Ilir Beqaj, high Socialist official mired in corruption investigations, arrested for abuse of EU funds
TIRANA, July 4, 2024 – Ilir Beqaj, Albania’s former minister of health who has a history of holding important position in the ruling Socialist Party, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of involvement in a corruption scheme to profit from funds from the Agency for the Coordination of Foreign Aid and …
Share Your Experience: Corruption in Albania’s Health Sector
Have you been asked to transfer your treatment from a public to a private hospital? Do you suspect that healthcare staff are illicitly profiting from your treatment? Have you been asked for a bribe by a medical professional? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Tourist season/ State Police: 378 arrested, 25 of them in the wanted list
The State Police has made the balance of the month, helping for a tourist season as safe as possible. It is known that 378 citizens were arrested and 25 of them were wanted internationally. So far, the Traffic Police has arrested 143 drivers, of which 104 for driving while intoxicated …
Independence of USA, Begaj: We share friendship and strengthened partnership towards democratic values
President Bajram Begaj congratulated July 4, the day of US Independence. In a post on social networks, Begaj emphasizes the joint commitment between Albania and the USA as strategic allies. “Albania and the U.S. share a friendship and partnership strengthened by a common commitment to democratic values. Together, as strategic …
Former Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj arrested
The former Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj, was arrested this Thursday. ABC News reporter Ermal Vija reports that Beqaj was arrested for embezzling funds from the State Agency for Strategic Program and Aid Coordination, also known as SASPAC. Regarding this file, a few months ago, several checks were carried out …
CEC postpones the decision on the validity for the mandate of Fredi Beleri
Central Election Commission (CEC) has postponed the decision regarding the validity of the mandate of the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri. “Regarding the time, I don’t believe we have the opportunity to do it today. We can probably organize it, it doesn’t have to come from the place of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, tribute to renowned writer Ismail Kadare
Tributes are being held in honor of Ismail Kadare, the well-known Albanian writer. Prime Minister Edi Rama, in the speech he is giving to the audience, said that Kadare feels protected by Mother Teresa, referring to the installation of the Albanian saint that stands next to the archmort of the …
25 police officers in Korça suspended for abuse with Frontex funds
Korça Prosecutor’s Office is criminally prosecuting 25 employees of the Korça Police Department and the Border and Migration Directorate. On the other hand, the court decides the suspension from duty of these employees. According to the Korca prosecutor’s office, the police officers are accused of abusing the funds in terms …
Chronicles and Fragments
The novels of Ismail Kadare. By James Wood Like Trieste or Lvov, the medieval city of Gjirokastër, in southern Albania, has passed its history beneath a sign perpetually rewritten, in different hands, but always with the same words: “Under New Management.” It enters the historical record in 1336, as a Byzantine …
A phone call not every writer wants
By Kristoffer Leandoer Every year he waits in vain by the phone on this very day, and a whole nation waits with him. Every year the Albanian people are equally surprised that Ismail Kadare has been passed over once again. The recently published “A dictator calls” (Counterpoint LLC), makes full use of …
The European Commission has launched a call for civil society organizations that want to join the new Civil Society Platform, a permanent dialogue mechanism between civil society groups and European Union institutions. The platform aims to create a forum where organizations can exchange ideas and experiences, discuss challenges facing civil …
Albania has become part of the soundtrack of one of the year’s most anticipated films, “The Odyssey” by director Christopher Nolan. The film, which premiered worldwide this week, is Nolan’s latest adaptation of Homer’s epic poem. Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus and featuring a major Hollywood cast, the production was …
The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), in cooperation with the Butrint Management Foundation (BMF), has launched the first call for applications under the Butrint Community Grant Scheme. The initiative supports individuals, local businesses and nonprofit organizations with projects focused on economic, cultural, social and tourism development in the Butrint National Park …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo album highlighting the week’s key events. First, he attended the Coalition of the Willing Summit on Ukraine in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. He also joined France’s National Day ceremony and reaffirmed Albania’s strong partnership with its Euro-Atlantic allies. …
Tirana Times, July 18, 2026 – For years, the U.S. and the EU invested significant political capital, funding, and diplomatic pressure into helping Albania build one of the most ambitious anti-corruption institutions in the Balkans: the Special Anti-Corruption Structure, known as SPAK. SPAK was created to do what previous institutions …
The European Commission says Albania continued to implement judicial reform and the Cross-Sector Justice Strategy throughout 2026. First, Albania completed the vetting process for all judges and prosecutors after authorities finalized the appeals phase. Consequently, the process further strengthened judicial independence, accountability, and integrity across the justice system. In addition, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said tourism and foreign investments currently bring €8.5 billion into Albania’s economy. Speaking at an event promoting the national program “Double Your Business,” Rama highlighted the growth of tourism and its impact on economic development. According to him, tourists now fill the streets of Tirana in …
A new space dedicated to art, culture, and community has become part of Tirana’s urban landscape. The Art Park in Kinostudio has transformed the former film studio area into a new meeting point for residents, artists, and visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing large numbers …
TIRANA, July 17 – The Artistic Ensemble “Skanderbeg” from Korça represented Albania at the 59th edition of the International “Festival des Cultures du Monde” in Chambéry, France. The festival brought together folklore and cultural groups from different parts of the world. The Albanian ensemble presented traditional costumes, music and dances, …
TIRANA, July 17 – Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj presented the sovereign scheme “Double your business”, which aims to help Albanian companies access financing and increase investment, productivity and competitiveness in European markets. Ibrahimaj said the initiative responds to the real needs of businesses and supports the development …