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 …
Mayor Veliaj’s statement as Tirana prepares for halloween
Atmosphere on the eve of the Halloween holiday is already more tangible for all the fans, adults and children. In the framework of this day, the Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj shared this Sunday morning pictures from “ZooParkTirana” on social networks. “GOOD MORNING. From ZooParkTirana, which was buzzing with kids …
Begaj congratulates counterpart Erdogan on Turkey’s National Day
President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj sent this Sunday a congratulatory telegram on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey to the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. In his telegram, President Begaj expressed full confidence in the excellent future …
Two arrested for possession of weed, cannabis seeds in Gjirokastra
Police of Gjirokastra have handcuffed two citizens, who kept narcotic substances and seeds in their apartment, with the intention of selling them. The arrested are Elis Ballaxhia and Daniel Hazizaj, 35 and 25 years old, both residents of Gjirokastra. During checks, the officers seized 236 grams of cocaine, 253 cannabis …
Seized assets, Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime appeal rejects former deputy PM’s request
The appeal of GJKKO (Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime) rejected the request of the former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj for the appeal made for the seized property. Arben Ahmetaj’s lawyers appealed a few months ago in the GJKKO Appeal against SPAK’s (Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized …
German MP: Immunity of MPs may be suspended by law authorities
The German MP, Gunther Krichbaum, has commented on the recent decisions of the Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), where the former Prime Minister Sali Berisha is under the “compulsion to appear” measure, while his son-in-law is behind bars for the issue of the privatization of the “Partizani” …
TIRANA, June 6 – Lake Shkodër has received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, gaining international recognition for one of Albania’s most important natural assets. Meanwhile, Shkodër Mayor Benet Beci describes the decision as a source of pride for the city and for communities living around the lake. He says the designation …
TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to the Albanian Public Radio and Television tonight after a long absence. Twenty artists will take the stage in the opening show, which will feature special guests and a mix of classic and contemporary music. Meanwhile, the festival’s hosts, singer Bleona Qereti …
The prime minister casts the widening unrest as a “hybrid war,” citing antisemitic narratives, claims about resettling Palestinians and AI-manipulated content. Tirana Times, June 6, 2026 — Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused Iran of standing behind the growing protests in Tirana against the proposed Zvërnec tourism project, shifting the …
TIRANA, June 6 – European Union and Western Balkan leaders meet in Tivat for the Western Balkans–EU summit. They focus on speeding up enlargement and advancing reforms across candidate countries. Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa says enlargement remains merit-based, but he adds that the process must become faster and …
TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to Albania after two decades. It takes place on June 6 and 7 at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana. The event brings together established and emerging artists. Organisers present the festival as a revival of a major cultural …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Sazan Island will remain property of the Albanian state. He stressed that it will not be privatized. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Vlora, Rama said Sazan is a national asset. Therefore, any development project will be carried out in partnership …
Albania received strong support from European Union leaders at the summit in Tivat, Montenegro. EU officials said the country is moving in the right direction toward membership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU’s goals are clear. She stated that Montenegro is expected to join the EU …
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said that no request for strategic investor status has been submitted for the Zvërnec project. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Vlora, Rama rejected criticism of strategic investments. He said that when his government took office, Vlora lacked major …
The European Union in Albania has supported 22 journalists and media professionals from across the country. Through short-film projects, they highlighted the stories and challenges faced by some of the most vulnerable groups in Albanian society. The initiative was implemented in cooperation with the organizations Albanian Women in Audiovisual and …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the planned tourism resort in Zvërnec will transform Vlora into a destination of global importance. During a meeting with local residents, Rama highlighted the project’s expected economic impact. He said the investment would attract further development and increase interest in real estate, apartments, and …