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 …
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 …
Permet continues to grow as a sustainable tourism destination in southern Albania. The town attracts visitors with its untouched nature, rich cuisine, and warm hospitality. Furthermore, foreign tourists highlight the authentic experience that Permet offers. They say the town stands out because it moves away from mass tourism and encourages …
Travelers leave Çorovoda and enter the Skrapar mountains, where Mount Tomorr rises dramatically and shapes the landscape. Along the route, they spot small villages that preserve history, culture, and strong hospitality traditions. Furthermore, Vendreshë e Vogël welcomes visitors with rich natural beauty. Yellow broom flowers cover the slopes, while green …
TIRANA, June 8 – Albania joined a regional cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening the resilience of transport infrastructure against climate change during a meeting of Western Balkan transport authorities in Helsinki, Finland. The agreement was signed by Ergys Verdho, head of Albanian Railways. It brings together road and rail authorities …
TIRANA, June 8 – Deputy Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Fatmir Guri said farmers must prepare for higher requirements and standards linked to European Union integration during a parliamentary hearing on EU accession negotiations. Meanwhile, Guri presented progress in negotiations covering agriculture and rural development. He also addressed food safety, …