Burned tens of hectares of forest, two arrested in Himare
Two people have been arrested as suspected perpetrators of arson in Kudhes village in Himare. They lit a fire on a rented forest area, with the aim of regenerating the pasture, and as a result dozens of hectares were burned in the territory of Kudhës village. Meanwhile, a forest inspector …
Rama: We will not allow the wild behavior of a minority to damage Albania’s reborn tourism
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a new package of legal punishments for all those persons or subjects who throw garbage on the street. He says that the “wild behavior” of a minority cannot be tolerated, which through such actions damage the image of “Albania reborn by tourism”. The head …
Three arrested for indian’s death in Elbasan factory
Three people have been arrested by the police, following the death of the 45-year-old Indian man at the Elbasan aluminium recycling factory on Friday morning (August 18). It is reported that the victim was accidentally hit with a work tool by one of his compatriots, a 46-year-old man with the …
One dead and three injured in a car accident in Elbasan
A 70-year-old man died and three others were injured, including two minors, in an accident in Elbasan. The police proceeded to release a 39-year-old man who, while driving the vehicle, lost control and as a result the vehicle collided with the side barrier of the road. The authorities have started …
Analysis: Continued detention of elected mayor strains Albanian-Greek relations
TIRANA, Aug. 16, 2023 — The arrest and three-month-long pretrial detention of Fredi Beleri, the elected mayor of Himara, a coastal town in southwestern Albania, has ignited a diplomatic row between Albania and Greece and has prompted scrutiny on political influence on Albania’s justice system. Beleri is a key figure …
Multiple arrests made in high-profile corruption case linked to hospital sterilization concession
TIRANA, Aug. 17, 2023 – In a significant move that follows years of public accusations on ruling party officials, Albania’s Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has made several arrests connected to a contentious hospital sterilization concession granted eight years ago. Among those arrested were former Deputy Minister …
Op/Ed: The Beleri case as bellwether for democracy in Albania
By GENC POLLO The standard definition of a political prisoner is “someone imprisoned for their political activity. The political offense is not always the official reason for the prisoner’s detention”. If it still holds Albania might have gotten one. Fredi Beleri, who ran on an opposition ticket in the local …
Father and son arrested for cannabis cultivation
Father and son were arrested this Wednesday morning for cannabis cultivation in Lazarat village. The 51-year-old and the 28-year-old were caught by drones used in the operation, tending to the 50 cannabis plants they had planted in the yard of their apartment. The drug was seized as material evidence while …
SPAK-Guardia di Finanza Operation, six arrested on drug trafficking
New details have been revealed from the international anti-drug operation developed by the Albanian police in cooperation with the Italian Guardia Di Financa and the American DEA. Journalist Xhensila Kodra reports that the 4 rafts left on Tuesday afternoon from Patoku, while the sailboat left from Montenegro. More than 20 …
Teen died as two Jet Skis collide in Himara
A 16-year-old man who was driving one of the two Jet Skis that collide on Tuesday afternoon on the beach of Llamani in Himare has died. The 16-year-old was transported to Tirana but could not survive. Initially, it was reported that they jumped from the cliff into the sea, but …
The Startup Albania grant program continues to help innovative businesses grow across Albania. Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj highlighted the program’s impact by sharing the success story of SunEasy, a startup that has expanded after receiving support through the 2024 Grant Scheme. According to Ibrahimaj, the right funding …
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to NATO during the Athens Defence Conference, organized by the Delphi Economic Forum and the Hellenic Foundation for European and Foreign Policy (ELIAMEP). Nufi said Europe faces an increasingly challenging security environment. Therefore, he stressed that stronger strategic coordination among allies is …
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited Athens on an official trip, where he was warmly received by his Greek counterpart, Defence Minister Nikos Dendias. The main focus of the visit was strengthening bilateral cooperation between Albania and Greece in defence and security. Both sides highlighted the positive and constructive momentum …
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said the government will approve a new investment law within this year. This reform will improve the business climate and align Albania with EU standards. She made the statement at a press conference. She added that investment policy remains one of the government’s …
The Government of Albania and the United Nations signed the Albania–UN Cooperation Framework 2027–2031 in Tirana. As a result, both sides reaffirmed their joint commitment to sustainable development and improved wellbeing across the country. In this context, Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu signed the agreement on behalf of Albania. Meanwhile, …
The public sports complex at the Lungomare in Vlora continues to attract both residents and visitors. As a result, it has become one of the most frequently used public spaces in the city. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the complex on social media. He highlighted its modern facilities …
Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti attended a ceremony at Camp Bondsteel in Ferizaj. As a result, he highlighted the continued importance of international security cooperation in the region. The event marked the handover of command of the U.S. Army Regional Support Group – Balkans to Colonel Kurt A. Rorvik. …
TIRANA, June 29 – Parliament held the inaugural meeting of the Subcommittee on Public Information Integrity, Disinformation and Foreign Interference under the chairmanship of Iris Luarasi. The subcommittee includes Iris Luarasi as chair, Agron Gjekmarkaj as deputy chair, and Ardit Bido, Arbjan Mazniku and Greta Bardeli as members. Meanwhile, the …
TIRANA, June 29 – The parliamentary committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs approved three draft laws covering agriculture, energy and public administration reform during its latest meeting. Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Fatmir Guri presented a draft law on commercial certificates for agricultural products. He said the measure …
TIRANA, June 29 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato called on newly graduated magistrates to carry out their duties with integrity, honesty, courage and humility. He said every decision they take will directly affect citizens’ lives and trust in the justice system. Meanwhile, Gonzato spoke at the National …