Specialist Chambers Reject Thaçi Defence Request for Written Testimony, Witness Must Face Questioning in Court
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague have rejected a request by the defence team of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi to admit a witness statement as evidence solely in written form, without requiring the witness to testify in court. The decision, issued in October 2025 in the war crimes …
Merz Sees Montenegro in EU by 2028 as Berlin Process Summit Opens
At the opening of the Berlin Process summit in Montenegro on Thursday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Montenegro could join the EU by 2028, and he urged regional cooperation. Original post Here
Unemployed trainees to receive half the minimum wage and transport allowance
Jobseekers from specific groups will receive financial support to attend vocational training courses. The scheme will also cover transport costs. Under a Council of Ministers decision proposed by the Minister of Economy and Innovation, trainees will receive 50% of the minimum wage for each lesson hour attended. Those living more …
Businesses to obtain economic activity classification certificates
The government has approved new rules for business registration and data publication through the National Business Centre. Businesses must obtain an NVE certificate from the National Economic Chamber. The certificate identifies the type of economic activity a business carries out. New businesses must submit it through the e-Albania portal within …
Geophysical Surveys Seek Archaeological Traces in Trojas, Belsh
Albania’s National Institute of Cultural Heritage (IKTK), in cooperation with the Faculty of Geology and Mining at the Polytechnic University of Tirana, has conducted geophysical surveys in Trojas village, near Belsh, to investigate potential archaeological remains. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja said the surveys build on earlier …
United Kingdom announces £5 million support for Western Balkans migration cooperation
The United Kingdom has announced up to £5 million in new support to help Western Balkan countries strengthen cooperation against migrant smuggling and organised immigration crime. The funding will provide British training and expertise to improve regional information sharing and combat the exploitation of migrant workers. UK Minister for Europe …
Albania honours Queen Geraldine 24 years after her passing
Albania honours Queen Geraldine on October 22, marking 24 years since her passing in 2002. Known as the “White Rose of Hungary,” Geraldine arrived in Albania in December 1937 following an invitation from the sisters of King Zog I. The king had seen her photograph at a ball in Budapest. …
Assembly approves Adea Pirdeni as public administration minister
The Assembly has approved Adea Pirdeni’s appointment as Minister of Public Administration, with 76 votes in favour and none against or abstaining. In a message shared today, Pirdeni stressed the importance of dialogue, respect for the law and institutions, and shared responsibility as Albania moves towards European Union membership. She …
Albania registers nearly 2,000 new businesses in September
Albania registered 1,985 new businesses in September 2026, according to the National Business Centre. Tirana accounted for 1,085 registrations, or 54.7% of the national total. Durrës followed with 212, while Vlora recorded 132. Trade led the sectors attracting new businesses, with 464 registrations. Accommodation and food services followed with 220, …
EU enlargement chief highlights key decisions for Western Balkans
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos says the coming weeks and months will bring decisive moments for Western Balkan countries pursuing European Union membership. Speaking ahead of the Berlin Process summit in Montenegro, Kos highlighted different priorities across the region. Montenegro must complete its accession negotiations, Serbia faces upcoming elections, …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu warned on Sunday that violence fueled by media coverage and longstanding political resentment poses a serious threat to the lives of both protesters and citizens. In a social media post, Koçiu described the injury of a young man from Elbasan as a wake-up call about …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said on Sunday that the government would introduce six measures to curb urban violence. The measures aim to protect citizens and public and private property. Koçiu stressed that authorities would uphold the constitutional right to protest but punish anyone who incites violence, exploits minors or …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Sunday that he had personally arranged medical treatment in Italy for the young man from Elbasan who suffered an eye injury during protests. He also secured an air ambulance to transport the youth to what he described as Italy’s best hospital. Rama warned that …
Foreign tourists visiting Tirana have encountered unusual scenes in the capital in recent days. A group of visitors stopped outside the Prime Minister’s Office, where stone chairs and tables now stand following Prime Minister Edi Rama’s invitation to protesters. The tourists sat down and took photos. “Welcome to Tirana, and …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Sunday that citizens had every right to demand his resignation and protest against the government, but no one could force him from office through violence. He made the remarks while presenting a new legislative package against urban violence. Rama defended the package, saying it …
Prime Minister Edi Rama presented a new law on Sunday that would require individuals to pay for damage they cause during public gatherings. The law sets fines of up to 500,000 lek for people who remain at violent protests after police warn them to leave. Rama said the law follows …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha on Sunday urged Albanians in Serbia’s Presheva Valley to turn out in large numbers for the country’s snap parliamentary elections. Hoxha described voting as a fundamental democratic right and an opportunity for citizens to make their voices heard. He stressed that every …
Skënderbeu defeated Partizani 2-0 in the eighth round of Albania’s Abissnet Superiore on Friday, deepening the capital club’s crisis. Meanwhile, Laçi secured a narrow 1-0 win over Vora. The Korçë side broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Totre converted a penalty. Dejvid Janaqi sealed the victory in the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a new legislative package aimed at combating violence and urban anarchy, a day after Saturday’s protest in Tirana, which was marked by clashes, Molotov cocktail attacks on institutions, and damage to public and private property. Rama stressed that the package is based on the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, while presenting the new legislative package against violence and urban anarchy, outlined the six instruments included in the package, focusing particularly on compensation for affected businesses and financial liability for damage caused during public gatherings. Rama stressed that the main principle of the package is that …