Wanted for murder, Elmir Tufa appears in court
Elmir Tufa, one of the suspected perpetrators of the murder of Shkëlzen Kastrati on February 1, 2021, has just arrived at the Fier court in the Sheqit Madh roundabout in Fier. Verification of the security measure against Tufa is expected this Sunday. Elmir Tufa was arrested this Thursday. He was …
Operation ‘Temple’, eight arrested by Tirana police
Eight people have been arrested by the Tirana police in the continuation of the coded operation “Temple”. According to the police, these people were caught selling drugs in doses near night clubs in the capital. Kol Braçi, Orgito Idrizi, Helson Gjabri, Arjan Domi, Endrit Kotorri, Elvi Zani and two minors …
Renown director passes away at 81
The well-known director, Vladimir Prifti, passed away this Sunday at the age of 81. Through a post on social networks, the Minister of Culture, Elva Margariti, declared that Albanian cinematography lost another great figure. Prifti is the director of some of the films such as “The Way of Letters”, “Who …
Analysis: Corruption probe involving former prime minister seen as litmus test for Albania’s new justice system
TIRANA, Nov. 2, 2023 – Albania’s former prime minister, Sali Berisha, is being investigated for “passive corruption” by Albania’s Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), with a specialized court ruling that he cannot leave the country and must present himself to court authorities twice a month. The same …
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 …
TIRANA, June 8 – Albania launched the EU4FoodSafety project in Tirana on World Food Safety Day. The initiative aims to strengthen the food safety system and align it further with European standards. The Albanian government supports the project. The European Union and the German government finance it. It focuses on …
TIRANA, June 8 – Consumer prices in Albania continued to rise in May, pushing annual inflation to 3%, up from 2.2% a year earlier, according to data published by INSTAT. Meanwhile, the statistical institute said the increase over the past two months mainly reflects higher fuel prices. It linked the …
TIRANA, June 8 – A traditional stone coffee preparation ritual has become an attraction for tourists visiting Gjirokastër, where visitors now experience a local hospitality practice in the city’s historic bazaar. Artisan Lubjana Baho has set up a hospitality corner in one of the cobbled streets. Meanwhile, she introduces visitors …
TIRANA, June 8 – The EU4FoodSafety project will strengthen and modernise Albania’s food control systems, Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday, describing the initiative as an important step toward aligning national standards with those of the European Union. The project, which the European Union and Germany support, will increase …
The Wom presents Gjipe Beach as one of the most spectacular natural sites in Albania. It highlights a dramatic canyon that opens directly onto a white-pebble beach and creates a strong contrast with the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. Furthermore, the beach sits between Dhërmi and Himarë in southern …
TIRANA, June 8 – Albania established the State Central Archive on June 8, 1949, creating a key institution for preserving national memory. The government issued the founding decree on that date, and the institution initially operated under the Institute of Sciences in Tirana. Meanwhile, officials prepared internal regulations, which helped …
TIRANA, June 8 – Albin Kurti, the candidate for prime minister of the Self-Determination Movement, said on June 7 that he was ready to cooperate with other political parties after claiming victory in Kosova’s elections. Speaking to supporters at Prishtina’s “Skanderbeg” Square, Kurti called for the swift formation of a …
The choir of the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Popular Ensemble (TKOBAP) represented Albanian culture in Italy. It performed at the 36th edition of the Savigliano Choral Festival, alongside well-known choirs from Rome, Milan, and Turin. Furthermore, the Albanian choir presented a selection of Albanian musical works. It showcased …
TIRANA, June 8 – The Central Election Commission of Kosova said it completed the count of all ballot boxes in the parliamentary elections. Meanwhile, it reported that the Self-Determination Movement won 42.91% of votes, or 299,152 ballots. The Democratic Party of Kosova followed with 21.12%, or 174,220 votes. The Democratic …
TIRANA, June 8 – Librazhd opened a multifunctional centre for persons with disabilities, offering integrated care and support services for people with special needs and their families. Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala and Librazhd Mayor Mariglen Disha inspected the facility. They met staff, children with disabilities and their …