Using AI in Albanian Public Procurements ‘No Easy Solution’ for Corruption
Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama has proposed using artificial intelligence in public procurement processes to tackle corruption – but experts argue that the root causes should be dealt with first. Original post Here
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Begins Balkan Tour to Enhance Services for “Guests of God”
Tirana, October 26, 2024 Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, has begun a four-day official visit to several Western Balkan countries, including Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. This visit is part of Saudi Arabia’s strategic efforts to strengthen cooperation with the Western Balkans and improve …
Albania Socialist Party MP Charged With Violating Procurement Rules
Ruling party MP Plarent Ndreca was charged with procurement-related offences allegedly committed four years ago during his time as general secretary at the Interior Ministry. Original post Here
Opposition Leaders’ Arrests May Signal Demise of Albania’s Old Political Class
The arrests of two important opposition leaders hopefully mark the end of one era – and the birth of a new one in which justice no longer cowers before corrupt politicians in a captured state. Original post Here
The State Agency for Innovation and Excellence – A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing?
You may have not heard of this, but there is a new State Agency for Innovation and Excellence in Albania. This was a collaborative effort from multiple international and domestic actors. Of note is the EU4Innovation program, which may have served as an important catalyst for this mobilization towards innovation …
Albania’s Ex-President Meta Traded Favours for Luxury Villa, Prosecutors Allege
Anti-corruption prosecutors in Albania say Ilir Meta, a former president, prime minister and parliament speaker, and his MP wife had a “corrupt relationship” with a prominent tycoon, trading favours for gifts including a luxury villa, Beyoncé concert tickets and lunch in London. Original post Here
BIRN Spots Controversial Ship Allegedly Transporting Explosives to Israel in Albania
Cargo vessel denied entry to multiple ports owing to concerns about faciliating war crimes in Gaza has been seen in a private port in Albania. Original post Here
Lost in Translation: Open Balkan ID Initiative Yet to Take Off
Launched six months ago, the Open Balkan ID Number was presented as marking the start of a single labour market between Serbia, North Macedonia and Albania. It has had some teething troubles. Original post Here
Amid Homophobic Rhetoric, Albania’s LGBTQ+ Community is ‘Battling Rejection’
Discriminatory comments from politicians are exacerbating prejudice and encouraging a hostile environment for the community in Albania, rights activist Amarildo Fecanji tells BIRN. Original post Here
Albanian Opposition Leaders’ Arrests Create Uncertainty Ahead of Elections
With two opposition leaders, Ilir Meta and Sali Berisha, both under arrest, the atmosphere ahead of polls due in 2025 looks increasingly fraught – with some fearing a drift towards radicalisation. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 12 – The Military Meteorological Service says Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. Skies will remain clear across the country, with only limited and passing cloud cover over mountainous areas in the north and east. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the northwest to northeast at an …
TIRANA, August 11 – Albania’s State Minister and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka responded today to Serbian European Integration Minister Nemanja Starović over the debate surrounding the Ibër River. In a social media post, Dhuka said that the river flows forward and history does the same. As a lawyer, she said …
TIRANA, August 11 – Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha responded on Tuesday to Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric’s statement on the Ibër River. Hoxha stressed the need for dialogue, trust and practical cooperation in the region. Hoxha welcomed the calmer tone of Duric’s closing message. He …
TIRANA, August 11 – Velipoja Beach remains one of Albania’s most popular summer destinations. The beach stretches for more than 14 km and attracts large numbers of domestic and foreign visitors this season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the Velipoja coastline on social media today. He highlighted the …
TIRANA, August 11 – Shkodër will host the second edition of the Youth Wave Festival on August 12. The event marks International Youth Day and will take place in front of the “Republika” Cinema. Shkodër Municipality said the festival will bring temporary parking and traffic restrictions in the area. Parking …
TIRANA, August 11 – The Kosova Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed concern over delays in constituting parliament and forming the government. The chamber warned that the lack of functioning institutions is creating uncertainty and causing further damage to the economy and local businesses. The chamber called on parliamentary …
TIRANA, August 11 – Albania ranks first worldwide in the National Cyber Security Index (NCSI), with 98.33 points. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the ranking today. He said Albania has moved from being the target of one of the most serious cyber attacks against a NATO member to becoming a …
TIRANA, August 11 – A fire has reignited in Drenie, Mallakastër, on Tuesday. The flames have spread in the northern part of the fire zone towards Drenie village. The National Civil Protection Agency said 2 Air Tractor aircraft are fighting the fire from the air. On the ground, 5 firefighting …
TIRANA, August 11 – The European Union has called for restraint over statements about a possible change to the Ibër River’s flow. It also called for actions that do not serve the normalization of relations between Kosova and Serbia to be avoided. A European Commission spokesperson said on August 11 …
TIRANA, August 11 – The European Union and Albania have deepened cooperation on security and defence through their Security and Defence Partnership. The partnership focuses on common challenges and threats. The EU Delegation in Albania said today’s threats know no borders. It added that security and defence partnerships turn shared …