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 …
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 …
Albania in 2025: Parliamentary Elections Approach, But ‘No Real Alternatives’ Appear
Many expect the ruling Socialist Party to win this year’s parliamentary elections again, and are placing their hopes in anti-corruption bodies to bring some genuine change by battling high-level graft. Original post Here
Lack of up-to-date legislation and weak monitoring mechanisms mean AI-generated fakes and manipulated content are finding their way into Albanian political campaigning – and need to be tackled before 2027’s local elections. Original post Here
With Russia interfering to exacerbate divisions and the United States rejecting liberal transformation for economic transactionalism, the European Union should develop a targeted and realistic approach to accession for Western Balkan countries. Original post Here
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged Kosovo and Serbia to move forward with the normalization process after holding separate talks with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in New York. Meeting the two leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Kallas …
Firefighters are bringing a blaze near the Apollonia Archaeological Park under control with support from aerial operations. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja visited the site to monitor the situation and firefighting efforts. Gonxhja said protecting Apollonia Archaeological Park remains a priority as an important cultural heritage site. He …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has officially decreed the dismissal of Vlora Hyseni as Director of the State Intelligence Service. The decree cites Article 93 of the Constitution and Law No. 8391 “On the State Intelligence Service”. Prime Minister Edi Rama proposed the dismissal. The decision follows measures that …
Minister of State for Public Administration and Anticorruption Adea Pirdeni attended a meeting of the General Affairs Council in Brussels today. The meeting discussed Albania’s progress in the rule of law. In a video message, Pirdeni said the meeting recognized Albania’s progress in the rule of law. She highlighted the …
The Military Meteorological Service said Thursday will bring stable atmospheric conditions across the country. The forecast calls for mostly clear skies across the entire territory. Winds will mainly blow from the northeast and northwest at an average speed of 7 m/s. In mountainous areas, valleys and along the coast, winds …
Tirana is preparing to host the seventh edition of Colourday Festival Albania on Sept. 26. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the event. He said several well-known artists will perform at the festival. Meanwhile, the event will feature interactive spaces where visitors can join the celebrations. Organisers will …
Saudi Arabia marked its National Day in Tirana at a reception hosted by Ambassador Turki bin Ibrahim Al-Madi, with President Bajram Begaj as guest of honour. Members of the Assembly of Albania, government officials, diplomats, academics, artists, religious community leaders and media representatives attended. Al-Madi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s economic and …
German MEP Terry Reintke said the European Parliament supports Albania’s progress towards European Union membership while stressing the importance of environmental, democratic and rule-of-law standards. She said the integration process should continue alongside respect for these standards. Reintke also called for a moratorium on development plans in protected areas and …