Op/Ed: Balkan awakening – Strengthening ties between Israel and Albania
By Ohad Shpak* The upcoming Israel-Albania Tech Conference to be held in March 2023 aims to strengthen commercial ties between the two countries, following recent developments in the bilateral relations. Muslim-majority Republic of Albania and the Jewish State of Israel have maintained diplomatic relations since 1991, shortly after Albania emerged from …
Albanians get visa-free access to UAE, part of larger expansion into Asia
TIRANA, March 23, 2023 – Starting on April 20, citizens of Albania will be able to travel visa-free to the United Arab Emirates, home of renowned cities and major airports, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Albanian government has announced. UAE citizens are also able to travel to Albania without …
Albanian PM visit to London focuses on migration woes
TIRANA, March 23, 2023 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama visited London on Thursday in the first ever official visit of an Albanian head of government to 10 Downing Street, but the visit was marred by taking place with the backdrop of the controversy that has been going on for …
As number of young workers declines, over 65s working at higher rates
TIRANA, March, 25, 2023 – While Albania’s employment indicators have improved year over year, since 2020, the number of employed people is decreasing in the younger population groups, while it is increasing among the elderly. In the fourth quarter of 2022, there were about 52,500 more people employed than in …
Albania’s central bank raises key rate by 0.25%
TIRANA, March 23, 2023 – Albania’s central bank has raised its key interest rate by another quarter of a percentage point in its attempt to fight inflation, the Bank of Albania governor announced in a press conference. The decision of the bank board brings the rate to 3 percent, directly …
In Tirana visit, Kosovo PM discusses contentious deal with Serbia
TIRANA, March 27, 2023 – Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited Tirana over the weekend, holding discussions with Albania’s top leaders and focusing on his country’s ongoing dialogue with Serbia, which has been high on the agenda in recent months. Earlier this year, agreements to normalize relations between Kosovo and …
In widely-condemned violent attack on media, shots fired at key Albanian TV channel headquarters, killing guard
TIRANA, March 27, 2023 – In what the media and authorities are calling “a terrorist act,” unidentified gunmen used automatic weapons to shoot at the headquarters of one of Albania’s largest private television stations, Top Channel, shortly after midnight on Monday, killing a security guard on duty. The attack on …
Red and Blacks look for fresh start as Albania plays Poland for Euro 2024 qualifier
TIRANA, March 27, 2023 – Albania will begin their quest for a spot in the 2024 European Championship against Poland in Warsaw on Monday, hoping to break their seven-game losing streak against the hosts. The Red and Blacks will have their first match under Brazilian coach Sylvinho, who aims to …
Albania’s Mild Punishments for Electoral Crimes Undermine its Democracy
The few and minimal sentences handed down by the justice system for electoral corruption do little to discourage such violations, according to experts – and undermine the path towards democracy. Original post Here
Orderer of Shengjin explosive attack arrested after three Years
Lezha Police have arrested on Tuesday citizen Zef Kola, resident of Tirana, suspected of ordering the TNT explosion on the building that was being built by businessman Liman Gjoka in the “Rana e Hedhun” area of Shengjin, three years ago. After investigations carried out with special methods, this event was …
The Transparency Board announced new capped fuel prices on Saturday. According to the official statement, the retail price of gasoil (diesel) of standard SSH EN 590 will be no more than 206 lek per liter, while the wholesale price will be no more than 194 lek per liter. The retail …
The leader of the Democratic Party of Albania, Sali Berisha, held an online discussion with citizens this Saturday. Berisha addressed a number of issues, including the next protest, which is scheduled to take place on May 8. He stated that peaceful protest remains the Democratic Party’s choice, emphasizing that the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting this Saturday with farmers in Dibra, where he focused on Albania’s prospects for integration into the European Union. During his speech, Rama emphasized that EU membership is no longer just a desire but a necessity, highlighting the importance of farmers organizing and uniting …
Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting this Saturday with the Socialist Party (PS) assembly in Dibra. During his speech, Rama spoke about the Arbër Road, emphasizing that it is no longer a promise but a completed project that is already delivering results. He described Dibra as the “green cushion” …
The President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, held a meeting with U.S. Congressman Keith Self in Texas. The news was announced by President Begaj himself on the social platform X, where, alongside a photo with the congressman, he wrote that the meeting focused on the partnership between the two countries. “It …
TIRANA, April 24 – European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania ranks among the leading countries in the EU accession process. Speaking in an interview with Klan News, she pointed to recent progress and said authorities could soon meet interim benchmarks on rule of law. She added that this …
Albania and Germany concluded Development Cooperation negotiations. They signed a new Cooperation Protocol for 2026–2028. This marks a key step in strengthening their long-term partnership. Eridana Çano, Director General of SASPAC, signed the protocol. Heike Backofen-Warnecke, representative of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), also signed it. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met Matthew Whitaker today in Tirana. Rama said they discussed the close ties between the two countries. He stressed the strategic partnership. He highlighted strong diplomatic and military relations. He said both sides see their strengthening as a shared priority. They also discussed the upcoming NATO …
Marta Kos said Albania ranks among the leading countries in the EU integration process. In an interview with Klan News, she spoke about Albania’s progress. She said the EU may approve interim rule of law benchmarks in May. Then the process of closing chapters can begin. She praised Albania’s progress. …
Ferit Hoxha met Marta Kos at the Delphi Economic Forum. They discussed Albania’s EU integration process. Hoxha said the EU membership process never stops. It requires constant work and energy. He stressed the role of both Albania and its partners. He said they discussed key issues for steady progress. They …