News in short
Bank of Albania on 1H 2024: economic growth and improved financial stability
Published on September 22, 2024
Why does it matter?
For Albania, this economic and financial growth is critical as it strengthens the country’s ability to attract foreign investment and align with EU standards. Increased bank lending and steady deposit growth indicate rising confidence in the economy, which supports business expansion and consumer spending. These developments are vital for Albania’s push to modernize its economy, reduce unemployment, and boost infrastructure. However, managing risks like geopolitical tensions and market overconfidence is key to ensuring this progress is sustainable and resilient.
In Focus
1. Albania’s SEPA membership: a major milestone in EU integration
September 17, 2024
Why is it important
SEPA membership will streamline cross-border euro payments, making them as easy and affordable as domestic transactions. This alignment with EU financial regulations, particularly those related to the free movement of capital (Chapter 4 of the Acquis Communautaire), strengthens Albania’s position as it works toward full EU membership. The move will not only lower the cost of financial transactions but also embed Albania into the European financial and regulatory framework, marking significant progress in its EU integration journey.
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Bank of Albania on 1H 2024: economic growth and improved financial stability
Published on September 22, 2024
Why does it matter?
For Albania, this economic and financial growth is critical as it strengthens the country’s ability to attract foreign investment and align with EU standards. Increased bank lending and steady deposit growth indicate rising confidence in the economy, which supports business expansion and consumer spending. These developments are vital for Albania’s push to modernize its economy, reduce unemployment, and boost infrastructure. However, managing risks like geopolitical tensions and market overconfidence is key to ensuring this progress is sustainable and resilient.
Albania ranks 2nd globally in tourism growth for 2024
Published on September 22, 2024
SPAK sends former Himara Mayor Jorgo Goro to trial for corruption and asset concealment
Published on September 22, 2024
PAA pressures Democrats ahead of 2025 elections
Published on September 22, 2024
Flamingos return to Pogradec amid Albania’s conservation efforts
Published on September 22, 2024
American blogger accuses Daily Mail of distortion in negative portrayal of Albania
Published on September 22, 2024
Why is this important
Tourism is one of the most important sectors of Albania’s economy and negative portrayals can unjustly deter visitors. By spreading inaccuracies, media like Daily Mail contribute to a false perception of Albania that doesn’t reflect the country’s true safety and hospitality.
Envisioning the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order
Published on September 21, 2024
Why is this important
Modeled after the Vatican, although only a quarter of its size, the declared goal of this project, as Prime Minister Rama revealed in an interview with The New York Times, is to promote a tolerant version of Islam—a tolerance that Albania proudly upholds.
Kurti escalates accusations against West, shows no sign of changing course
Published on September 21, 2024
Why is this significant
Kurti’s accusations are significant because they highlight his refusal to heed calls from Kosovo’s key partners to shift stance and risk straining further Kosovo’s relationship with the EU and the U.S., which are critical to Kosovo’s political and economic support.
Democratic Party MP Salianji appears in court surrounded by Democratic Party MPs for appeal in ‘Babale’ case
Published on September 20, 2024
EU accession roadmap outlines 118 reform measures for democratic institutions
Published on September 20, 2024
Why is this important
The strategic document guides the reforms Albania’s institutions will undertake during the EU accession negotiation process. Besides legislative improvements, the second set of reforms addresses the electoral process and the role of civil society.
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Albania ranks 2nd globally in tourism growth for 2024
Published on September 22, 2024
SPAK sends former Himara Mayor Jorgo Goro to trial for corruption and asset concealment
Published on September 22, 2024
PAA pressures Democrats ahead of 2025 elections
Published on September 22, 2024
Flamingos return to Pogradec amid Albania’s conservation efforts
Published on September 22, 2024
American blogger accuses Daily Mail of distortion in negative portrayal of Albania
Published on September 22, 2024
Why is this important
Tourism is one of the most important sectors of Albania’s economy and negative portrayals can unjustly deter visitors. By spreading inaccuracies, media like Daily Mail contribute to a false perception of Albania that doesn’t reflect the country’s true safety and hospitality.
Envisioning the Sovereign State of the Bektashi Order
Published on September 21, 2024
Why is this important
Modeled after the Vatican, although only a quarter of its size, the declared goal of this project, as Prime Minister Rama revealed in an interview with The New York Times, is to promote a tolerant version of Islam—a tolerance that Albania proudly upholds.
Kurti escalates accusations against West, shows no sign of changing course
Published on September 21, 2024
Why is this significant
Kurti’s accusations are significant because they highlight his refusal to heed calls from Kosovo’s key partners to shift stance and risk straining further Kosovo’s relationship with the EU and the U.S., which are critical to Kosovo’s political and economic support.
Democratic Party MP Salianji appears in court surrounded by Democratic Party MPs for appeal in ‘Babale’ case
Published on September 20, 2024
EU accession roadmap outlines 118 reform measures for democratic institutions
Published on September 20, 2024
Why is this important
The strategic document guides the reforms Albania’s institutions will undertake during the EU accession negotiation process. Besides legislative improvements, the second set of reforms addresses the electoral process and the role of civil society.
Freeze of ethnic quotas in the public sector in North Macedonia
Published on September 20, 2024
Why is this significant
The decision could fuel inter-ethnic tensions in North Macedonia, where relations between the ethnic Macedonian majority and the ethnic Albanian community, which comprises about a quarter of the population, remain shaky.