Arson suspected as three cars get burned in Vlora at night
Three cars were engulfed in flames in the early hours of Tuesday morning in Vlora, two of which were completely burned while another partially. Cause of the fire is suspected to have been arson. Police revealed that the incident happened around 04:55, when the fire service received a report of …
Two arrested for Belgium-Albania goods’ smuggling
Two people have been arrested while another has been put under investigation for smuggling goods this Tuesday. Based on police information, the arrested are a 58-year-old man from Tirana, who transported smuggled goods from Belgium to Albania, and a 45-year-old man, also from the capital, who stored the goods in …
Tirana’s Mayor introduces ‘Open Bus’ initiative
Tourists can now visit Tirana with an open bus tour, as the Albanian capital is buzzing with tourists, almost every month of the calendar year. Mayor of Tirana Erion Veliaj has shared some of the photos of the new initiative that allows many tourists to take a tour of the …
Wings of Change: Why Armed Drones Are Proliferating in Western Balkans
Armed drones are becoming a favoured means for Balkan countries to boost their military muscle and regional clout – but even though they are unlikely to trigger a war, their unchecked spread brings substantial risks. Original post Here
Italy Still Views Albania Through a Colonial Lens
Italy once conquered Albania, claiming it was bringing civilisation to a barbarous people; judging from the language of its current diplomats, its mindset hasn’t changed. Original post Here
Tirana Mayor Slated by Watchdogs for Calling BIRN Journalist ‘Contract Killer’
Media watchdog tells Tirana Mayor to ‘stop denigrating journalists’ for doing their work – after calling Ola Xama ‘a contract killer’ for writing an article in BIRN about probes into disputed waste concession contracts. Original post Here
Taulant Balla to swear in as Interior minister
This Saturday at 10:00 in the Presidency, the swearing-in ceremony of Taulant Balla as the Minister of the Interior will be held. The Parliament approved on July 13, with 75 votes in favour, 16 against, 1 abstention, the appointment of Balla, who will replace Bledi Çuçi after his dismissal. The …
Elderly dies at Vlora beach, police gives details
An elderly, about 80 years old, lost his life at the “Old Beach” of Vlora. From the preliminary information, it is suspected that he suffered a “cardiac arrest”. “Today at around 08:10, in the neighborhood ‘1 Maji’, Vlorë, in the place called ‘Old Beach’, an 80-year-old citizen, a resident of …
Taulant Balla sworn in as Interior minister
Taulant Balla was sworn in as Interior minister this Saturday at 11:00. Earlier, the Assembly approved on July 13, with 75 votes in favor, 16 against, 1 abstention, the appointment of Balla, who will replace Bledi Çuçi after his dismissal. Çuçi was fired by Prime Minister Edi Rama after the …
Protests against Kurti/ Alliance for the Future of Kosovo: P.M has broken relations with allies!
While the veterans of KLA (Kosovo Liberation Army) and the opposition prepare to protest this Saturday in Pristina, the vice president of AAK(Alliance for the Future of Kosovo) Pal Lekaj says that the sooner this government resign, it will be much better for the citizens of the Republic of Kosovo. …
The Albanian government approved new procedures for drafting the National Plan for Regional Development and Cohesion and regional operational programs. Under the decision, the National Committee for Regional Development and Cohesion will prepare the national plan and the operational program for the entire territory of Albania. Regional monitoring boards will …
Eric Wendt outlined four main priorities if confirmed as the next US ambassador to Albania. Wendt made the remarks before the United States Senate. He said his main goal would be to protect American citizens and advance US interests. Wendt praised Albanian special forces. He said he worked closely with …
The European Commission granted Albania €49 million under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The Commission also approved €44.2 million for Montenegro and €65.7 million for North Macedonia through the Reform and Growth Facility. The European Union Delegation to Albania said the funding follows the third payment request …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the Asian Leadership Conference in Seoul during his official visit to South Korea. The conference focused on global cooperation and leadership. Rama said he felt privileged to return to Seoul after more than two decades. He praised South Korea’s transformation and development. Rama said …
The European Commission confirmed the disbursement of €49 million to Albania under the Reform and Growth Facility. The funding follows Albania’s implementation of reforms under the National Reform Agenda. The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination said Albania leads the region with €212.8 million disbursed so far. North …
President Bajram Begaj visited Slovakia. He met President Peter Pellegrini. They discussed bilateral relations. They discussed Albania’s EU integration. They also discussed regional security as NATO allies. Begaj thanked Slovakia for strong support. He said Slovakia is an important partner for Albania’s EU path. He said Albania has made fast …
Chairman of the Socialist Party parliamentary group Taulant Balla said Germany supports Albania’s EU membership. He met German Minister of State for Europe Gunther Krichbaum together with Igli Hasani. They discussed Albania’s EU integration progress. They also discussed justice reform. Balla thanked Germany for strong support. He said Albania is …
Andromaqi Gjergji was born on May 20, 1928 in Korçë. She became the first Albanian woman member of the Academy of Sciences of Albania in 1999. She is widely recognized as Albania’s first female academician. She studied in Korçë and later attended the Higher Pedagogical Institute in Tirana. She specialized …
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said it is closely following the situation of Albanian citizen Baki Goxhaj. Authorities said he was detained in Israel after participating in the “Sumud” flotilla. The ministry confirmed that he has been transferred to Israel. The Albanian Embassy in Tel Aviv remains in …
The European Union Delegation in Albania holds a productive meeting with EU member state ambassadors and Foreign Minister Igli Hasani. They discuss Albania’s EU accession negotiations. They also discuss anti-corruption, organized crime, environment and reform implementation. EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato says Albania must accelerate reforms. He says the country must …