Durres/ A 29 year old arrested for trying to rob a bank
A 29-year-old man was arrested in Durres as part of the police operation codenamed “Exchange”. Florenc Deda tried to forcefully take a sum of money from the cash register of a second level bank but he could not. During his departure, he forcibly took 500,000 ALL in an exchange. From …
Hasani: Albania, committed to the fight against extremism
In the side meeting co-organized by Albania, on the situation in northeastern Syria, within the framework of the UN General Assembly’s High Level Week, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, emphasized that the Albanian institutions have adopted and implemented successfully a model for identifying and combating violent …
Albanians Pay Price of Waste Management Fiasco
An emerging tourist hotspot, Vlora in southern Albania was promised a new landfill by 2021. Instead, it has clouds of black smoke from burning waste. Original post Here
Meta-Berisha coalition? Head of Freedom Party meets with Flamur Noka to discuss election in 2025
The head of the Freedom Party, Ilir Meta, went to the headquarters of the Democratic Party, for a meeting with, Flamur Noka. ABC News journalist Erneta Shevroja reports that Meta did not make a specific request to be part of the Democratic Party lists. “History has shown that Democratic Party …
Rama’s ‘Bektashi State’ proposal raises major concerns, faces negative backlash
TIRANA, Sept 24, 2024 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has ignited a major debate in Albania over his proposal to transform the global Bektashi Order’s headquarters in Tirana into a Vatican-style sovereign state. The Albanian public debate has been almost universally against the idea and there is anger at the …
Critics Pour Scorn on Albanian PM’s ‘Microstate’ Plan for Bektashi Muslims
Behind Edi Rama’s announcement of a Vatican-type ‘microstate’ for the Bektashi movement in Tirana, some critics of his rule see a bid to distract attention from domestic scandals and win more favourable foreign media coverage. Original post Here
Joint exercise with British troops, Vengu: Response to the reality of security in the region
The Minister of Defense, Pirro Vengu, participated in the DVDay (Distinguished Visitors Day) of the joint exercise between the Albanian and British troops “Austere wolf – 24”. During his speech, he said that this exercise is a response to the reality of security in the Western Balkans region. “Commitment to …
Accused for prostitution, Tirana police has arrested two foreign citizens
Two citizens, Russian and Ukrainian, have been arrested in Tirana. These two citizens were caught red-handed on “Naim Frasheri” street, taking sums of money from foreign citizens, which they allegedly used for prostitution. During the verifications carried out, it was found that these citizens collected the sums of money obtained …
A Rising Tide Lifts Empty Boats
Interpreting an Improved Economy in the Face of Depopulation Mark Crawford In 2024 Albania faces a paradox of statistics. After a couple of years of strong GDP growth, Albania is projected to have a stable, if not solid next couple of years. Tourism in 2023 boomed and investment in …
A Courageous Tug o’ War for American Investment
A delicate game attracting Democrat and Republican attention in the Western Balkans Mark Crawford Sir Humphrey: There are four words you have to work into a proposal if you want a Minister to accept it. Sir Frank: Quick, simple, popular, cheap. And equally there are four words to …
Litter, construction debris and untreated wastewater are conspiring to undermine Albania’s bid to become the next big tourist destination on the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Original post Here
The Trump administration is now making it clear that it sees the Balkans as a field to pursue its commercial, energy and defence-related interests – and not ‘democracy-building’. Original post Here
Agrotourism continues to drive economic and social development across Albania by creating jobs and strengthening rural communities. Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the “Hani i Qerosit” agrotourism site in Kuçovë, Berat, which is emerging as a popular destination for visitors seeking nature, tradition, and authentic farm experiences. Rama said the …
Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman described Albania as a reliable economic partner. Speaking alongside Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, Radman said the two countries have strong potential to expand economic cooperation. He identified transport, infrastructure, energy, and defence as key areas for closer collaboration. Radman also called …
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania’s security cooperation with Croatia aims to strengthen regional peace and should not concern any country. Hoxha made the remarks after meeting Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman in Tirana. The two ministers agreed that the European future of the Western …
Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman praised Albania’s progress toward European Union membership and pledged Croatia’s continued support. Speaking alongside Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, Radman said Albania and Croatia enjoy strong and friendly relations built on trust, shared values, and their NATO alliance. He said regular …
Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla defended the fast-track approval of Albania’s defence agreement with the United States. Balla said national interest and security needs justified the accelerated parliamentary review. He rejected opposition claims that lawmakers violated parliamentary deadlines. He said the Constitution defines when fast-track procedures cannot apply. …
Albania’s Parliament approved today the direct loan agreement with the United States under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi described the ratification as a historic moment in a social media post. Nufi said the agreement represents the strongest concrete and financial support Albania has received from …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj visited a food production company today to highlight the opportunities offered by the “Double Your Business” programme. The programme helps businesses increase investments, expand production, and create new jobs. During her visit to a pastry company, Ibrahimaj met entrepreneur Fatmir, who has built his …
The Albanian Academy of Sciences today honoured Maximilian Lambertz on the anniversary of his birth, remembering one of the most important figures in Albanology who dedicated his life to studying the Albanian language, folklore, and culture. Lambertz was born on 27 July 1882 in Austria. He developed an interest in …