Money laundering for “Cosa Nostra”, Rezart Taçi’s accomplices are sentenced to prison
The Special Court has sentenced to 14 years in prison the two associates of the businessman Rezart Taçi, Bledar Lilo and Artur Balla, who are accused of laundering millions of euros of the Italian mafia organization “Cosa Nostra” in Albania. The Special Court sentenced Artur Balla, the brother-in-law of the …
21-year-old arrested for hauling illegal migrants
A 21-year-old man has ended up in handcuffs this Tuesday after he was caught transporting migrants to Montenegro. Citizen Orjad Tarja was caught in flagrant at the roundabout of Hoti, Malësi e Madhe, while transporting 3 citizens from Pakistan by vehicle, with the intention of illegally crossing the border. Afterwards, …
Ex-MP’s house in Italy engulfed by flames
A serious incident happened to the former Member of Parliament Eduard Ndocaj, whose house in Milan, Italy caught fire and it is suspected in advance that an electric spark may have been the cause. In a statement for the Albanian local media, Ndocaj told the whole moment when the event …
Rama invites youths to join armed forces, promises wage increase
Prime Minister Edi Rama has called on young people this Tuesday to join the Armed Forces, underlining that for this category, in addition to the salary increase of 30% in 2022 and 7% this year, another significant increase up to 22% will become a reality in 2024. Through a social …
CEC cast lots for Berisha-Meta
Has been the cast at the CEC to divide the fourth counter between PL and PDIU for the May 14 elections. PDIU will have counters at even-numbered tables, while the Freedom Party will have counters at odd-numbered tables. Counting groups have 4 members: 2 majorities and 2 opposition. For the …
Explosives attack recorded in Shkodra bar
A quantity of explosives blasted in a bar in the “Fermentim” neighborhood in Shkodër in the early hours of this Monday morning. According to the police, it was the owner of the bar, citizen F. K., 65 years old, who informed the police that when he went to open his …
Trial on former defense minister in GJKKO postponed
Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) has postponed this Monday the session against the former Minister of Defense, Fatmir Mediu, who was taken as a defendant in the “Gërdeci” case. Reason for postponing the session is because the Prosecution needs time to present the final charges. The next …
Defense Minister warns of raining, rivers ewelling in North-western Albania
Minister of Defense, Niko Peleshi, has declared that starting from this Monday, there will be raining of medium intensity and to some extent high, mainly in the north-western part of Albania. In a statement from Korça, Peleshi said that it will not be necessary for discharges in cascades, since the …
Under-construction block of flats endangered by fire
A fire broke out this Monday near a block of apartments that is under construction in the “New Boulevard” area of Tirana. According to preliminary information, garbage was being burned near the building that is being constructed. Firefighters went to the scene to put out the flames, which endangered the …
Fier incinerator session at Special Court fails
The first session for the Fieri incinerator, which was expected to be held this Monday, has failed. The reason was the non-notification of one of the accused persons. In today’s session, the former Minister of Environment, Lefter Koka, and the former secretary of this ministry, Alqi Blako, were not present. …
By the year 2040, will countries in the region choose to consolidate democracy, settle for ‘stabilitocracy’, or descend into full-blown authoritarianism? Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
TIRANA, June 1 – Albania is emerging as a new European tourism destination. Swedish media outlet “Dagens” reports growing interest from European travelers and describes Albania as more affordable than Spain and Greece, while also comparing it with Italy. Meanwhile, “Dagens” highlights Albania’s beaches, natural landscapes and competitive prices. It …
The village of Godolesh welcomed hundreds of visitors this weekend for the annual Cherry Festival, an event dedicated to promoting the area’s agricultural traditions, cultural heritage and tourism potential. Residents and visitors from Elbasan, other Albanian cities and foreign tourists gathered in the village center to take part in the …
Blendi Gonxhja described the FIP Platinum Albania tournament as a major sporting and organizational success, saying it placed Albania on the map of top international padel events. He made the remarks after the tournament concluded in Tirana, where the finals took place at Skanderbeg Square. First, Gonxhja highlighted the strong …
TIRANA, June 1 – International Children’s Day on June 1 highlights the promotion of children’s rights and well-being. The day builds on international efforts strengthened by the 1959 Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Meanwhile, Tirana hosts the …
TIRANA, June 1 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha held meetings in Prishtina focused on Kosova’s political and institutional developments. He met the new leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosova, Ardian Gjini, and congratulated him on taking office at a key political moment. He …
For three days, the courtyard of the parish in Shkodër welcomed writers, researchers, publishers and readers. They gathered for the second edition of the “Libri të ban të lirë” book fair. The event once again highlighted Shkodra’s role as a center of Albanian culture and literature. First, the opening ceremony …
TIRANA, June 1 – The Ministry of Health and Social Protection, together with national and international partners, launched the National Agenda for Children Rights 2027–2030 on World Children’s Day. The document sets a strategic framework to strengthen child protection systems and expand children’s rights in Albania. Minister Evis Sala presented …
Edi Rama said that Tirana now welcomes hundreds of tourists every morning as the city continues to grow as a leading travel destination. First, he shared images showing visitors exploring the capital early in the day. He said tourists from around the world actively choose Tirana for their holidays, especially …