Ending seasonal program, Albania reintroduces year-round visas for Russian tourists
TIRANA, April 24, 2023 – Albania has officially ended its tourist season visa waiver for citizens of Russia, following concern the waiver was contrary to the country’s international obligations as part of its condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Albania, a NATO member, has joined all EU and other …
Flames engulf Shkodra hospital’s surgery ward
One of the rooms of Surgery Department on the fourth floor of Shkodra Regional Hospital was engulfed by flames this Saturday morning. Fortunately, the police confirmed that there were no injuries from the fire, despite the material damage. Police and fire services immediately went to the scene and were able …
Medical care provided by Shkodra’s hospital despite fire
Shkodra’s Regional Hospital has reacted Saturday after the incident that happened this morning in the Pneumology department, which was engulfed in flames, ensuring that the healthcare service continues without interruption. Immediate measures were taken to restore the room where the incident occurred, while the patients were evacuated in time and …
Murder of a 20-year old in Tirana, the Court leaves in prison the author
Tirana court has ordered the measure of arrest and imprisonment for Axel Hoxhaj, who surrendered two days after the murder of 20-year-old Stivens Toshkëzi. In the court session, Hoxhaj admitted the crime and defended himself through the lawyer Ardian Kalia. A day before, the black squads also imprisoned the peer …
Tirana’s Mayor, deputy PM inspect great ring road construction works ahead of May 14th polls
De puty Prime Minister, at the same time the Minister of Infrastructure, Belinda Balluku and Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, inspected this Saturday the progress of the works in the 5th lot of the Great Ring Road. During the up-close visit, Veliaj said that this segment is of vital importance …
Parliament speaker’s congratulatory message for Eid al-Fitr
Speaker of the Assembly, Lindita Nikolla, wishes the Muslim believers on the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. On the social networks, Nikolla wrote that Albania is a big family, regardless of faith. “After the dedication of the sacrifices of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, spiritual growth, prayers, forgiveness, reflections, …
Gjirokaster, man arrested for stealing jewellery in a house
46-year-old, resident of Berat, has been arrested this Friday after stealing valuables off a house in the Dropulli area of Gjirokastra. Police revealed that the arrested is the citizen with initials A.M, previously convicted for the same criminal offense. Nine watches, 13 pendants, 9 bracelets, a significant amount of money …
Ramazan Rraja to remain in prison
The Special Court has left in prison Ramazan Rraja, who was arrested for the assassination of former prosecutor Arjan Ndoja and his friend, Aleksandër Laho. The session took place behind closed doors, while ABC News journalist Ermal Vija reports that Rraja has denied any connection to the event. Today, five …
Tirana Mayor’s appeal on Eid al-Fitr day
Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj has called Friday for unity and love as he wished all Muslim believers a happy Eid al-Fitr. On the occasion of the blessed month of Ramadan, Veliaj said that today Tirana is more united than ever, while expressing the desire that the spirit of cooperation …
Wanted Elbasan man caught on drugs, weapons charges
A 30-year-old wanted for narcotics and military ammunition was handcuffed by the Elbasan police this Friday. According to the police, the 30-year-old with the initials D.B. was declared wanted two years ago after the court of Elbasan had given the security measure “Arrest in prison, for the criminal offenses “Production …
TIRANA, April 24 – European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania ranks among the leading countries in the EU accession process. Speaking in an interview with Klan News, she pointed to recent progress and said authorities could soon meet interim benchmarks on rule of law. She added that this …
Albania and Germany concluded Development Cooperation negotiations. They signed a new Cooperation Protocol for 2026–2028. This marks a key step in strengthening their long-term partnership. Eridana Çano, Director General of SASPAC, signed the protocol. Heike Backofen-Warnecke, representative of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), also signed it. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met Matthew Whitaker today in Tirana. Rama said they discussed the close ties between the two countries. He stressed the strategic partnership. He highlighted strong diplomatic and military relations. He said both sides see their strengthening as a shared priority. They also discussed the upcoming NATO …
Marta Kos said Albania ranks among the leading countries in the EU integration process. In an interview with Klan News, she spoke about Albania’s progress. She said the EU may approve interim rule of law benchmarks in May. Then the process of closing chapters can begin. She praised Albania’s progress. …
Ferit Hoxha met Marta Kos at the Delphi Economic Forum. They discussed Albania’s EU integration process. Hoxha said the EU membership process never stops. It requires constant work and energy. He stressed the role of both Albania and its partners. He said they discussed key issues for steady progress. They …
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week tells a story of political change in key countries in the region, but associated uncertainty about future political directions. Original post Here
The General Directorate of Archives (DPA) organized a special exhibition in Tirana to mark World Book and Copyright Day. The event showcased rare diaries and original manuscripts of prominent Albanian figures for the first time. The exhibition took place in the cultural space “Auditor” and brought together officials, writers, critics, …
TIRANA, April 24 – Businesses in Albania have 37 days left to meet legal requirements for cashless payments through POS terminals in selected sectors. The obligation applies to accommodation services, transport operators, and public institutions. The deadline for tourism and transport businesses is set for 30 May 2026. Separate provisions …
TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s Financial Supervisory Authority held talks with the European Investment Bank on developing a national green investment guide and strengthening sustainable finance standards. The meeting brought together experts from the European Investment Bank, led by Alessandro de Concini, the institution’s representative in Albania. Discussions focused on …
TIRANA, April 24 – Dinamo City have qualified for the Albanian Cup final after defeating Vllaznia 1–0 at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium in Shkodër. The result followed a tightly contested semi-final second leg, where both sides created early chances but failed to convert in the first half. The first leg …