Preparatory conference held in the “Thaçi 2” case, trial postponed until April 14
A defense preparatory conference was held at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague in the case against Hashim Thaçi, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu, and Hajredin Kuçi. Thaçi, Kilaj, and Fazliu attended via video link, while Kuçi and Smakaj waived their right to participate, which the presiding judge, …
Unpaid employee insurance contributions reach €270 million in 2025, up 8%
The value of unpaid obligations by businesses for social insurance contributions rose to €270 million last year, up from €250 million in 2024. According to the Tax Directorate, this 8% increase in the stock indicates that a portion of private businesses are not paying insurance contributions for their employees and …
Bank of Albania: Business confidence rises in March
TIRANA, April 1 – Business confidence in Albania increased in March, according to a report published today by the Bank of Albania. The overall economic sentiment improved slightly, mainly due to stronger confidence in the trade sector, and remains well above its historical average. Confidence in the industrial sector declined …
Government approves digital identity law, introduces screening of foreign investments in critical sectors
TIRANA, April 1 – The government approved three acts at its latest meeting, Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said. One act covers electronic identification, trusted services, and a digital identity wallet. Ibrahimaj said the law will replace paper documents and handwritten signatures. She explained that the law strengthens legal …
Government adopts unified rules for public space management across Albania
TIRANA, April 1 – State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo announced the approval of new rules for the use of public spaces. He said the regulation aims to support business development while addressing issues that limit public access for citizens. Demo said the rules create statewide standards for how …
National Authority for Cybersecurity rejects claims of cyberattack, says operations normal
TIRANA, April 1 – The National Authority for Cybersecurity clarified that recent reports of a breach at the institution are false. In an official statement, the authority dismissed claims by “Homeland Justice” regarding a cyberattack on Albanian institutions. The statement stressed that the circulated material is an official communication to …
Minister Sala inspects Berati Regional Hospital, emphasizes expanding laboratory testing
TIRANA, April 1 – Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Evis Sala, inspected ongoing reconstruction works at Berat Regional Hospital, focusing on the laboratory, where she assessed the uninterrupted provision of diagnostic services. Speaking with laboratory staff, Sala noted that the rise in cases, particularly chronic diseases, has increased the …
Abissnet Superiore week 30 on RTSH: three-day schedule opens with Flamurtari-Tirana
TIRANA, April 1 – The national team takes a break as Abissnet Superiore returns with its 30th week, scheduled across three days starting Friday. The week opens on Friday with the survival clash between Flamurtari and Tirana at 19:00 in Flamurtari Stadium. On Saturday, three more matches follow, including key …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu meets Council of Europe rapporteurs, focuses on judicial reform and anti-corruption
TIRANA, April 1 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu met yesterday with Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly rapporteurs Ionut-Marian Stroe and Pawel Jablonski. The discussion centered on the progress of judicial reform and upcoming challenges. Gogu emphasized that the vetting process is nearing completion, while judicial institutions have entered a new …
National Padel Championship Concludes, Winners Announced
Albania’s national padel championship concluded today, highlighting the sport’s rapid growth in the country. Around 120 athletes competed over three days across multiple categories, showcasing high skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. The Albanian Padel Federation organized the event with support from the Albanian National Olympic Committee. Winners: Men’s Category 1: Alensio …
The Cold War Museum in Gjirokastër has unveiled a new exhibition inside the city’s historic underground bunker. The central hall now features uniforms worn by soldiers, generals and officials during Albania’s communist era. Visitors can also see banned books, newspaper articles from the 1950s to the 1990s, and publications by …
Albania plans to gradually shift public administration toward electric vehicles. Under the new target, public institutions must procure new light vehicles that are either fully electric or plug-in hybrids. The target forms part of the revised National Energy and Climate Plan 2020–2030. The plan introduces several measures to cut transport …
The PISA 2025 results show a major improvement in Albanian students’ performance. Scores rose by 65 points in mathematics, 59 points in science and 50 points in reading. As a result, Albania ranks among the Western Balkans’ strongest performers in mathematics and science. The results were presented in Bratislava at …
BBC reports on Tirana’s growing dental tourism industry, as Albania seeks to establish itself as a cheaper alternative to Turkey for international patients seeking dental treatment. Anthony Hook is sitting in a dentist’s chair, grinning toothily into a handheld mirror. He has been asked to pose for photos showing off …
International Stabilization Force (ISF) Commander Major General Jasper Jeffers held talks with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha and Defence Minister Ermal Nufi. The discussions focused on Albania’s future contributions to the force and its role in supporting the ISF mission. During the meetings, the officials discussed Albania’s …
Tirana plans to transform Mother Teresa Square into a mainly pedestrian public space. The project will move many of the square’s new functions underground. The Albanian Development Fund has launched a tender for the project. It has set a budget limit of 20.8 billion lek, or around €21 million, for …
The Ministry of Defence reported 43 wildfires across Albania over the past 24 hours. Of these, 13 remain active, while eight are under monitoring and 22 have been extinguished. Meanwhile, 697 local and municipal emergency personnel took part in firefighting and monitoring operations. In addition, they used 68 firefighting vehicles …
The Centralized Purchasing Operator (OBP) and UNOPS have signed a cooperation agreement in Tirana. The agreement is called “Procuring Together for a European Albania”. It aims to strengthen strategic purchasing. It also seeks to improve public procurement. OBP Administrator Jonaid Myzyri signed the agreement. Sabine Kania, Director of the UNOPS …
Prime Minister Edi Rama will meet political leaders and ministers at noon today, September 9, on the outskirts of Tirana. The meeting will focus on the Socialist Party’s priorities for the new parliamentary session. It will also address the government’s new political agenda. Meanwhile, Rama is expected to renew his …
Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi met today with the European Union’s new ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa. They discussed Albania’s path towards EU membership and the work ahead in the integration process. Peleshi said EU membership remains a natural aspiration for Albanians. He also stressed the country’s institutional …