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As number of young workers declines, over 65s working at higher rates

TIRANA, March, 25, 2023 – While Albania’s employment indicators have improved year over year, since 2020, the number of employed people is decreasing in the younger population groups, while it is increasing among the elderly. In the fourth quarter of 2022, there were about 52,500 more people employed than in …

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Albania’s central bank raises key rate by 0.25%

TIRANA, March 23, 2023 – Albania’s central bank has raised its key interest rate by another quarter of a percentage point in its attempt to fight inflation, the Bank of Albania governor announced in a press conference.  The decision of the bank board brings the rate to 3 percent, directly …

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In Tirana visit, Kosovo PM discusses contentious deal with Serbia

TIRANA, March 27, 2023 – Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti visited Tirana over the weekend, holding discussions with Albania’s top leaders and focusing on his country’s ongoing dialogue with Serbia, which has been high on the agenda in recent months. Earlier this year, agreements to normalize relations between Kosovo and …

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In widely-condemned violent attack on media, shots fired at key Albanian TV channel headquarters, killing guard

TIRANA, March 27, 2023 – In what the media and authorities are calling “a terrorist act,” unidentified gunmen used automatic weapons to shoot at the headquarters of one of Albania’s largest private television stations, Top Channel, shortly after midnight on Monday, killing a security guard on duty.  The attack on …

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Red and Blacks look for fresh start as Albania plays Poland for Euro 2024 qualifier

TIRANA, March 27, 2023 – Albania will begin their quest for a spot in the 2024 European Championship against Poland in Warsaw on Monday, hoping to break their seven-game losing streak against the hosts.  The Red and Blacks will have their first match under Brazilian coach Sylvinho, who aims to …

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Albania’s Mild Punishments for Electoral Crimes Undermine its Democracy

The few and minimal sentences handed down by the justice system for electoral corruption do little to discourage such violations, according to experts – and undermine the path towards democracy. Original post Here

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Orderer of Shengjin explosive attack arrested after three Years

Lezha Police have arrested on Tuesday citizen Zef Kola, resident of Tirana, suspected of ordering the TNT explosion on the building that was being built by businessman Liman Gjoka in the “Rana e Hedhun” area of Shengjin, three years ago. After investigations carried out with special methods, this event was …

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Ex-son-in-law of guard killed in TV shooting detained

Vlora Police has detained this Tuesday the ex-son-in-law of Pal Kola, the guard who was killed by Kalashnikov fire in the yard of Top Channel television shortly after Monday midnight. In front of the investigators, Roberto Papçi has denied having anything to do with the event. Along with the ex-son-in-law, …

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Rama: Sports betting revenue will go to culture and tech

Prime Minister Edi Rama has underlined Tuesday that sports betting revenue will go to the projects and needs of sports federations, the culture sector, and various groups that are interested in cultural projects. In his speech, PM Rama underlined that there will be a new structure that will supervise this …

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DP submits at CEC municipal council candidates’ list for May 14 polls

Democratic Party (DP) submitted this Tuesday, within the deadline set to the Central Elections Commission (CEC), the lists for members of municipal councils for several municipalities in the country. List of democrats in Tirana is headed by pedagogue Enriketa Pandelejmoni, followed by footballer Gentin Muça and pedagogue Iris Beleraj. Among …

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“Albania in the Final Stage of European Integration,” Rama: May 26 Is a Historic Date

Prime Minister Edi Rama described May 26 as a historic date, as Albania completed the phase of opening the chapters of its EU accession negotiations and entered the final phase of closing them. Speaking on his podcast “Flasim” (“Let’s Talk”), Rama said that this achievement represents a certification of the …

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Peshkëpia Is Fading Away: Only 30 Residents Remain from a Population of 800

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”cad5cd8e-5b87-40b2-8f87-a6827d2c76d0″ data-turn-id-container=”cad5cd8e-5b87-40b2-8f87-a6827d2c76d0″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-11″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Just 15 kilometers from the city of Pogradec, the village of Peshkëpia is experiencing some of the most difficult years in its history. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-5″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-5″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Once home to around 800 residents, the …

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Ferit Hoxha from Pristina: Kosovo Is a Priority of Our Foreign Policy. Whoever Touches Kosovo, Touches Albania

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> “Kosovo is a priority of Albania’s foreign policy,” declared Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, in Pristina alongside his counterpart, Glauk Konjufca. “Kosovo is an absolute priority of our foreign policy. It is a clear and unchanging …

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Antonio Costa Begins Western Balkans Tour; Visits Tirana on June 2, Meets Rama and Begaj

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, will embark on a diplomatic tour of the six Western Balkan countries ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit, where he will hold meetings with regional leaders and co-chair the high-level summit on …

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Foreign Tourists Enchanted by Himara, with the Sea and Nature Remaining the Main Attractions

Himara continues to be a favorite destination among foreign tourists. Visitors mainly come from Greece, the United Kingdom, and Denmark, as well as from many other countries around the world as part of their tours across Albania. During their stay in Himara, tourists say they have been captivated by the …

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Violence Against Protesters in Zvërnec: Rama Praises State Police Response to “A Gang of Brainless Thugs”

Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to the clashes that occurred a day earlier in the Zvërnec area, where residents protesting the construction of a resort were reportedly assaulted by security guards employed by a private company. In a post on X, Rama stated that he would speak the following …

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U.S. Senate to Decide on June 4 Regarding Eric Wendt, Nominee for Ambassador to Albania

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee is expected to hold a key session on June 4 regarding the nomination of retired General Eric Wendt, who has been nominated by the President of the United States to serve as the next …

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Kurti After Meeting with Hoxha: Kosovo–Albania Cooperation Is Not a Choice but a National Duty

Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, shared photos and details on Facebook from his meeting this Sunday with Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha. During the meeting, Kurti emphasized that relations between Kosovo and Albania are excellent and that cooperation between the two countries is essential. According to him, coordination …

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Violence Against Protesters in Zvërnec: Lamallari Calls for Criminal Prosecution of Security Guards, Says Police Indifference Was Unjustifiable

Minister of Interior Besfort Lamallari has reacted to the clashes that took place a day earlier between local residents and private security guards employed by the company planning to invest in the Zvërnec area. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Lamallari called for those responsible for the violence to face criminal prosecution. …

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Edi Rama: Socialist Party Has Always Put Albania’s National Interest First

Edi Rama said on Friday that the Socialist Party remains the only political force with a clear commitment to Albania’s national interest. He made the remarks during an event in Dibër marking the party’s 35th anniversary. Rama said the party made a clear break from the past when it was …

News

“Albania in the Final Stage of European Integration,” Rama: May 26 Is a Historic Date

Prime Minister Edi Rama described May 26 as a historic date, as Albania completed the phase of opening the chapters of its EU accession negotiations and entered the final phase of closing them. Speaking on his podcast “Flasim” (“Let’s Talk”), Rama said that this achievement represents a certification of the …

News

Peshkëpia Is Fading Away: Only 30 Residents Remain from a Population of 800

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”cad5cd8e-5b87-40b2-8f87-a6827d2c76d0″ data-turn-id-container=”cad5cd8e-5b87-40b2-8f87-a6827d2c76d0″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-11″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Just 15 kilometers from the city of Pogradec, the village of Peshkëpia is experiencing some of the most difficult years in its history. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-5″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-5″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Once home to around 800 residents, the …

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Ferit Hoxha from Pristina: Kosovo Is a Priority of Our Foreign Policy. Whoever Touches Kosovo, Touches Albania

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> “Kosovo is a priority of Albania’s foreign policy,” declared Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, in Pristina alongside his counterpart, Glauk Konjufca. “Kosovo is an absolute priority of our foreign policy. It is a clear and unchanging …

News

Antonio Costa Begins Western Balkans Tour; Visits Tirana on June 2, Meets Rama and Begaj

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, will embark on a diplomatic tour of the six Western Balkan countries ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit, where he will hold meetings with regional leaders and co-chair the high-level summit on …

News

Foreign Tourists Enchanted by Himara, with the Sea and Nature Remaining the Main Attractions

Himara continues to be a favorite destination among foreign tourists. Visitors mainly come from Greece, the United Kingdom, and Denmark, as well as from many other countries around the world as part of their tours across Albania. During their stay in Himara, tourists say they have been captivated by the …

News

Violence Against Protesters in Zvërnec: Rama Praises State Police Response to “A Gang of Brainless Thugs”

Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to the clashes that occurred a day earlier in the Zvërnec area, where residents protesting the construction of a resort were reportedly assaulted by security guards employed by a private company. In a post on X, Rama stated that he would speak the following …

News

U.S. Senate to Decide on June 4 Regarding Eric Wendt, Nominee for Ambassador to Albania

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee is expected to hold a key session on June 4 regarding the nomination of retired General Eric Wendt, who has been nominated by the President of the United States to serve as the next …

News

Kurti After Meeting with Hoxha: Kosovo–Albania Cooperation Is Not a Choice but a National Duty

Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, shared photos and details on Facebook from his meeting this Sunday with Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha. During the meeting, Kurti emphasized that relations between Kosovo and Albania are excellent and that cooperation between the two countries is essential. According to him, coordination …

News

Violence Against Protesters in Zvërnec: Lamallari Calls for Criminal Prosecution of Security Guards, Says Police Indifference Was Unjustifiable

Minister of Interior Besfort Lamallari has reacted to the clashes that took place a day earlier between local residents and private security guards employed by the company planning to invest in the Zvërnec area. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Lamallari called for those responsible for the violence to face criminal prosecution. …

News

Edi Rama: Socialist Party Has Always Put Albania’s National Interest First

Edi Rama said on Friday that the Socialist Party remains the only political force with a clear commitment to Albania’s national interest. He made the remarks during an event in Dibër marking the party’s 35th anniversary. Rama said the party made a clear break from the past when it was …