Bank of Albania increases key interest rate, again, aiming to tackle inflation
TIRANA, Nov. 2, 2023 – Albania’s central bank supervisory council has announced another hike in Bank of Albania’s key interest rate, up by 0.25 percentage points, bringing it to a rate of 3.25 percent. Inflation has seen a declining trend in 2023, but it is still higher than what the …
Elez Biberaj announces retirement from VoA after 43 years of service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2023 – Elez Biberaj, the prominent Albanian-American journalist, is retiring after an illustrious 43-year career at the Voice of America (VoA), according to a message he sent to colleagues. He will continue serving as the VoA Director of the Eurasia Division until the end of year. VoA …
New investigation offers proof Russians owned shell company that paid for Basha’s 2017 lobbying in Washington
TIRANA, Nov. 2, 2023 – A new investigation published Thursday by Finance Uncovered in cooperation with the BBC has offered proof that Russians were behind the company that paid for lobbying in Washington that led to a brief meeting and a photo of Lulzim Basha, serving as leader of the …
Albert Rakipi and the College of Europe: The bold idea that brought EU’s venerable institution to Albania
How a think-tanker’s vision, backed by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, secured the College of Europe’s presence in Tirana. TIRANA, Oct. 26, 2023 – More than a year ago, Albert Rakipi, a prominent figure in Albania’s international relations and think tank circles, contemplated a pressing question. With the European Union …
Albania’s removal from FATF money laundering gray list met with optimism
TIRANA, Oct. 29 – Albania’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list of countries grappling with money laundering deficiencies has garnered cautious optimism, with financial experts emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. The decision, made by FATF, an intergovernmental organization created through a G7 initiative, has …
Two drug dealers arrested in Lezha, Mirdita
Lezha Police has cracked down on two more cases of selling narcotics, in doses, in Lezha and Mirdita, as informed this Sunday. In the city of Lezha, Salvator Luka, a resident of Pukë, while in Mirdita, Ndue Rregji, was arrested. During this operation, two citizens were handcuffed and 68 doses …
Mayor Veliaj’s statement as Tirana prepares for halloween
Atmosphere on the eve of the Halloween holiday is already more tangible for all the fans, adults and children. In the framework of this day, the Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj shared this Sunday morning pictures from “ZooParkTirana” on social networks. “GOOD MORNING. From ZooParkTirana, which was buzzing with kids …
Begaj congratulates counterpart Erdogan on Turkey’s National Day
President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj sent this Sunday a congratulatory telegram on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey to the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In his telegram, President Begaj expressed full confidence in the excellent future …
Two arrested for possession of weed, cannabis seeds in Gjirokastra
Police of Gjirokastra have handcuffed two citizens, who kept narcotic substances and seeds in their apartment, with the intention of selling them. The arrested are Elis Ballaxhia and Daniel Hazizaj, 35 and 25 years old, both residents of Gjirokastra. During checks, the officers seized 236 grams of cocaine, 253 cannabis …
Seized assets, Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime appeal rejects former deputy PM’s request
The appeal of GJKKO (Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime) rejected the request of the former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj for the appeal made for the seized property. Arben Ahmetaj’s lawyers appealed a few months ago in the GJKKO Appeal against SPAK’s (Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to former Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras regarding reactions in Greece to the recent incident in Zvërnec. In a lengthy post on X, Rama expressed surprise that Tsipras’ newly established party had “contributed to transforming a completely isolated incident into an issue of …
In a press release published on Monday, the Presidency announced that the President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, has signed decrees concerning the dismissal and appointment of several ambassadors of the Republic of Albania in diplomatic missions across different countries around the world. As part of these changes, the President …
The Cycling Federation of Kosovo will hold a press conference on June 3 ahead of the BCU Balkan Cycling Championship 2026, an event that will be organized in Kosovo for the first time. The conference is scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m., during which federation officials will present details regarding …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”6da3c76f-8447-49ca-a5e6-4df86ac6b6a6″ data-turn-id-container=”6da3c76f-8447-49ca-a5e6-4df86ac6b6a6″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-9″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Smoking among adolescents, as well as the use of nicotine products, has raised concerns among global health experts. Roland Shuperka, an Albanian expert on tobacco and alcohol issues, says that Albania has consumption levels similar to those found across Europe. …
The Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI) recorded a slight increase of 1.1 points in May. According to the latest survey by the Bank of Albania, the indicator remains close to the average level observed over the past two years and stands approximately 7 points above its historical average. The increase in …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:22bf80af-98aa-4fc2-b16a-86844b1c9ad9-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:22bf80af-98aa-4fc2-b16a-86844b1c9ad9-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Unemployment in the European Union remains close to its lowest historical levels, with the labor market continuing to show resilience despite economic slowdowns in several member states. According to the latest data published by Eurostat, the unemployment rate stood at …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”54bccc72-e979-4f23-b304-7de9d236c50e” data-turn-id-container=”54bccc72-e979-4f23-b304-7de9d236c50e” data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The Constitutional Court of Albania has approved a request for the establishment of a parliamentary investigative committee concerning the 2025 parliamentary election process. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:22bf80af-98aa-4fc2-b16a-86844b1c9ad9-6″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:22bf80af-98aa-4fc2-b16a-86844b1c9ad9-6″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The Court’s decision paves the way for …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”a8981fa4-8889-4030-b42a-d84ab784d426″ data-turn-id-container=”a8981fa4-8889-4030-b42a-d84ab784d426″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Prime Minister Edi Rama was in Berat on Monday as part of the celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party (PS). During his speech, he also addressed the recent protests concerning Zvërnec. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:22bf80af-98aa-4fc2-b16a-86844b1c9ad9-3″ …
Under the motto “Open Skies, Open Minds,” the 13th edition of the DEA Open Air International Film Festivalreturns to Tirana. This year’s festival, which begins on Monday afternoon and runs through June 5, features 40 films from 25 countries. “This festival seeks to contribute to a country that lacks a …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”e8cf9aaf-4304-4e95-b2d2-1f145b0c743c” data-turn-id-container=”e8cf9aaf-4304-4e95-b2d2-1f145b0c743c” data-testid=”conversation-turn-21″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Sudden temperature fluctuations have led to an increase in cases of respiratory viral infections in Elbasan. Doctors at local health centers report that five to six patients per day are seeking medical attention with symptoms such as coughing, fever, body …