Elections chief: Parliament constitutionally obligated to grant diaspora distance-voting rights by year’s end

Elections chief: Parliament constitutionally obligated to grant diaspora distance-voting rights by year’s end

TIRANA, Sept. 20, 2023 – Ilirjan Celibashi, the  head of Albania’s Central Election Commission (CEC), says the country’s parliament must provide a solution to the issue of Albanian citizens being able to vote from abroad by December as per the

Read Full Article
Albania launches 2023 Census following delays, challenges

Albania launches 2023 Census following delays, challenges

TIRANA, Sept. 18, 2023 – Albania has officially commenced its 2023 Population and Housing Census, organized by the Albanian Institute of Statistics (INSTAT).  The data collection process in the field will employ direct interviews and electronic tablets and is set

Read Full Article
Albanian PM announces major cabinet reshuffle, including changes at foreign affairs, finance, agriculture, health and education

Albanian PM announces major cabinet reshuffle, including changes at foreign affairs, finance, agriculture, health and education

TIRANA, Sept. 4, 2023 – In a significant reshuffle of his government, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama announced Friday several changes to his cabinet, including the departures of the ministers of foreign affairs, finance, health, agriculture and education. The latest

Read Full Article
Analysis: Calls for unity grow as divided DP faces hard future 

Analysis: Calls for unity grow as divided DP faces hard future 

TIRANA, Sept. 4, 2023 – As Albania’s parliament convenes after summer vacation, the main opposition Democratic Party has shattered into three different factions, with the faction with a smaller voter and MP support being given the official mantle by the

Read Full Article
Albania set to reassume UN Security Council Presidency at key time 

Albania set to reassume UN Security Council Presidency at key time 

TIRANA, Sept. 1, 2023 – Albania is set to take over the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council this week, marking the second time the country will hold the position since becoming a non-permanent member in January 2022.

Read Full Article
Michel’s 2030 EU enlargement goal welcomed, but also met with skepticism

Michel’s 2030 EU enlargement goal welcomed, but also met with skepticism

TIRANA, Aug. 31. 2023 – European Council President Charles Michel has set a goal for the European Union and aspirant states to be ready for enlargement by 2030.  Speaking at a regional forum in Slovenia on Aug. 28, Michel said

Read Full Article
Looking to escape economic rut, Albania pins hopes on yet uncertain oil bonanza 

Looking to escape economic rut, Albania pins hopes on yet uncertain oil bonanza 

TIRANA, Aug. 30, 2023 – Faced with a GDP per capita falling far behind even the poorest EU members, lackluster foreign investments and a growing budget deficit that has to be financed by an ever-shrinking and aging population, Albania’s government

Read Full Article
Multiple arrests made in high-profile corruption case linked to hospital sterilization concession

Multiple arrests made in high-profile corruption case linked to hospital sterilization concession

TIRANA, Aug. 17, 2023 – In a significant move that follows years of public accusations on ruling party officials, Albania’s Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) has made several arrests connected to a contentious hospital sterilization concession granted

Read Full Article
Analysis: Continued detention of elected mayor strains Albanian-Greek relations

Analysis: Continued detention of elected mayor strains Albanian-Greek relations

TIRANA, Aug. 16, 2023 — The arrest and three-month-long pretrial detention of Fredi Beleri, the elected mayor of Himara, a coastal town in southwestern Albania, has ignited a diplomatic row between Albania and Greece and has prompted scrutiny on political

Read Full Article
Linking ownership of shell companies to fugitives, SPAK seizes Tirana’s waste incinerator, setting stage for more corruption charges 

Linking ownership of shell companies to fugitives, SPAK seizes Tirana’s waste incinerator, setting stage for more corruption charges 

TIRANA, Aug. 8, 2023 – Special Prosecution Office Against Organized Crime and Corruption (SPAK) has ordered the seizure of the company operating the Tirana waste incinerator, following similar earlier action in Elbasan and Fier.  The move marks a significant development

Read Full Article