Op/Ed: Balkan awakening – Strengthening ties between Israel and Albania
By Ohad Shpak* The upcoming Israel-Albania Tech Conference to be held in March 2023 aims to strengthen commercial ties between the two countries, following recent developments in the bilateral relations. Muslim-majority Republic of Albania and the Jewish State of Israel have maintained diplomatic relations since 1991, shortly after Albania emerged from …
Albanians get visa-free access to UAE, part of larger expansion into Asia
TIRANA, March 23, 2023 – Starting on April 20, citizens of Albania will be able to travel visa-free to the United Arab Emirates, home of renowned cities and major airports, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Albanian government has announced. UAE citizens are also able to travel to Albania without …
Albanian PM visit to London focuses on migration woes
TIRANA, March 23, 2023 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama visited London on Thursday in the first ever official visit of an Albanian head of government to 10 Downing Street, but the visit was marred by taking place with the backdrop of the controversy that has been going on for …
As number of young workers declines, over 65s working at higher rates
TIRANA, March, 25, 2023 – While Albania’s employment indicators have improved year over year, since 2020, the number of employed people is decreasing in the younger population groups, while it is increasing among the elderly. In the fourth quarter of 2022, there were about 52,500 more people employed than in …
Albania’s central bank raises key rate by 0.25%
TIRANA, March 23, 2023 – Albania’s central bank has raised its key interest rate by another quarter of a percentage point in its attempt to fight inflation, the Bank of Albania governor announced in a press conference. The decision of the bank board brings the rate to 3 percent, directly …
In Tirana visit, Kosovo PM discusses contentious deal with Serbia
TIRANA, March 27, 2023 – Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited Tirana over the weekend, holding discussions with Albania’s top leaders and focusing on his country’s ongoing dialogue with Serbia, which has been high on the agenda in recent months. Earlier this year, agreements to normalize relations between Kosovo and …
In widely-condemned violent attack on media, shots fired at key Albanian TV channel headquarters, killing guard
TIRANA, March 27, 2023 – In what the media and authorities are calling “a terrorist act,” unidentified gunmen used automatic weapons to shoot at the headquarters of one of Albania’s largest private television stations, Top Channel, shortly after midnight on Monday, killing a security guard on duty. The attack on …
Red and Blacks look for fresh start as Albania plays Poland for Euro 2024 qualifier
TIRANA, March 27, 2023 – Albania will begin their quest for a spot in the 2024 European Championship against Poland in Warsaw on Monday, hoping to break their seven-game losing streak against the hosts. The Red and Blacks will have their first match under Brazilian coach Sylvinho, who aims to …
Albania’s Mild Punishments for Electoral Crimes Undermine its Democracy
The few and minimal sentences handed down by the justice system for electoral corruption do little to discourage such violations, according to experts – and undermine the path towards democracy. Original post Here
Orderer of Shengjin explosive attack arrested after three Years
Lezha Police have arrested on Tuesday citizen Zef Kola, resident of Tirana, suspected of ordering the TNT explosion on the building that was being built by businessman Liman Gjoka in the “Rana e Hedhun” area of Shengjin, three years ago. After investigations carried out with special methods, this event was …
TIRANA, April 28 – A leading international tourism magazine (TTW) reports that southern Albania is undergoing a significant economic transformation driven by cultural tourism. It describes the region as one of the richest areas in the Balkans for historical and cultural heritage. Cities such as Berat, Gjirokastër, Saranda and Përmet …
TIRANA, April 28 – Three rounds remain in the regular season of the Abissnet Superiore, broadcast on RTSH. Nine points are still available. The race for fourth place is effectively a Dinamo–Partizani duel and is likely to be decided in their direct clash in the final round. Meanwhile, the relegation …
TIRANA, April 28 – Authorities presented the “Green Vjosa” project in Përmet as a new step to protect biodiversity along the Vjosa River, described as Europe’s last wild river. The initiative focuses on environmental protection and sustainable development in areas along the river. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj and Germany’s Federal …
TIRANA, April 28 – Supreme Court President Sokol Sadushi took part in a joint meeting of the High Judicial Council and the High Prosecutorial Council focused on the ethical and professional evaluation of magistrates and measures to reduce the backlog. Sadushi said the evaluation process is not a formal procedure. …
TIRANA, April 28 – Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said energy security is a key state priority. He described it as a core element of economic stability and national resilience. He spoke at a meeting in Tirana where Albania signed an agreement with the United States and Greece on …
TIRANA, April 28 – U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle described Albania as a steadfast partner of the United States. She said the country holds strong strategic importance for the Balkans and Southeast Europe. She spoke at the Prime Minister’s Office during the signing of an energy security agreement between …
TIRANA, April 28 – Albania has signed an energy agreement with the United States and Greece on energy diversification and the strengthening of energy independence. Prime Minister Edi Rama described the United States as a key partner in consolidating energy security and said Albania is investing to diversify its energy …
The United States Ambassador to Athens paid a visit to Tirana, where she took part in the signing ceremony of an important agreement in the energy sector between Albania, international companies, and American partners. The agreement предусматриes a 20-year contract for the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the …
Agreement with the U.S, Greece and Albania. U.S. Ambassador in Athens: Strengthens regional security
The U.S. Ambassador to Greece was in Tirana this Tuesday, where she participated in a ceremony marking Albania’s inclusion in an energy agreement with the United States and Greece, worth $6 billion. The signing ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Enea Kakaraçi, and …
Albania hosts MONEYVAL mission, Deputy PM Koçiu highlights progress in anti-money laundering efforts
TIRANA, April 28 – Albania has welcomed the MONEYVAL assessment mission, which focuses on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing efforts. The FATF (Financial Action Task Force) removed Albania from its grey list in 2023. Authorities present this decision, along with improving financial indicators, as evidence of progress, saying it strengthens …