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Albania requests Turkey to extradite Dritan Rexhepi

Albania sent this Wednesday a request to Turkey for the extradition of Dritan Rexhepi, who was arrested a week ago in Istanbul. “The Ministry of Justice informs you that today, on 22.11.2023, it forwarded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be sent to the Ministry of Justice of Turkey, …

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Names of arrested by SPAK order in Tirana operation revealed

The names of 11 persons for whom a security measure was issued by order of SPAK are released. One of the most wanted is the emir of Ervin Mata, who is thought to be outside Albania. He is accused of being a structured criminal group, drug trafficking and carrying out …

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Interior Minister welcomes operation for former police official’s arrest

Interior Minister, Taulant Balla has reacted this Tuesday regarding the action carried out on Monday by order of the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK), where arrest warrants were issued for the former director of Tirana Police and 10 other people, while the son has been declared wanted. Through a post on …

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TNT blast recorded in Tirana’s Lapraka area

A blast was recorded this Tuesday morning in a business in Lapraka around 04.50, on “Dritan Hoxha” street. From the preliminary data, there are suspicions that a quantity of explosive material exploded and as a result of the explosion, the windows of a nearby business were damaged. On its part, …

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‘Partizani’ file/ Security measure for Berisha remains in force, his son-in-law Jamarber Malltezi is released

The appeal of GJKKO has decided this Tuesday not to change the security measures for former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, who will have to appear before the prosecutor’s office and will be banned from leaving the country. The court decided for Malltez, the security measure “House arrest”. At the end …

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Greek Minister to visit Beleri in prison

Greece’s Minister of State, Stavros Papastavrou, is expected to meet this Tuesday with the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri, who is in prison. According to the Greek media, the meeting is expected to take place at noon today in the prison of Durrës, where Beleri has been held for …

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Operation in Tirana/ Are revealed the name of 11 arrested. The charges against them

The names of 11 persons for whom a security measure was issued by order of SPAK are released. One of the most wanted is the emir of Ervin Mata, who is thought to be outside Albania. He is accused of being a structured criminal group, drug trafficking and carrying out …

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Opposition warns to block session as parliament convenes to discuss 2024 budget

Albania’s Assembly will convene this Monday, although the opposition has warned that it will block the plenary session again. This plenary session is scheduled to start at 10:00 a.m. in a marathon session where the 2024 budget will be discussed and approved, while the opposition has opposed this budget. Meanwhile, …

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Berisha risks new security measure if he doesn’t appear at SPAK

Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha risks facing a new measure if he again refuses to appear in the Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). At 10:00 am, Berisha will have to appear in SPAK, according to the order of GJKKO, in implementation of the court’s decision given on …

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Former Minister Beqaj to be questioned by GJKKO for sterilization concession

Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) will hold this Monday the hearing for the questioning of the former Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj, who is accused of abuse of office by SPAK in connection with the investigations that were carried out for the sterilization concession medical instruments. Session …

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STRASBOURG – European Parliament Approves Amendment on the Albanian Language in North Macedonia’s Bar Exam

The European Parliament approved the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) report on North Macedonia, prepared by permanent rapporteur Thomas Waitz. The report assessed the findings of the European Commission. It highlighted the lack of progress in judicial reforms and anti-corruption efforts. In addition, it urged the country to implement constitutional amendments …

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Nufi Meets Senior Pentagon Official: Strong Commitment to Peace, Stability, and Collective Defense

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met senior Pentagon official Elbridge A. Colby in Washington today. During the meeting, the two officials exchanged views on the strategic challenges shaping the Euro-Atlantic security environment. Nufi emphasized that the partnership between Albania and the United States is built on shared values, mutual trust, and …

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New Property Tax Bill Proposes Market-Value Assessment with Rates of 0.1%–0.2% for Homes

The Ministry of Finance of Albania has opened a new draft law on property tax for public consultation. The reform aims to fundamentally change Albania’s property taxation system by introducing a market-value-based model and increasing local government revenues. Under the proposed legislation, revenue from property tax will remain a local …

News
Meloni: EU Approves Historic Return Regulation, Albanian Model Sets the Example

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the European Parliament’s approval of the new EU return regulation as a major achievement for Italy and Europe. Speaking in a video message from the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, Meloni said the regulation marks a historic decision. She added that the measure largely reflects …

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Business-Customs Forum Focuses on Transparency, Efficiency, and Trade Facilitation

The General Directorate of Customs and the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania held the Business-Customs Forum today. Participants focused on European integration, digital transformation of customs services, and measures to simplify procedures for businesses. The forum brought together customs officials and business representatives. They discussed customs procedures, the investment …

News
New Air Route Links Albania and Romania as TAROM Launches Flights to Tirana

Tirana International Airport expanded its international network as it welcomed the inaugural flight of TAROM today. The airline launched operations in Tirana and opened a new weekly route. It will operate one flight every Wednesday during the summer season. The new connection strengthens air links between Albania and Romania. It …

News
European Parliament Progress Report on Albania, Hoxha Calls Vote Confirmation of Reform Progress and EU Path

Ferit Hoxha said the European Parliament’s approval of the progress report for Albania confirmed strong support for the country’s EU membership path. He stated that the European Parliament also recognized significant progress achieved in key reform areas. The Parliament adopted the report with a large majority, including 483 votes in …

News
Gogu Meets Dutch Counterpart in Strasbourg, Focus on Justice Cooperation and Organized Crime

Toni Gogu held talks in Strasbourg today with Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel. The two officials focused on bilateral cooperation in justice and Albania’s European integration process. Gogu described the Netherlands as a demanding but constructive partner. He said both sides discuss results and concrete projects that help Albania …

News
Actor Gjergji Lala Passes Away at 79

Gjergji Lala, one of the well-known figures of Albanian cinematography, has died at the age of 79. He passed away in a hospital in Italy after a long illness. The news marks the end of a career that spanned decades in both theatre and film. Audiences remember Lala especially for …

News
European Parliament Adopts Resolution on Kosovo: Reforms and Progress in Dialogue Key to European Path

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on Kosovo, stating that reforms and progress in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue remain crucial to the country’s European path. The resolution was approved with 412 votes in favor, 174 against, and 58 abstentions. “Continued reforms and progress in the EU-facilitated dialogue remain key to …

News

STRASBOURG – European Parliament Approves Amendment on the Albanian Language in North Macedonia’s Bar Exam

The European Parliament approved the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) report on North Macedonia, prepared by permanent rapporteur Thomas Waitz. The report assessed the findings of the European Commission. It highlighted the lack of progress in judicial reforms and anti-corruption efforts. In addition, it urged the country to implement constitutional amendments …

News

Nufi Meets Senior Pentagon Official: Strong Commitment to Peace, Stability, and Collective Defense

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met senior Pentagon official Elbridge A. Colby in Washington today. During the meeting, the two officials exchanged views on the strategic challenges shaping the Euro-Atlantic security environment. Nufi emphasized that the partnership between Albania and the United States is built on shared values, mutual trust, and …

News

New Property Tax Bill Proposes Market-Value Assessment with Rates of 0.1%–0.2% for Homes

The Ministry of Finance of Albania has opened a new draft law on property tax for public consultation. The reform aims to fundamentally change Albania’s property taxation system by introducing a market-value-based model and increasing local government revenues. Under the proposed legislation, revenue from property tax will remain a local …

News

Meloni: EU Approves Historic Return Regulation, Albanian Model Sets the Example

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the European Parliament’s approval of the new EU return regulation as a major achievement for Italy and Europe. Speaking in a video message from the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, Meloni said the regulation marks a historic decision. She added that the measure largely reflects …

News

Business-Customs Forum Focuses on Transparency, Efficiency, and Trade Facilitation

The General Directorate of Customs and the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania held the Business-Customs Forum today. Participants focused on European integration, digital transformation of customs services, and measures to simplify procedures for businesses. The forum brought together customs officials and business representatives. They discussed customs procedures, the investment …

News

New Air Route Links Albania and Romania as TAROM Launches Flights to Tirana

Tirana International Airport expanded its international network as it welcomed the inaugural flight of TAROM today. The airline launched operations in Tirana and opened a new weekly route. It will operate one flight every Wednesday during the summer season. The new connection strengthens air links between Albania and Romania. It …

News

European Parliament Progress Report on Albania, Hoxha Calls Vote Confirmation of Reform Progress and EU Path

Ferit Hoxha said the European Parliament’s approval of the progress report for Albania confirmed strong support for the country’s EU membership path. He stated that the European Parliament also recognized significant progress achieved in key reform areas. The Parliament adopted the report with a large majority, including 483 votes in …

News

Gogu Meets Dutch Counterpart in Strasbourg, Focus on Justice Cooperation and Organized Crime

Toni Gogu held talks in Strasbourg today with Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel. The two officials focused on bilateral cooperation in justice and Albania’s European integration process. Gogu described the Netherlands as a demanding but constructive partner. He said both sides discuss results and concrete projects that help Albania …

News

Actor Gjergji Lala Passes Away at 79

Gjergji Lala, one of the well-known figures of Albanian cinematography, has died at the age of 79. He passed away in a hospital in Italy after a long illness. The news marks the end of a career that spanned decades in both theatre and film. Audiences remember Lala especially for …

News

European Parliament Adopts Resolution on Kosovo: Reforms and Progress in Dialogue Key to European Path

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on Kosovo, stating that reforms and progress in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue remain crucial to the country’s European path. The resolution was approved with 412 votes in favor, 174 against, and 58 abstentions. “Continued reforms and progress in the EU-facilitated dialogue remain key to …