Albania signs €1bn deal with Italy and UAE on renewable energy, new undersea connection
TIRANA, Jan. 16, 2025 – Albania, Italy and the United Arab Emirates have signed a trilateral agreement to develop renewable energy infrastructure, marking a €1 billion investment to produce and share solar, wind and other clean energy resources. The project will include an undersea cable linking Albania’s port of Vlorë …
Emigration and Infrastructure Woes Hold Back Albania’s Olive Growers
Albania should be well-placed to take advantage of growing demand for olive oil amid rising prices, but poor roads and a lack of labour during harvest season are stifling the sector. Original post Here
Albania Greenlights Jared Kushner Plan to Develop Island as Luxury Resort
The government has granted Strategic Investor Status to a proposal by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of Donald Trump, to build a luxury resort on the uninhabited island of Sazan. Original post Here
Albania’s Government Criticised for Pre-Election ‘Sweeteners’
Though not strictly in violation of the law, a string of generous gestures by Albania’s government appears designed to curry favour with large segments of the electorate ahead of parliamentary polls in May. Original post Here
Often Unnoticed, Albania’s Graft Prosecutors are Targeting Mayors Too
Besides targeting political figures at the state level, special prosecutors in Albania are also going after mayors at the local level where corruption is often more prevalent. Original post Here
Albania to Register Diaspora Voters for First Time Ahead of May Polls
New regulations will allow Albanians living outside the country to cast postal ballots in the May parliamentary elections – a change long sought by most parties. Original post Here
FDI SCREENING AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR PROTECTING ALBANIAN NATIONAL INTERESTS AND ENHANCING ALIGNMENT WITH THE EU
Navigating Albania-China Relations amid Euro-Atlantic Commitments During the post-communist period, Albania’s priorities were largely defined by the need to rebuild its economy, modernize infrastructure, and reintegrate into the global political and economic systems. In its pursuit of development and modernization, the Albanian government sought partnerships with a wide array of …
FDI SCREENING AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR PROTECTING ALBANIAN NATIONAL INTERESTS AND ENHANCING ALIGNMENT WITH THE EU
Navigating Albania-China Relations amid Euro-Atlantic Commitments During the post-communist period, Albania’s priorities were largely defined by the need to rebuild its economy, modernize infrastructure, and reintegrate into the global political and economic systems. In its pursuit of development and modernization, the Albanian government sought partnerships with a wide array of …
Albania in 2025: Parliamentary Elections Approach, But ‘No Real Alternatives’ Appear
Many expect the ruling Socialist Party to win this year’s parliamentary elections again, and are placing their hopes in anti-corruption bodies to bring some genuine change by battling high-level graft. Original post Here
The Departed: Balkan Personalities Who Left the Stage in 2024
From a diplomat who fought in World War II to a Turkish cleric accused of subverting the state and a Bulgarian rock star who raised his voice for democracy, these are some of the key figures who passed away this year in the Balkans. Original post Here
A fire broke out at a hotel in Vlora early on August 16. Police said the incident happened at around 4:05 a.m. in the “10 Korriku” neighborhood. Six tourists suffered injuries. Five were citizens of Kosovo, while one was from Rrëshen. Five of the injured tourists were taken to the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama told British media outlet UnHerd that recent protests in Albania differ from those held in June. According to Rama, more political parties and opposition groups have joined the latest demonstrations. These groups include both far-left and far-right forces. Despite the tensions, Rama said he was “very …
TIRANA, August 14 – Kosova is ready to assist Albania and Montenegro as they tackle wildfires in several areas, acting Defence Minister Ejup Maqedonci said. Maqedonci said he had informed his counterparts in Albania and Montenegro that Kosova’s Ministry of Defence could provide support through its available capabilities. He said …
TIRANA, August 14 – The wildfire situation in Kruja has improved significantly over the past 24 hours. The remaining active fires in Abaze and Gryka e Vajës are burning at much lower intensity. Kruja Mayor Artur Bushi said teams have tackled the fires from the air and on the ground. …
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania is experiencing high tourist flows this summer. Visitors have access to a wide calendar of cultural, artistic, sports and gastronomic activities. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo album today featuring major tourist destinations across the country. Alongside coastal resorts, visitors are showing growing interest …
Papers highlight Albania’s transformation since 1990s – with population growth limited to a few urban centres and most municipalities housing shrinking, elderly communities. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania has digitized its visa application process through the e-Visa system. The system allows foreign nationals who need a visa to apply and track their applications online. Besmir Meta, an IT specialist at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, said the National Agency of Information …
TIRANA, August 14 – Banks lowered interest rates on several major lending segments during the second quarter of the year. However, consumer loans and euro-denominated mortgages for individuals followed a different trend. Bank of Albania data show that the average rate on new ALL loans fell to 6.3%, from 6.5% …
TIRANA, August 14 – Startups supported through Albania’s grant scheme in 2024-2025 have increased their activity, employment, revenue and number of clients. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj shared data on the performance of the businesses after receiving grant funding. She said Startup Albania supports Albanian startups through the grant …
TIRANA, August 14 – Major foreign currencies recorded slight movements against the ALL, according to the Bank of Albania’s official exchange rate. The euro fell by 0.09 ALL from the previous day and trades at €1 = 92.92 ALL. Meanwhile, the British pound declined by 0.22 ALL and trades at …