Wanted for murder, Elmir Tufa appears in court
Elmir Tufa, one of the suspected perpetrators of the murder of Shkëlzen Kastrati on February 1, 2021, has just arrived at the Fier court in the Sheqit Madh roundabout in Fier. Verification of the security measure against Tufa is expected this Sunday. Elmir Tufa was arrested this Thursday. He was …
Operation ‘Temple’, eight arrested by Tirana police
Eight people have been arrested by the Tirana police in the continuation of the coded operation “Temple”. According to the police, these people were caught selling drugs in doses near night clubs in the capital. Kol Braçi, Orgito Idrizi, Helson Gjabri, Arjan Domi, Endrit Kotorri, Elvi Zani and two minors …
Renown director passes away at 81
The well-known director, Vladimir Prifti, passed away this Sunday at the age of 81. Through a post on social networks, the Minister of Culture, Elva Margariti, declared that Albanian cinematography lost another great figure. Prifti is the director of some of the films such as “The Way of Letters”, “Who …
Analysis: Corruption probe involving former prime minister seen as litmus test for Albania’s new justice system
TIRANA, Nov. 2, 2023 – Albania’s former prime minister, Sali Berisha, is being investigated for “passive corruption” by Albania’s Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), with a specialized court ruling that he cannot leave the country and must present himself to court authorities twice a month. The same …
Bank of Albania increases key interest rate, again, aiming to tackle inflation
TIRANA, Nov. 2, 2023 – Albania’s central bank supervisory council has announced another hike in Bank of Albania’s key interest rate, up by 0.25 percentage points, bringing it to a rate of 3.25 percent. Inflation has seen a declining trend in 2023, but it is still higher than what the …
Elez Biberaj announces retirement from VoA after 43 years of service
WASHINGTON, Nov. 2, 2023 – Elez Biberaj, the prominent Albanian-American journalist, is retiring after an illustrious 43-year career at the Voice of America (VoA), according to a message he sent to colleagues. He will continue serving as the VoA Director of the Eurasia Division until the end of year. VoA …
New investigation offers proof Russians owned shell company that paid for Basha’s 2017 lobbying in Washington
TIRANA, Nov. 2, 2023 – A new investigation published Thursday by Finance Uncovered in cooperation with the BBC has offered proof that Russians were behind the company that paid for lobbying in Washington that led to a brief meeting and a photo of Lulzim Basha, serving as leader of the …
Albert Rakipi and the College of Europe: The bold idea that brought EU’s venerable institution to Albania
How a think-tanker’s vision, backed by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, secured the College of Europe’s presence in Tirana. TIRANA, Oct. 26, 2023 – More than a year ago, Albert Rakipi, a prominent figure in Albania’s international relations and think tank circles, contemplated a pressing question. With the European Union …
Albania’s removal from FATF money laundering gray list met with optimism
TIRANA, Oct. 29 – Albania’s recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) gray list of countries grappling with money laundering deficiencies has garnered cautious optimism, with financial experts emphasizing the need for continued vigilance. The decision, made by FATF, an intergovernmental organization created through a G7 initiative, has …
Two drug dealers arrested in Lezha, Mirdita
Lezha Police has cracked down on two more cases of selling narcotics, in doses, in Lezha and Mirdita, as informed this Sunday. In the city of Lezha, Salvator Luka, a resident of Pukë, while in Mirdita, Ndue Rregji, was arrested. During this operation, two citizens were handcuffed and 68 doses …
TIRANA, June 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the Western Balkans should not remain in the European Union waiting room. He spoke to international media on arrival at the Western Balkans–European Union summit in Tivat. He called for stronger political momentum in the enlargement process. He also supported gradual …
TIRANA, June 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the Western Balkans should not remain in the European Union waiting room. He spoke to international media on arrival at the Western Balkans–European Union summit in Tivat. He called for stronger political momentum in the enlargement process. He also supported gradual …
TIRANA, June 5 – President Bajram Begaj received the credentials of North Macedonia’s new ambassador to Albania, Vele Trpevski, and the new ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Albania, Turki Ibraheem Almadhi. During talks with Trpevski, Begaj praised the strong neighbourly relations and cooperation between Albania and North Macedonia. He expressed …
The Permanent Commission on Linguistics and Literature and the Institute of Linguistics and Literature at the Academy of Sciences presented a new book by Bardhyl Demiraj titled Don Gjon Buzuku and His Meshari. The event highlighted the importance of the Meshari, the earliest known monument of the Albanian language. At …
TIRANA, June 5 – The Chair of the Steering Council of Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH), Fatjon Hoxhalli, presented the institution’s financial and organisational situation before the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Public Information Media. He outlined revenue sources, financial obligations and investment constraints. Hoxhalli said the TV licence …
TIRANA, June 5 – The Director General of Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH), Eni Vasili, said 2025 marked a major financial challenge for the public broadcaster, while the institution continued to fulfil its public service mission. Presenting the annual balance sheet, Vasili said RTSH inherited weak operational conditions in both …
TIRANA, June 5 – The Transparency Board set new maximum wholesale and retail fuel prices on Friday. The new rates entered into force at 1300 local time. Under the decision, retail diesel prices under the SSH EN 590 standard cannot exceed 192 ALL per litre. Wholesale diesel prices cannot exceed …
Organizers opened the Albanian-language Book Fair “Shkup 2026” in Skopje’s “Skënderbeu” Square. The event became one of the key cultural platforms for promoting reading and Albanian-language literature. First, the fair brought together publishers, writers, researchers, and readers from North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania. It created a shared space for cultural …
TIRANA, June 5 – Albania on Thursday marked the 106th anniversary of the Vlora War, one of the most significant events in the country’s efforts to consolidate statehood. The conflict began on June 5, 1920, at a time when Albania’s future remained under discussion in international forums and concerns over …
TIRANA, June 5 – Minister for Relations with Parliament Erjona Ismailaj said the planned investment in Zvërnec will not damage the flora and fauna of the Narta Lagoon. She said the project will support economic development and create thousands of jobs in the Vlora region. Speaking in a media interview, …