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Reduction of police forces resumes in Northern Kosovo

Kosovo Police has started to reduce its troops in municipal facilities in the north of the country, after accepting the Government’s decision, as reported this Thursday. Reduction of police forces happened before midnight last night, while these movements were developed in parallel by the municipalities of Leposaviq, Zveçan and Zubin …

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Former mayor of Fushe-Arrez arrested for abuse of duty

Former mayor of Fushë-Arrëz Municipality, Fran Tuci, has been arrested  by order of the Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) this Thursday. He is accused of the criminal offense of “abuse of duty”, after he allowed some residents to clean a road of about 1 kilometer in a …

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Kosovo’s PM attacked in parliament by opposition MPs

Physical clashes happen in the Assembly of Kosovo during the session of this Thursday, at the moment when Prime Minister Albin Kurti was talking about the recent situation in the North. The opposition MPs threw water at the Prime Minister.  At that moment, the majority deputies and ministers surrounded Kurti …

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Police checked Fushe-Kruja suspected killer’s house

Police conducted by order of the Tirana prosecutor’s office, a search in the apartment of Valter Bami in Nikla village, who was arrested after the assassination attempt on Gentian Bejtja in the courtyard of the apartment, where his brother-in-law Ramazan Sino was killed and his two minor sons were injured. …

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Clashes in the Assembly of Kosovo, Rama stands in solidarity with Kurti

Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, has condemned today’s clash in the Assembly of Kosovo. He stated that such act degrade the country’s image in the international arena. The head of the Albanian government says that he hopes that the opposition of Kosovo will discuss with ideas and not violence. …

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Begaj in Slovenia: Communication between the two countries is at a high level

The President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj was in Slovenia for an official visit. The head of state said that the relations between the two states are good and that the political dialogue is at a high level. He said that Albania considers Slovenia as a partner, not only regionally, …

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‘Brother, Tiger!’ SMS Exchanges Reveal Disgraced Albanian Politician’s Ties to Fugitive Businessman

Data from the investigation file obtained by BIRN shows Albania’s former Deputy PM Arben Ahmetaj – charged with corruption and money laundering – had a close relationship with Mirel Mërtiri, a controversial businessman now on the run, at least since 2012. Original post Here

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AIIS hosts Foreign Policy Forum with UAE Ambassador

TIRANA – On July 6, 2023, the Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) organized its signature Foreign Policy Forum welcoming as a keynote speaker H.E. Sulaiman Hamed Salem Almazroui, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the Hellenic Republic and nonresident ambassador to Albania.  The forum, entitled “The UAE between the …

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Former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj leaves Albania ahead of approval of arrest request on corruption charges

TIRANA, July 12, 2023 – Representatives of the ruling Socialist Party and the opposition in the Council of Mandates of Albania’s parliament reached an agreement on Wednesday to open the way for the Special Prosecutor’s request to arrest former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj on corruption charges.  However, the Socialists …

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Rama meets Macron in Vilnius, President of France is preparing to come in Tirana

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Vilnius, Lithuania. He says that the French president is preparing to come to Tirana, as part of the Albania, as a NATO member country, has proven its commitment and seriousness, taking concrete steps to …

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Albania Approves Procedures for Regional Development and Cohesion Plans

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 …

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Wendt Outlines Four Priorities if Confirmed as US Ambassador to Albania

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 …

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EU Grants Albania €49 Million Under Western Balkans Growth Plan

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 …

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Rama in Seoul: Countries Across Continents Face Surprisingly Similar Challenges

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 …

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Albania Leads Region with €212.8 Million from EU Growth Plan

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 …

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Begaj in Slovakia: Strong Support for EU Integration and New Direct Flights Boost Ties

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 …

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Germany Backs Albania’s EU Membership, Balla Says

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 …

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Andromaqi Gjergji: Albania’s First Female Academician Remembered

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 …

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Albania Foreign Ministry Monitors Case of Citizen Detained in Israel

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 …

News
EU Urges Albania to Speed Up Reforms for 2027 Negotiation Goal

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 …

News

Albania Approves Procedures for Regional Development and Cohesion Plans

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 …

News

Wendt Outlines Four Priorities if Confirmed as US Ambassador to Albania

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 …

News

EU Grants Albania €49 Million Under Western Balkans Growth Plan

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 …

News

Rama in Seoul: Countries Across Continents Face Surprisingly Similar Challenges

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 …

News

Albania Leads Region with €212.8 Million from EU Growth Plan

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 …

News

Begaj in Slovakia: Strong Support for EU Integration and New Direct Flights Boost Ties

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 …

News

Germany Backs Albania’s EU Membership, Balla Says

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 …

News

Andromaqi Gjergji: Albania’s First Female Academician Remembered

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 …

News

Albania Foreign Ministry Monitors Case of Citizen Detained in Israel

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 …

News

EU Urges Albania to Speed Up Reforms for 2027 Negotiation Goal

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 …