Albania Lifts Bar on Democratic Party Running in Elections
A decision not to allow the opposition Democratic Party to compete in the local elections has been overturned, in a small victory for the divided party’s official leader, Enkelejd Alibeaj Original post Here
Albania Has Paused ‘Golden Passports’ Scheme, Rama Assures EU
Bowing to criticism from the EU, Albania’s PM on Thursday said Tirana was temporarily scrapping its ‘golden passports’ scheme, in a meeting with Commission vice president Josep Borrell. Original post Here
Meeting of Stabilization-Association/ Borrell in Tirana: Albania’s clear commitment to EU accession
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, is today in Tirana where he will participate in the Stabilization-Association Council. Glad to start my day in Tirana where we will hold the Stabilisation & Association Council with PM @ediramaal – historically for the 1st …
Democrat accuses Minister of destroying cultural monuments
MP of the Democratic Party (DP), Ina Zhupa has accused this Thursday Minister of Culture, Elva Margariti of having destroyed monuments to build blocks of flats. In her speech in the Assembly, Zhupa also pointed out that the European Union has described Albania as a country with high risk for …
“Committed to integration”, Borrell: We agreed to withdraw from the golden passport scheme
The meeting of the Stabilization-Association Council was held today in Tirana. After the meeting, the representative of the EU for Foreign Policy and Security, Josep Borell, the Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi and Prime Minister Edi Rama held a press conference. The Head of EU Diplomacy, Josep Borrell emphasized that …
EU integration/Varhelyi: European Union must keep the promise
After the meeting of the EU-Albania Association Stabilization Council, European Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi said that the EU must keep their promise for Albania’s integration into the European bloc. During his speech at the joint conference with Prime Minister Rama and Josep Borrell, he said that Albania has made progress. Varhelyi …
Tirana man arrested for attempted murder
A 48-year-old man has been arrested by the Vora police this Thursday morning after he tried to kill a person with a shotgun. This event took place in the premises of Vora area in Tirana, where the perpetrator Edmond Picari forcibly entered the bar where Ervin Picari was staying and …
Arrest warrant for Bulqiza’s mayor on corruption charges
Mayor of Bulqiza, Lefter Alla will be remanded into police custody, as he is accused of corruption and abuse of public tenders. Arrest warrant has been issued by the Special Prosecutor’s Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). Police and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Bulqiza have conducted …
Albanian Opposition Faces Obstacle to Entering Local Election Race
The official opposition Democratic Party has been blocked from running in the May local elections over a legal technicality – which can only help Prime Minister Edi Rama’s governing Socialists. Original post Here
Vjosa officially National Park/Rama: We will protect forever the wildest river in Europe
The Prime Minister Edi Rama and the Minister of Tourism, Mirela Kumbaro are in Tepelena, where they are participating in an activity for the presentation of the Vjosa River as a National Park. During his speech, the head of government described the declaration of Vjosa as a National Park as …
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …