Albania’s foreign minister Hoxha meets Austrian, Czech and Slovak counterparts, strong backing for EU path
TIRANA, April 30 – Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha hosted counterparts from Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia in Tirana. Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Petr Macinka and Juraj Blanár joined him in a joint media statement. They confirmed continued support for Albania’s European Union path. At the start, Hoxha described the visit as …
Battle of Kaçanik Gorge marks symbol of Albanian resistance and sacrifice
TIRANA, April 30 – April 30, 1910 remains recorded in history as the day of a major confrontation between Albanian insurgents and Ottoman forces in Kaçanik Gorge. Idriz Seferi, one of the best-known leaders of the Albanian uprisings, chooses Kaçanik Gorge as a strategic position to stop the advancing Ottoman …
Berisha at IDU Forum in Zagreb: Electoral Autocracy and “Narco-State” Hindering EU Integration
The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, spoke at the forum of the International Democrat Union (IDU) in Zagreb, where he addressed Albania’s European Union integration process and the factors he claims are obstructing it. He identified what he described as “electoral autocracy” and a “narco-state” as the main …
Malaj: Only Two Secondary Acts Remaining Before Launch of Online Betting
The Minister of Finance, Petrit Malaj, stated today that the process for opening online sports betting is in its final stage, with only two secondary legal acts remaining to be approved before licensed operators can begin operating legally. In a press conference, Malaj said that these acts are being coordinated …
Rama Responds to Criticism of Government Information Agency: SIGMA Report Shows the Truth
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted this Thursday on the social network X (formerly Twitter), referring to a SIGMA OECDreport on the Media and Information Agency (MIA). In his response, Rama emphasized that the institution has received a positive evaluation in an international report, rejecting what he described as earlier criticism …
Kosovo Elections: EU Expresses Regret
The European Union has expressed regret that political parties in Kosovo failed to identify a unifying figure for the position of president, leading the country to organize its third election in less than a year and a half. An EU spokesperson told Radio Free Europe that the bloc has continuously …
50,000 Trauma Cases Annually, Doctor Calls for Education to Reduce Harm
Albania records over 50,000 trauma cases per year, with the majority resulting from road accidents and workplace incidents. This figure was highlighted by Agron Dogjani, a surgeon at the University Hospital of Trauma (Albania), during a conference on lifestyle and risk reduction. He emphasized that trauma cases peak during the …
Judges’ Salaries: Parliament Begins Review of Constitutional Court Rulings
The Council on Legislation in Parliament has begun reviewing two decisions of the Constitutional Court related to the determination of judges’ salaries and the parliamentary rules of procedure. The legal service of Parliament has proposed that, regarding the new formula for judges’ salaries, the Council should decide whether to address …
Albulena Haxhiu Sets June 7 as Date for New Elections in Kosovo
In a statement to the media, Albulena Haxhiu announced that June 7 has been set as the date for holding new early parliamentary elections. Haxhiu’s decision comes shortly after a meeting with leaders and representatives of political parties in the country to determine the election date. “After hearing the proposals …
Serbian Government Blocks Funds for the Presevo Valley
The head of the Albanian National Council, Enkel Rexhepi, stated that the Serbian government has blocked transfers and donations from Kosovo intended for development and the preservation of national identity in the Presevo Valley. “This is not a technical issue. It is about blocking funds… that directly affect 3,650 students, …
Albania will continue to support NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosovo to help maintain security and regional stability, Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces Arben Kingji said on Sunday. Kingji met KFOR Commander Major General Özkan Ulutaş as he prepared to end his term leading the NATO …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Malësia e Madhe and Përmet have transformed over the past decade, emerging as tourist destinations with growing economic potential. Speaking in the fifth episode of the seventh season of his “FLASIM” podcast, Rama recalled that both areas once seemed to offer few opportunities for development. …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has criticized Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić for pledging during an election campaign to “raise the Serbian flag again in Kosovo.” Hoxha described the remarks as provocative and threatening, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could encourage dangerous actions. He cited the 2023 …
Albania is taking steps to align its tax legislation with European Union standards by implementing DAC8, which requires the collection and exchange of information on crypto-asset transactions. The General Directorate of Taxes said the rapid growth of the digital economy makes greater tax transparency and stronger international cooperation increasingly important. …
Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Croatian President Zoran Milanović have congratulated Justina Shiroka-Pula on taking office as Kosovo’s president, expressing support for stronger bilateral ties and Kosovo’s European integration. Mattarella called for deeper cooperation between Italy and Kosovo, reaffirming Italy’s support, including through its participation in NATO’s KFOR mission. He …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, French Ambassador Catherine Suard and EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa attended Rodeo, a performance by the French Grenade dance company, at the “Let’s Stay Together” Community Center in Kombinat, Tirana. Koçiu said the event brought art closer to the community while promoting …
President Bajram Begaj visited Dibër this weekend and attended the closing ceremony of the 32nd edition of the “Oda Dibrane” festival. During his visit, he also met Dibër Mayor Rahim Spahiu to discuss local development projects, challenges, cultural heritage and tourism potential. Begaj described the festival as a symbol of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia on Sunday, including a deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Rama expressed Albania’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people. He also offered condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He stressed …
Albania’s Abissnet Superiore resumed this weekend after the international break for Nations League matches, with Teuta extending their winning streak and Elbasani sharing the points with Vora. Teuta beat Skënderbeu 2-0 at the Niko Dovana Stadium to secure their fifth consecutive victory and maintain top spot in the standings. Kallaku …
Albania and Italy are strengthening cultural cooperation to preserve and digitize their shared film heritage. Albanian Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli visited the Central State Film Archive, where they viewed rare footage documenting the history of relations between the two countries. …