US threatens withdrawal of troops from Kosovo if tax is not suspended
US national security officials during their visit to Kosovo have threatened with withdrawal of military presence if leaders in Pristina keeps resisting their appeal on suspension of tax on Serbian and Bosnia-Herzegovina goods. Currently the US has 650 troops stationed in Kosovo, mainly in the US military base of Bondsteel, …
Kosovo President visits opposition leader amidst debate on suspension of tax
Kosovo President Hashim Thaci has visited on Wednesday the head of Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Isa Mustafa. Original post Here
Opening borders issue is Serbia’s agenda, says Kosovo’s Deputy Minister of Defence
Kosovo’s Deputy Minister of Defence and member of Ramush Haradinaj’s party, AAK, says opening of borders issue during Pristina-Belgrade dialogue is Russia’s agenda. Original post Here
Kosovo’s Haradinaj resists US national security officials advice to suspend tax
Kosovo’s Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj and President Hashim Thaci hosted Wednesday US national security officials, John Erath and William Berkley, who urged Kosovo to suspend tax on Serbian and Bosnia Herzegovina goods. Haradinaj in a Facebook post indicated that the tax will not be revoked despite US officials call. But …
Pacolli calls on Serbian President Vucic to recognise Republic of Kosovo
Kosovo’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Behgjet Pacolli, in an open letter to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic urged him to recognise the Republic of Kosovo. Original post Here
Kosovo counts on American-Albanians, says PM Haradinaj
Kosovo Prime Minister, Ramush Haradinaj, hosted Wednesday an American-Albanian delegation, headed by Mark Gjonaj, who is New York Council member, and said that Kosovo counts on the help of Ameircan-Albanians. Original post Here
Belgrade attacks Kosovo Serb minister for 'working against Serbia’s interests’
Director of Serbia’s Government Office for Kosovo, Marko Djuric, said after meeting Kosovo Serb political representatives that they don’t see a solution between Pristina and Belgrade is near. Original post Here
Theater in Belgrade: Vucic pretends like he is halting Serbs from leaving Kosovo institutions
Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic said Wednesday that Kosovo Serb political representatives want to leave all institutions of Kosovo, but allegedly he told them to wait at least 45 days with until he met the world leaders. Vucic hosted today in Belgrade representatives of Srpska List, a political entity which is …
Kosovo supports territorial integrity of Ukraine
On fifth anniversary of annexation of Crimea by Russia, Kosovo unequivocally supports territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. Original post Here
High-level delegation of MEPs to visit Serbia, Kosovo
The EP will send a delegation of MEPs to Belgrade and Pristina from 27 February to 2 March to take stock of the political situation and assess the EU’s relations with Serbia and Kosov, the EU Office in Pristina confirmed. Original post Here
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, …