Albania Election Commission Scraps Himara Mayor-Elect Beleri’s Mandate
Albania’s Central Elections Commission on Friday declared the mandate of the convicted mayor-elect of Himara, Fredi Beleri, invalid – a decision that he may appeal within 30 days. Original post Here
Himara towards the elections/ CEC: Fredi Beleri’s term is invalid!
Alfred Beleri loses his mandate as mayor of Himara. At this Friday’s meeting, the CEC decided to declare the mandate invalid The Special Court for Corruption and Organized Crime found the elected mayor of Himara Municipality, Fredi Beleri, guilty of active corruption in the elections and sentenced him to 2 …
Opening of Llogora tunnel on friday
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared views from the Acrisa tunnel, which will be opened this Friday. In a Facebook post, the head of government says it’s a historic feat that will forever change the journey to the south. “Good morning and with the Llogara tunnel, one of the historical …
The hearing session for former minister Ilir Beqaj is postponed
24 hours were not enough for the legal defenders of Ilir Beqaj to familiarize themselves with the file of the special prosecution for his arrest. In the session that started at 09:00, they asked for time to familiarize themselves with the file in question, which led to the postponement of …
Beleri: “I know that the mandate as mayor is expired”
While the CEC is discussing Fredi Beleri’s mandate, he said that it is clear that his mandate as mayor of Himara has ended, but he does not want the elections to be held in August. He emphasized that as he came to the meeting of the CEC, he could now …
Western Balkans Six Need to Work Together for Sake of EU Enlargement
After Ukraine and Moldova started membership negotiations, would-be members of the EU in the Balkans need to take an ‘all for one and one for all’ approach to accession – or risk remaining stuck in the waiting room. Original post Here
Analysis: Bells toll for Albania’s demographics as census results confirm corrosive effects of massive emigration
TIRANA, July 4, 2024 – The much anticipated and much delayed results of the 2023 Census are out in Albania, confirming a massive population decline in 12 years and a worsening of all demographic indicators. Albania’s population shrank by almost 14 percent, losing about 429,000 residents. The country is also …
Bank of Albania shifts policy, cutting key rate by 0.25% to 3%
TIRANA, July 4, 2024 – The Bank of Albania has shifted direction for the first time since March 2022, easing its monetary policy by reducing the key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points. The Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania decided to lower the base interest rate to 3.0 …
Albania Former Health Minister Detained Over Misused EU Funds
Former Health Minister Ilir Beqaj was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of abusing EU funds, Albania’s Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organised Crime, SPAK, announced. Original post Here
Ilir Beqaj, high Socialist official mired in corruption investigations, arrested for abuse of EU funds
TIRANA, July 4, 2024 – Ilir Beqaj, Albania’s former minister of health who has a history of holding important position in the ruling Socialist Party, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of involvement in a corruption scheme to profit from funds from the Agency for the Coordination of Foreign Aid and …
A fire broke out at a hotel in Vlora early on August 16. Police said the incident happened at around 4:05 a.m. in the “10 Korriku” neighborhood. Six tourists suffered injuries. Five were citizens of Kosovo, while one was from Rrëshen. Five of the injured tourists were taken to the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama told British media outlet UnHerd that recent protests in Albania differ from those held in June. According to Rama, more political parties and opposition groups have joined the latest demonstrations. These groups include both far-left and far-right forces. Despite the tensions, Rama said he was “very …
TIRANA, August 14 – Kosova is ready to assist Albania and Montenegro as they tackle wildfires in several areas, acting Defence Minister Ejup Maqedonci said. Maqedonci said he had informed his counterparts in Albania and Montenegro that Kosova’s Ministry of Defence could provide support through its available capabilities. He said …
TIRANA, August 14 – The wildfire situation in Kruja has improved significantly over the past 24 hours. The remaining active fires in Abaze and Gryka e Vajës are burning at much lower intensity. Kruja Mayor Artur Bushi said teams have tackled the fires from the air and on the ground. …
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania is experiencing high tourist flows this summer. Visitors have access to a wide calendar of cultural, artistic, sports and gastronomic activities. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo album today featuring major tourist destinations across the country. Alongside coastal resorts, visitors are showing growing interest …
Papers highlight Albania’s transformation since 1990s – with population growth limited to a few urban centres and most municipalities housing shrinking, elderly communities. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania has digitized its visa application process through the e-Visa system. The system allows foreign nationals who need a visa to apply and track their applications online. Besmir Meta, an IT specialist at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, said the National Agency of Information …
TIRANA, August 14 – Banks lowered interest rates on several major lending segments during the second quarter of the year. However, consumer loans and euro-denominated mortgages for individuals followed a different trend. Bank of Albania data show that the average rate on new ALL loans fell to 6.3%, from 6.5% …
TIRANA, August 14 – Startups supported through Albania’s grant scheme in 2024-2025 have increased their activity, employment, revenue and number of clients. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj shared data on the performance of the businesses after receiving grant funding. She said Startup Albania supports Albanian startups through the grant …
TIRANA, August 14 – Major foreign currencies recorded slight movements against the ALL, according to the Bank of Albania’s official exchange rate. The euro fell by 0.09 ALL from the previous day and trades at €1 = 92.92 ALL. Meanwhile, the British pound declined by 0.22 ALL and trades at …