In a statement, Bardhi noted that the meeting focused on strengthening relations between Albania and the Netherlands, as well as continuing cooperation between the DP Parliamentary Group and the Dutch Embassy in Tirana.

Bardhi expressed gratitude for the Netherlands’ ongoing support for Albania’s European Union integration process, based on merit and the implementation of sustainable reforms.

According to Bardhi, he also shared the opposition’s concerns regarding the country’s political situation with the Dutch ambassador. Furthermore, he voiced concerns regarding the Territorial and Electoral Reforms, emphasizing that they are proceeding without consensus and are not all-embracing. “During the meeting, I shared our concerns regarding the country’s political situation, the impact of crime and corruption on state institutions, the lack of guarantees for free and fair elections, as well as the Territorial and Electoral Reform processes, which are proceeding without consensus and are not all-embracing,” he said.

Bardhi emphasized that, “Dialogue with international partners and institutional cooperation remain crucial for strengthening democracy, the rule of law and Albania’s European integration.” /m.q/a.f/p.s./

PM Rama is in Montenegro for the EU-Western Balkans summit, which brings together European leaders and candidate-country officials to discuss integration.

The EU is expected to consider new strategies during this summit to accelerate the membership process for the six candidate countries of the Western Balkans, according to President of the European Council Antonio Costa, who held a tour of these countries this week, to precede the summit. /m.m/j.p/p.s./

The Albanian-American Development Fund (AADF) funds the ‘Toka’ project, in partnership with Dutch Wageningen University. And the project will be piloted in Korça Region based on Dutch Diamond Model.

During the signing ceremony, Minister Salla said that this project represents a new approach to agricultural development. “The ‘Toka’ project sets a cooperation model that connects institutions, scientific knowledge, innovation and farmers, to build a modern and competitive agriculture”, he said.

According to the minister, the project aims to design a path of development for eco-agriculture, build the Knowledge and Information System in Agriculture, improve food safety and build capacities in education and scientific research. “This cooperation is a concrete step towards a sustainable agricultural sector in line with European Union standards,” emphasized Salla.

Also present at the event were Speaker of the Parliament and at the same time the political leader of Korça region Niko Peleshi, the mayors Sotiraq Filo, Eduard Duro, Gëzim Topçiu, Erion Isai, Ilir Xhakolli, the rector of the University of Korça, as well as representatives from the AADF. /e.xh/r.e/a.f/p.s./

During the meeting, Sadushi presented his priorities for future cooperation, emphasizing the significance of inter-judicial dialogue in context of developments in European jurisprudence and the signing of a cooperation agreement for the formalization of institutional relations.

Head of the Supreme Court also highlighted the need for methodological unification of harmonization instruments, which will guarantee a more coherent judicial practice and the professional development of judges and court staff, especially in the field of digitalization of case management, to ensure effective and reliable justice for the public.

Meanwhile, the President of the Supreme Court of the Netherlands De Groot, appreciated the importance of deepening the dialogue and continuous exchanges between justice institutions, which strengthen the independence of the judiciary and legal certainty.

In addition to the meeting between the presidents, there was also held a joint roundtable between Dutch judges and the judicial body of the Supreme Court of Albania.

The discussions focused on the exchange of experiences in cassation adjudication, with the aim of increasing the quality of jurisprudence and addressing common challenges, especially in the interaction of the national and international judiciary.

/k.s/j.p/p.s./

This new project will focus on the role of the Albanian Supreme Audit Institution (ALSAI) in improving anti-money laundering efforts, reported the Dutch embassy.

The project’s goal is to enhance public oversight of Albania’s anti-money laundering system by establishing ALSAI as both a proactive and independent watchdog that promotes transparency, coordination, and engagement from civil society.

Additionally, the project will provide ALSAI with a specialized AML audit methodology, enabling evidence-based coordination with intergovernmental partners, civil society, and the private sector. /gj.m//a.f/p.s./

The winner of this race was Nils Rimajer, from the Amsterdam team from the Netherlands.

Regarding the individual classification, Rimajer leads after two legs and holds the yellow jersey.

The field sprint was led by cyclist of the Albanian team Gabriele De Fabritis. He wore the white jersey and was also declared the best young cyclist of this leg.

Following the first two legs, Tirana-Rrëshen-Shkodra 151 km and Shkodra-Elbasan 188 km, the Amsterdam team is ranked in the first place.

Tomorrow, there will take place the third leg, Elbasan-Vlora, 149 km long. /j.p/p.s./

The Dutch Embassy to Albania said that the efforts of the Tax Administration in strengthening tax collection mechanisms, and increasing transparency create a more attractive environment for businesses and foreign investors, aligning Albania with EU market principles.

“We are looking forward to strengthening Dutch-Albanian cooperation in this area” stated the Dutch Embassy.

The Netherlands ranks among the main investors in our country. According to data from the Bank of Albania, the stock of Dutch investments marked 2.54 billion euros at the end of 2024. Total Dutch investments increased by 14% compared to the previous year.

Dutch investments lead in energy and the extractive industry, which are also the sectors that lead with the largest values ​​of foreign investments. /a.f/p.s./

Known for the mastery of great painters such as Van Gogh, for its famous jazz festivals and for constant innovation in design and architecture, the Netherlands is a source of inspiration for the whole world. In Tirana, Shkodra and Korça, there will be presented a part of this cultural treasure, part of the Dutch magic.

Today’s cultural calendar carries these activities:

One-day seminar on bicycle culture and assistance in creating a safe infrastructure in Shkodra. The event was held at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium in Shkodra, where Mobycon experts from the Netherlands shared their knowledge on building bike-friendly roads, as a big step towards a greener and healthier city.

The film “Take me somewhere nice” will be played in Tirana, where after the screening in the Destil center, the spectators will be able to talk with the director of the film.

Another activity in Tirana is the World Press Photo 2024 exhibition at the “Skënderbej” square, near the municipality./p.s./

Hasani is in The Hague, where he participated in the ministerial “Restoring Justice for Ukraine”.

The participating ministers reaffirmed deepening of the political dialogue and cooperation in various fields between the two countries, as well as the support of the Netherlands for the path of Albania’s integration into the European Union.

In the meetings with the European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders and the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court Karim Khan, they reiterated their commitment to the advancement of fundamental principles and the protection of human rights. /p.s./

In a joint press conference, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his Luxembourg counterpart Xavier Bettel stressed the need for normalization of ties between Kosovo and Serbia.

Dutch PM Rutte said that no finger should be pointed at anyone and be blamed for the recent Kosovo-Serbia tensions and said that both countries should stick to the European roadmap.

After talks with Prime Minister Kurti, Rutte affirmed readiness of the Netherlands to help Kosovo.

“We are ready to help as much as we can. I was very happy that a framework agreement was reached with involvement of France and Germany in February. Tensions have mounted since then and we need to focus on de-escalation of the situation. The process should be implemented gradually and strictly. Both sides should de-escalate. I am optimistic that calmness will prevail as it is in interest of everyone,” Dutch PM stated.

Luxembourg PM Xavier Bettel also underlined that both sides should start work on implementation of the European roadmap.

“Stability is in the interest of everyone,” he said, urging both Kosovo and Serbia leaders to implement the EU roadmap.

(kosovapress) //a.i/ u.sh/