Concerns over access to official stats grow, as INSTAT tries to recover from cyberattack
TIRANA, Feb. 7, 2024 – Albania’s Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) is grappling with the aftermath of what it says was a sophisticated cyberattack, leaving its official website, instat.gov.al, inaccessible for several days before it went back up with limited access to key databases. While much of the focus of attention …
Albania signs long-awaited social insurance deal with Italy
By JERINA ZALOSHJA-RAKIPI ROME, Feb. 7, 2024 – After years of negotiations, Albania and Italy have signed a long-awaited deal on recognizing each other’s social insurance contributions, which will benefit more than 500,000 Albanian residents in Italy and any Italians who have worked in Albania. “This agreement guarantees at least …
From exile, Albania’s ex deputy PM alleges massive corruption at top of SP leadership
TIRANA, Feb. 6, 2024 – In an lengthy television interview from exile in Switzerland, Albania’s former deputy prime minister, Arben Ahmetaj, has made startling accusations of massive corruption at the top of the country’s ruling Socialist Party, involving misuse of public funds in waste management and other taxpayer-funded projects. The …
Albanian saw quality of life stagnate as rest of region improved, according to EBRD report
TIRANA, Jan. 31, 2024 – A recent report by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has highlighted a stark contrast in the perception of quality of life between Albania and other countries in Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans. While most nations in the region have seen significant …
Chief justice denounces unprecedented disregard from Socialist-controlled parliament over key ruling
TIRANA, Feb. 5, 2024 – In a rare press conference, the head of Albania’s Constitutional Court, Chief Justice Holta Zacaj, has rebuked Albania’s Socialist-controlled parliament for its refusal to adhere to a crucial court ruling regarding the mandate of Socialist MP and former foreign minister Olta Xhacka. Zacaj’s remarks came …
500K Albanians in Italy benefit from pensions deal
Albania and Italy will sign this Tuesday the final document of the agreement on the mutual recognition of social security. Prime Minister Edi Rama, with a note on the official Facebook page, writes that over 500,000 Albanians and many Italians in our country benefit from this agreement. The agreement will …
Tirana, two arrested with 1.5 kg of cocaine
Two have been arrested in the capital of Albania, Tirana, after being caught with 1.5 kg of cocaine. The arrested are the citizens E.G. and F.C from Tirana, while another one was declared wanted by police. Drugs was found during the controls that police made in their houses. Police seized …
Man arrested for violating and ‘imprisoning’ wife
A man was arrested this early morning in Tirana, as he ‘imprisoned’ his wife, mother of four and violates her.Police identified that the man, Asqeri Mandri, 34-year-old, violated his wife and at the same time monitored with camera all her moves. Their home was all equipped with cameras and did …
Albania and Italy sign the agreement, thousands of Albanians benefit
Albania and Italy have signed this Tuesday morning the final document of the agreement on the mutual recognition of social security. The agreement in question was signed by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Igli Hasani, and his Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani. This historic agreement will benefit …
Zacaj: No more backlog files at the Constitutional Court
The Constitutional Court in Albania doesn’t have backlog files any more, like usually other courts have. The news was made public by the head of the court, Holta Zacaj, who said that this is thanks to the new digital system applied by this court. Presenting the work done by this …
Five years after the US declared him persona non grata, Donald Trump has given Sali Berisha a ‘waiver’. But how much does it really change for the opposition party Berisha leads? Original post Here
Albania has won election to the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Ferit Hoxha announced the news and described the decision as recognition of Albania’s active contribution within UNESCO. Hoxha said the election recognizes Albania’s long-standing commitment to protecting, promoting, and passing on its rich …
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 …