Pension increase and bonus/ Balluku: Increase in September
Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku during her stay in Diber held a meeting with the pensioners of this city. She emphasized that in the month of September, pensioners will receive the second bonus, before these, which were provided by the extraordinary tax from the energy producers. The Minister of Infrastructure …
Deserted Albanian Village Tries to Keep Ancient Carnival Alive
The spring carnival is the pride and joy of the village of Narta in southern Albania, held at the end of the Orthodox Easter Fast – but as emigration shrinks the local community, some fear for its future. Original post Here
Freedom of Information in Balkans Still ‘On Paper Only’, Panel Hears
Planned legal changes to FOI laws seem to be designed to make it even harder for journalists to hold the authorities accountable, a BIRN panel discussion in Skopje heard. Original post Here
Former candidate for deputy was shot dead
A serious incident happened a few minutes ago in the city of Shengjin, where citizen Ardian Nikulaj was shot dead. The police are at the scene and have surrounded the entire area, while the causes are still unknown. Ardian Nikulaj, 50, was a businessman and former candidate for MP in …
What do Albania’s upcoming municipal elections mean for foreign investors?
NEWS ANALYSIS TIRANA, April 19, 2023 – Albania’s political parties have started campaigning across the country for the upcoming May 14 municipal elections, which will determine the mayors and municipal council members of Albania’s 61 municipalities. By their very nature, municipal elections are supposed to focus on local issues, but …
US Highlights Concerns about Election of Albania’s Chief Anti-Corruption Prosecutor
The US ambassador has urged members of the High Council of Prosecutors to freely elect the next anti-corruption chief after days of media speculation about interference in the process. PM Rama denied he is trying to influence the decision. Original post Here
Albanian Court Sentences Iranian Citizen on Terrorism Charges
Albania’s special anti-corruption court announced a 10-year jail sentence for Bijan Pooladrag, who was first arrested in 2020 on suspicion of being an Iranian agent monitoring the MEK organisation in Albania. Original post Here
Albania and UK Announce Joint Task Force Against Crime and Illegal Migration
As the number of illegal emigrants from Albania soar, London and Tirana announced they will tackle the issue through a joint task force. Original post Here
Albania’s New Anti-Corruption Chief Prosecutor Seen as US Favoured Candidate
The High Council of Prosecutors chose a new head of the Special Prosecution against Organised Crime and Corruption on Friday, in an election which was being closely followed by the US to ensure there was no political interference. Original post Here
Socialist Party Candidate’s Son Accused of Vote Buying in Albania Election
Opposition activists in a mayoral election in remote northern Albania have accused the ruling Socialists of using state aid packages for vote-buying purposes. Original post Here
The fourth stage of the 83rd edition of the Tour of Albania concluded today with a strong performance from Dutch cyclist Niels Reemeijer. The 148.8 km stage started in Vlorë and passed through the Llogara Tunnel, Himarë, Qeparo and Kuç before returning to Vlorë. Reemeijer won after a highly competitive …
The fourth edition of “Automotive Fair Albania” opened in Tirana with a strong focus on technology, innovation and road safety. Mother Teresa Square turned into a center of motorsport and automotive innovation. The event gathered car companies, motorsport fans, institutions and many visitors. Iva Beharaj attended the opening ceremony. She …
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj presented a draft law in parliament to transfer the Water Resources Management Agency (AMBU) under the authority of the Ministry of Environment. The agency currently operates under the Prime Minister’s office. Jaupaj said the changes follow recommendations from the 2025 SIGMA report on strengthening governance in …
The “Gateway of the Alps” project will bring €100 million in investments to northern Albania, focusing on tourism and infrastructure development in Shkodër. Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi presented the project today in parliament. He said the initiative includes new connecting roads, improved public transport and stronger links between …
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari met with Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner during the “Europa Forum Wachau”. The two ministers discussed stronger cooperation between Albania and Austria in security, border management, and the fight against organized crime. They also focused on coordination against common European challenges. In a social media post, …
On May 22, 1984, the Qafë Bari Prison became the scene of one of the most important acts of anti-communist resistance in Albania. The notorious prison, isolated in the mountains of Puka, held around 500 political prisoners. They served harsh sentences in inhumane conditions, facing systematic violence, hunger, isolation, and …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted this morning to the completion of the technical phase of the IBAR report, responding to opposition claims that Albania’s EU negotiations had stalled. Rama said the Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels on May 26 will successfully conclude the opening phase and launch the final phase …
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said today that Albanian citizen Baki Goxhaj is now on his way home. In a social media post, Hoxha said Albanian diplomatic structures acted immediately after receiving the first alert. They coordinated with other Albanian institutions and maintained continuous communication with Israeli authorities. At the same …
Socialist Party parliamentary group chairman Taulant Balla met with Austrian personalities who have served over the years as ministers, MPs, and members of the European Parliament. They are considered long-time supporters of Albania. During the meeting, participants also held a video call with Andreas Schieder. In his remarks, Balla praised …
A commemorative ceremony marked the presentation of “Shqipni e harrume,” the book by the late Albanian public figure Artan Lame, on the first anniversary of his death. Family members, friends and colleagues gathered to honor his life and work in Tirana. The book reflects Lame’s strong passion for Albanian history, …