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Police arrested the former head of Albanian Road Authority

The former head of the Albanian Road Authority, Evis Berberi, is arrested by order of SPAK. According to SPAK, Barber is accused of corruption and money laundering. Barber resigned from this post a few days ago for personal reasons. But sources from the Special Prosecutor’s Office affirmed for ABC News …

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It is summer day, celebrations nationwide

Albania celebrates Thursday the Summer Day, a “traditional” holiday for the country. In fact, the day supposedly has its origins in ancient pagan rites which were practiced thousands of years ago by the Illyrian tribes living in the western Balkans – and legend has it that these rites have been …

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Begaj hosted by his counterpart in Azerbaijan: Energy and tourism are at the top of the agenda

The President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj is on an official visit to Azerbaijan where he was received in a meeting by his counterpart Ilham Aliyev. Begaj I shared details of the meeting through a photo published on the X social network while writing: Productive meeting with my dear friend. …

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The gun attack in Shkodra/ Balla: I believe in the team leading the investigation

At the end of the government meeting, the Minister of the Interior Taulant Balla responded to the interest of the media regarding the assassination attempt the day before in Shkoder. “In the last 7 months, we have a historic number of identification, finding and extradition of high-risk persons. Last week …

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A minor arrested for selling cannabis

A 17-year-old boy was put in handcuffs in implementation of the measures defined in the nationwide operational plan “Tempulli 2”, where the coded police operation “The Supplier” was finalized. The minor, a resident of Durrës, was transporting cannabis seeds for sale. During the physical check and his bag, the Police …

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First extradition from Dubai, thief of millions of euro to face justice

First extradition from Dubai to Albania was realized this Wednesday. After long negotiations, today will be extradited to Albania the first prisoner, Bruno Cobo, who was declared wanted by the Special Prosecution against Corruption (SPAK) for theft through fraud. Cobo in collaboration with 16 other persons, stolen nearly millions of …

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Gun attack in Shkodra/ Injured witness: We did not see the perpetrators, we have no conflicts with anyone

The testimony of policemen Gjergj Ndershtiqaj and Gjon Nika, who were injured on Tuesday evening in Grudë e Re in Shkodër, is revealed. They stated that they did not see the people who shot at them as soon as they got out of the car and claimed that they had …

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“Gerdec case”, the hearing session for Fatmir Meidiu ends

The former Minister of Defense, Fatmir Mediu, refused to answer the questions of SPAK prosecutors in the capacity of the defendant. He made a statement in court, where he said that he would only answer the questions of the lawyers and at that stage, according to him, even the prosecutors …

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January 21 to be investigated by SPAK”/ The Supreme Court examines the request of Aleks Nika’s family members

The Supreme Court is expected to consider today the request of the family members for the 4 murders on the boulevard on January 21. More specifically, the panel composed of judges Ilir Panda, Sokol Binaj and Sander Simoni, will consider the request of Aleks Nika’s family members, who request that …

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The murder of the 19-year old in Fier, new details revealed

New details have emerged from the murder of 19-year-old Grei Bihuci, who was killed on Monday morning in the center of the city of Fier, after a fight with his peers. According to the police, another 17-year-old was arrested who, in cooperation with 18-year-old Florian Muka, killed Bihuci. So, the …

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Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs

While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here

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ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases

TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …

News
Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …

News
Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht

TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …

News
Summer Afternoon Draws Crowds of Tourists to Durrës

Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …

News
Special anti-corruption prosecution chief: Strategy targets 70% cut in case backlog

TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …

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PM Rama: Albania develops first artificial intelligence model for public procurement

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …

News
Former Kosova President Thaçi sends message to citizens

TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …

News
Valbona Valley draws global travelers to Albania’s wild north

TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …

News
Foreign Tourists Visit Gjirokastër, Praise Nature, History and Hospitality

Foreign tourists visiting Gjirokastër continue to share positive impressions of Albania, highlighting the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Mirela Kumbaro shared on social media comments from visitors exploring the UNESCO-listed stone city. Tourists from several European countries expressed admiration for Albania’s landscapes, beaches, and cultural heritage. A …

News

Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs

While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here

News

ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases

TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …

News

Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …

News

Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht

TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …

News

Summer Afternoon Draws Crowds of Tourists to Durrës

Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …

News

Special anti-corruption prosecution chief: Strategy targets 70% cut in case backlog

TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …

News

PM Rama: Albania develops first artificial intelligence model for public procurement

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …

News

Former Kosova President Thaçi sends message to citizens

TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …

News

Valbona Valley draws global travelers to Albania’s wild north

TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …

News

Foreign Tourists Visit Gjirokastër, Praise Nature, History and Hospitality

Foreign tourists visiting Gjirokastër continue to share positive impressions of Albania, highlighting the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Mirela Kumbaro shared on social media comments from visitors exploring the UNESCO-listed stone city. Tourists from several European countries expressed admiration for Albania’s landscapes, beaches, and cultural heritage. A …