Op/Ed: Balkan awakening – Strengthening ties between Israel and Albania
By Ohad Shpak* The upcoming Israel-Albania Tech Conference to be held in March 2023 aims to strengthen commercial ties between the two countries, following recent developments in the bilateral relations. Muslim-majority Republic of Albania and the Jewish State of Israel have maintained diplomatic relations since 1991, shortly after Albania emerged from …
Albanians get visa-free access to UAE, part of larger expansion into Asia
TIRANA, March 23, 2023 – Starting on April 20, citizens of Albania will be able to travel visa-free to the United Arab Emirates, home of renowned cities and major airports, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Albanian government has announced. UAE citizens are also able to travel to Albania without …
Albanian PM visit to London focuses on migration woes
TIRANA, March 23, 2023 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama visited London on Thursday in the first ever official visit of an Albanian head of government to 10 Downing Street, but the visit was marred by taking place with the backdrop of the controversy that has been going on for …
As number of young workers declines, over 65s working at higher rates
TIRANA, March, 25, 2023 – While Albania’s employment indicators have improved year over year, since 2020, the number of employed people is decreasing in the younger population groups, while it is increasing among the elderly. In the fourth quarter of 2022, there were about 52,500 more people employed than in …
Albania’s central bank raises key rate by 0.25%
TIRANA, March 23, 2023 – Albania’s central bank has raised its key interest rate by another quarter of a percentage point in its attempt to fight inflation, the Bank of Albania governor announced in a press conference. The decision of the bank board brings the rate to 3 percent, directly …
In Tirana visit, Kosovo PM discusses contentious deal with Serbia
TIRANA, March 27, 2023 – Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited Tirana over the weekend, holding discussions with Albania’s top leaders and focusing on his country’s ongoing dialogue with Serbia, which has been high on the agenda in recent months. Earlier this year, agreements to normalize relations between Kosovo and …
In widely-condemned violent attack on media, shots fired at key Albanian TV channel headquarters, killing guard
TIRANA, March 27, 2023 – In what the media and authorities are calling “a terrorist act,” unidentified gunmen used automatic weapons to shoot at the headquarters of one of Albania’s largest private television stations, Top Channel, shortly after midnight on Monday, killing a security guard on duty. The attack on …
Red and Blacks look for fresh start as Albania plays Poland for Euro 2024 qualifier
TIRANA, March 27, 2023 – Albania will begin their quest for a spot in the 2024 European Championship against Poland in Warsaw on Monday, hoping to break their seven-game losing streak against the hosts. The Red and Blacks will have their first match under Brazilian coach Sylvinho, who aims to …
Albania’s Mild Punishments for Electoral Crimes Undermine its Democracy
The few and minimal sentences handed down by the justice system for electoral corruption do little to discourage such violations, according to experts – and undermine the path towards democracy. Original post Here
Orderer of Shengjin explosive attack arrested after three Years
Lezha Police have arrested on Tuesday citizen Zef Kola, resident of Tirana, suspected of ordering the TNT explosion on the building that was being built by businessman Liman Gjoka in the “Rana e Hedhun” area of Shengjin, three years ago. After investigations carried out with special methods, this event was …
Prime Minister Edi Rama released a weekly photo album showing key engagements. He inspected Vlorë and reviewed preparations for the tourist season. Local authorities carried out work on the ground under his supervision. He visited the “Lungomare 4” project and pushed improvements in public spaces. The project targets high-traffic tourist …
TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian Civil Aviation Authority Executive Director Maksim Et’hemaj outlined rapid structural changes in Albania’s aviation sector, driven by tourism growth, infrastructure pressure, and a shift toward cleaner fuels. Global instability and volatile fuel prices continue to challenge the sector, he said. Aviation operators now accelerate work …
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla presented a new agricultural cooperation model in Lushnjë. He joined Mayor Eriselda Sefa to launch a Agricultural Cooperation Society (SHBB) in the olive oil sector. The initiative includes 17 local farmers. It aims to improve organization and strengthen cooperation in production. The …
TIRANA, April 20 – Kosova government designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization on Monday during a cabinet meeting in Prishtina. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the decision strengthens Kosova’s commitment to international security and democratic values. He linked the move to cooperation with strategic allies against …
TIRANA, April 20 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the migration agreement between Albania and Italy remains a unique arrangement and cannot be replicated by other European countries. He made the remarks in an interview with Italian daily Il Giornale. Rama said several European Union member states have expressed interest …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared updates on restoration works at Kalaja e Borshit. First, authorities carry out major restoration works. They aim to preserve the monument and improve visitor experience. Next, the project restores and stabilizes the castle structures. It also renovates the mosque inside the …
The Marubi National Museum of Photography offered free entry for International Day of Monuments and Sites. First, it invited the public to explore its exhibitions at no cost. Next, visitors experienced the exhibition “Zofia Rydet: Sociological Record.” Then, they visited “Rrok Zojzi: Ethnographic Expeditions.” In addition, the museum showcased its …
Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted composer Aldo Shllaku on the “FLASIM” podcast. First, Shllaku shared his difficult childhood. He said he was born in Elbasan during his family’s internment under the communist regime. Next, he explained his education in music. He studied in Elbasan and later left Albania after high …
TIRANA, April 20 – Kategoria Superiore, Albania’s top-tier football league, continued its 32nd round on Sunday with decisive results in the race for the championship playoffs. Elbasani clinched a 2-1 away win over Teuta in Durrës. The result secured their mathematical qualification for the league’s “Final 4” phase. Partizani drew …
TIRANA, April 20 – In the Berzhitë administrative unit of Tirana municipality, the completion of Bonaraks Bridge over the Erzen River has improved mobility and access for local residents. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the new bridge on social media, describing it as an infrastructure project that directly …