Several draft laws approved in 12 min plenary session
Plenary session of this Thursday was accompanied by incidents from the opposition, who blocked the floor protesting with placards in their hands. During the session, the majority approved the draft laws of the agenda in 12 minutes, closing the session in less than 30 minutes. At the helm of opposition …
Special Court leaves house arrest against Berisha in power
Appellate of the Special Court has upheld the “house arrest” decision for former Prime Minister Sali Berisha.This decision was taken this Thursday by judge Ilirjana Olldashi, leaving in effect the decision of December 30, 2023. After the Appeal decision of GJKKO, in communication to the media, the lawyer of the …
A 41 year old arrested in Italy for prostitution
A 41-year-old convicted in Italy for exploitation of prostitution was arrested in Rinas. According to the police, the 41-year-old, with several identities, was part of a criminal group that used foreign nationals for prostitution during the period 2008-2012 in Milan. He was sentenced to four years in prison in Italy …
EU committee urges Albanian parliament to give opposition denied oversight rights
TIRANA, Jan. 24, 2024 – The latest meeting of the EU-Albania Association Stabilization Parliamentary Committee has convened at the European Parliament, urging the ruling majority in the Albanian parliament to give back to the opposition rights that bolster parliamentary oversight through investigative commissions and other measures, aiming to enhance institutional …
Becchetti gets paid as Albanian taxpayers bail out air traffic control company whose foreign accounts were seized by Belgian court
TIRANA, Jan. 24, 2023 – The Albanian government has had to pump millions of euros to keep afloat Albcontrol, the state-owned company responsible for air navigation services in Albanian airspace, as its foreign accounts have been frozen by the order of Brussels First Instance Court to pay a controversial Italian …
Ryanair unveils expansion plans and new routes from Tirana International Airport
TIRANA, Jan. 24, 2024 – Europe’s largest airline, low-cost Irish carrier Ryanair, is doubling down in Albania with six new direct destinations to complement its existing 16 and the announcing of plans to open a base in Tirana as early as next year. Ryanair is set to introduce several new …
Gerdeci file, former Minister of Defense appears in Special Court
Former Minister of Defense Fatmir Mediu appeared this Wednesday in the Special Court, where the next court session for the “Gërdec” case will take place. In the session held on January 10, 2024, Ylli Pinari, former director of the state enterprise in the Ministry of Defense, MEICO, testified against the …
Session on security of Berisha’s house arrest held
This Wednesday, the court hearing in the Special Appeal for the appeal of former Prime Minister Sali Berisha will take place. The lawyers of the former prime minister, as can be seen from the footage, have arrived at Apel. The former prime minister, who has been under “house arrest” since …
Rama: 2024 proclaimed as year of Albanian language
2024 has been declared as the year of Albanian language, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced Wednesday. In a post on his personal Facebook page, PM Rama published a video by the Minister of Education and Sports, Ogerta Manastirliu. “On the International Day of Education, we announce the year 2024, the …
Prostitution network dismantled in Tirana and Kruja, three Arrested
Three people have fallen into the handcuffs of the police and another has been declared wanted this Wednesday, because they are accused of exploiting three minor girls for prostitution. Samuel Doku, Kastriot Kullaj and Fabjon Cangu were arrested. From the investigative actions carried out, it was found that the 3 …
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 …