Albania’s massive ICSID court loss has Tirana pondering exiting jurisdiction
TIRANA, April 11, 2023 – With Albania’s government losing its final appeal to reverse a €120-million penalty in the Francesco Becchetti affair case earlier this month, Tirana is mulling exiting the jurisdiction of the international arbitration court that issued the ruling, according to Prime Minister Edi Rama. The tribunal organized …
Politicians and Public Targeted in Online Intimidation Cases
BIRN’s latest three-month monitoring review of digital violations, covering the period from January to March, highlights how online targeting of politicians and government critics, as well as other forms of digital intimidation, have become significant issues of concern in the Balkans and Central and Eastern Europe. Original post Here
Fresh Suspicions over Albania Airport after Turkish Partner Pulls Out
Environmentalists and the European Commission were already alarmed by Albanian plans to build an airport in a coastal region rich in biodiversity. Now one of the partners in the project has pulled out, taking its airport expertise with it. Original post Here
ODIHR starts monitoring mission for Albania’s May 14 administrative elections
TIRANA, March 8, 2023 – International observers of ODIHR, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, have started the mission of monitoring Albania’s local elections of May 14 with a press conference. The mission will be led by Ambassador Audry Glover, who has been in charge of international …
PM pitches large public sector wage increases, leading to concern over costs, political use
TIRANA, April 8 – Albania’s government is preparing to approve large wage increases in the public sector that could lead to the average salary going up 60 percent by 2024, Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced. According to the government, the new system of public sector wages will bring the …
Albanian PM Threatens to Quit International Arbitration Body
Premier Edi Rama reacted angrily to a decision by a World Bank-funded international arbitration body to grant around 110 million euros in compensation to an Italian businessman who claimed he was politically persecuted in Albania. Original post Here
Op/Ed: The Quad: Searching for purpose in yet another new regional constellation
By ALBA CELA Last week, the Foreign Affairs ministers of Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Kosovo launched the “Western Balkans Quad – 100% alignment with EU Common Foreign Security Policy” as a platform to address CFSP in the sensitive geopolitical context brought about by Russian aggression in Ukraine. All countries …
CEC introduces electronic platform on political parties’ funding monitoring
Central Elections Commission (CEC) has introduced Wednesday the Electronic Platform for Financial Reporting, which aims at strengthening the monitoring of the financing of political parties and the transparency of campaign funds. During the working table, the Head of the CEC, Ilirjan Celibashi, said that this platform will contribute to efficient …
Colombian woman busted with drugs in Rinas airport
A Colombian citizen has been arrested this Wednesday at Rinas airport, after a quantity of cannabis was found in her handbag. Law enforcement revealed that the citizen with the initials C.J, 26 years old, who was traveling from Colombia to Albania was discovered during the control at the second line. …
Two arrested and two wanted as drugs group dismantled in Fier
Police of Fier have finalized this Thursday the coded operation “Unique”, where quantities of narcotics heroin, cocaine and cannabis were seized. During this operation, the citizens, Klejdi Çela and Zhanri Hajdari, were arrested, while the citizens, Marsel Korreshi, previously convicted for the same criminal offense, and Selim Koçi were declared …
TIRANA, April 23 – Travel and Tour World has highlighted Albania as an emerging European travel destination for 2026, citing growing international interest in its coastal landscapes, mountain regions and cultural heritage sites. The publication described Albania as gaining increased visibility among international travellers. In Tirana, the capital features as …
The European Film Academy has included the Kinostudio “Shqipëria e Re” building in the list of Treasures of European Film Culture. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport announced the decision and highlighted its importance for Albania. It said the recognition places Albania among Europe’s key film heritage destinations. It …
TIRANA, April 23 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will face relatively unstable atmospheric conditions on Thursday. The day is expected to bring alternating clear skies and light to moderate cloud cover during midday and afternoon hours. Southern mountainous areas are expected to see localised light rainfall with low …
TIRANA, April 23 – The Council of Ministers approved zoning and a management plan for Orikum Archaeological Park. The site received designation last week as an immovable cultural asset. The decision sets rules for protection, preservation and administration. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the measure strengthens …
TIRANA, April 23 – Business activity in Albania increased significantly in March 2026, reflecting positive economic dynamics in the country. The National Business Centre reported 1,780 new business registrations during the month. Compared with March 2025, when 1,565 businesses were registered, the figure rose by 13.7 percent. Tirana accounted for …
Nufi met Zoran Milanović during an official visit to Zagreb. They discussed strengthening defence cooperation within NATO. Nufi said Albania and Croatia share a strong commitment to peace and stability in Southeast Europe. He described this as a key strategic priority for both countries. Moreover, both sides agreed to deepen …
TIRANA, April 23 – Albania’s public broadcaster, Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH), has formally launched an institutional reform process following unanimous approval by its Steering Council. The decision marks the start of implementing a transformation plan supported by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). RTSH Director General Eni Vasili said the reform …
Bank of Albania, in cooperation with the European Investment Bank, held a technical and inter-institutional workshop in Tirana on the development of Albania’s “Green Taxonomy”. This system classifies which economic activities can be considered environmentally sustainable. The Bank said the initiative is part of a broader technical assistance program to …
TIRANA, April 23 – The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet hosted the concert “Three Spanish tenors” in Tirana, bringing three internationally recognised opera voices to the Albanian capital. The event featured repertoire from classical and operatic music. Tenors Ignacio Encinas, Oscar Encinas and Albert Deprius performed under the direction …
Blendi Gonxhja announced that the Monastery of the Archangels in Derviçan has been declared a Category I “Monument of Culture”. He said authorities will soon begin work to restore it and make it livable again. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport said the decision was made in cooperation with …