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Electronic voting is tested, head of CEC: The device is 100% safe

In three municipalities, namely in Kamëz, Vorë and Elbasan, voting will be done electronically in the May 14 elections. The head of the CEC, Ilirjan Celibashi, guaranteed from Elbasan that the device ensures 100% secrecy of the vote, so he invited the citizens not to hesitate to vote on May 14. …

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Q&A: Emigration is a regional issue and long-term effort is needed to address it, says Croatian Ambassador to Albania Zlatko Kramaric

Tirana Times interviews the Ambassador of Croatia to Albania, Zlatko Kramaric, on Croatia’s decade in the EU, relations with Albania and Western Balkans integration prospects. Q: Albania and Croatia enjoy a very good bilateral relation with collaboration in many fields. How do you find the relations at the moment of …

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Albanian court rules Turkish crypto scam kingpin can be extradited to his homeland to face trial 

TIRANA, Apr. 18, 2022 – Albania’s High Court has court ruled to allow the extradition of Fatih Ozer to face a trial in his homeland of Turkey, where he is wanted for allegedly scamming nearly 400,000 people out of millions dollars through a cryptocurrency exchange.  Ozer was arrested last year …

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Albania Economists Slate PM’s ‘New Salaries’ Pledge as ‘Unrealistic’

PM Rama’s promise to hike wages, starting in the public sector, has been deemed totally unrealistic by a range of economic experts. Original post Here

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Confidence Tricks: Tirana’s Place in an International ‘Investment’ Scam

Fake ‘call centres’ across Albania were part of a lucrative stock market investment scam operating across Europe; the suspects include an Albanian man with significant political connections. Original post Here

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Svetlana Timofeeva: ‘My Passion for Ruins Landed me in Albanian Prison’

Through a written interview from her cell in the Ali Demi prison in Tirana, the Russian blogger accused of espionage tells about her ill-fated adventure in Gramsh, her months spent in isolation – and her fear of possible extradition to Putin’s Russia. Original post Here

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How Fear of Albanians Went Mainstream in 1990s Italy

The anti-Albanian campaigns in the British media today are all too reminiscent of the targeting of Albanians in Italy and Greece 30 years ago – and need to be fought, not indulged. Original post Here

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Society for Albanian Studies calls for nominations for the annual Stavro Skendi Book Prize

TIRANA, April 12, 2023 – Nominations are being sought for the Stavro Skendi Book Prize for Achievement in Albanian Studies, the organization that governs the award said in a statement. Awarded by the Society for Albanian Studies  – an affiliate organization of the Association for Slavic, East European, and Eurasian …

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Isolation is not a joke: Leaving the ICSID would be a bitter mistake

TIRANA TIMES EDITORIAL Albania’s troubles with the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) seem to be expanding well beyond the infamous case of settling over the closure of Agon Channel and the hefty fine of 120 million euros that the country has to pay up to Italian investor …

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Albania to Honour Heroes Who Saved Jews from Holocaust

New museum will celebrate the Albanians who risked their lives to shield Jews from Nazi persecution – and whose story has remained largely untold. Original post Here

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Edi Rama: “Arbëri” winery promotes Albanian wine abroad for 25 years

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the Kantina Arbëri winery. He said it has represented Albanian wine in international markets for 25 years. The family-run business in Mirditë produces autochthonous wines. International media have rated its wines highly and increased its global visibility. Rama said public support helped expand the investment. …

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Fuel price cap lowered, diesel set at no more than 203 Lek per litre

TIRANA, April 29 – The Price Transparency Board has set new ceiling prices for petroleum products. The new prices enter into force today at 11:30. The board approves the decision at its latest meeting. It lowers the retail price of standard diesel (SSH EN 590) to a maximum of 203 …

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Research funding tripled as Albania aligns reforms with European Union directives

TIRANA, April 29 – Following the Thursday’s government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presented the latest decisions at a press conference. She said European Union integration remains a key priority for Albania. In this context, she announced that the budget for scientific research has tripled. Kumbaro stated that the …

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Tax relief, social security deal and record foreign investment highlighted by Finance Minister

TIRANA, April 29 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented three key developments following the government meeting, focusing on fiscal reforms, international agreements, and foreign investment growth. He said the process of debt cancellation and fiscal reconciliation will begin within May. He explained that secondary legislation is in its final stage. …

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Government backs “After School” programme, doubles pay for teachers and expands participation

TIRANA, April 29 – Following a government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presents new decisions. She focuses on the “After School” programme. She says the initiative has developed in different formats for over a decade. She adds that the programme will now expand further to give students more opportunities. …

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Blendi Gonxhja: Durrës Archaeological Museum showcases 3,200 artefacts in renewed exhibition spaces

Blendi Gonxhja highlights transformation of Durrës museum Blendi Gonxhja said the Archaeological Museum of Durrës now displays over 3,200 artefacts. He added that the museum presents Albania’s ancient history in modern, restructured pavillions. Moreover, he said new technologies allow visitors to experience a “journey through time.” In addition, he emphasized …

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Vlorë: Spring “postcard” views attract tourists between sea and sky

Vlorë looks like a spring postcard at the end of April. The city combines clear blue skies with calm seas. Although the beach season has not officially started, visitors continue to arrive. They enjoy the sunshine and even swim in the sea. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo from …

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Fincantieri–Kayo agreement signed for naval production in Vlora, PM Rama says first two ships will strengthen Albanian Navy

TIRANA, April 29 – A cooperation agreement between Italian company Fincantieri and company KAYO marks a step toward the modernization of the Albanian Armed Forces. The project focuses on the construction of military vessels in the Vlora Bay Naval Base naval base. The agreement establishes a new company that will …

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Fire safety inspection plan launched in Tirana after apartment blaze

TIRANA, April 29 – The acting Mayor of Tirana, Anuela Ristani, meets emergency structures, municipal police, and fire service teams. The meeting follows a fire in an apartment building in the “Farmacia 10” area, where 71 apartments burned. Ristani praises the coordinated response of all structures. She says the quick …

News
Marubi Museum joins Milan-based international photography network

TIRANA, April 29 – The National Museum of Photography “Marubi” joins Rete Fotografia, an international network based in Milan that brings together institutions and organisations active in the field of photography. The museum describes the membership as an important development for Albanian photography. It highlights new opportunities for international visibility …

News

Edi Rama: “Arbëri” winery promotes Albanian wine abroad for 25 years

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the Kantina Arbëri winery. He said it has represented Albanian wine in international markets for 25 years. The family-run business in Mirditë produces autochthonous wines. International media have rated its wines highly and increased its global visibility. Rama said public support helped expand the investment. …

News

Fuel price cap lowered, diesel set at no more than 203 Lek per litre

TIRANA, April 29 – The Price Transparency Board has set new ceiling prices for petroleum products. The new prices enter into force today at 11:30. The board approves the decision at its latest meeting. It lowers the retail price of standard diesel (SSH EN 590) to a maximum of 203 …

News

Research funding tripled as Albania aligns reforms with European Union directives

TIRANA, April 29 – Following the Thursday’s government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presented the latest decisions at a press conference. She said European Union integration remains a key priority for Albania. In this context, she announced that the budget for scientific research has tripled. Kumbaro stated that the …

News

Tax relief, social security deal and record foreign investment highlighted by Finance Minister

TIRANA, April 29 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented three key developments following the government meeting, focusing on fiscal reforms, international agreements, and foreign investment growth. He said the process of debt cancellation and fiscal reconciliation will begin within May. He explained that secondary legislation is in its final stage. …

News

Government backs “After School” programme, doubles pay for teachers and expands participation

TIRANA, April 29 – Following a government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presents new decisions. She focuses on the “After School” programme. She says the initiative has developed in different formats for over a decade. She adds that the programme will now expand further to give students more opportunities. …

News

Blendi Gonxhja: Durrës Archaeological Museum showcases 3,200 artefacts in renewed exhibition spaces

Blendi Gonxhja highlights transformation of Durrës museum Blendi Gonxhja said the Archaeological Museum of Durrës now displays over 3,200 artefacts. He added that the museum presents Albania’s ancient history in modern, restructured pavillions. Moreover, he said new technologies allow visitors to experience a “journey through time.” In addition, he emphasized …

News

Vlorë: Spring “postcard” views attract tourists between sea and sky

Vlorë looks like a spring postcard at the end of April. The city combines clear blue skies with calm seas. Although the beach season has not officially started, visitors continue to arrive. They enjoy the sunshine and even swim in the sea. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo from …

News

Fincantieri–Kayo agreement signed for naval production in Vlora, PM Rama says first two ships will strengthen Albanian Navy

TIRANA, April 29 – A cooperation agreement between Italian company Fincantieri and company KAYO marks a step toward the modernization of the Albanian Armed Forces. The project focuses on the construction of military vessels in the Vlora Bay Naval Base naval base. The agreement establishes a new company that will …

News

Fire safety inspection plan launched in Tirana after apartment blaze

TIRANA, April 29 – The acting Mayor of Tirana, Anuela Ristani, meets emergency structures, municipal police, and fire service teams. The meeting follows a fire in an apartment building in the “Farmacia 10” area, where 71 apartments burned. Ristani praises the coordinated response of all structures. She says the quick …

News

Marubi Museum joins Milan-based international photography network

TIRANA, April 29 – The National Museum of Photography “Marubi” joins Rete Fotografia, an international network based in Milan that brings together institutions and organisations active in the field of photography. The museum describes the membership as an important development for Albanian photography. It highlights new opportunities for international visibility …