Albania had Europe’s fastest post-pandemic recovery in tourism sector, official data show
TIRANA, Jan. 19, 2023 – The visible increase in foreign tourists in Albania in the past two years now has statistical backing: Albania has had the fastest post-pandemic recovery in tourism in the entire continent, according to official numbers by Albanian and European statistical bodies. Experts say pent up demand …
Obituary: Isuf Kalo, 80, one of Albania’s top physicians and a key witness to communist history
TIRANA, Jan. 19, 2023 – Isuf Kalo, one of Albania’s most renowned medical doctors and a key witness to the country’s communist history as the personal doctor of the former dictator, has passed away at the age of 80, his family has announced. Professor Kalo was born in Albania’s southern …
U.S. arrest of former senior FBI official with ties to PM leads to opposition calls for investigation in Albania
TIRANA, Jan. 23, 2023 – The ties of the Albanian prime minister to a former senior FBI official recently arrested in the United States have led to calls by the political opposition for a full investigation of any possible Albania-related wrongdoings. The retired FBI senior official has been arrested on …
Op/Ed: Italy and the Western Balkans talk cooperation
By Antonio Tajani* The fate of Europe in these last months is being played, dramatically, around Ukraine. But the future of our continent is also connected with what will happen in the Western Balkans. History teaches us the strategic importance that this region has for our security. Therefore, the international …
Collaku contributes to international conference on women’s contribution to interfaith relations hosted by Pope Francis
TIRANA, Jan. 26, 2023 – An Albanian civil society representative, Rudina Collaku, founder and executive director of Women’s Center for Development and Culture, has addressed a conference on women and interfaith relations organized by Pope Francis. Pope Francis upheld the importance of protecting dignity of and caring for women and …
In Albania’s olive oil boom, lack of proper export system means producers go bust
TIRANA, Jan. 26, 2023 – One the largest olive harvests ever has led to a record production of olive oil in Albania this year. But the boom in production has exposed another problem: Albania’s inability to export. Most oil producers have not been able to secure the needed certification to …
Op/Ed: Serbia, Kosovo, and Russia’s interest in another conflict in continental Europe
By Arash Toupchinejad* Serbia recently found itself in a perilous standoff with Kosovo this past December when ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo established roadblocks to protest the arrest of a former Kosovo Serb police officer who had assaulted serving police officers. In response to this provocation, Kosovo called upon NATO-led …
Germany asks suspension of tax, Kosovo’s PM says
Kosovo’s Prime Minister admitted Monday that the two advisors to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who last Saturday visited Kosovo, asked Pristina authorities to suspend tax on Serbian goods. Original post Here
Rasic: Belgrade manipulating Kosovo Serbs
Nenad Rasic, the president of the Serb Progressive Democratic Party, said Belgrade is manipulating Serbs in Kosovo and political entity of Srpska List has been created by Belgrade to manipulate Kosovo Serbs. Original post Here
US, German and British Embassies slam Kosovo for extraditing Turkish citizens
Extradition of six Turkish nationals by Kosovo authorities suspected of their alleged links to Fetullah Gulen’s movement, was in violation in violation with dozens of regulations and marked an “egregious breach of democratic values” that highlights the Kosovo’s intelligence Agency’s susceptibility to political manipulation, the US Embassy in Pristina said …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said there is no reason for concern about the Zvërnec investment project, which he described as the largest tourism investment currently planned in Europe, worth €4 billion. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in Rome, Rama discussed Albania’s investment opportunities and strategic development plans. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that most Albanians support the Zvërnec investment project. He also warned that many fake videos are circulating on social media. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in Rome, Rama addressed concerns about the project and public reactions. He said the majority of Albanians …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to joining the European Union, describing membership as the country’s strategic and unwavering objective. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in Rome, Rama discussed geopolitical developments, Albania’s EU integration process, and the country’s investment prospects. First, he highlighted the importance of …
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MSHMS) held a technical consultation with gender equality officers from central public institutions as part of the review of the Action Plan for the National Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030. The revised Action Plan aims to strengthen measures against gender-based violence, promote women’s economic …
Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected claims that a recent European Parliament amendment targets the Zvërnec investment project. Rama stated that the amendment does not concern Zvërnec and criticized attempts to connect the two issues. He argued that some groups have misinterpreted the resolution and spread inaccurate information about its purpose. …
Representatives of the Albanian and Montenegrin customs administrations held a coordination meeting today to prepare for the opening of the joint border crossing point at Zogaj–Ckla/Skje. Border police officials, local authorities, and infrastructure representatives also attended the meeting to discuss the next steps in the project. Participants reviewed progress on …
The Municipality of Pogradec rejected reports that authorities had reduced public beach areas in favor of private businesses. Instead, municipal officials stated that they have increased public beach space over the past four years and continue to prioritize access for residents and tourists. According to the municipality, authorities have designated …
European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato highlighted the crucial role of the media in informing citizens about Albania’s European integration process and the reforms required for EU membership. He delivered his remarks at the closing event of the training programme “Reporting Effectively on the EU Integration Process,” which aimed …
The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, said in a statement to the media outside Parliament that the European Parliament’s amendment regarding protected areas is “nothing more and nothing less” than what Prime Minister Edi Rama has already stated: that no construction will be allowed without a …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again reacted to the citizen protests that have been taking place in Tirana for the past 18 days. In a lengthy message on social media, Rama said he understands the concerns of citizens who joined the demonstrations over environmental issues. However, he accused political …