Analysis: Bells toll for Albania’s demographics as census results confirm corrosive effects of massive emigration
TIRANA, July 4, 2024 – The much anticipated and much delayed results of the 2023 Census are out in Albania, confirming a massive population decline in 12 years and a worsening of all demographic indicators. Albania’s population shrank by almost 14 percent, losing about 429,000 residents. The country is also …
Bank of Albania shifts policy, cutting key rate by 0.25% to 3%
TIRANA, July 4, 2024 – The Bank of Albania has shifted direction for the first time since March 2022, easing its monetary policy by reducing the key interest rate by 0.25 percentage points. The Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania decided to lower the base interest rate to 3.0 …
Albania Former Health Minister Detained Over Misused EU Funds
Former Health Minister Ilir Beqaj was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of abusing EU funds, Albania’s Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organised Crime, SPAK, announced. Original post Here
Ilir Beqaj, high Socialist official mired in corruption investigations, arrested for abuse of EU funds
TIRANA, July 4, 2024 – Ilir Beqaj, Albania’s former minister of health who has a history of holding important position in the ruling Socialist Party, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of involvement in a corruption scheme to profit from funds from the Agency for the Coordination of Foreign Aid and …
Share Your Experience: Corruption in Albania’s Health Sector
Have you been asked to transfer your treatment from a public to a private hospital? Do you suspect that healthcare staff are illicitly profiting from your treatment? Have you been asked for a bribe by a medical professional? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Tourist season/ State Police: 378 arrested, 25 of them in the wanted list
The State Police has made the balance of the month, helping for a tourist season as safe as possible. It is known that 378 citizens were arrested and 25 of them were wanted internationally. So far, the Traffic Police has arrested 143 drivers, of which 104 for driving while intoxicated …
Independence of USA, Begaj: We share friendship and strengthened partnership towards democratic values
President Bajram Begaj congratulated July 4, the day of US Independence. In a post on social networks, Begaj emphasizes the joint commitment between Albania and the USA as strategic allies. “Albania and the U.S. share a friendship and partnership strengthened by a common commitment to democratic values. Together, as strategic …
Former Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj arrested
The former Minister of Health, Ilir Beqaj, was arrested this Thursday. ABC News reporter Ermal Vija reports that Beqaj was arrested for embezzling funds from the State Agency for Strategic Program and Aid Coordination, also known as SASPAC. Regarding this file, a few months ago, several checks were carried out …
CEC postpones the decision on the validity for the mandate of Fredi Beleri
Central Election Commission (CEC) has postponed the decision regarding the validity of the mandate of the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri. “Regarding the time, I don’t believe we have the opportunity to do it today. We can probably organize it, it doesn’t have to come from the place of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, tribute to renowned writer Ismail Kadare
Tributes are being held in honor of Ismail Kadare, the well-known Albanian writer. Prime Minister Edi Rama, in the speech he is giving to the audience, said that Kadare feels protected by Mother Teresa, referring to the installation of the Albanian saint that stands next to the archmort of the …
The 13th edition of “KoKo Fest,” the International Comedy Festival, has closed in Korçë after ten days of theatre, comedy and artistic performances. The festival brought together nine theatre companies from Albania and the region, which filled the southeastern city with performances, humor and artistic energy. Throughout the festival, audiences …
Preparations for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Albania have entered another important phase. Today, UEFA representatives began inspecting the stadiums that will host matches during the tournament. They started their tour at “Loro Boriçi” Stadium in Shkodër. The delegation will then visit “Elbasan Arena” before continuing to Tirana. …
President Bajram Begaj has signed a decree dismissing Evis Sala as Minister of Health and Social Welfare, appointing Klodiana Spahiu as her successor. “Today, the President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, decreed the dismissal of Ms. Evis Sala as Minister of Health and Social Welfare. He also decreed the appointment …
Albania will see stable weather conditions on Tuesday, with clear skies across the country. High atmospheric pressure will continue to dominate, keeping skies mostly clear and temperatures relatively high across most areas. According to MeteoAlb, clouds will increase slightly in the afternoon and later in the day. They will be …
Albanian footballers enjoyed another positive week in international leagues. Several national team players played key roles for their clubs, scoring goals and delivering strong performances. Rey Manaj, Kristjan Asllani, Ernest Muçi, Taulant Seferi, Cristian Shpendi and Bujar Pllana all found the net. Their goals helped their teams secure important results. …
The rich heritage of local traditions and folklore is drawing growing interest at the Ethnographic Museum this early autumn. Local and foreign visitors are showing particular interest in the area’s history, traditions and way of life over the years. Tour guides say interest in the city’s museums continues to grow. …
Apollonia attracts visitors throughout the year, while summer brings its largest tourist crowds. Around 92,000 tourists visited the Apollonia Archaeological Park from January through August. The figure marks a 5% increase compared with the same period last year. Visitors now come from every corner of the world, although Europeans make …
Kruja Castle remains one of Albania’s leading cultural tourism destinations. Every day, it attracts both domestic and international visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage Monday morning showing “daily life at Kruja Castle.” The images show tourists exploring one of Albania’s most important historical heritage sites. The castle stands on …
Tirana offers plenty of options for visitors even on rainy days. From museums and cultural venues to New Bazaar and the cafés and restaurants of Blloku, visitors can explore the Albanian capital through indoor activities that combine history, culture and gastronomy. French travel media Generation Voyage highlighted these options in …
Modern technology investments and support through Albania’s National Investment Scheme and Soft Loan with a Sovereign Guarantee are helping businesses in Elbasan expand production and reach international markets. “Toka Olives Oil,” one of the newer brands in extra virgin olive oil and table olive production, has invested in new equipment …