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Four employees of Korça municipality are suspended from duty

Four employees of the Korçë municipality have been suspended from duty and the personal security measure “Compulsion to appear before the judicial police” was assigned to them. Zhaneta Lubonja, Ermal Germani, Olvas Petro and Soniel Prifti have been investigated by the Korça prosecutor’s office for abuse of duty. According to …

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Cooperation in tourism with Israel/ Kumbaro: Tourism is a bridge between countries,

The 70th meeting of the Commission for Europe of the World Tourism Organization brought to Tirana the Minister of Tourism of Israel, Haim Katz. He had a one-on-one meeting with the Minister of Tourism and Environment Mirela Kumbaro, following which a joint statement was signed to increase support and cooperation …

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Case of Gerdec, the next session will be held on April 24

The Special Court decided this Tuesday to administer the record of the testimony of the former chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Luan Hoxha in the trial for Gerdec where Mediu was taken as a defendant. Mediu himself objected, asking for a video testimony with him. Outside …

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Double murder in Lushnja / The Office of the Special Prosecutor requests life imprisonment for Laert Haxhiu

The Special Prosecutor’s Office requests a “life imprisonment” sentence for Laert Haxhiu, who is accused of the double murder in Lushnja. Haxhiu is being tried in absentia for what is known as the Lushnja Massacre that happened in September 2017. Jurgen Hoxha and Zamir Latifi lost their lives in that …

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President Begaj decrees criminal amnesty with 110 votes in favor

The President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, has signed the decree for the granting of criminal amnesty. The decree signed by the head of state comes a few days after the criminal amnesty was approved in the Parliament of Albania, with 110 votes in favor. This broad parliamentary vote will …

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Anti-drug raids in 3 countries, trafficked from Germany to Italy

Other details have been revealed regarding the international police operation codenamed “Sammogia”, which spread to Albania, Italy and Germany. Three Albanians were arrested in Vlora, at the expense of the Italian state. ABC News reporter Ervin Leka reports that the criminal organization was run by some Albanians. They received the …

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Tourism Investment Conference/ Kumbaro: 4.2 billion euros in revenue in 2023

It started today, on the second day of the meeting of the Commission for Europe of the World Tourism Organization, the “Conference on Investments in Tourism and the Economic Development of Europe and Albania” with a focus on the promotion of investments and the case of success stories and future …

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“Albania was isolated before”, Rama: Let’s leave the history to future generations

During the speech at the 70th meeting of the Commission for Europe of the World Tourism Organization, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that Albania was previously isolated and tourists should go to the barber earlier to remove their beards and long hair, in order to were allowed in our country. …

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SPAK closes the investigations for 3 former officials of the Municipality of Tropoja

The Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has closed the investigations for 3 former officials of the Municipality of Tropoja for violation of equality in tenders. Zenel Çela, Ramiz Bardhi and Rexhep Ismailsufaj have pleaded guilty in connection with a tender of nearly 500 thousand euros for the reconstruction of a school …

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Vangjush Dako remains under house arrest, Appeal rejects SPAK’s request

The Special Appeal leaves the measure of house arrest for Vangjush Dako unchanged. SPAK demanded the return of the former mayor of Durrës to his cell, while the court released him after the detention period ended. He was arrested last June on charges of abuse of office. Dako was released …

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Week in Review: Momentous Moves and Dubious Intentions

Big changes are afoot amid the heat of the summer holiday season. Our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories takes a deep dive into the motives and agendas driving these changes. Original post Here

News
Inspectorate and Financial Intelligence Agency strengthen anti-money laundering cooperation

TIRANA, August 21 – The General Inspectorate and the Financial Intelligence Agency have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation against money laundering and terrorist financing. General Inspector Dashnor Sula and Financial Intelligence Agency Director Ervin Koci signed the agreement. It aims to improve the detection and reporting of suspected illegal …

News
Conference League: Dinamo City draw 1-1 with Pafos, qualification remains open

TIRANA, August 21 – Dinamo City drew 1-1 with Pafos at Elbasan Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off. The result leaves the tie open ahead of the return match. Neither side scored in the first half. Pafos missed a penalty in the 36th minute before …

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National Maritime Museum to highlight Shkodër’s historic link with the lake

TIRANA, August 21 – The National Maritime Museum is taking shape at the entrance to Shkodër. The museum will tell the story of the city’s historic links with the lake, rivers and navigation. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the construction work on social media as the project adds …

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NATO: Any decision on reopening Ibër bridge must address all communities

TIRANA, August 21 – NATO says any decision to reopen the main bridge over the Ibër River to vehicle traffic must address the needs of all local communities. A NATO official told Radio Free Europe that KFOR continues to provide security support for European Union diplomatic efforts. The official said …

News
Albanian anthem omitted in Pustec, PM Rama: ‘Parody’, minorities are a national asset, we will not respond in kind

TIRANA, August 21 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to the cultural event held in Pustec on August 20. Organisers played the North Macedonian national anthem but omitted the Albanian national anthem. In a post on X, Rama described the incident as a “meaningful parody”. He said Pustec Mayor …

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Albania’s Diverse Fruit Production: From Korçë Apples to Berat Figs

Albania has a diverse fruit production map, with different regions specializing in different crops. Korçë remains one of the country’s leading apple-producing areas. The municipality produced around 17,700 tonnes of apples in 2025. Maliq followed with about 17,200 tonnes, while Devoll produced nearly 13,000 tonnes. Elbasan leads the country in …

News
Gjirokastër Castle Welcomes 161,000 Visitors in Seven Months, Up 13%

Gjirokastër Castle continues to attract growing numbers of visitors. Between January and July 2026, the historic site welcomed 161,274 visitors, marking a 13% increase from the same period last year. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the figures. He said the castle continues to attract visitors because of …

News
Albanian Olympic Committee delegation attends election of new Mediterranean Games chief

TIRANA, August 21 – Albanian Olympic Committee President Fidel Ylli and Secretary General Gerti Shima took part in the election of Francesco Purromuto as the new president of the International Committee of Mediterranean Games. The election took place in Taranto ahead of the opening of the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. …

News
Albania’s National Cinematography Center Opens Call for Debut Feature Films

The National Cinematography Center (QKK) has opened applications for its “First Feature Film” category. The call targets Albanian filmmakers and emerging talents who want to bring their first feature-length projects to the big screen. QKK aims to support new filmmakers with original ideas and distinctive stories. The initiative gives young …

News

Week in Review: Momentous Moves and Dubious Intentions

Big changes are afoot amid the heat of the summer holiday season. Our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories takes a deep dive into the motives and agendas driving these changes. Original post Here

News

Inspectorate and Financial Intelligence Agency strengthen anti-money laundering cooperation

TIRANA, August 21 – The General Inspectorate and the Financial Intelligence Agency have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation against money laundering and terrorist financing. General Inspector Dashnor Sula and Financial Intelligence Agency Director Ervin Koci signed the agreement. It aims to improve the detection and reporting of suspected illegal …

News

Conference League: Dinamo City draw 1-1 with Pafos, qualification remains open

TIRANA, August 21 – Dinamo City drew 1-1 with Pafos at Elbasan Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off. The result leaves the tie open ahead of the return match. Neither side scored in the first half. Pafos missed a penalty in the 36th minute before …

News

National Maritime Museum to highlight Shkodër’s historic link with the lake

TIRANA, August 21 – The National Maritime Museum is taking shape at the entrance to Shkodër. The museum will tell the story of the city’s historic links with the lake, rivers and navigation. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the construction work on social media as the project adds …

News

NATO: Any decision on reopening Ibër bridge must address all communities

TIRANA, August 21 – NATO says any decision to reopen the main bridge over the Ibër River to vehicle traffic must address the needs of all local communities. A NATO official told Radio Free Europe that KFOR continues to provide security support for European Union diplomatic efforts. The official said …

News

Albanian anthem omitted in Pustec, PM Rama: ‘Parody’, minorities are a national asset, we will not respond in kind

TIRANA, August 21 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to the cultural event held in Pustec on August 20. Organisers played the North Macedonian national anthem but omitted the Albanian national anthem. In a post on X, Rama described the incident as a “meaningful parody”. He said Pustec Mayor …

News

Albania’s Diverse Fruit Production: From Korçë Apples to Berat Figs

Albania has a diverse fruit production map, with different regions specializing in different crops. Korçë remains one of the country’s leading apple-producing areas. The municipality produced around 17,700 tonnes of apples in 2025. Maliq followed with about 17,200 tonnes, while Devoll produced nearly 13,000 tonnes. Elbasan leads the country in …

News

Gjirokastër Castle Welcomes 161,000 Visitors in Seven Months, Up 13%

Gjirokastër Castle continues to attract growing numbers of visitors. Between January and July 2026, the historic site welcomed 161,274 visitors, marking a 13% increase from the same period last year. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the figures. He said the castle continues to attract visitors because of …

News

Albanian Olympic Committee delegation attends election of new Mediterranean Games chief

TIRANA, August 21 – Albanian Olympic Committee President Fidel Ylli and Secretary General Gerti Shima took part in the election of Francesco Purromuto as the new president of the International Committee of Mediterranean Games. The election took place in Taranto ahead of the opening of the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. …

News

Albania’s National Cinematography Center Opens Call for Debut Feature Films

The National Cinematography Center (QKK) has opened applications for its “First Feature Film” category. The call targets Albanian filmmakers and emerging talents who want to bring their first feature-length projects to the big screen. QKK aims to support new filmmakers with original ideas and distinctive stories. The initiative gives young …