Mega-operation in Shkodra, 8k cannabis seedlings seized
A mega-operation has been developed in Malesia e Madhe where 27 greenhouses were discovered in which about 8,000 suspected narcotic cannabis sativa seedlings were grown in cubes. A 52-year-old man with initials N.D, suspected of being the organizer of this criminal activity, was arrested in the operation. “As a result …
Man arrested for trying to traffic cocaine towards Greece
A 64-year-old man was arrested by the police of Gjirokastra after being accused of trafficking narcotics towards Greece. The police informs that the citizen with the initials V.S. tried to traffic to Greece cocaine. 346 grams of suspected narcotic substance cocaine, a sum of money, 2 mobile devices and the …
Court sentences ex-officials over salaries’ leak scandal
Tirana court has given the verdict for the four former officials who are accused of publishing the salaries and sensitive data of Albanian citizens. They were all sentenced to probation, respectively, Eni Qirjako and Andi Agraj, IT employees, to 32 months and 4 days of probation. Meanwhile, the private executors …
Rama: We aim to increase the average salary to 900 euros
Prime Minister Edi Rama declared that the government has in hand an ambitious and reasonable plan for further salary increases. In a statement to the media after the meeting of the Council of Ministers, Rama said that after the increase in the minimum wage, the aim is now to increase …
Green for growth fund to invest in landmark renewable energy project in Albania
TIRANA, March 11, 2023 – The Green for Growth Fund (GGF) has announced a EUR 28 million loan to fund a landmark transaction with SPV Blue 1 in Albania. The privately owned project marks a significant milestone in the history of energy production in Albania, as it is the largest …
Wage hikes in private sector outpacing public increases as Albania’s businesses struggle with retention
TIRANA, March 20, 2023 – Albania’s private sector salaries are increasing and doing so at a higher rate than public sector ones, as businesses struggle to retain workers competing with migration and the domestic labor market. However, public sector wages continue to be, on average, higher, according to the latest …
Op/Ed: Balkan awakening – Strengthening ties between Israel and Albania
By Ohad Shpak* The upcoming Israel-Albania Tech Conference to be held in March 2023 aims to strengthen commercial ties between the two countries, following recent developments in the bilateral relations. Muslim-majority Republic of Albania and the Jewish State of Israel have maintained diplomatic relations since 1991, shortly after Albania emerged from …
Albanians get visa-free access to UAE, part of larger expansion into Asia
TIRANA, March 23, 2023 – Starting on April 20, citizens of Albania will be able to travel visa-free to the United Arab Emirates, home of renowned cities and major airports, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the Albanian government has announced. UAE citizens are also able to travel to Albania without …
Albanian PM visit to London focuses on migration woes
TIRANA, March 23, 2023 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama visited London on Thursday in the first ever official visit of an Albanian head of government to 10 Downing Street, but the visit was marred by taking place with the backdrop of the controversy that has been going on for …
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 …
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said Zvërnec remains a protected area and will continue to hold that status. Rama made the statement on Monday during the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Berat. He said the government has taken strong action to protect nature. He pointed …
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said the incident in Zvërnec was serious and unacceptable. However, he stressed that the state responded quickly and firmly. Rama made the comments on Monday during the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Berat. He said every country faces difficult situations. However, …
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Klodiana Spahiu visited China last week to strengthen ties between the two countries. During the visit, Spahiu met with Zhu Kaigou in Dezhou. Albanian Ambassador Riza Poda also attended the meeting. Spahiu said Albania and China can expand cooperation through joint efforts. She stressed the importance …
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said improving the quality of tourism is key to Albania’s long-term economic growth. Rama made the remarks on Monday during the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Berat. He said the real debate today is about Albania’s future and the kind of …
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama praised Berat on Monday as one of Albania’s clearest examples of transformation. Speaking during the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in the city, Rama thanked Berat residents for their trust and continued support. He said Berat reflects the progress Albania has made …
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari took part on Monday in a consultation meeting on Albania’s new national strategy against organized crime and serious criminal offenses for 2026–2030. The strategy will guide government policies in this area over the next five years. Meanwhile, Lamallari said the new document aims to build a …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha praised the vital role of KFOR in maintaining peace, security and stability in Kosovo. Hoxha made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with KFOR commander Özkan Ulutaş. In a message shared on X, Hoxha thanked NATO member states involved in …
Albania’s Customs Authority has approved a new instruction on global guarantees. It aims to simplify procedures for businesses. It also reduces administrative costs. Customs Director General Besmir Beja signed the new manual. It sets standard procedures for global guarantees, reduced guarantees, and exemptions. It also defines how these tools will …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted to reports from Greek media about developments in Zvërnec. He shared comments from the head of the Albanian diaspora in Greece, Edmond Guri. Rama said Greek media attention has increased significantly. He added that he has not seen such a reaction in 35 years. Meanwhile, …
President Bajram Begaj and First Lady Armanda Begaj hosted a special Children’s Day event on 1 June in Tirana. They welcomed children of women serving in the Albanian Armed Forces. They organized the annual reception to celebrate 1 June, International Children’s Day. The President praised the service of female military …