developments following the government meeting, focusing on fiscal reforms, international agreements, and foreign investment growth. He said the process of debt cancellation and fiscal reconciliation will begin within May. He explained that secondary legislation is in its final stage. …

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Government backs “After School” programme, doubles pay for teachers and expands participation

TIRANA, April 29 – Following a government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presents new decisions. She focuses on the “After School” programme. She says the initiative has developed in different formats for over a decade. She adds that the programme will now expand further to give students more opportunities. …

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Blendi Gonxhja: Durrës Archaeological Museum showcases 3,200 artefacts in renewed exhibition spaces

Blendi Gonxhja highlights transformation of Durrës museum Blendi Gonxhja said the Archaeological Museum of Durrës now displays over 3,200 artefacts. He added that the museum presents Albania’s ancient history in modern, restructured pavillions. Moreover, he said new technologies allow visitors to experience a “journey through time.” In addition, he emphasized …

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Vlorë: Spring “postcard” views attract tourists between sea and sky

Vlorë looks like a spring postcard at the end of April. The city combines clear blue skies with calm seas. Although the beach season has not officially started, visitors continue to arrive. They enjoy the sunshine and even swim in the sea. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo from …

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Fincantieri–Kayo agreement signed for naval production in Vlora, PM Rama says first two ships will strengthen Albanian Navy

TIRANA, April 29 – A cooperation agreement between Italian company Fincantieri and company KAYO marks a step toward the modernization of the Albanian Armed Forces. The project focuses on the construction of military vessels in the Vlora Bay Naval Base naval base. The agreement establishes a new company that will …

News
Fire safety inspection plan launched in Tirana after apartment blaze

TIRANA, April 29 – The acting Mayor of Tirana, Anuela Ristani, meets emergency structures, municipal police, and fire service teams. The meeting follows a fire in an apartment building in the “Farmacia 10” area, where 71 apartments burned. Ristani praises the coordinated response of all structures. She says the quick …

News
Marubi Museum joins Milan-based international photography network

TIRANA, April 29 – The National Museum of Photography “Marubi” joins Rete Fotografia, an international network based in Milan that brings together institutions and organisations active in the field of photography. The museum describes the membership as an important development for Albanian photography. It highlights new opportunities for international visibility …

News

Edi Rama: “Arbëri” winery promotes Albanian wine abroad for 25 years

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the Kantina Arbëri winery. He said it has represented Albanian wine in international markets for 25 years. The family-run business in Mirditë produces autochthonous wines. International media have rated its wines highly and increased its global visibility. Rama said public support helped expand the investment. …

News

Fuel price cap lowered, diesel set at no more than 203 Lek per litre

TIRANA, April 29 – The Price Transparency Board has set new ceiling prices for petroleum products. The new prices enter into force today at 11:30. The board approves the decision at its latest meeting. It lowers the retail price of standard diesel (SSH EN 590) to a maximum of 203 …

News

Research funding tripled as Albania aligns reforms with European Union directives

TIRANA, April 29 – Following the Thursday’s government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presented the latest decisions at a press conference. She said European Union integration remains a key priority for Albania. In this context, she announced that the budget for scientific research has tripled. Kumbaro stated that the …

News

Tax relief, social security deal and record foreign investment highlighted by Finance Minister

TIRANA, April 29 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented three key developments following the government meeting, focusing on fiscal reforms, international agreements, and foreign investment growth. He said the process of debt cancellation and fiscal reconciliation will begin within May. He explained that secondary legislation is in its final stage. …

News

Government backs “After School” programme, doubles pay for teachers and expands participation

TIRANA, April 29 – Following a government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presents new decisions. She focuses on the “After School” programme. She says the initiative has developed in different formats for over a decade. She adds that the programme will now expand further to give students more opportunities. …

News

Blendi Gonxhja: Durrës Archaeological Museum showcases 3,200 artefacts in renewed exhibition spaces

Blendi Gonxhja highlights transformation of Durrës museum Blendi Gonxhja said the Archaeological Museum of Durrës now displays over 3,200 artefacts. He added that the museum presents Albania’s ancient history in modern, restructured pavillions. Moreover, he said new technologies allow visitors to experience a “journey through time.” In addition, he emphasized …

News

Vlorë: Spring “postcard” views attract tourists between sea and sky

Vlorë looks like a spring postcard at the end of April. The city combines clear blue skies with calm seas. Although the beach season has not officially started, visitors continue to arrive. They enjoy the sunshine and even swim in the sea. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo from …

News

Fincantieri–Kayo agreement signed for naval production in Vlora, PM Rama says first two ships will strengthen Albanian Navy

TIRANA, April 29 – A cooperation agreement between Italian company Fincantieri and company KAYO marks a step toward the modernization of the Albanian Armed Forces. The project focuses on the construction of military vessels in the Vlora Bay Naval Base naval base. The agreement establishes a new company that will …

News

Fire safety inspection plan launched in Tirana after apartment blaze

TIRANA, April 29 – The acting Mayor of Tirana, Anuela Ristani, meets emergency structures, municipal police, and fire service teams. The meeting follows a fire in an apartment building in the “Farmacia 10” area, where 71 apartments burned. Ristani praises the coordinated response of all structures. She says the quick …

News

Marubi Museum joins Milan-based international photography network

TIRANA, April 29 – The National Museum of Photography “Marubi” joins Rete Fotografia, an international network based in Milan that brings together institutions and organisations active in the field of photography. The museum describes the membership as an important development for Albanian photography. It highlights new opportunities for international visibility …