OTP Bank Albania wins Euromoney 2023 award as ‘The Best Bank in Albania’ for the fourth year in a row, strengthening its position as a leading financial institution in the banking industry
TIRANA, June 20, 2023 – OTP Bank Albania has been recognized as the winner of the prestigious Euromoney 2023 Award – “Best Bank in Albania” for the fourth year in a row, demonstrating its excellence and dedication to their customers. This achievement strengthens the status of OTP Bank Albania as …
Bar in high court’s building engulfed by flames
A fire engulfed the premises of a bar located on the fourth floor of the Supreme Court building this Thursday morning. According to the police, the incident happened around 08:05, where a fire broke out in a bar on the fourth floor terrace of the Supreme Court, at the intersection …
Several accompanied to police for questioning on Lezha’s execution
Police of Lezha have accompanied several people related to the murder of Nikolin Lekstakaj in Balldren, on the grounds who may have knowledge of the event but are not suspects. It is learned that among those accompanied are also relatives of the Nikulaj tribe, but there is still no suspected …
Xhaçka: Albania must be part of EU by 2030
The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Olta Xhaçka emphasized that the process of Albania’s accession to the EU should be accelerated. At the meeting of the National Council for European Integration, the minister emphasized that Albania’s progress since the opening of negotiations is satisfactory, adding that she hopes that …
EU temporarily suspends agriculture funds for Albania
The European Union has temporarily cut off funds for Albania in the field of agriculture. The Delegation of the European Union in Tirana announced that the European Commission has taken precautionary measures based on initial information provided by the European Anti-Fraud Office [OLAF], following an investigation into allegations of corruption …
Abuse of duty and corruption, two officials of IKMT Berat arrested
Two officials of IKMT(National Inspectorate of Territorial Defense) in Berat have been arrested for the crimes “Abuse of duty” and “Passive corruption of persons exercising public functions”. The Court of First Instance in Berat has issued a security measure of arrest and imprisonment against two inspectors of the Environment and …
One arrested as 44.000 undeclared EUR caught in Durres port
A 53-year-old man was arrested by the police after he was caught with 44.000 undeclared euros in the port of Durres. Police announced that 53-year-old Nuri Alushi had hidden the money inside the van-type vehicle of the Vlora-Italy route that he was driving, in order to avoid declaring it at …
Balla meeting with the Italian ambassador: Strategic cooperation with the Italian law enforcement structures
The Minister of the Interior, Taulant Balla, held a meeting with the Italian Ambassador to Albania, Fabrizio Bucci, with whom he discussed issues of bilateral cooperation in the field of security and law enforcement. In the meeting, Italy’s support for Albania was confirmed regarding the numerous projects and programs related …
Vacationer taken to Tirana by helicopter after heart problems
A vacationer suffered a heart crisis in Pogradec this Wednesday morning. It is about a 74-year-old man, who went to the hospital himself. But the doctors, seeing the serious condition, recommended the transfer to Tirana. Afterwards, the elderly man was transported by helicopter to Tirana, where he will receive specialized …
Tirana young man arrested on drugs charges
A 30-year-old man has been arrested this Wednesday by Tirana police on drugs charges, while a 35-year-old man was declared wanted as an accomplice to the arrested man. After a search, the police found in possession of Gentjan Demir a package of cannabis, weighing about 1 kg and 600 grams, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, Israeli Ambassador Galit Peleg, and Agriculture Minister Andis Salla visited the experimental farm at the “Mihal Shahini” vocational school in Cërrik. MASHAV developed the project to support education, training, and innovation in agriculture. Ambassador Peleg said the project represents more than an agricultural investment. She called …
Arbjan Mazniku spoke at a public hearing on territorial reform in Fier. He said municipalities still face major challenges in efficiency and service delivery. Mazniku stressed that local governments must provide equal and quality services for all citizens. “The main challenge remains the efficiency of municipal functions and the real …
Albania launched the “EU for Democracy” project at Parliament in Tirana. The European Union program aims to strengthen Parliament’s role in Albania’s EU integration process. Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi joined EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato and International IDEA Regional Director Sam van der Staak at the presentation ceremony. Peleshi called the …
Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy of Albania has presented the National Mining Strategy 2026–2040 in Tirana. The plan sets a long-term vision for a modern and sustainable mining sector aligned with European Union standards. The strategy is based on three key frameworks: NSDI 2030, the EU Critical Raw Materials Act …
General Directorate of Customs of Albania hosted the 31st meeting of the EU Customs Coordinators Network in Tirana, in cooperation with the European Commission. In addition, representatives from EU member states and candidate countries took part in the discussions. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between customs administrations. It also …
President Bajram Begaj received the Chief of General Staff of North Macedonia, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, in Tirana. The two sides focused on strengthening defense and security cooperation between the two NATO allies. In addition, they discussed the importance of regional coordination in addressing current security challenges. Begaj praised North …
Taulant Balla said that Albania is advancing at record speed in its EU integration process during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs in Tirana. He stated that the country could complete accession negotiations with the European Union by next Christmas. In addition, Balla praised the …
Ferit Hoxha attended the High-Level Meeting of the “Friends of the Western Balkans” Group in Bratislava. He said the meeting confirmed a shared understanding that EU integration of the Western Balkans is no longer a long-term aspiration but a geostrategic necessity. He stressed that a stronger, safer, and more united …
Ferit Hoxha clarified his earlier remarks regarding the possible renewal of the migration protocol between Albania and Italy. He explained that a journalist in Brussels asked whether the agreement would be renewed after its initial five-year period. Hoxha said he responded: “I am not sure.” He added that he assumed …
Pirro Vengu met with Ali Ahmeti in Tetovo. He stressed the role of Albanians as a force for stability and European integration. Vengu praised Ahmeti as a key political figure. He called him a reference point in changing times. He said Ahmeti represents wisdom and long-term vision. He added that …