Albanian PM Under Fire Over TikTok Ban in Election Year
Civil society groups in Albania have questioned the rationale behind an announced 12-month ban on TikTok in the wake of the fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old. Opposition parties say PM Edi Rama’s decision is more about the upcoming election than child safety. Original post Here
Great Expectations: Trump’s Return Sparks Hope on All Sides in Divided Albania
Both the ruling Socialists and opposition conservatives spy potential dividends from a second Trump term in the White House. Original post Here
Kushner granted ‘strategic investor’ status for Sazan development ahead of Trump’s inauguration
TIRANA, Jan. 16, 2025 – Albania has officially approved Jared Kushner’s ambitious plans to transform the uninhabited Sazan Island into a luxury eco-resort. The Albanian government’s Strategic Investments Committee granted strategic investor status to Kushner’s Atlantic Incubation Partners LLC late last month, just three weeks ahead of the return to …
Albania signs €1bn deal with Italy and UAE on renewable energy, new undersea connection
TIRANA, Jan. 16, 2025 – Albania, Italy and the United Arab Emirates have signed a trilateral agreement to develop renewable energy infrastructure, marking a €1 billion investment to produce and share solar, wind and other clean energy resources. The project will include an undersea cable linking Albania’s port of Vlorë …
Emigration and Infrastructure Woes Hold Back Albania’s Olive Growers
Albania should be well-placed to take advantage of growing demand for olive oil amid rising prices, but poor roads and a lack of labour during harvest season are stifling the sector. Original post Here
Albania Greenlights Jared Kushner Plan to Develop Island as Luxury Resort
The government has granted Strategic Investor Status to a proposal by Jared Kushner, son-in-law of Donald Trump, to build a luxury resort on the uninhabited island of Sazan. Original post Here
Albania’s Government Criticised for Pre-Election ‘Sweeteners’
Though not strictly in violation of the law, a string of generous gestures by Albania’s government appears designed to curry favour with large segments of the electorate ahead of parliamentary polls in May. Original post Here
Often Unnoticed, Albania’s Graft Prosecutors are Targeting Mayors Too
Besides targeting political figures at the state level, special prosecutors in Albania are also going after mayors at the local level where corruption is often more prevalent. Original post Here
Albania to Register Diaspora Voters for First Time Ahead of May Polls
New regulations will allow Albanians living outside the country to cast postal ballots in the May parliamentary elections – a change long sought by most parties. Original post Here
FDI SCREENING AS AN INSTRUMENT FOR PROTECTING ALBANIAN NATIONAL INTERESTS AND ENHANCING ALIGNMENT WITH THE EU
Navigating Albania-China Relations amid Euro-Atlantic Commitments During the post-communist period, Albania’s priorities were largely defined by the need to rebuild its economy, modernize infrastructure, and reintegrate into the global political and economic systems. In its pursuit of development and modernization, the Albanian government sought partnerships with a wide array of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama described the Hague verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders as a painful moment for Kosovo and Albanians. He spoke during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama said he struggled to find the right words. He said the Hague decision felt like …
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the role of the Albanian diaspora and the importance of democratic coexistence during his meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama also addressed calls by some community members to protest during his visit to the United States. He said they have the right to …
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted new steps to strengthen Albania’s ties with its diaspora during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. He also announced that Albania will soon open a consulate in Detroit. Rama recalled that Albanians living abroad voted in Albania’s parliamentary elections for the first time …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with US Congressman Mike Lawler in New York. They discussed developments in Kosovo, focusing on the Kosovo Specialist Chambers’ verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders. Lawler serves on the US House Foreign Affairs Committee and chairs its Subcommittee on the Middle East …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa held her first meeting with Ilir Rusi, head of the High Judicial Council (HJC). They discussed the importance of judicial independence and efficiency in Albania’s justice reform. In a social media post, Moreira de Sousa highlighted the HJC’s key role in judicial …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the European Union’s support for the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). She described SPAK’s work as essential to strengthening the rule of law in Albania. Moreira de Sousa held her first meeting with SPAK head Klodjan Braho. …
The Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, chaired by Igli Hasani, held its latest meeting and approved three bills. The committee reviewed the bills in its capacity as a consultative body. The discussions focused first on the bill “On the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.” Deputy Finance Minister …
The Light Infantry Battalion Group has been certified “Mission Capable” after completing an evaluation during the “Shield of the Arbër-26” military exercise at the Biza training area. President Bajram Begaj, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, commanders, NATO representatives, military attachés and other …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with members of the diaspora, US entrepreneurs and American politicians during his visit to the United States. They discussed opportunities to attract US investment to Kosovo and the diaspora’s role in facilitating these investments. Kurti highlighted the long-standing contribution of Kosovo’s diaspora in the …
Strengthening customs cooperation and facilitating trade through modern border management were the focus of the first day of a seminar in Durrës. The event brings together the Albanian Customs Administration and Kosovo Customs. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja said the US Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) …