Concerns over access to official stats grow, as INSTAT tries to recover from cyberattack
TIRANA, Feb. 7, 2024 – Albania’s Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) is grappling with the aftermath of what it says was a sophisticated cyberattack, leaving its official website, instat.gov.al, inaccessible for several days before it went back up with limited access to key databases. While much of the focus of attention …
Albania signs long-awaited social insurance deal with Italy
By JERINA ZALOSHJA-RAKIPI ROME, Feb. 7, 2024 – After years of negotiations, Albania and Italy have signed a long-awaited deal on recognizing each other’s social insurance contributions, which will benefit more than 500,000 Albanian residents in Italy and any Italians who have worked in Albania. “This agreement guarantees at least …
From exile, Albania’s ex deputy PM alleges massive corruption at top of SP leadership
TIRANA, Feb. 6, 2024 – In an lengthy television interview from exile in Switzerland, Albania’s former deputy prime minister, Arben Ahmetaj, has made startling accusations of massive corruption at the top of the country’s ruling Socialist Party, involving misuse of public funds in waste management and other taxpayer-funded projects. The …
Albanian saw quality of life stagnate as rest of region improved, according to EBRD report
TIRANA, Jan. 31, 2024 – A recent report by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has highlighted a stark contrast in the perception of quality of life between Albania and other countries in Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans. While most nations in the region have seen significant …
Chief justice denounces unprecedented disregard from Socialist-controlled parliament over key ruling
TIRANA, Feb. 5, 2024 – In a rare press conference, the head of Albania’s Constitutional Court, Chief Justice Holta Zacaj, has rebuked Albania’s Socialist-controlled parliament for its refusal to adhere to a crucial court ruling regarding the mandate of Socialist MP and former foreign minister Olta Xhacka. Zacaj’s remarks came …
500K Albanians in Italy benefit from pensions deal
Albania and Italy will sign this Tuesday the final document of the agreement on the mutual recognition of social security. Prime Minister Edi Rama, with a note on the official Facebook page, writes that over 500,000 Albanians and many Italians in our country benefit from this agreement. The agreement will …
Tirana, two arrested with 1.5 kg of cocaine
Two have been arrested in the capital of Albania, Tirana, after being caught with 1.5 kg of cocaine. The arrested are the citizens E.G. and F.C from Tirana, while another one was declared wanted by police. Drugs was found during the controls that police made in their houses. Police seized …
Man arrested for violating and ‘imprisoning’ wife
A man was arrested this early morning in Tirana, as he ‘imprisoned’ his wife, mother of four and violates her.Police identified that the man, Asqeri Mandri, 34-year-old, violated his wife and at the same time monitored with camera all her moves. Their home was all equipped with cameras and did …
Albania and Italy sign the agreement, thousands of Albanians benefit
Albania and Italy have signed this Tuesday morning the final document of the agreement on the mutual recognition of social security. The agreement in question was signed by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Igli Hasani, and his Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani. This historic agreement will benefit …
Zacaj: No more backlog files at the Constitutional Court
The Constitutional Court in Albania doesn’t have backlog files any more, like usually other courts have. The news was made public by the head of the court, Holta Zacaj, who said that this is thanks to the new digital system applied by this court. Presenting the work done by this …
The United States has donated a special aviation security training kit to Albania’s Civil Aviation Authority. The donation came at the end of a five-day training program organized by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), according to the U.S. Embassy in Tirana. The equipment will help aviation security personnel simulate …
Economy Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the government remains focused on reforms and Albania’s European Union integration process. Speaking after a government meeting, Ibrahimaj answered questions about an ongoing protest that has entered its 26th day. She said the government approved many important acts during the meeting. According to Ibrahimaj, Albania …
The Albanian government approved two draft laws to advance the country’s European Union integration process. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the new legislation will increase transparency in financial markets and improve commercial relations. The Ministry of Economy and Innovation drafted the bills as part of the EU negotiation …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the Shala River on social media, showcasing one of Albania’s most popular summer destinations. The Shala River has attracted growing numbers of Albanian and foreign visitors in recent years. Tourists visit the area for its untouched nature, crystal-clear blue waters, and adventure tourism …
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos expressed optimism about Albania’s progress toward European Union membership. Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Poland, Kos described Albania and Montenegro as two of the most advanced countries in the EU enlargement process. She praised Albania’s progress and noted that the country has …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the inauguration of a new zip line in Belsh, describing it as another reason to visit the popular tourist destination in the Dumre region. The new attraction, stretching 724 meters, adds a new dimension to Belsh’s tourism offer by combining nature, adventure, and local …
Connectivity, operational safety, and aviation security are the three main pillars of cooperation between the Transportation Security Administration and the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority. The Albanian Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) announced that the donation of a testing equipment set by the TSA, combined with specialized training for experts from the …
The Albanian government has declared the historic center of Dhërmi an immovable cultural heritage site. The Council of Ministers approved the decision and defined the protection zone of the historic center through zoning maps and coordinates in the Albanian Geodetic Reference Framework. The government also approved a plan to preserve, …
Like the weather, the political temperature across the region is rising, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here
TIRANA, June 26 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos during an official visit to Cyprus. The ministers discussed stronger bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of common interest. Meanwhile, Hoxha thanked Cyprus for its continued support for Albania’s European Union integration. …