Albania Former Health Minister Detained Over Misused EU Funds
Former Health Minister Ilir Beqaj was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of abusing EU funds, Albania’s Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organised Crime, SPAK, announced. Original post Here
Ilir Beqaj, high Socialist official mired in corruption investigations, arrested for abuse of EU funds
TIRANA, July 4, 2024 – Ilir Beqaj, Albania’s former minister of health who has a history of holding important position in the ruling Socialist Party, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of involvement in a corruption scheme to profit from funds from the Agency for the Coordination of Foreign Aid and …
Share Your Experience: Corruption in Albania’s Health Sector
Have you been asked to transfer your treatment from a public to a private hospital? Do you suspect that healthcare staff are illicitly profiting from your treatment? Have you been asked for a bribe by a medical professional? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Tourist season/ State Police: 378 arrested, 25 of them in the wanted list
The State Police has made the balance of the month, helping for a tourist season as safe as possible. It is known that 378 citizens were arrested and 25 of them were wanted internationally. So far, the Traffic Police has arrested 143 drivers, of which 104 for driving while intoxicated …
Independence of USA, Begaj: We share friendship and strengthened partnership towards democratic values
President Bajram Begaj congratulated July 4, the day of US Independence. In a post on social networks, Begaj emphasizes the joint commitment between Albania and the USA as strategic allies. “Albania and the U.S. share a friendship and partnership strengthened by a common commitment to democratic values. Together, as strategic …
Former Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj arrested
The former Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj, was arrested this Thursday. ABC News reporter Ermal Vija reports that Beqaj was arrested for embezzling funds from the State Agency for Strategic Program and Aid Coordination, also known as SASPAC. Regarding this file, a few months ago, several checks were carried out …
CEC postpones the decision on the validity for the mandate of Fredi Beleri
Central Election Commission (CEC) has postponed the decision regarding the validity of the mandate of the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri. “Regarding the time, I don’t believe we have the opportunity to do it today. We can probably organize it, it doesn’t have to come from the place of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, tribute to renowned writer Ismail Kadare
Tributes are being held in honor of Ismail Kadare, the well-known Albanian writer. Prime Minister Edi Rama, in the speech he is giving to the audience, said that Kadare feels protected by Mother Teresa, referring to the installation of the Albanian saint that stands next to the archmort of the …
25 police officers in Korça suspended for abuse with Frontex funds
Korça Prosecutor’s Office is criminally prosecuting 25 employees of the Korça Police Department and the Border and Migration Directorate. On the other hand, the court decides the suspension from duty of these employees. According to the Korca prosecutor’s office, the police officers are accused of abusing the funds in terms …
Chronicles and Fragments
The novels of Ismail Kadare. By James Wood Like Trieste or Lvov, the medieval city of Gjirokastër, in southern Albania, has passed its history beneath a sign perpetually rewritten, in different hands, but always with the same words: “Under New Management.” It enters the historical record in 1336, as a Byzantine …
Self-censorship is rife among Albanian journalists and news editors who fear crossing powerful, politically connected media moguls, a BIRN survey reveals. Original post Here
The Council of the European Union has appointed German diplomat Dirk Schubel as the new EU Special Representative for Kosovo. Schubel will take office on September 1, 2026, with an initial two-year mandate, replacing Estonian diplomat Aivo Orav. With extensive experience, Schubel has worked in the European External Action Service, …
TIRANA, July 14 – Butrint National Park has launched a new official website to provide visitors with a more accessible digital experience. The website uses the slogan “Before us, there was Butrint” and helps visitors plan their trips more easily. It also presents the park’s history, monuments and cultural heritage. …
Petrela Castle continues to attract visitors as one of Albania’s most popular cultural tourism destinations. Located on a hill about 17 kilometers southeast of Tirana, the castle offers impressive views of the Erzen Valley and a unique experience for both local and international visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images …
TIRANA, July 14 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The country will have mostly clear skies, while northern areas may see some passing clouds in the afternoon. Meanwhile, winds will blow from northwest to northeast at an average speed of 7 …
Talented mathematics student Marius Gjika won the silver medal at the International Summer Mathematics Camp Olympiad held in Beijing, China. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro congratulated Gjika and the Albanian team, saying the achievement represents a source of pride for the country. Following this success, the Albanian mathematics team has traveled …
TIRANA, July 14 – Albania is set to provisionally close its first 3 European Union negotiation chapters during the 9th Albania–EU Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels today. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the country has reached an important stage in its European integration process. He added that Albania continues its progress …
TIRANA, July 14 – Albania is gaining growing attention as one of Europe’s most attractive summer destinations in 2026, according to Spanish media outlet “Noticias del Vino”. In an article by Teresa Navarro Ortega, the publication highlights Albania’s crystal-clear beaches, UNESCO-protected historic cities, mountain landscapes and affordable travel options compared …
Prime Minister Edi Rama joined the Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris on Sunday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit brought together heads of state and government, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to coordinate international support for Ukraine. During the …
EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato called on young Albanians to defend their rights and take an active role in shaping their future. During the weekend, Gonzato met young participants at RinCamp, organized by the National Youth Agency. During the discussion, he stressed that young people are not only beneficiaries …