Kosovo postpones Serbian dinar ban amid international pressure
Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister, Besnik Bislimi, said on Wednesday that a regulation enforcing a euro-only policy for cash payments will enter into force as planned on February 1, while announcing a transition period for local Serbs who still use Serbia’s currency, the dinar. However, Bislimi did not specify how long …
Elbasan prosecution seizes assets of 2 citizens
In Elbasan, assets worth about 550 thousand euros were seized, as part of the coded police operation “Real Estate” and in implementation of the measures defined in the national operational plan “Rule of Law”. It is suspected that these have their source from the criminal activities of 2 citizens, who …
GJKKO postpones session for Berisha
The Special Court did not come out with a decision this Thursday, regarding the complaint of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, who requested permission to participate in the sessions in the Assembly. ABC News reporter Ermal Vija reports that the hearing has been postponed and the next one will take …
Albania’s Constitutional Court clears controversial deal with Italy to host third-country migrants in extraterritorial camps
TIRANA, Jan. 29, 2024 – In a tight 5-4 vote, the Albanian Constitutional Court has ruled that a controversial agreement between Albania and Italy on migrants is “in line” with the country’s constitution, greenlighting the ruling majority to approve the government decisions in parliament. The ruling came after a group …
Five arrested for hosting illegal gambling in Tirana
Five people have been handcuffed in Tirana as part of the police operation codenamed “Shady Snake”. They had adapted the premises of some entities for the organization of games of chance, as well as practiced the illegal activity of placing sports bets through mobile phones. During the checks carried out …
Tirana, four arrested in middle-of-drugs-deal sting operation
Four people were arrested in Tirana as part of the police operation coded “Location”, sic anounced Wednesday. Democrat Dylgjeri, 32 years old, Haziz Zylfa, 23 years old, Vladimir Kani, 23 years old, and Hyxhers Mete, 23 years old, were put in handcuffs after being caught in the act. Police revealed …
EUR one million assets of former operational police chief seized by SPAK
Special Prosecutor’s Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has seized the property worth about 1 million EUR of the former chief of the Operational Police, Oltion Bistri. From the investigations carried out and the evidence administered from the investigation of this proceeding so far, it has been evidenced that …
Jewelery store robbed in Korca city
A jewellery was robbed in the city of Korça during the early hours of this Wednesday morning. This event happened on the city’s pedestrian street in one of the areas where there are many jewelry stores. According to police sources, it was only a masked person with a hood who …
Four arrested on drug charges in Fier
Four people were arrested by the Fier police after they were caught selling drugs in different neighborhoods of the city. Persons aged 33, 34, 39 and 41 years, were arrested red-handed in the “Apollonia” neighborhood. From the verifications carried out, it was found that these citizens procured the narcotic substance …
Tirana, eight arrested on illegal gambling charges
Eight people were arrested in Tirana as part of the police operation coded “Last bet”. They were put in handcuffs after exercising the illegal activity of placing sports bets, through mobile devices. Arrested are Oligert Rozani, Fatjon Spahiu, Ergys Shollo, Bledar Mici, Alban Balliu, Nexhmedin Tola, Ilion Mile and Olsi …
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 …