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President Begaj decrees the law on pay rises

President Bajram Begaj has decreed the law on salary increase. It is about increasing the salaries of the entire public administration, including central and local government. In total, 130 thousand employees will benefit. Salaries will increase during this year and next year, where it is expected that the average salary …

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Tirana, 2 police officers arrested for corruption

Two police officers have been arrested in Tirana for corruption.  The officers were caught while taking 100 euros from a driver, in order to avoid his punishment with a fine for violating the traffic rules. During the control carried out against the two officers, an amount of money was found, …

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Russian symbols on the cars of the Kosovo Police and KFOR

While Serbs continues to gathers in the north of the country, the letter “Z” has been marked on the cars of the Kosovo Police and those of KFOR, Putin’s symbol in the war of conquest in Ukraine. Also, masked people were seen among the Serbian protesters today, for whom the …

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Përparim Kalo talks poetry at event marking publication of ‘Eja’

Perparim Kalo talks poetry at event marking publication of ‘Eja’ The Tirana Times Library has hosted an event to mark the publication of a new book with poetry translated by Përparim Kalo into Albanian, “Eja”.  Mr. Kalo, one of Albania’s top lawyers and a former Constitutional Court judge, has a …

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The ‘Big Brother’ Factor: How Reality TV Winner Aided Albanian Socialists’ Election Victory

The winner of the popular reality show gave ruling Socialist politicians vital visibility just ahead of the country’s local elections. Original post Here

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Fear of tensions in the north/ KFOR and Kosovo police surround the municipality of Zveçan

The situation in the north of Kosovo seems to be more tense than ever before. After a calm yesterday, Serbian citizens are expected to protest again today. ABC News journalist, Linda Karadaku from Zveçani reports that KFOR military police and Kosovo police have surrounded the municipality building. KFOR stands in …

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North Kosovo/ Police: Situation under control

The Kosovo police announced that they are managing the situation created by the Serb protests in the north, while saying that the protesters have shown violence. In a statement addressed to the media, the Police said that in Leposavic, Zubin-Potok and in Zveçan, protests are taking place, until in front …

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Albania sees unprecedented tourism boom ahead of high season  

TIRANA, May 29, 2023 – If you are noticing a far larger number of foreign visitors around Tirana these days, you are not alone: Albania is seeing a record number this spring and is set to have the busiest tourism year ever, according to official state data and hospitality industry …

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Ksamil, speedboat operator punished for lacking documents

The Border Police are following the controls along the coastline in the South of the country. Another craft has been stranded, bringing their number to seven. It is known that the driver of the boat was punished with an administrative measure of 10,000 ALL,  as he did not have the …

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Yuri Kim starts the farewell tour in Tropoja: “When I am with you, I feel I am with my own family”

Ambassador Yuri Kim visited Tropoja to begin the process of bidding farewell as she completes her assignment in Albania. During her visit to Bajram Curri, she met with local citizens, expressing her gratitude and fondness for Tropoja as one of her favorite places in Albania. Noting her family roots in …

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Week in Review: Turning Points and Endless Loops

While some events covered in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week suggest that possible changes are afoot, other parts of the region seem stuck in the same rut. Original post Here

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Himara Triathlon Links Sport and Tourism on the Albanian Riviera

Himara Triathlon will take place on May 10 in the coastal town of Himarë, bringing together professional and amateur athletes. The event combines three disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running. It promotes both competitive sport and active lifestyles. The race will start at Potam Beach with the swimming stage. It will …

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Mesi Bridge in Shkodër, a preferred destination for local and foreign tourists

TIRANA, May 8 – Mesi Bridge attracts daily visitors from Albania and abroad. Tourists admire its history, architecture, and cultural heritage value. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos from the site in Shkodër and described it as a restored pearl of cultural heritage. The bridge lies about 8 kilometres from …

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EU Ambassador Gonzato: Better services and infrastructure at core of “EU4Municipalities II”

TIRANA, May 8 – EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato attended today the official launch of the “EU4Municipalities II” project in Durrës. He described the initiative as a concrete programme that brings direct benefits at local level and places citizens at the centre of Albania’s EU integration process. Referring to …

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PM Rama: “EU4Municipalities II” a strategic EU investment in local governance modernisation

TIRANA, May 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended today in Durrës the official launch of the “EU4Municipalities II” programme. The initiative aims to strengthen local government and support Albania’s path toward the European Union. The programme will support municipalities through concrete investments. It also aims to strengthen institutional capacities …

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Kosova elections on 7 June; deadline closes at CEC, 22 parties in race and three coalitions registered

TIRANA, May 8 – The deadline for political parties in Kosova to notify the Central Election Commission (CEC) on participation or non-participation in elections and coalition formation closed at midnight. The obligation applied to 53 political parties registered in Kosova. The CEC said it received notifications from 22 parties for …

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Health Minister Sala presents national strategy for artificial intelligence in healthcare in Milan

TIRANA, May 8 – Minister of Health and Social Welfare Evis Sala presented Albania’s national strategy for the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare in Milan. The presentation focused on oncology during the First Congress on Artificial Intelligence in Oncology. The event was organised by the European Society for Artificial …

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“Pearl of Dibër” awakens in spring, Rama publishes images from Grama Pastures

TIRANA, May 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today images from Grama Pastures in Dibër, where nature wakes up in spring among greenery and mountain calm. Grama is called the pearl of Dibër. It is rich in flat pastures, a beautiful lake, and endless greenery. On the ascent to …

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Gonxhja: Archaeological Museum Project Will Meet International Standards

Blendi Gonxhja said the new Archaeological Museum project will meet international standards for preservation, exhibition, and public access. Speaking in Parliament, Gonxhja answered concerns raised by opposition MP Ina Zhupa over plans to relocate the museum collection to an underground space. He said the ministry follows international models that combine …

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National tax revenues reach 11.5 billion ALL in first quarter

TIRANA, May 8 – National tax revenues in January–March 2026 reached 11.5 billion ALL. They achieved 97.6% of the planned target for the first quarter, the Ministry of Finance said. The report on fiscal indicators showed revenues from this category stood around 500 million ALL lower than the same period …

News

Week in Review: Turning Points and Endless Loops

While some events covered in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week suggest that possible changes are afoot, other parts of the region seem stuck in the same rut. Original post Here

News

Himara Triathlon Links Sport and Tourism on the Albanian Riviera

Himara Triathlon will take place on May 10 in the coastal town of Himarë, bringing together professional and amateur athletes. The event combines three disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running. It promotes both competitive sport and active lifestyles. The race will start at Potam Beach with the swimming stage. It will …

News

Mesi Bridge in Shkodër, a preferred destination for local and foreign tourists

TIRANA, May 8 – Mesi Bridge attracts daily visitors from Albania and abroad. Tourists admire its history, architecture, and cultural heritage value. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos from the site in Shkodër and described it as a restored pearl of cultural heritage. The bridge lies about 8 kilometres from …

News

EU Ambassador Gonzato: Better services and infrastructure at core of “EU4Municipalities II”

TIRANA, May 8 – EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato attended today the official launch of the “EU4Municipalities II” project in Durrës. He described the initiative as a concrete programme that brings direct benefits at local level and places citizens at the centre of Albania’s EU integration process. Referring to …

News

PM Rama: “EU4Municipalities II” a strategic EU investment in local governance modernisation

TIRANA, May 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended today in Durrës the official launch of the “EU4Municipalities II” programme. The initiative aims to strengthen local government and support Albania’s path toward the European Union. The programme will support municipalities through concrete investments. It also aims to strengthen institutional capacities …

News

Kosova elections on 7 June; deadline closes at CEC, 22 parties in race and three coalitions registered

TIRANA, May 8 – The deadline for political parties in Kosova to notify the Central Election Commission (CEC) on participation or non-participation in elections and coalition formation closed at midnight. The obligation applied to 53 political parties registered in Kosova. The CEC said it received notifications from 22 parties for …

News

Health Minister Sala presents national strategy for artificial intelligence in healthcare in Milan

TIRANA, May 8 – Minister of Health and Social Welfare Evis Sala presented Albania’s national strategy for the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare in Milan. The presentation focused on oncology during the First Congress on Artificial Intelligence in Oncology. The event was organised by the European Society for Artificial …

News

“Pearl of Dibër” awakens in spring, Rama publishes images from Grama Pastures

TIRANA, May 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today images from Grama Pastures in Dibër, where nature wakes up in spring among greenery and mountain calm. Grama is called the pearl of Dibër. It is rich in flat pastures, a beautiful lake, and endless greenery. On the ascent to …

News

Gonxhja: Archaeological Museum Project Will Meet International Standards

Blendi Gonxhja said the new Archaeological Museum project will meet international standards for preservation, exhibition, and public access. Speaking in Parliament, Gonxhja answered concerns raised by opposition MP Ina Zhupa over plans to relocate the museum collection to an underground space. He said the ministry follows international models that combine …

News

National tax revenues reach 11.5 billion ALL in first quarter

TIRANA, May 8 – National tax revenues in January–March 2026 reached 11.5 billion ALL. They achieved 97.6% of the planned target for the first quarter, the Ministry of Finance said. The report on fiscal indicators showed revenues from this category stood around 500 million ALL lower than the same period …