2 arrested from smuggling emigrants
Two people have been arrested for clandestine trafficking. They intended to cross to Montenegro against the sum of 600 euros. The police emphasize that the arrested are from Shkodra, while they will face the charge of illegal traffic. The operation was carried out by the Illegal Traffic Investigation Section, Vora …
Meta meeting with Berisha
The chairman of the Freedom Party, Ilir Meta, went to the “blue headquarters” this morning to meet with the former Prime Minister, Sali Berisha. The reason for this visit is not yet known, but we remember that they are now part of the coalition “We win together” for the local …
Rama: Within a year, the average salary will be 900 euros
Prime Minister Edi Rama gathered the government cabinet this morning where he discussed the latest initiative to increase salaries. The head of the government in his public appearance after the meeting stated that in the space of one year the average salary will go from 563 euros to 900 euros. …
In Transit: Foreign Workers Use Albania as Stopover to West
Albania has been luring foreign workers to cover shortages in low-paid sectors – touted as a solution to the problem of Albanians heading westwards – but most of them have already moved on. Original post Here
Cases at ECHR Involving Balkans, Central Europe, ‘Still High’ – Report
Council of Europe report says Balkan and Central European countries continue to have high number of applications before Europe’s top human rights court. Original post Here
The Open Balkans wine tasting club
One way out of this awkward and unpleasant conundrum is for Open Balkans to retreat into a smaller, softer, cultural blend of cultural diplomacy with concerts, fairs and all the glittery shows its proponents are truly masters of. TIRANA TIMES EDITORIAL The Open Balkans initiative is quickly branding itself as …
Through regional networking, Western Balkans businesses are preparing for the European Union market
By DEJAN AZESKI SKOPJE, March 31, 2023 – Improving infrastructure, solving barriers that exist to speed up the flow of goods and services, establishing a joint airline that will connect the region, solving the issue of certification bodies and documents are just some of the topics discussed by business representatives in …
Golden Touch: Eight Decades on, King’s ‘Theft’ Still Divides Albania
King Zog’s reign brought progress and modernity to a backward Albania before his flight in 1939 – but controversies over the gold he allegedly took with him persist. Original post Here
Albania Violated Suspended Prosecutor’s Rights, Court Rules
The suspension of an Albanian prosecutor – later fired under a vetting process supposed to rid the justice system of graft – was not “in accordance with the law,” the European Court of Human Rights has ruled. Original post Here
UK Asylum Approach to Albanians Ignores Lived Experience, and Facts
The rhetoric, and now the laws, applied to irregular Albanian arrivals in the UK is discriminatory; it also ignores their lived experience in Albania and the UK’s own data. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the new law on tourist ports will support coastal investment. He said the changes are necessary to avoid blocking investors. Rama spoke at a meeting in Tirana with agrotourism representatives. He rejected claims that the government changes the law to favor oligarchs. He said the …
Taulant Balla met with Moldovan MPs and representatives of the Moldovan Football Federation. He focused on strengthening interparliamentary cooperation between Albania and Moldova. He said both countries share a common path toward European Union membership. He highlighted the need for closer cooperation in the EU integration process. Balla said Albania …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the “Park of Faith” will attract tourists to Tirana. He described the project as a strong magnet for the Petrela area. He added that the park will develop step by step as vegetation grows. Rama noted a strong rise in tourist numbers in March. He …
This week features a rich calendar of cultural and artistic events in Albania. The “Italian Screens – Il Nuovo Cinema Italiano” cycle presents Italian films until April 25. Screenings take place in Tirana, Vlora, Shkodra, and Prishtina. The program promotes cultural dialogue between Italy, Albania, and Kosovo. One of the …
Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the government is simplifying licensing procedures for agrotourism. Authorities are working with the Agriculture Ministry under the “Mountain Package.” Gonxhja said the goal is faster and easier procedures. The government wants to remove unnecessary administrative barriers. He added that officials are waiting for final feedback …
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha visited Luxembourg. He met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel. Both sides confirmed strong friendship and cooperation. They agreed to deepen ties in key areas. They focused on innovation, technology, and tourism. Hoxha said Luxembourg strongly supports Albania’s EU membership. He noted Luxembourg’s consistent …
TIRANA, April 21 – The United States Department of Justice Criminal Division met a senior delegation from Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure in Washington on Monday. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation against corruption and transnational organised crime. The Justice Department received the Albanian prosecutors alongside officials from the OPDAT programme. …
TIRANA, April 21 – Albania will face unstable weather conditions on Tuesday, according o the Military Meteorological Service. Weather forecasts indicate moderate to dense cloud cover, with intermittent periods of sunshine throughout the day. Light and occasional rainfall is expected from the early hours, first affecting northern and central areas …
A portfolio of 83 strategic projects focused on tourism, infrastructure, and attracting foreign investment is being promoted by Albania, at a time when the progress of flagship interventions, such as the new commercial port in Porto Romano, continues to face delays. Albania has placed particular emphasis in recent years on …
TIRANA, April 21 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama met United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a visit to Abu Dhabi and shared video footage from the meeting on social media. The encounter focused on bilateral relations and future cooperation between the two countries. Rama …