Strengthening democratic institutions a U.S. priority, says nominee for U.S. ambassador to Albania, David J. Kostelancik
TIRANA, April 2, 2023 – Strengthening democratic institutions in Albania is a U.S. priority, says David J. Kostelancik, a career diplomat appointed by President Biden to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Albania. He made the comments in his remarks in front of the Committee on Foreign Relations in …
Albania voices support for Thaci as trial starts in The Hague
TIRANA, April 3, 2023 – Albania has voiced support for Kosovo’s former president Hashim Thaci and three other ex-leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), whose trial started on Monday in The Hague on alleged war crimes. All of the defendants firmly deny the accusations and formally entered not-guilty pleas …
Rama introduces salary increase to PM’s office employees
Prime Minister Edi Rama, in a meeting with the employees of the Prime Minister’s Office, communicated the salary increase. He stated that such an increase should have been made a long time ago, but the conditions have caused it to be delayed. “It’s been so many years that we work …
DP’s candidate for local elections in Kruja withdraws
Another Democratic Party (DP) candidate for the May 14 elections has withdrawn from the race. It is about the candidate of the municipality of Krujë, Sabah Sheta, who announced his decision through a post on Facebook. With the withdrawal from the race, Sabah Sheta brings to 6 the number of …
Albania’s economy increased 4.84% in 2022
Economic growth in Albania for 2022 was 4.84%. This is what the Minister of Finance and Economy, Delina Ibrahimaj, said this Friday during a press conference. Ibrahimaj noted that growth has mainly been registered in the construction and tourism sectors. According to her, the reconstruction process is continuing at a …
Govt still discussing fiscal amnesty with internationals
Minister of Finance and Economy, Delina Ibrahimaj, stated that the government is still working on the fiscal amnesty draft. In a press conference, Ibrahimaj said that it is important that this draft be consulted with international partners. According to her, this is in order to avoid hasty actions, which may …
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 …
TIRANA, April 24 – European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania ranks among the leading countries in the EU accession process. Speaking in an interview with Klan News, she pointed to recent progress and said authorities could soon meet interim benchmarks on rule of law. She added that this …
Albania and Germany concluded Development Cooperation negotiations. They signed a new Cooperation Protocol for 2026–2028. This marks a key step in strengthening their long-term partnership. Eridana Çano, Director General of SASPAC, signed the protocol. Heike Backofen-Warnecke, representative of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), also signed it. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met Matthew Whitaker today in Tirana. Rama said they discussed the close ties between the two countries. He stressed the strategic partnership. He highlighted strong diplomatic and military relations. He said both sides see their strengthening as a shared priority. They also discussed the upcoming NATO …
Marta Kos said Albania ranks among the leading countries in the EU integration process. In an interview with Klan News, she spoke about Albania’s progress. She said the EU may approve interim rule of law benchmarks in May. Then the process of closing chapters can begin. She praised Albania’s progress. …
Ferit Hoxha met Marta Kos at the Delphi Economic Forum. They discussed Albania’s EU integration process. Hoxha said the EU membership process never stops. It requires constant work and energy. He stressed the role of both Albania and its partners. He said they discussed key issues for steady progress. They …
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week tells a story of political change in key countries in the region, but associated uncertainty about future political directions. Original post Here
The General Directorate of Archives (DPA) organized a special exhibition in Tirana to mark World Book and Copyright Day. The event showcased rare diaries and original manuscripts of prominent Albanian figures for the first time. The exhibition took place in the cultural space “Auditor” and brought together officials, writers, critics, …
TIRANA, April 24 – Businesses in Albania have 37 days left to meet legal requirements for cashless payments through POS terminals in selected sectors. The obligation applies to accommodation services, transport operators, and public institutions. The deadline for tourism and transport businesses is set for 30 May 2026. Separate provisions …
TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s Financial Supervisory Authority held talks with the European Investment Bank on developing a national green investment guide and strengthening sustainable finance standards. The meeting brought together experts from the European Investment Bank, led by Alessandro de Concini, the institution’s representative in Albania. Discussions focused on …
TIRANA, April 24 – Dinamo City have qualified for the Albanian Cup final after defeating Vllaznia 1–0 at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium in Shkodër. The result followed a tightly contested semi-final second leg, where both sides created early chances but failed to convert in the first half. The first leg …