Albania, Bulgaria sign agreement on social insurance
Albania and Bulgaria have signed an agreement on social insurance, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced through a post on social networks. The head of the government says that this step is another success for the recognition of social insurance for Albanians abroad. “The Agreement on Social Insurance between Albania and …
Vlora, two arrested for hitting brother-in-law with car
Two brothers have been declared wanted by the Vlora police after allegedly hitting their brother-in-law with a vehicle. The incident happened on Thursday due to a family conflict. As a result, the 38-year-old with the initials A.M., who is currently in the hospital under the care of doctors, was injured. …
Report Warns of Challenges in Western Balkans’ Energy Transition
New report from Global Energy Monitor and Bankwatch Monitor says EU and US-backed plans to reduce the dependence of the Western Balkans on Russian gas could make the region’s energy transition ‘even harder’. Original post Here
Mega-operation in Shkodra, 8k cannabis seedlings seized
A mega-operation has been developed in Malesia e Madhe where 27 greenhouses were discovered in which about 8,000 suspected narcotic cannabis sativa seedlings were grown in cubes. A 52-year-old man with initials N.D, suspected of being the organizer of this criminal activity, was arrested in the operation. “As a result …
Man arrested for trying to traffic cocaine towards Greece
A 64-year-old man was arrested by the police of Gjirokastra after being accused of trafficking narcotics towards Greece. The police informs that the citizen with the initials V.S. tried to traffic to Greece cocaine. 346 grams of suspected narcotic substance cocaine, a sum of money, 2 mobile devices and the …
Court sentences ex-officials over salaries’ leak scandal
Tirana court has given the verdict for the four former officials who are accused of publishing the salaries and sensitive data of Albanian citizens. They were all sentenced to probation, respectively, Eni Qirjako and Andi Agraj, IT employees, to 32 months and 4 days of probation. Meanwhile, the private executors …
Rama: We aim to increase the average salary to 900 euros
Prime Minister Edi Rama declared that the government has in hand an ambitious and reasonable plan for further salary increases. In a statement to the media after the meeting of the Council of Ministers, Rama said that after the increase in the minimum wage, the aim is now to increase …
Green for growth fund to invest in landmark renewable energy project in Albania
TIRANA, March 11, 2023 – The Green for Growth Fund (GGF) has announced a EUR 28 million loan to fund a landmark transaction with SPV Blue 1 in Albania. The privately owned project marks a significant milestone in the history of energy production in Albania, as it is the largest …
Wage hikes in private sector outpacing public increases as Albania’s businesses struggle with retention
TIRANA, March 20, 2023 – Albania’s private sector salaries are increasing and doing so at a higher rate than public sector ones, as businesses struggle to retain workers competing with migration and the domestic labor market. However, public sector wages continue to be, on average, higher, according to the latest …
Op/Ed: Balkan awakening – Strengthening ties between Israel and Albania
By Ohad Shpak* The upcoming Israel-Albania Tech Conference to be held in March 2023 aims to strengthen commercial ties between the two countries, following recent developments in the bilateral relations. Muslim-majority Republic of Albania and the Jewish State of Israel have maintained diplomatic relations since 1991, shortly after Albania emerged from …
Himara will open the tourist season on May 1–3. The coastal city will welcome local and foreign visitors. The three-day event will create a festive atmosphere in the southern destination. The program will promote the area’s history, cultural heritage, pristine beaches, traditions, and rich Albanian cuisine. Minister of Tourism, Culture, …
Traffic has resumed in the Llogara Tunnel after a temporary closure caused by a collision between two vehicles. The Albanian Road Authority said police, ambulance, and firefighters arrived quickly and managed the situation. Authorities reopened the tunnel shortly after clearing the scene. The Llogara Tunnel includes a main tunnel and …
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos reported positive developments for Albania and Montenegro on their path to EU membership. She met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens. They discussed EU enlargement and the Western Balkans. Mitsotakis said enlargement had not made the expected progress but noted a new momentum. He …
Academic Rexhep Qosja passed away at the age of 89. He wrote a final letter before his death and stated his last wishes. He asked for a simple burial ceremony. He rejected religious rituals and official attendance. He requested that only close family members attend the funeral. He chose to …
At the Delphi Economic Forum, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi. Hoxha said the meeting gave both sides a chance to exchange views on EU accession. He stressed that Albania actively engages in the European integration process. He …
The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, announced in a post on X that he held a meeting with Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mihai Popșoi, during the Delphi Economic Forum. Hoxha wrote that during the meeting they exchanged views and shared their assessments regarding their …
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, published a lengthy post following the death of academician Rexhep Qosja. Kurti stated that the Albanian people do not have another contemporary academic who contributed as much to the language and the nation, adding that Qosja was often criticized by politics and even …
Enkileda Carja delivered a dominant performance at the European Youth Weightlifting Championships in Batumi, setting two European records. She first broke the record in the snatch with a lift of 103 kilograms. Then she continued her strong performance in the clean and jerk, lifting 123 kilograms. As a result, she …
Emiriana Sako met farmers in Katundi i Ri to discuss agricultural development. She said farmers should form Agricultural Cooperation Societies to strengthen the sector. She explained that these groups help farmers access financing, subsidies, and rural development programs more easily. Moreover, she stressed the role of the local government. She …
TIRANA, April 23 – Customs administrations from the region and international partners met in Moldova at a CEFTA (Central European Free Trade Agreement) working group session. The meeting focused on authorised economic operators and customs risk management as part of regional efforts to facilitate trade. Participants discussed the development of …