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Meta meeting with Berisha

The chairman of the Freedom Party, Ilir Meta, went to the “blue headquarters” this morning to meet with the former Prime Minister, Sali Berisha. The reason for this visit is not yet known, but we remember that they are now part of the coalition “We win together” for the local …

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Rama: Within a year, the average salary will be 900 euros

Prime Minister Edi Rama gathered the government cabinet this morning where he discussed the latest initiative to increase salaries. The head of the government in his public appearance after the meeting stated that in the space of one year the average salary will go from 563 euros to 900 euros. …

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In Transit: Foreign Workers Use Albania as Stopover to West

Albania has been luring foreign workers to cover shortages in low-paid sectors – touted as a solution to the problem of Albanians heading westwards – but most of them have already moved on. Original post Here

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Cases at ECHR Involving Balkans, Central Europe, ‘Still High’ – Report

Council of Europe report says Balkan and Central European countries continue to have high number of applications before Europe’s top human rights court. Original post Here

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The Open Balkans wine tasting club

One way out of this awkward and unpleasant conundrum is for Open Balkans to retreat into a smaller, softer, cultural blend of cultural diplomacy with concerts, fairs and all the glittery shows its proponents are truly masters of.  TIRANA TIMES EDITORIAL The Open Balkans initiative is quickly branding itself as …

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Through regional networking, Western Balkans businesses are preparing for the European Union market

By DEJAN AZESKI SKOPJE, March 31, 2023 – Improving infrastructure, solving barriers that exist to speed up the flow of goods and services, establishing a joint airline that will connect the region, solving the issue of certification bodies and documents are just some of the topics discussed by business representatives in …

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Golden Touch: Eight Decades on, King’s ‘Theft’ Still Divides Albania

King Zog’s reign brought progress and modernity to a backward Albania before his flight in 1939 – but controversies over the gold he allegedly took with him persist. Original post Here

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Albania Violated Suspended Prosecutor’s Rights, Court Rules

The suspension of an Albanian prosecutor – later fired under a vetting process supposed to rid the justice system of graft – was not “in accordance with the law,” the European Court of Human Rights has ruled. Original post Here

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UK Asylum Approach to Albanians Ignores Lived Experience, and Facts

The rhetoric, and now the laws, applied to irregular Albanian arrivals in the UK is discriminatory; it also ignores their lived experience in Albania and the UK’s own data. Original post Here

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Albania’s Belba Winery featured at VinItaly’s Open Balkan stand  

TIRANA, March 3, 2023 – When it comes to good wine, it’s all about the basic ingredient.  “We’ve focused on growing the right grapes,” says Bardhi Belba, who learned about wine while living in Italy for many years before returning to his native Albania to start his own family winery …

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PM Albin Kurti Declares Assets: Only €16 in His Bank Account

Kosovo’s Anti-Corruption Agency has published the annual asset declaration of Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The report shows that his rent has increased by €100, while his personal savings have decreased. There are no significant changes in his movable or immovable assets. Under real estate, Kurti lists an apartment owned by …

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Visit to Washington: Finance Minister Malaj Meets U.S. Under Secretary for Economic Affairs

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj, during an official visit to Washington, held a meeting at the U.S. Department of State with Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary for Economic Affairs. The visit took place במסגרת the annual meetings of the Albanian delegation with leaders of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. …

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Death of Albanian Teen in Greece: Kefalonia Hospital Rejects Allegations, Calls for Investigation

Doctors have denied complaints regarding the alleged malfunctioning of the Emergency Department at Kefalonia Hospital, following the death of 19-year-old Albanian woman, Myrto. The allegations were made by an anonymous woman, while the Hospital Workers’ Union of the General Hospital of Kefalonia has called for an investigation into the case. …

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8th Pharmaceutical Conference Calls for Clearer Rules in the Medicines Sector

The Order of Pharmacists in Albania, in cooperation with the Chamber of Pharmacists of Kosovo, has opened the 8th Pharmaceutical Conference titled “Together for Pharmaceuticals.” Key topics discussed included the need for concrete reforms to address recurring issues in the pharmaceutical sector, as well as calls to establish European standards …

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Prison Directorate Details Operation at Peqin Prison: High-Risk Inmates Transferred

The General Directorate of Prisons has released details about a large-scale inspection carried out this Saturday at Peqin Prison, during which prohibited items were seized. Authorities also identified a suspected case involving narcotic substances and confirmed that two high-risk inmates serving life sentences have been transferred. Full statement: Under the …

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Minister Hoxha Attends Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Focus on Dialogue and Western Balkans EU Integration

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, took part in the 3rd Meeting of the Peace Platform for the Balkans, at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. Strengthening regional cooperation, the prospects for European integration, economic development, and energy security were among the main topics discussed. Ministers …

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Monodrama Dedicated to Mother Teresa Staged in Pogradec

An evening filled with emotion and art was experienced at the “Lasgush Poradeci” theater hall in Pogradec, where the monodrama “Mother Teresa’s Dream – The Divine Human” was staged, serving as an artistic tribute to the iconic figure of Mother Teresa. The performance by actress Justina Aliaj, directed by Gëzim …

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Prime Minister Rama meets Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at democracy summit in Barcelona

TIRANA, April 18 – Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the “In Defence of Democracy” summit in Barcelona, where he met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the opening of the event. Rama described Sanchez in a social media post as “a wise and courageous leader” and a valued partner. …

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Prime Minister Rama attends “In Defence of Democracy” summit in Barcelona

TIRANA, April 18 – Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the fourth “In Defence of Democracy” summit held in Barcelona, Spain, joining leaders and officials for discussions on global democratic challenges. At the start of the summit, Rama met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. In a social media …

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Sejko meets World Bank and IFC officials; focus on financial stability and reforms

Gent Sejko met senior officials from the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. He met Antonella Bassani, Xiaoqing Yu, and Alfonso García Mora. They discussed Albania’s latest economic and financial developments. They assessed them as positive. The economy showed steady growth. Inflation remained low. Financial stability strengthened. They highlighted …

News

PM Albin Kurti Declares Assets: Only €16 in His Bank Account

Kosovo’s Anti-Corruption Agency has published the annual asset declaration of Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The report shows that his rent has increased by €100, while his personal savings have decreased. There are no significant changes in his movable or immovable assets. Under real estate, Kurti lists an apartment owned by …

News

Visit to Washington: Finance Minister Malaj Meets U.S. Under Secretary for Economic Affairs

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj, during an official visit to Washington, held a meeting at the U.S. Department of State with Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary for Economic Affairs. The visit took place במסגרת the annual meetings of the Albanian delegation with leaders of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. …

News

Death of Albanian Teen in Greece: Kefalonia Hospital Rejects Allegations, Calls for Investigation

Doctors have denied complaints regarding the alleged malfunctioning of the Emergency Department at Kefalonia Hospital, following the death of 19-year-old Albanian woman, Myrto. The allegations were made by an anonymous woman, while the Hospital Workers’ Union of the General Hospital of Kefalonia has called for an investigation into the case. …

News

8th Pharmaceutical Conference Calls for Clearer Rules in the Medicines Sector

The Order of Pharmacists in Albania, in cooperation with the Chamber of Pharmacists of Kosovo, has opened the 8th Pharmaceutical Conference titled “Together for Pharmaceuticals.” Key topics discussed included the need for concrete reforms to address recurring issues in the pharmaceutical sector, as well as calls to establish European standards …

News

Prison Directorate Details Operation at Peqin Prison: High-Risk Inmates Transferred

The General Directorate of Prisons has released details about a large-scale inspection carried out this Saturday at Peqin Prison, during which prohibited items were seized. Authorities also identified a suspected case involving narcotic substances and confirmed that two high-risk inmates serving life sentences have been transferred. Full statement: Under the …

News

Minister Hoxha Attends Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Focus on Dialogue and Western Balkans EU Integration

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, took part in the 3rd Meeting of the Peace Platform for the Balkans, at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. Strengthening regional cooperation, the prospects for European integration, economic development, and energy security were among the main topics discussed. Ministers …

News

Monodrama Dedicated to Mother Teresa Staged in Pogradec

An evening filled with emotion and art was experienced at the “Lasgush Poradeci” theater hall in Pogradec, where the monodrama “Mother Teresa’s Dream – The Divine Human” was staged, serving as an artistic tribute to the iconic figure of Mother Teresa. The performance by actress Justina Aliaj, directed by Gëzim …

News

Prime Minister Rama meets Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at democracy summit in Barcelona

TIRANA, April 18 – Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the “In Defence of Democracy” summit in Barcelona, where he met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the opening of the event. Rama described Sanchez in a social media post as “a wise and courageous leader” and a valued partner. …

News

Prime Minister Rama attends “In Defence of Democracy” summit in Barcelona

TIRANA, April 18 – Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the fourth “In Defence of Democracy” summit held in Barcelona, Spain, joining leaders and officials for discussions on global democratic challenges. At the start of the summit, Rama met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. In a social media …

News

Sejko meets World Bank and IFC officials; focus on financial stability and reforms

Gent Sejko met senior officials from the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. He met Antonella Bassani, Xiaoqing Yu, and Alfonso García Mora. They discussed Albania’s latest economic and financial developments. They assessed them as positive. The economy showed steady growth. Inflation remained low. Financial stability strengthened. They highlighted …