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 …
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 …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the flamingos of Zvërnec represent a unique natural asset for Albania’s tourism development. He argued that nature can support investment instead of blocking it. Furthermore, he referred to recent protests against the planned Zvërnec investment. He said such debates often misunderstand how nature and tourism …
Gonxhja in Pogradec: Seaplane as a New Opportunity for Tourism Development and Regional Connectivity
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja participated in the opening of the tourist season in Pogradec. He presented a symbolic seaplane flight as a new initiative to promote innovative tourism and strengthen regional connections between lakes, cities, and neighboring areas. Gonxhja held a meeting with local tourism operators …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Albania’s main challenge remains integration into the European Union. He stressed that the country must move to a new level of economic and social development. Speaking at the 35th anniversary celebration of the Socialist Party in Elbasan, Rama said Albania is closer than ever …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government is driving Vlora toward a new era of tourism development. He stated that by 2030, Vlora will become one of the Mediterranean’s top tourist destinations. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Elbasan, Rama highlighted the impact of government investments in …
Prime Minister Edi Rama responded to the public debate over the planned investment in Zvërnec. He called for respectful discussion and defended the right of environmentalists and citizens to express their concerns. In a social media post, Rama criticized the offensive language used by some participants in the debate. He …
Prime Minister Edi Rama described the planned Zvërnec project in Vlora as one of the largest tourism investments in Europe. He said the project will play a key role in Albania’s economic development. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Elbasan, Rama highlighted the importance of high-end tourism …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania must not let major tourism opportunities slip away again. He stressed that the country has already lost important chances in the past and should not repeat the same mistakes. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Elbasan, Rama referred to the tourism …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is moving steadily closer to European Union membership. He stated that European partners strongly support the country and recognize its progress in the integration process. Furthermore, he spoke on the podcast “Flasim” and referred to the EU–Western Balkans Summit in Tivat. He said the …
In his post, Rama criticized the language used by some commenters, describing it as offensive and lacking substance. He argued that such rhetoric harms public debate on important issues and stressed that “street language” should not dominate public discussions. “A few words first for the revolutionaries who come here and …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”857c6676-97fd-49c0-963e-85cfdd8a5fe9″ data-turn-id-container=”857c6676-97fd-49c0-963e-85cfdd8a5fe9″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-5″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Dozens of residents of Lushnja held a protest on Sunday morning, voicing their opposition to what they described as substandard conditions at Lushnja Hospital. The demonstration was initiated by Democratic Party MP Saimir Korreshi. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d03c183-ccb9-43e0-ad59-f450389fa326-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d03c183-ccb9-43e0-ad59-f450389fa326-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> “The …