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
Vlora block of flat’s electricity feeder engulfed by flames
Electrical package on the first floor of a residential block has been engulfed in flames this Wednesday morning in the pier area of Vlora. Timely intervention of the fire brigade isolated the flames, as there were electric cables or even water tanks on the first floor. As a result of …
European police chiefs met in Tirana for increase of security parameters
General Director of the State Police, Muhamet Rrumbullaku, has declared Wednesday that organized crime, illegal trafficking and cyber-attacks, which until recently were negligible, have become a priority. During the gathering of 43 police chiefs of European capitals in Tirana, within the framework of the conference on deepening cooperation to increase …
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said Zvërnec remains a protected area and will continue to hold that status. Rama made the statement on Monday during the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Berat. He said the government has taken strong action to protect nature. He pointed …
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said the incident in Zvërnec was serious and unacceptable. However, he stressed that the state responded quickly and firmly. Rama made the comments on Monday during the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Berat. He said every country faces difficult situations. However, …
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Klodiana Spahiu visited China last week to strengthen ties between the two countries. During the visit, Spahiu met with Zhu Kaigou in Dezhou. Albanian Ambassador Riza Poda also attended the meeting. Spahiu said Albania and China can expand cooperation through joint efforts. She stressed the importance …
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said improving the quality of tourism is key to Albania’s long-term economic growth. Rama made the remarks on Monday during the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Berat. He said the real debate today is about Albania’s future and the kind of …
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama praised Berat on Monday as one of Albania’s clearest examples of transformation. Speaking during the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in the city, Rama thanked Berat residents for their trust and continued support. He said Berat reflects the progress Albania has made …
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari took part on Monday in a consultation meeting on Albania’s new national strategy against organized crime and serious criminal offenses for 2026–2030. The strategy will guide government policies in this area over the next five years. Meanwhile, Lamallari said the new document aims to build a …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha praised the vital role of KFOR in maintaining peace, security and stability in Kosovo. Hoxha made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with KFOR commander Özkan Ulutaş. In a message shared on X, Hoxha thanked NATO member states involved in …
Albania’s Customs Authority has approved a new instruction on global guarantees. It aims to simplify procedures for businesses. It also reduces administrative costs. Customs Director General Besmir Beja signed the new manual. It sets standard procedures for global guarantees, reduced guarantees, and exemptions. It also defines how these tools will …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted to reports from Greek media about developments in Zvërnec. He shared comments from the head of the Albanian diaspora in Greece, Edmond Guri. Rama said Greek media attention has increased significantly. He added that he has not seen such a reaction in 35 years. Meanwhile, …
President Bajram Begaj and First Lady Armanda Begaj hosted a special Children’s Day event on 1 June in Tirana. They welcomed children of women serving in the Albanian Armed Forces. They organized the annual reception to celebrate 1 June, International Children’s Day. The President praised the service of female military …