As Talks Begin, EU Chides Albania’s ‘Limited Progress’ in Tackling Corruption
As accession talks got underway, the EU ‘negotiating position’, published on Tuesday, says corruption remains “prevalent in most areas of public and business life, including in all branches of central and local government”. Original post Here
Androulakis Wins Second Chance to Revive Greece’s Centre-Left Party
After his re-election as leader of PASOK, Nikos Androulakis promised that “the best things are ahead” – but only time will show whether he can win back the trust of Greek voters for the once-powerful party he has supported since his youth. Original post Here
Albanian Police Arrest Two for Forcibly Exploiting Afghan Teenager
Police said they arrested two people for exploiting a 16-year-old from Afghanistan in the northern city of Shkodra, forcing him to work at a car service centre. Original post Here
Albanian Govt Fails to Attract Bidders for New Durres Port
After no companies presented bids to redevelop the old Port of Durres as a marina with apartment blocks, the government’s plans for the site – which include building a new port – are in disarray. Original post Here
Kosovo to Abolish Visas for Bosnian Citizens from 2025
At the Berlin Process Summit, Kosovo’s prime minister announced that his country will allow residents of Bosnia and Herzegovina to enter Kosovo only with ID cards – even if Bosnia does not do the same. Original post Here
Feuding Leaders of Albania and Kosovo Quietly ‘Forget’ Joint Govt Meetings
The silent passage of the tenth anniversary of Albania-Kosovo intergovernmental meetings this year underscores a relationship at a historic low – but who is to blame for this rift remains disputed. Original post Here
Ten Years On, What Has the ‘Berlin Process’ Done for the Western Balkans?
The Berlin Process initiative was launched in 2014 to boost the EU integration and alignment of the six Western Balkan countries. Despite continuing political problems in the region, it has delivered significant progress. Original post Here
Italian-Run Reception Centres in Albania ‘Ready to Accommodate Migrants’
The Italian ambassador to Tirana announced that two centres built to accommodate migrants who initially arrived in Italy are now ready to receive people, after months of delays. Original post Here
Turkish president visit opens doors to Tirana Grand Mosque, reaffirms strong ties
TIRANA, Oct. 11, 2024 – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made an official visit to Tirana on Thursday, reiterating the strong ties between the two countries — opening the doors to the region’s largest mosque, providing drones for the Albanian military and promising to double trade ties. President Erdogan and …
San Daniele (DOP)
The Carrefour supermarket that I sometimes go to in Italy is my favourite supermarket. I’ve been to a few in Europe. I’ve been to Rewe in Germany and Albert Heijn in the Netherlands; what have you. Nothing for me can come close to the Carrefour at Via Cassia in Rome. …
TIRANA, July 31 – Authorities continue inspections along coastal areas to ensure the proper use of public spaces and compliance with beach management standards. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the National Coastline Agency and municipalities are carrying out inspections in Himara to protect public beach areas. Meanwhile, …
TIRANA, July 31 – Online misinformation and digital violence against children were the focus of the latest meeting of the Public Safety Local Council in Elbasan. Local institutions and partners discussed measures under the School Safety Package 2026-2027. They also presented the “Raporto Tani” (Report Now) application, which aims to …
Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania is reshaping its tourism policies to improve service quality and extend the tourist season throughout the year. He explained that the country is following the National Tourism Strategy and introducing new measures to strengthen sustainable tourism development. Furthermore, Gonxhja highlighted cultural tourism as a …
TIRANA, July 31 – Tirana Water Supply and Sewerage Company (UKT) has improved its customer services by introducing 24/7 support and four new communication channels for citizens. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video on social media highlighting the company’s updated services. He said the water supply company now provides …
TIRANA, July 31 – Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja visited the Tirana Mosaic archaeological site, where authorities presented a new digital space combining restoration, scientific research and digital technology. The project transforms the Tirana Mosaic into a modern interpretation space where history meets new technologies. Digital tools will …
TIRANA, July 31 – The Albanian Armed Forces received the first 40 NATO-standard tactical vehicles produced in Albania by Timak Defence. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi attended the handover ceremony and described the delivery as an important milestone for Albania’s defense industry. He said the vehicles strengthen the operational capabilities of …
TIRANA, July 31 – The Albanian Armed Forces received the first 40 military tactical vehicles produced in Albania by Timak Defence under NATO standards. Prime Minister Edi Rama, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi, Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, KAYO company administrator Ardi Veliu and Timak Defence entrepreneur …
TIRANA, July 31 – Vlora Municipal Police launched an operation today to clear public beach areas that had been illegally occupied, restoring access for residents and holidaymakers. The police said the operation followed the expiration of all deadlines for voluntary compliance. Authorities had repeatedly notified the businesses involved before taking …
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Endrit Hoxha announced a 32% increase in the sports budget. He said the government is prioritizing elite athletes, sports infrastructure and international competitions. The increased funding marks a major step for Albanian sport. It will support athletes and improve training conditions. Moreover, Albania …
TIRANA, July 31 – The Albanian Armed Forces received the first 40 military tactical vehicles produced in Albania by Timak Defence under NATO standards. Prime Minister Edi Rama, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi, Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, KAYO administrator Ardi Veliu and Timak Defence entrepreneur Arjeta …