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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
Crime Ties Exposed in North Macedonia Medicinal Cannabis Boom
North Macedonia has actively promoted the development of a medicinal cannabis industry, but a BIRN investigation reveals the criminal ties behind at least some of those granted much-coveted licences. Original post Here
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 …