At the center of this activity was the First Panel on the topic “Enlargement, Strategic Communication and Countering Disinformation”, where Minister Hoxha conveyed key messages regarding the future of the region and common European challenges.

During his speech, Hoxha emphasized that EU enlargement is not simply a transformative political project, but a strategic investment in the security, stability and sustainability of both the Western Balkans and Europe as a whole.

“It is a genuinely a win-win endeavor, bringing benefits to both sides. Albania remains unwavering in its commitment to its European path and to a region firmly anchored within the European family,” Hoxha said.

However, he added, in today’s increasingly complex geopolitical environment, strategic communication has become an integral component of foreign policy.

“Disinformation, foreign interference and manipulation of information seek to exploit divisions, erode trust in democratic institutions and weaken public confidence in democracy and the European project. The closer we move to EU membership, the more we become a target for those who do not share our vision, values ​​or ambitions.

That is precisely why credible journalism and responsible news agencies are more important than ever. Those who collect, verify and disseminate information are among the first lines of defence against manipulation and distortion. Facts, professional journalism and transparent communication remain indispensable tools for strengthening democratic sustainability and protecting public debate”, stated Hoxha.

For Albania, according to him, clear and credible public communication about our European choice is a strategic priority.

“This means explaining not only our reforms, our progress and our delivery, but also the opportunities, responsibilities and long-term benefits that come with EU membership. Building public trust in this journey is as important as advancing the journey itself. And in this shared responsibility, each of us has a role to play: defending truth, upholding facts and resisting those who seek to manipulate, divide or distort our democratic choices and our European future,” concluded Hoxha. /gj.m/a.f/p.s./

Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation Blendi Gonxhja stated that the monitoring will lead to the protection of the rights of job seekers and employers.

“This monitoring will assess the activity and conditions of these agencies, with the aim of protecting the rights of job seekers and employers, verifying the implementation of legal obligations towards applicants and migrant workers, decent employment and ethical recruitment”, the minister wrote in a post on social networks.

Gonxhja stated that this control will enable a clear overview of the performance of these agencies and will ensure that only those agencies that respect the standards established in the legal and by-laws for the employment mediation process will continue to operate.

“Regarding private employment agencies that carry out activities in violation of the legislation in force, relevant administrative measures will be taken until the license is revoked”, Gonxhja stated after the meeting held together with the Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate Delina Ibrahimaj with leaders from the National Agency of Employment and Skills National Agency of Information Society, Ministry of Interior and Foreign Ministry.

The focus of the meeting was addressing the challenges related to the process of applying and approving unique work permits in Albania./p.s./

During a press conference, on the situation in the country and the measures taken, Peleshi emphasized that there will be heavy rain accompanied by strong thunderstorms in the regions of Kukës, Dibra, Lezha and Shkodra.

He appealed to the municipalities to notify the citizens in the most endangered areas, especially in the area of Nën-Shkodra.

“The municipality of Shkodra should take measures to monitor the Buna, Kiri and Drini rivers, keep the continuous control of river embankments and water dams, pumping stations in the area of Velipoja, as well as keep logistical capacities and human resources on standby. The Municipality of Lezha must monitor the Drin River, check for the functionality of the pumping stations in the areas of Tale and Torovica. Dibra municipality should also take measures to warn the population in time, especially in areas where there are streams”, said Peleshi.

The minister said that in the following days until January 21, there are expected heavy rains to continue and the emergency agencies and local government units are on alert.

According to him, the weather forecasts show that the water flows in the Fierza basin will go up to 5800 m3/s.

Minister Peleshi said that it has been prohibited the granting of permits for the operation of small sailing vessels and small fishing vessels in the bay of Vlora./p.s./

Government cabinet ministers were also present at the meeting.

Balluku said that they discussed on the progress of Cooperation for Sustainable Development framework between Albania and the United Nations for 2022.

“They presented the results achieved during 2022 and those expected for 2023. The United Nations Cooperation Framework for Sustainable Development 2022-2026 is a joint commitment of the Albanian Government and the UN to work in close partnership”, Balluku said on social media.

The agreement on the cooperation framework for Sustainable Development between Albania and the United Nations 2022-2026 was drawn up in October 2021.

This cooperation framework for Sustainable Development (SDG) between the government of Albania  and the United Nations (UN) is related to the country’s priorities: integration into the European Union (EU), the 2030 Development Agenda and the nationalized indicators for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for Albania, with a focus on the quality of the health and education sectors, good governance and rule of law, public service delivery, and effective response and recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. /j.p/p.s./