Western Balkans Six Need to Work Together for Sake of EU Enlargement
After Ukraine and Moldova started membership negotiations, would-be members of the EU in the Balkans need to take an ‘all for one and one for all’ approach to accession – or risk remaining stuck in the waiting room. Original post Here
Analysis: Bells toll for Albania’s demographics as census results confirm corrosive effects of massive emigration
TIRANA, July 4, 2024 – The much anticipated and much delayed results of the 2023 Census are out in Albania, confirming a massive population decline in 12 years and a worsening of all demographic indicators. Albania’s population shrank by almost 14 percent, losing about 429,000 residents. The country is also …
Bank of Albania shifts policy, cutting key rate by 0.25% to 3%
TIRANA, July 4, 2024 – The Bank of Albania has shifted direction for the first time since March 2022, easing its monetary policy by reducing the key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points. The Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania decided to lower the base interest rate to 3.0 …
Albania Former Health Minister Detained Over Misused EU Funds
Former Health Minister Ilir Beqaj was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of abusing EU funds, Albania’s Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organised Crime, SPAK, announced. Original post Here
Ilir Beqaj, high Socialist official mired in corruption investigations, arrested for abuse of EU funds
TIRANA, July 4, 2024 – Ilir Beqaj, Albania’s former minister of health who has a history of holding important position in the ruling Socialist Party, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of involvement in a corruption scheme to profit from funds from the Agency for the Coordination of Foreign Aid and …
Share Your Experience: Corruption in Albania’s Health Sector
Have you been asked to transfer your treatment from a public to a private hospital? Do you suspect that healthcare staff are illicitly profiting from your treatment? Have you been asked for a bribe by a medical professional? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Tourist season/ State Police: 378 arrested, 25 of them in the wanted list
The State Police has made the balance of the month, helping for a tourist season as safe as possible. It is known that 378 citizens were arrested and 25 of them were wanted internationally. So far, the Traffic Police has arrested 143 drivers, of which 104 for driving while intoxicated …
Independence of USA, Begaj: We share friendship and strengthened partnership towards democratic values
President Bajram Begaj congratulated July 4, the day of US Independence. In a post on social networks, Begaj emphasizes the joint commitment between Albania and the USA as strategic allies. “Albania and the U.S. share a friendship and partnership strengthened by a common commitment to democratic values. Together, as strategic …
Former Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj arrested
The former Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj, was arrested this Thursday. ABC News reporter Ermal Vija reports that Beqaj was arrested for embezzling funds from the State Agency for Strategic Program and Aid Coordination, also known as SASPAC. Regarding this file, a few months ago, several checks were carried out …
CEC postpones the decision on the validity for the mandate of Fredi Beleri
Central Election Commission (CEC) has postponed the decision regarding the validity of the mandate of the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri. “Regarding the time, I don’t believe we have the opportunity to do it today. We can probably organize it, it doesn’t have to come from the place of …
TIRANA, July 27 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that what he described as the “Flamingo Revolution” represented an example of disinformation and foreign interference. Speaking at the conference “Confronting Information Manipulation and Foreign Interference: Albania and the Enlargement Context” in Tirana, Rama referred to the protests known …
Kosovo faces growing pressure to complete preparations for the Mediterranean Games “Prishtina 2030”. The event represents one of the country’s biggest sports projects. However, delays in building sports infrastructure have raised concerns among sports leaders. Kosovo Olympic Committee President Ismet Krasniqi warned about the consequences of a possible failure. He …
TIRANA, July 27 – Border Police and the Maritime Police Unit blocked a Jet Ski in Livadhi Bay, Himara, after its rider performed dangerous manoeuvres near the safety zone for beachgoers. According to the police, citizens at the beach reported that the Jet Ski was moving dangerously close to the …
Ksamil has emerged as one of the leading European summer destinations for 2026, according to the Italian travel media outlet “Turisti per Caso”. The publication included the Albanian coastal gem among Europe’s 15 best destinations for the summer season. The list features destinations ranging from Albania’s crystal-clear beaches to Iceland’s …
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla highlighted Enol Winery in Prezë as an example of successful agritourism and Albanian-made products. Salla shared images from the winery on social media and described it as one of the first certified agritourism businesses in the country. The winery has received support from …
TIRANA, July 27 – French Minister Delegate for Europe Benjamin Haddad will visit Kosova on Monday. During the visit, he will meet with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Glauk Konjufca. According to the announcement, the two officials will hold bilateral talks. Later, Acting Deputy Prime Minister Glauk Konjufca, …
Hysaj Agrotourism in Malësia e Madhe has become an important rural tourism destination in the Shkodër region. The farm combines northern Albanian traditions, local cuisine and the natural beauty of Lake Shkodër. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the business, which receives support from government programmes. The agrotourism centre …
TIRANA, July 27 – The “Blue Eye” Natural Park in Saranda continues to attract domestic visitors and foreign tourists during this summer season. On Monday, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the site on social media, showing the area filled with visitors. He described the destination as one of …
The Shalë River has become one of Albania’s most attractive destinations for local and international tourists in recent years. The untouched nature, crystal-clear waters and adventure activities attract visitors, especially during the summer months from June to August. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the Shalë River, showing tourists …
TIRANA, July 27 – Kosova has secured a €60 million loan for the Olympic Village of the 2030 Mediterranean Games. French Minister Delegate for Europe Benjamin Haddad announced the agreement after meeting with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kosova Glauk Konjufca. The talks focused on bilateral cooperation, regional developments …