In Albania visit, Blinken says bond between two countries strong as security int’l challenges grow
TIRANA, Feb. 15, 2024 – In an eight-hour visit to Tirana, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reaffirmed the strength of the United States’ relations with Albania, which he said is a key partner for stability in the Western Balkans and a firm ally at the international level — …
Prime Minister Rama travels to Turkey
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Edi Rama will pay a working visit to Ankara, Turkey, where he will be hosted by the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Prime Minister Rama’s first stop will be at Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the leader of the Turkish …
Blinken thanks Albania for giving refuge of those in need
The US State Secretary, Antony Blinken, commented this Tuesday his first official visit to Albania. In a comment to ‘Instagram’, Blinken said that, last week he did his first trip as Secretary to Albania, a longstanding U.S. partner and NATO ally. “In Albania, I discussed our support for its path …
McGonigal sentenced to 28 months in prison for concealing contacts with Albanian officials
TIRANA, Feb. 17, 2024 – The federal court in Washington has sentenced former FBI official Charles McGonigal to 28 months in prison for “serious breach of public trust” regarding the $225,000 he received from Albanian-American Agron Neza and failure to disclose contacts with officials in Albania, including Prime Minister Edi …
Explosion at the gate of a house in Vora
An explosion happen in the early hours of this Monday morning. According to the police, the incident happened in Marikaj, Vore. A small amount of explosives exploded at the gate of a citizien’s yard. As a resul, material damage is reported. So the investigative group is working to clarify the …
Attempted murder, hostage-taking and being part of criminal gangs, 5 criminal are extradited
Intensive and parallel cooperation with European counterparts finalized the extradition procedures for 5 citizens accused by the authorities in Albania and Italy. Among those extradited is Arjan Shehu, sentenced by the GjKKO, to 5 years and 4 months in prison, for the criminal offense of “Aiding illegal border crossing”, committed …
Online violence and blackmail, Balla hosts a meeting with the director of “Tik Tok”
Interior Minister Taulant Balla met with TikTok’s Director of Public Policy and Government Relations for Central and Eastern Europe, Jakub Olek. After this meeting, Balla underlined that it is urgent to pay more attention to the control of posts in the Albanian language. He also emphasizes that the Ministry of …
“Rama-Meloni Agreement and Criminal Amnesty” on Thursday for voting
The Parliamentary Group of the Socialist Party met today. During this meeting, the agenda for the new week in the Assembly was discussed. In the speech addressed to the deputies of the majority, Çuçi said that in the session of Thursday, two agreements and two draft laws will be voted …
Hasani wishes Kosovo’s independence
Happy Independence Day, Kosovo! Today, we celebrate the freedom and sovereignty of Kosovo, but we also humble ourselves for the extraordinary efforts and sacrifices of our brothers and sisters for a democratic, safe and prosperous Kosovo. Albania has been, is and will always be by Kosovo’s side and support and …
Rama wishes the 16th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence
Prime Minister Edi Rama congratulated the 16th anniversary of Kosovo’s independence. In a post on Facebook, next to a photo with the image of Ibrahim Rugova in the background, Rama writes: “Happy Independence Kosovo”. Earlier, President Begaj and Foreign Minister Igli Hasani conveyed messages on this important day for Albanians. …
The European Parliament approved the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) report on North Macedonia, prepared by permanent rapporteur Thomas Waitz. The report assessed the findings of the European Commission. It highlighted the lack of progress in judicial reforms and anti-corruption efforts. In addition, it urged the country to implement constitutional amendments …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met senior Pentagon official Elbridge A. Colby in Washington today. During the meeting, the two officials exchanged views on the strategic challenges shaping the Euro-Atlantic security environment. Nufi emphasized that the partnership between Albania and the United States is built on shared values, mutual trust, and …
The Ministry of Finance of Albania has opened a new draft law on property tax for public consultation. The reform aims to fundamentally change Albania’s property taxation system by introducing a market-value-based model and increasing local government revenues. Under the proposed legislation, revenue from property tax will remain a local …
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the European Parliament’s approval of the new EU return regulation as a major achievement for Italy and Europe. Speaking in a video message from the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, Meloni said the regulation marks a historic decision. She added that the measure largely reflects …
The General Directorate of Customs and the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania held the Business-Customs Forum today. Participants focused on European integration, digital transformation of customs services, and measures to simplify procedures for businesses. The forum brought together customs officials and business representatives. They discussed customs procedures, the investment …
Tirana International Airport expanded its international network as it welcomed the inaugural flight of TAROM today. The airline launched operations in Tirana and opened a new weekly route. It will operate one flight every Wednesday during the summer season. The new connection strengthens air links between Albania and Romania. It …
Ferit Hoxha said the European Parliament’s approval of the progress report for Albania confirmed strong support for the country’s EU membership path. He stated that the European Parliament also recognized significant progress achieved in key reform areas. The Parliament adopted the report with a large majority, including 483 votes in …
Toni Gogu held talks in Strasbourg today with Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel. The two officials focused on bilateral cooperation in justice and Albania’s European integration process. Gogu described the Netherlands as a demanding but constructive partner. He said both sides discuss results and concrete projects that help Albania …
Gjergji Lala, one of the well-known figures of Albanian cinematography, has died at the age of 79. He passed away in a hospital in Italy after a long illness. The news marks the end of a career that spanned decades in both theatre and film. Audiences remember Lala especially for …
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on Kosovo, stating that reforms and progress in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue remain crucial to the country’s European path. The resolution was approved with 412 votes in favor, 174 against, and 58 abstentions. “Continued reforms and progress in the EU-facilitated dialogue remain key to …