"Customs" program, how does Albania benefit? - Deputy Minister Semani: Strengthening capacities against fraud and smuggling
The customs of the European Union countries and Albania will be considered as one. Albania will continue to be part of the EU program, "Customs", which aims to support the customs union and customs authorities to work together and act as one, to protect the financial and economic interests of the Union and its Member States, and of the countries acceding to become part of the EU.
The agreement, which will be valid until 2027, has been discussed in the parliamentary Foreign Policy Committee. But what does Albania benefit from this program?
"The program is a support mechanism that aims to assist participating countries in increasing the capacities of their customs administration, modernizing processes and strengthening the fight against fraud and smuggling. The program serves as a platform for the exchange of best practices, training of customs staff and involvement in joint projects that help improve the security and efficiency of customs controls."
An important aspect of this agreement is the supervision and financial management of the allocated funds.
The agreement stipulates that the European Commission, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the European Court of Auditors have the right to monitor and audit the use of funds by Albania, ensuring that they are used in accordance with the rules and objectives of the program.
In the event of non-fulfillment of financial obligations by Albania, the European Union has the right to suspend its participation in the program, which would negatively affect the benefits that Albania receives from this mechanism.
Among other things, it is envisaged that the European Commission and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) are authorized to conduct administrative investigations, including unannounced checks and inspections on the territory of Albania.
These investigations are carried out in accordance with the conditions set out in the applicable acts of one or more EU institutions. The total value of Albania's financial contribution until 2027, to be part of this program, is around 164 thousand euros.

Matura "competition": "easy" choices, low results/ Elective subjects like Geography, Civics and History "stay in the classroom"
The path from high school to university passes through the state matura exams, where the results in each subject play a decisive role. Although the......

US, awaiting trade offers - Seeks proposals from partners to reach agreement on tariffs
The Trump administration wants countries to submit their best offer for trade negotiations by Wednesday, as officials seek to accelerate talks with partners......

Albanians with Digital Identity Portfolio - In consultation, draft law for the creation of a single electronic file with private data
Albania is expected to soon create a Digital Identity Portfolio. The National Authority for Cybersecurity has published for public consultation a draft law......

State Matura/ Today, foreign language testing for about 27 thousand students!
Around 27,000 high school graduates will take the first State Matura exam today, where they will be tested for foreign language proficiency. The exam will......

Bitcoin causes 98 million tons of CO2 per year - The process of generating cryptocurrencies requires large amounts of energy
The Bitcoin network currently produces a carbon footprint more than twice that of the country of Switzerland, according to figures from cryptocurrency portal......

Opening of the summer season/Rama: 36 health centers with specialized staff at the service of citizens!
Prime Minister Edi Rama informed through a post on social networks that with the start of the 2025 tourist season, 36 summer health centers have been opened......

69,917 applications for subsidies in agriculture - Who benefits? / Verification of declarations and completion of files begins
69,917 applications have been registered in e-Albania by farmers or Agricultural Cooperative Societies to benefit from the funds made available for financing......

Two warehouses with smuggled clothing discovered - 4 people arrested, two others wanted
The police operation codenamed "Fake Star 5" is being finalized by the Economic and Financial Crime Investigation Sector. Two warehouses were discovered on......