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PM promises dignified salaries for armed forces representatives

Prime Minister Edi Rama has vowed this Thursday morning that representatives of Albania’s Armed Forces will have dignified salaries and a pension in accordance with their ranks, as he invited the youths to join the army. During the military promotion ceremony of the Olympic champions, the head of the government …

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Gerdeci case/ Mediu in court, family members of the victims are also expected to be present

Today, the preliminary hearing for Fatmir Mediu is expected to take place at 14:30. The former Minister of Defense, Fatmir Mediu, is accused of abuse of duty and abuse of office under the military code. The prosecution asks the court to continue the trial. The last session was postponed after …

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Agreement on cyber-security with Emirates, Rama: Protects the integrity of the country

This Thursday, the agreement between Albania and the United Arab Emirates on cyber security was signed. In his speech, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that the agreement is strategic, as it preserves the integrity of our country. He said that the United Arab Emirates has been by Albania’s side in …

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2 arrested from smuggling emigrants

Two people have been arrested for clandestine trafficking. They intended to cross to Montenegro against the sum of 600 euros. The police emphasize that the arrested are from Shkodra, while they will face the charge of illegal traffic. The operation was carried out by the Illegal Traffic Investigation Section, Vora …

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Meta meeting with Berisha

The chairman of the Freedom Party, Ilir Meta, went to the “blue headquarters” this morning to meet with the former Prime Minister, Sali Berisha. The reason for this visit is not yet known, but we remember that they are now part of the coalition “We win together” for the local …

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Rama: Within a year, the average salary will be 900 euros

Prime Minister Edi Rama gathered the government cabinet this morning where he discussed the latest initiative to increase salaries. The head of the government in his public appearance after the meeting stated that in the space of one year the average salary will go from 563 euros to 900 euros. …

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In Transit: Foreign Workers Use Albania as Stopover to West

Albania has been luring foreign workers to cover shortages in low-paid sectors – touted as a solution to the problem of Albanians heading westwards – but most of them have already moved on. Original post Here

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Cases at ECHR Involving Balkans, Central Europe, ‘Still High’ – Report

Council of Europe report says Balkan and Central European countries continue to have high number of applications before Europe’s top human rights court. Original post Here

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The Open Balkans wine tasting club

One way out of this awkward and unpleasant conundrum is for Open Balkans to retreat into a smaller, softer, cultural blend of cultural diplomacy with concerts, fairs and all the glittery shows its proponents are truly masters of.  TIRANA TIMES EDITORIAL The Open Balkans initiative is quickly branding itself as …

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Through regional networking, Western Balkans businesses are preparing for the European Union market

By DEJAN AZESKI SKOPJE, March 31, 2023 – Improving infrastructure, solving barriers that exist to speed up the flow of goods and services, establishing a joint airline that will connect the region, solving the issue of certification bodies and documents are just some of the topics discussed by business representatives in …

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Week in Review: Tests and Pressures

Historical narratives, political systems, institutions and economies across the region are being put to the test as old problems collide with new pressures, our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories this week shows. Original post Here

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Ervin Demo to take over Interior Ministry as Lamallari moves to Prime Minister’s Office

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a change at the helm of the Interior Ministry. Besfort Lamallari will leave the post and move to the Prime Minister’s Office, while Ervin Demo will take over the ministry. Rama announced the move while presenting changes to the government. He said Lamallari would …

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Ministry of Defense: 40 wildfires reported across Albania, six remain active

The Ministry of Defense reported 40 wildfires across Albania in the past 24 hours. Six remain active, nine are under monitoring and 25 have been fully extinguished. A total of 492 local personnel and 36 firefighting vehicles are supporting operations. The Armed Forces have deployed 133 personnel, one helicopter, two …

News
Klodiana Spahiu sworn in as new health minister

Klodiana Spahiu has been sworn in as Minister of Health and Social Welfare at the Presidency. President Bajram Begaj appointed her following Prime Minister Edi Rama’s proposal, after Evis Sala resigned from the post. Spahiu is a cardiologist and holds a medical degree from the University of Tirana. She later …

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Ibrahim Kodra exhibition “The Sea and Music” to open in Tirana on September 23

An exhibition dedicated to one of Albania’s leading 20th-century artists, Ibrahim Kodra, will open in Tirana on September 23. “Ibrahim Kodra – The Sea and Music” will be held at the Bank of Albania and will remain open until November 23. The exhibition features 41 works created between 1947 and …

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Gonxhja: National Campaign to Register Artisans Begins

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the launch of a national campaign to register artisans across Albania. The campaign aims to identify, assess and promote traditional crafts and the people who preserve them. Gonxhja said the campaign would give greater visibility to artisans and their work. It will …

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Minister Ibrahimaj: Albania to make 7,000 apartments available under new housing fund

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj has announced a new National Housing Fund to support not only vulnerable groups, but also professionals, young people and newly formed families. Speaking after a government meeting, Ibrahimaj said the programme will make 7,000 apartments available. Around 2,000 will be offered through interest-free loans …

News
Bank of Albania, UNDP strengthen cooperation on green finance and SME support

The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, met with UNDP Resident Representative Randi Davis to discuss cooperation in green finance, financial and digital education, payment systems, and support for SMEs. The meeting focused on Albania’s latest economic and financial developments and the Bank’s ongoing initiatives. Davis praised the …

News
Albania’s protected areas attract 4.5 million visitors in eight months

Albania is increasingly attracting visitors through its natural heritage, with protected areas becoming key destinations for tourists. Diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity and outdoor activities are drawing more visitors and adding a new dimension to the country’s tourism offer. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said more than 4.5 million visitors explored Albania’s …

News
Netherlands trains 13 Albanian prosecutors in Tirana, focusing on ethics and complex cases

General jurisdiction prosecutors from Tirana, Elbasan, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Kukës, Korçë, Berat, Fier, Vlora, Dibër, Lezhë and Shkodër took part in a training session on prosecutorial ethics and professional dilemmas. The Dutch Embassy in Albania said the training was led by Dutch prosecutor Disa Jironet. It focused on complex cases, …

News

Week in Review: Tests and Pressures

Historical narratives, political systems, institutions and economies across the region are being put to the test as old problems collide with new pressures, our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories this week shows. Original post Here

News

Ervin Demo to take over Interior Ministry as Lamallari moves to Prime Minister’s Office

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a change at the helm of the Interior Ministry. Besfort Lamallari will leave the post and move to the Prime Minister’s Office, while Ervin Demo will take over the ministry. Rama announced the move while presenting changes to the government. He said Lamallari would …

News

Ministry of Defense: 40 wildfires reported across Albania, six remain active

The Ministry of Defense reported 40 wildfires across Albania in the past 24 hours. Six remain active, nine are under monitoring and 25 have been fully extinguished. A total of 492 local personnel and 36 firefighting vehicles are supporting operations. The Armed Forces have deployed 133 personnel, one helicopter, two …

News

Klodiana Spahiu sworn in as new health minister

Klodiana Spahiu has been sworn in as Minister of Health and Social Welfare at the Presidency. President Bajram Begaj appointed her following Prime Minister Edi Rama’s proposal, after Evis Sala resigned from the post. Spahiu is a cardiologist and holds a medical degree from the University of Tirana. She later …

News

Ibrahim Kodra exhibition “The Sea and Music” to open in Tirana on September 23

An exhibition dedicated to one of Albania’s leading 20th-century artists, Ibrahim Kodra, will open in Tirana on September 23. “Ibrahim Kodra – The Sea and Music” will be held at the Bank of Albania and will remain open until November 23. The exhibition features 41 works created between 1947 and …

News

Gonxhja: National Campaign to Register Artisans Begins

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the launch of a national campaign to register artisans across Albania. The campaign aims to identify, assess and promote traditional crafts and the people who preserve them. Gonxhja said the campaign would give greater visibility to artisans and their work. It will …

News

Minister Ibrahimaj: Albania to make 7,000 apartments available under new housing fund

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj has announced a new National Housing Fund to support not only vulnerable groups, but also professionals, young people and newly formed families. Speaking after a government meeting, Ibrahimaj said the programme will make 7,000 apartments available. Around 2,000 will be offered through interest-free loans …

News

Bank of Albania, UNDP strengthen cooperation on green finance and SME support

The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, met with UNDP Resident Representative Randi Davis to discuss cooperation in green finance, financial and digital education, payment systems, and support for SMEs. The meeting focused on Albania’s latest economic and financial developments and the Bank’s ongoing initiatives. Davis praised the …

News

Albania’s protected areas attract 4.5 million visitors in eight months

Albania is increasingly attracting visitors through its natural heritage, with protected areas becoming key destinations for tourists. Diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity and outdoor activities are drawing more visitors and adding a new dimension to the country’s tourism offer. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said more than 4.5 million visitors explored Albania’s …

News

Netherlands trains 13 Albanian prosecutors in Tirana, focusing on ethics and complex cases

General jurisdiction prosecutors from Tirana, Elbasan, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Kukës, Korçë, Berat, Fier, Vlora, Dibër, Lezhë and Shkodër took part in a training session on prosecutorial ethics and professional dilemmas. The Dutch Embassy in Albania said the training was led by Dutch prosecutor Disa Jironet. It focused on complex cases, …