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Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime control on Arben Ahmetaj’s properties

In the framework of the investigations it is conducting against the former deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj, GJKKO( Special Courts against Corruption and Organised Crime) has executed several control orders in the 4 apartments of the former minister Arben Ahmetaj and his family members. Journalist Ermal Vija reports for ABC …

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Arrested for abuse of duty, the Court doesn’t change the security measure for former mayor of Durres

The Court of Special Appeal has approved the decision of the first instance, leaving in force the measure of prison arrest against the former mayor of the municipality of Durres, Vangjush Dako, ABC News journalist Ermal Vija reports. He will continue to stay in prison, where he is accused of …

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Arson suspected as three cars get burned in Vlora at night

Three cars were engulfed in flames in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Vlora, two of which were completely burned while another partially. Cause of the fire is suspected to have been arson. Police revealed that the incident happened around 04:55, when the fire service received a report of …

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Two arrested for Belgium-Albania goods’ smuggling

Two people have been arrested while another has been put under investigation for smuggling goods this Tuesday. Based on police information, the arrested are a 58-year-old man from Tirana, who transported smuggled goods from Belgium to Albania, and a 45-year-old man, also from the capital, who stored the goods in …

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Tirana’s Mayor introduces ‘Open Bus’ initiative

Tourists can now visit Tirana with an open bus tour, as the Albanian capital is buzzing with tourists, almost every month of the calendar year. Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj has shared some of the photos of the new initiative that allows many tourists to take a tour of the …

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Wings of Change: Why Armed Drones Are Proliferating in Western Balkans

Armed drones are becoming a favoured means for Balkan countries to boost their military muscle and regional clout – but even though they are unlikely to trigger a war, their unchecked spread brings substantial risks. Original post Here

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Italy Still Views Albania Through a Colonial Lens

Italy once conquered Albania, claiming it was bringing civilisation to a barbarous people; judging from the language of its current diplomats, its mindset hasn’t changed. Original post Here

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Tirana Mayor Slated by Watchdogs for Calling BIRN Journalist ‘Contract Killer’

Media watchdog tells Tirana Mayor to ‘stop denigrating journalists’ for doing their work – after calling Ola Xama ‘a contract killer’ for writing an article in BIRN about probes into disputed waste concession contracts. Original post Here

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Taulant Balla to swear in as Interior minister

This Saturday at 10:00 in the Presidency, the swearing-in ceremony of Taulant Balla as the Minister of the Interior will be held. The Parliament approved on July 13, with 75 votes in favour, 16 against, 1 abstention, the appointment of Balla, who will replace Bledi Çuçi after his dismissal. The …

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Elderly dies at Vlora beach, police gives details

An elderly, about 80 years old, lost his life at the “Old Beach” of Vlora. From the preliminary information, it is suspected that he suffered a “cardiac arrest”. “Today at around 08:10, in the neighborhood ‘1 Maji’, Vlorë, in the place called ‘Old Beach’, an 80-year-old citizen, a resident of …

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OSCE democratic institutions office says political finance draft strengthens transparency

TIRANA, May 14 – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights published an interim urgent opinion on Albania’s draft law on political party financing. The office said the draft creates a detailed framework for regulating political financing, while calling for further clarifications …

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Tourism minister looks at preparations in Jala and Dhërmi ahead of summer season

TIRANA, May 14 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja looked at preparations on the beaches of Jala and Dhërmi ahead of the new summer season. He reviewed readiness measures and ongoing work along the coastal areas. Gonxhja said operators and local authorities still need to complete several …

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Defense Minister meets NATO Joint Force Command Naples Commander Admiral, focuses on regional security and hybrid threats

TIRANA, May 14 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met today in Tirana with Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples, during an official visit to Albania. Opening the talks, Nufi underlined that the visit reflects the strong partnership between the Albanian Armed Forces and NATO Allies, …

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President Begaj meets NATO Joint Force Command Naples Commander Admiral Wikoff, reaffirms defence cooperation and NATO commitment

TIRANA, May 14 – President Bajram Begaj met in Tirana with Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples, praising his leadership in what he described as a complex geopolitical environment. Opening the meeting, Begaj highlighted the key role of the Naples-based command in maintaining security, peace …

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Eurovision 2026: PM Rama calls for strong support as Albania prepares for tonight’s performance by Alis

TIRANA, May 14 – Albania turns its attention to Vienna tonight as Eurovision 2026 enters its second semi-final, with artist Alis set to perform the song “Nân”. Prime Minister Edi Rama called on the public and the Albanian diaspora to support the country’s entry. He urged voters to choose number …

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EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos to visit Prishtina on Friday

TIRANA, May 14 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will visit Prishtina on Friday. The trip marks her first visit to Kosova since she took office in 2024. She arrives on Thursday evening from London, where she holds two meetings earlier in the day. Kos will hold three …

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Kosova marks 27th anniversary of Qyshk massacre

TIRANA, May 14 – Kosova on Wednesday marked the 27th anniversary of the Qyshk massacre, one of the crimes committed during the 1998–1999 war. Serbian forces killed 44 Albanian men in the village on May 14, 1999. The attack ranks among the many massacres reported during the conflict in Kosova. …

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“Youth Tech Center” opens in Lushnjë for young innovators

A new space dedicated to young people passionate about technology and innovation has opened in the city of Lushnjë. The center is called “Youth Tech” and is located near the city museum. It has already attracted strong interest from local youth. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared moments from the center …

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Foreign minister says Albania on track for European Union membership by 2030

TIRANA, May 14 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha told parliament on Wednesday that Albania remains on track for European Union membership by 2030 if the current pace of reforms continues. He made the remarks during discussions on a draft resolution on Albania’s European integration process. Hoxha said European Union support …

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“Courtyards That Speak” project brings authentic Himara closer to visitors

TIRANA, May 14 – “Courtyards That Speak” is a cultural project that invites visitors to discover an authentic side of Himara through local memories, songs, traditional recipes and stories passed down across generations. The initiative opens several traditional courtyards in the coastal area to the public for a limited period. …

News

OSCE democratic institutions office says political finance draft strengthens transparency

TIRANA, May 14 – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights published an interim urgent opinion on Albania’s draft law on political party financing. The office said the draft creates a detailed framework for regulating political financing, while calling for further clarifications …

News

Tourism minister looks at preparations in Jala and Dhërmi ahead of summer season

TIRANA, May 14 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja looked at preparations on the beaches of Jala and Dhërmi ahead of the new summer season. He reviewed readiness measures and ongoing work along the coastal areas. Gonxhja said operators and local authorities still need to complete several …

News

Defense Minister meets NATO Joint Force Command Naples Commander Admiral, focuses on regional security and hybrid threats

TIRANA, May 14 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met today in Tirana with Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples, during an official visit to Albania. Opening the talks, Nufi underlined that the visit reflects the strong partnership between the Albanian Armed Forces and NATO Allies, …

News

President Begaj meets NATO Joint Force Command Naples Commander Admiral Wikoff, reaffirms defence cooperation and NATO commitment

TIRANA, May 14 – President Bajram Begaj met in Tirana with Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples, praising his leadership in what he described as a complex geopolitical environment. Opening the meeting, Begaj highlighted the key role of the Naples-based command in maintaining security, peace …

News

Eurovision 2026: PM Rama calls for strong support as Albania prepares for tonight’s performance by Alis

TIRANA, May 14 – Albania turns its attention to Vienna tonight as Eurovision 2026 enters its second semi-final, with artist Alis set to perform the song “Nân”. Prime Minister Edi Rama called on the public and the Albanian diaspora to support the country’s entry. He urged voters to choose number …

News

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos to visit Prishtina on Friday

TIRANA, May 14 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will visit Prishtina on Friday. The trip marks her first visit to Kosova since she took office in 2024. She arrives on Thursday evening from London, where she holds two meetings earlier in the day. Kos will hold three …

News

Kosova marks 27th anniversary of Qyshk massacre

TIRANA, May 14 – Kosova on Wednesday marked the 27th anniversary of the Qyshk massacre, one of the crimes committed during the 1998–1999 war. Serbian forces killed 44 Albanian men in the village on May 14, 1999. The attack ranks among the many massacres reported during the conflict in Kosova. …

News

“Youth Tech Center” opens in Lushnjë for young innovators

A new space dedicated to young people passionate about technology and innovation has opened in the city of Lushnjë. The center is called “Youth Tech” and is located near the city museum. It has already attracted strong interest from local youth. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared moments from the center …

News

Foreign minister says Albania on track for European Union membership by 2030

TIRANA, May 14 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha told parliament on Wednesday that Albania remains on track for European Union membership by 2030 if the current pace of reforms continues. He made the remarks during discussions on a draft resolution on Albania’s European integration process. Hoxha said European Union support …

News

“Courtyards That Speak” project brings authentic Himara closer to visitors

TIRANA, May 14 – “Courtyards That Speak” is a cultural project that invites visitors to discover an authentic side of Himara through local memories, songs, traditional recipes and stories passed down across generations. The initiative opens several traditional courtyards in the coastal area to the public for a limited period. …