First in Europe, Albania ranks third globally in tourism growth – UNWTO report
TIRANA, Nov. 6 – The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has revealed that Albania secured the third position globally in terms of tourism sector growth during the first seven months of 2023, compared to the same period in 2019. The latest data from the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer underscored …
Police: 587 citizens arrested in October
The State Police has made a work balance sheet for the month of October for the identification and attack of illegalities, the prevention of criminal events and the capture of wanted citizens, to guarantee the rule of law, which brings order and security to the citizens. It is reported that …
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 …
TIRANA, June 9 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared images on social media showing progress in the restoration of Turan Tower. He described it as a monument of special historical and architectural importance. Meanwhile, he said restoration and consolidation work continues on the monument. He said …
TIRANA, June 9 – Tirana will host the 2028 annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a major international event expected to bring together financial institution leaders, government representatives, investors, and development partners from dozens of countries. Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj announced the decision at …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja highlighted record figures at Tirana International Airport and warned that political uncertainty could affect both tourism and the national economy. According to Gonxhja, the airport recorded its highest daily traffic on May 30. On that day, 51,420 passengers traveled through the airport, while …
TIRANA, June 9 – German Ambassador to Albania Karl Bergner highlighted the key role of vocational education in economic development at the National Conference on Vocational Education and Training. The conference discussed the results of the reform and the “Skills 2030” vision for skills development and employment growth. Meanwhile, Bergner …
TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama told Reuters that plans for an investment in Zvërnec, led by Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, will continue despite ongoing protests. He said parts of the resort may open to the public before the end of the decade. Meanwhile, Rama said Albania …
The Albanian women’s national team is preparing for its final match in the 2027 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Montenegro. The match will be played tomorrow at 19:00 at Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodra. After a positive draw against the Czech Republic, the team enters the match with strong …
Archaeologists have uncovered significant remains in Bushat, in Shkodër. They found parts of a large temple. They also uncovered sections of the ancient city wall. In addition, they identified a Late Antique building. First, the discovery came during joint excavations. The University of Tirana’s Department of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage …
TIRANA, June 9 – The Albanian government has launched a market consultation process to select the operator that will provide public passenger rail transport services on the Durrës-Tirana-Tirana International Airport railway line. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy has published a call for expressions of interest. The ministry has …
TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said vocational education in Albania has undergone a major transformation in recent years. He said the sector has moved from a degraded system to an attractive option for young people. Meanwhile, Rama spoke during an event on vocational education and training. He …
TIRANA, June 9 – Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala took part in the 11th World Cancer Forum 2026 organized by The Economist. Participants discussed challenges and solutions for equal access to cancer care across Europe. Meanwhile, Sala said inequalities in cancer treatment cannot be addressed through fragmented reforms. …