This is the news from Friday 21 March.

Former President Hashim Thaçi has been allowed by the Hague Tribunal to travel to Kosovo to visit his father’s grave. While he was allowed to visit his sick father in hospital some weeks ago, five days ago, the Court did not approve his request to attend the funeral ceremony. Thaçi was arrested five years ago on charges of war crimes, but a court decision has not yet been issued.

Prime Minister and SP leader, Edi Rama, promised today a series of new reforms in the administration to fight corruption. He stressed that these reforms are necessary for the fulfillment of the chapters of integration into the European Union. For their implementation, unique artificial intelligence models will also be used in cooperation with Mira Murati and Microsoft.

The Democratic Party presented the 2025-2029 Government Program for Culture. The leader of the DP, Sali Berisha, stated that with the opposition coming to power, the budget for culture and art will be doubled. He also promised legal changes to improve the conditions of artists and those working in the arts.

The United Nations happiness index ranks Albania 89th place out of 140 countries. This is the lowest ranking for all countries in Europe, meaning Albanians are the unhappiest on the continent. In the region, North Macedonia is in 86th place, Montenegro in 71st place, Serbia in 31st place, while Kosovo is ranked in 29th place. Nordic countries rank first.