SPAK seizes the company of businessman Ilir Rrapaj
SPAK seizes 40% of the Sani Servis Company owned by businessman Ilir Rrapaj. A company based in Kosovo has also been seized, as well as 13 vehicles owned by Rrapaj. Also two bank accounts in the value of 285,412.48 Euro and another with 113,610.93 ALL were seized. Also, in the …
Begaj meeting with Minister Hasani: We discussed the situation in the region and pensions with Italy
The President of the country, Bajram Begaj, through a post on the social network Facebook, announces that he has held a meeting with the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasan. They discussed the situation in the region, the conclusion of the Social Security Agreement with Italy, as well …
Albanian doctor jailed for child trafficking and pornography
The heart surgeon doctor was left in prison by the court. Hasi was accused of trafficking minors and pornography. A day ago, the doctor Dervish Hasi asked for the postponement of the session for today, to familiarize himself with the documents. He also denied that he sexually abused the minor. …
Tirana, two arrested on drug trafficking charges
Two men have been arrested this Wednesday in Tirana for drug trafficking, police confirmed. The arrested are the citizens J.B. 33-year-old and A.N 22-year-old, both residents of Tirana. They were declared wanted after the court set for them the security measure ‘House Arrest’ for drug trafficking. Tirana Prosecution’s Office will …
Gerdeci File, Court orders police to find Secretary of the Former Minister of Justice
SPAK wants to find and call Anjola Agolli, former secretary of the Minister of Justice, who has not been found, although SPAK has made available a new address for her. Meanwhile, the summons was repeated for the other co-defendants, including Luan Hoxha, Dritan Minxolli and Mihal Delijorgji, who have not …
Concerns over access to official stats grow, as INSTAT tries to recover from cyberattack
TIRANA, Feb. 7, 2024 – Albania’s Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) is grappling with the aftermath of what it says was a sophisticated cyberattack, leaving its official website, instat.gov.al, inaccessible for several days before it went back up with limited access to key databases. While much of the focus of attention …
Albania signs long-awaited social insurance deal with Italy
By JERINA ZALOSHJA-RAKIPI ROME, Feb. 7, 2024 – After years of negotiations, Albania and Italy have signed a long-awaited deal on recognizing each other’s social insurance contributions, which will benefit more than 500,000 Albanian residents in Italy and any Italians who have worked in Albania. “This agreement guarantees at least …
From exile, Albania’s ex deputy PM alleges massive corruption at top of SP leadership
TIRANA, Feb. 6, 2024 – In an lengthy television interview from exile in Switzerland, Albania’s former deputy prime minister, Arben Ahmetaj, has made startling accusations of massive corruption at the top of the country’s ruling Socialist Party, involving misuse of public funds in waste management and other taxpayer-funded projects. The …
Albanian saw quality of life stagnate as rest of region improved, according to EBRD report
TIRANA, Jan. 31, 2024 – A recent report by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has highlighted a stark contrast in the perception of quality of life between Albania and other countries in Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans. While most nations in the region have seen significant …
Chief justice denounces unprecedented disregard from Socialist-controlled parliament over key ruling
TIRANA, Feb. 5, 2024 – In a rare press conference, the head of Albania’s Constitutional Court, Chief Justice Holta Zacaj, has rebuked Albania’s Socialist-controlled parliament for its refusal to adhere to a crucial court ruling regarding the mandate of Socialist MP and former foreign minister Olta Xhacka. Zacaj’s remarks came …
The 16th edition of the Balkan Film and Culinary Festival is taking place in Pogradec. It brings days filled with film, culture, taste, and inspiring encounters. First, the festival runs from June 23 to June 27. It includes screenings, artist talks, and culinary activities. As a result, it offers a …
Albania is continuing its efforts to strengthen transparency and fight corruption in line with European standards. State Minister for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said that the European Union’s Anti-Corruption Directive provides an important roadmap for advancing reforms in the country. Speaking about discussions held under the EU4GG project, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to questions from France 24 regarding protests against the development project in Zvërnec. During the interview, Rama said that several external actors are attempting to influence the debate surrounding the project. According to Rama, these interventions include cyber-related activities linked to Iran, as well …
The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination, known as SASPAC, continues to support Albanian municipalities in accessing European Union programs and funding opportunities. Speaking at the meeting “Municipalities and Cohesion Policies,” SASPAC Director General Eridana Çano highlighted the agency’s efforts to help local governments participate in EU-funded …
President Bajram Begaj attended an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tirana Prefecture, where he praised the institution’s historic role in strengthening public administration and connecting central government with local communities. During his address, Begaj said that the prefecture’s establishment in 1926 reflected Albania’s commitment to modernization and the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama received Turkish Ambassador Ceyhun Erciyes in Tirana for a courtesy visit. During the meeting, both sides praised the excellent state of relations between Albania and Turkey and reviewed ongoing cooperation in several areas. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, with a particular …
The city of Korçë has completed work on the new Knowledge Hub, a modern campus designed to provide students with high-quality academic and professional training opportunities. Mayor Sotiraq Filo shared images of the new facility on social media and announced the completion of the project. According to Filo, the campus …
Corruption remains one of Albania’s most stubborn obstacles toward development and its dream for European integration. Although the country marked its biggest historical leap in Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index for the year 2024, climbing by 18 places to rank 80th out of 180 states, corruption continues to cast roots …
The heatwave affecting Albania in recent days has brought high temperatures across the country, raising concerns about the impact on public health. Elderly people, children and individuals suffering from chronic illnesses remain the most vulnerable groups. In response to the situation, the Ministry of Health has urged citizens to remain …
AAK political representative Labinot Bislimi was featured in a post shared by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama on Wednesday. In his post, Rama highlighted a statement by Bislimi, in which he described the recent protests in Albania as being organized with what he called anti-national motives. Prime Minister Edi Rama’s …