Commercial banks turn to massive lending abroad as domestic credit struggles to recover

Commercial banks turn to massive lending abroad as domestic credit struggles to recover

TIRANA, March 29 – At a time when credit is showing sluggish signs of recovery after a one-year contraction, it is not domestic firms who have increased demand for new loans. The 16 overwhelmingly foreign-owned banks operating in Albania seem

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Probe launched as two companies dominate 70% of liquid gas market

Probe launched as two companies dominate 70% of liquid gas market

TIRANA, March 28 – Albania’s Competition Authority has launched a thorough enquiry into the liquid gas market following allegations of abuse of dominant position in a market operating under oligopoly conditions with two companies controlling 70 percent of the market.

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Albania borrows another $35 mln to complete Arab-funded Tirana-Elbasan highway

Albania borrows another $35 mln to complete Arab-funded Tirana-Elbasan highway

TIRANA, March 27 – Almost four years after its opening to traffic, the Tirana-Elbasan highway is on track to finish as the Albanian government has reached a deal with the Islamic Development Bank over a new $35 million loan to

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Albania to play Bosnia friendly after bidding adieu to World Cup qualifying bid

Albania to play Bosnia friendly after bidding adieu to World Cup qualifying bid

TIRANA, March 27 – Albania will play a home friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday evening after bidding adieu to its World Cup qualifying bid with a third straight loss against Italy. The home test against one of the

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World Economic Forum: Albania remains among top global energy performers

World Economic Forum: Albania remains among top global energy performers

TIRANA, March 27 – Although one of Europe’s poorest countries, Albania ranks among the top global performers when it comes to its ability to deliver secure, affordable and sustainable energy, according to a report by Switzerland-based World Economic Forum. Thanks

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Fighting for a stronger Europe!

Fighting for a stronger Europe!

By Sigmar Gabriel It’s your birthday, Europe! Sixty years ago, on 25  March  1957, the founding members of the European Union signed the Treaties of Rome. This date is a major crossroads for the most successful project for freedom, peace

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Editorial: Albanian political crisis: Going nowhere, doing nothing

Editorial: Albanian political crisis: Going nowhere, doing nothing

There is a well-known and popular expression in Albanian to express irony and frustration to futility and losing time. The saying goes: “Where were we? Nowhere. What did we do? Nothing.” The mantra seems to fit very well in the

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New form for declaration of funds aims to provide transparency in electoral campaign

New form for declaration of funds aims to provide transparency in electoral campaign

TIRANA, March 22 – The international community has stepped up efforts to assist Albanian officials in providing transparency in party funding during electoral campaign, representatives of three bodies said this week. Experts from the European Union, OSCE and Council of

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Junior coalition party criticizes education reform

Junior coalition party criticizes education reform

TIRANA, March 22 – Albania’s ruling coalition partners have added education reform to the list of their growing disagreements.   The junior coalition party, the Socialist Movement for Integration of Ilir Meta, criticized this week the effects of Albania’s education

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Be wary of Russian influence on elections, former U.S. senator says

Be wary of Russian influence on elections, former U.S. senator says

TIRANA, March 22 – Former U.S. Sen. Robert Torricelli has called on Albania to be cautious and vigilant over Russia’s attempts to meddle with the country’s upcoming general elections. In a television interview Wednesday, Torricelli said that there is solid

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