Deadly crash near Albanian-Greek border puts spotlight on Balkan irregular migration route
TIRANA, April 2, 2024 – Eight people died in the early hours of Tuesday in southern Albania, near the Greek border, as an Albanian driver speed up and fell into a ravine trying to avoid a police checkpoint because he was carrying seven non-European irregular migrants across Albania on their …
Tragic accident, the car with immigrants falls on the side of Vjosa, 8 victims
8 people lost their lives, the Shkodran driver of the ‘Benz’ vehicle and 7 clandestine people, as a result of a serious accident on the Këlcyre-Përmet road axis. Sokol Ismeti, the driver of the Benz, tried to escape from the police and lost control, falling on the side of the …
Today, 15 years since NATO membership
The President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, delivered today a message for the 15th anniversary of Albania’s membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. We recall that on April 1, 2009, Albania became a full member of NATO. The full message of the President of the Republic: “April 1, 2009 …
The murder of an 18-year old boy, 4 detained by the police
Four people have been detained in connection with the serious incident that took place in Tirana, where 18-year-old Aurelio Dervishi was the victim. The four arrested persons are suspected of being perpetrators involved in the incident. According to police information, among those arrested is the perpetrator who allegedly stabbed the …
Arrested for drug trafficking, SPAK seizes property of relatives Gezim Cela
SPAK seizes 17 assets on behalf of Gezim Çela’s family members. Apartments worth over 400,000 euros, bank accounts and several cars were seized. Gezim Çela, also known as the drug lord, was arrested during an operation in Kosovo. Property of the type “Commercial Unit”, with an area of 237 m2, …
SPAK sent to trial former Minister Beqaj and 8 others
The Special Prosecution against Corruption (SPAK) closed investigations over sterilization concession. This prosecution sent to trial this Saturday former minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj and eight others accused for abuze. Beqaj is accused for duty abuse done in collaboration. While vice minister Klodian Rrjepaj and the businessman are accused for …
A 19 year old arrested for smuggling emigrants
A 19-year-old resident of Podgorica was arrested by the Shkodra police after trying to cross five illegal immigrants to the border. According to the police, Tajson Boneshta was caught red-handed in the city of Shkodra while he was transporting immigrants from third countries with the “Volkswagen Polo” type vehicle. The …
A 41-year old declared wanted by police, is arrested in Fier
A 41-year-old wanted man has ended up in police custody. It is learned that the citizen Asllan Koraj, a resident of Fier, was sentenced to 3 years in prison, for the criminal offenses “Concealment of income” and “Non-payment of taxes and duties”. Meanwhile, the procedural materials were passed to the …
Four arrested for mobile sports betting
Four people have been arrested by the Tirana police after exercising the illegal activity of mobile sports betting. The arrested are 29, 31, 32 and 35 years old. They were found in a bar in Vaqarr, on their mobile phones, the police services found pages and links that served for …
SPAK seizes properties of two arrested for drug trafficking
The Special Prosecution against Corruption (SPAK) seized properties of two arrested last year in Tirana. Those are Princ Dobroshi and Olsi Syziu, both accused to be drug lords in Europe. According to the statement made public for the media, SPAK said that they are under investigation for drugs trafficking and …
The 16th edition of the Balkan Film and Culinary Festival is taking place in Pogradec. It brings days filled with film, culture, taste, and inspiring encounters. First, the festival runs from June 23 to June 27. It includes screenings, artist talks, and culinary activities. As a result, it offers a …
Albania is continuing its efforts to strengthen transparency and fight corruption in line with European standards. State Minister for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said that the European Union’s Anti-Corruption Directive provides an important roadmap for advancing reforms in the country. Speaking about discussions held under the EU4GG project, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to questions from France 24 regarding protests against the development project in Zvërnec. During the interview, Rama said that several external actors are attempting to influence the debate surrounding the project. According to Rama, these interventions include cyber-related activities linked to Iran, as well …
The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination, known as SASPAC, continues to support Albanian municipalities in accessing European Union programs and funding opportunities. Speaking at the meeting “Municipalities and Cohesion Policies,” SASPAC Director General Eridana Çano highlighted the agency’s efforts to help local governments participate in EU-funded …
President Bajram Begaj attended an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tirana Prefecture, where he praised the institution’s historic role in strengthening public administration and connecting central government with local communities. During his address, Begaj said that the prefecture’s establishment in 1926 reflected Albania’s commitment to modernization and the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama received Turkish Ambassador Ceyhun Erciyes in Tirana for a courtesy visit. During the meeting, both sides praised the excellent state of relations between Albania and Turkey and reviewed ongoing cooperation in several areas. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, with a particular …
The city of Korçë has completed work on the new Knowledge Hub, a modern campus designed to provide students with high-quality academic and professional training opportunities. Mayor Sotiraq Filo shared images of the new facility on social media and announced the completion of the project. According to Filo, the campus …
Corruption remains one of Albania’s most stubborn obstacles toward development and its dream for European integration. Although the country marked its biggest historical leap in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index for the year 2024, climbing by 18 places to rank 80th out of 180 states, corruption continues to cast roots …
The heatwave affecting Albania in recent days has brought high temperatures across the country, raising concerns about the impact on public health. Elderly people, children and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses remain the most vulnerable groups. In response to the situation, the Ministry of Health has urged citizens to remain …
AAK political representative Labinot Bislimi was featured in a post shared by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Wednesday. In his post, Rama highlighted a statement by Bislimi, in which he described the recent protests in Albania as being organized with what he called anti-national motives. Prime Minister Edi Rama’s …