AIIS discusses Albania-Germany relations with Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann
TIRANA, Aug. 7, 2024 – Representatives of the Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) participated in a meeting where Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann discussed key issues with Albanian civil society representatives and other actors. Accompanied by a delegation, the interior minister of Germany’s wealthiest and largest-by-area federative state had …
Organized criminal group/ SPAK closes the investigations, 11 accused
The Special Prosecutor’s Office has closed the investigations and sent the criminal group with at least 11 people for trial. Among whom is Erzen Breçani and former crime boss Dedan Gjoni. In the official announcement SPAK clarifies that this criminal group is involved in international narcotics trafficking, where each member …
VIDEO/ A car in Elbasan engulfed in flames during the night
A car was engulfed in flames in the city of Elbasan. The event happened shortly after midnight last night at around 12.45 in the post office roundabout. The driver managed to get away and escape without damage, while the vehicle was completely destroyed. Firefighters immediately arrived at the scene and …
Ammunition and cocaine, police arrested a 31 year old
A 31-year-old man ended up in police custody this Wednesday in Tirana. According to the police report, quantities of cocaine and military ammunition were found and seized from the young man. “Specialists of the Narcotics Investigation Sector arrested the 31-year-old citizen, a resident of Tirana, after during the physical check, …
Bayraktar” drones will soon be ready 24/7 even for emergencies
After the successful test for night missions, the “Bayraktar” drones will soon switch to monitoring function 24 hours a day, seven days a week, as an important supporting element alongside the local authorities in the battle against fires. Defense Minister Pirro Vengu, accompanied by Air Force Commander Brigadier General Ferdinand …
Socialists take Himara mayor’s seat amid complaints of election irregularities
TIRANA, Aug. 6, 2024 – Vangjel Tavo, the Socialist Party candidate, won the race for mayor of Himara in by-elections held on Sunday, defeating his rival Petraq Gjikuria of the opposition coalition by about 1,500 votes. According to official data from the Central Election Commission, after counting votes from 36 …
Analysis: Himara by-election raises concerns over 2025 national vote, relations with Greece
TIRANA, Aug. 6, 2024 – Vangjel Tavo, the Socialist Party candidate, won the race for mayor of Himara in by-elections held on Sunday, defeating his rival Petraq Gjikuria of the opposition coalition by about 1,500 votes. The results mark a significant shift in support in the municipality favor of Albania’s …
High flow in the port of Durres, in five days has entered 25 thousand passengers
This week has marked a high flow of passengers entering the border point of the Port of Durres. Over 25,000 passengers arriving on the Durres-Bari ferries have entered through this border point. According to the statistics of the Border Police, in the last five days, 1800 vehicles have entered Albania. …
Crime Couriers: How Albanian Gangs Send Their Illegal Profits Back Home
Police investigations reveal that organised crime groups often use ordinary people and passenger transport agencies to smuggle their illegal profits from EU countries and elsewhere back into Albania. Original post Here
Tragedy in Saranda/ Man kills his wife with an ax
A serious incident happened in the early hours of the morning in the village of Shale, Konispol. According to Saranda police, it is suspected that during a conflict for weak motives in the apartment, 69-year-old Hyso Islami allegedly killed his 66-year-old wife Shano Islami with an ax. According to the …
TIRANA, August 4 – Albanian champions Egnatia will take the field on Tuesday evening for the first leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. Egnatia will face Irish side Shamrock Rovers in an away match that will start at 21:00. The team coached by Nevil Dede …
TIRANA, August 4 – Nearly 27 years after the Reçak massacre, Kosova’s justice system has opened an in absentia trial against more than 20 former Serbian army and police members. They face accusations over the killing of 42 Albanian civilians on January 15, 1999. The first hearing took place in …
TIRANA, August 4 – A total of 727 operational forces have worked over the past 24 hours to manage 20 wildfire outbreaks across Albania, Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said. The response included 128 members of the Armed Forces, 2 firefighting vehicles, 1 medical ambulance and 3 Air Force helicopters. These …
TIRANA, August 4 – Albanian Customs is managing heavy summer travel flows with 24-hour service and efficient border procedures, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said. Malaj noted that more than 1.8 million passengers travelled through Tirana International Airport during July. The airport also handled about 9,500 flights, reflecting the peak of …
TIRANA, August 4 – Albania’s 2026 National Agricultural Support Scheme has expanded its beneficiary base and drawn significantly more applications after lowering minimum funding thresholds and easing eligibility requirements. Ardita Kuçi, Director General of the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR), said the revised scheme has encouraged broader participation …
TIRANA, August 4 – Albania’s provisional closure of Chapter 30 – External Relations commits the country to align future trade agreements with European Union rules, including a clause allowing their termination without compensation once Albania joins the bloc. EU affairs expert Geron Kamberi said the chapter focuses on the EU’s …
TIRANA, August 4 – President Bajram Begaj received Ecuador’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Esteban Assar Moscoso Bohman, at an official credentials ceremony after the diplomat presented his Letters of Credence. Begaj wished the ambassador success in his diplomatic mission and reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ecuador. He …
TIRANA, August 4 – The US Embassy in Tirana welcomed Albania’s ratification of a $302 million loan agreement under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme, describing it as strong support for the continued modernisation of the Albanian Armed Forces. According to the embassy, the funding will help Albania advance toward …
TIRANA, August 4 – Prolonged drought and high temperatures continue to reduce the water level at the Fierza reservoir, Albania’s largest hydropower lake, as inflows fall sharply. Water inflows from the rivers feeding the reservoir have dropped to about 80 cubic metres per second. Meanwhile, the lake level has fallen …
TIRANA, August 4-The US State Department has officially announced the ratification of a $302 million loan agreement under the Foreign Military Financing, or FMF, program. The agreement aims to strengthen Albania’s defense capabilities and deepen strategic security cooperation with the United States. According to the State Department’s official announcement, the …