AI will fight corruption in public procurement in Albania

Albania has become the first country in the world to have an AI minister, reports the website politico.eu. The virtual government member is named Diela meaning sunshine in Albanian. She will be responsible for all public procurement, announced Prime Minister Edi Rama.

According to Rama, decisions on tenders would be taken ''out of the ministries'' and placed in the hands of Diella, who is ''the servant of public procurement''.  Albania aims to become a country where public tenders are "100% free of corruption and completely transparent", promises Rama.

Until now, Diela was a virtual assistant for the country’s e-Albania platform, which allows citizens to access almost all government services digitally. Diela even has an avatar, appearing as a young woman dressed in traditional Albanian clothing.

Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos: After ten months of protests, the Serbian society is left with deep divisions, feelings of hatred and frustration

''After 10 months of protests, the Serbian society is left with deep divisions, feelings of hatred and frustration – and all of this is reflected on the streets of Serbian towns and cities'', EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos told the European Parliament in Strasbourg. She called on Serbia to demonstrate genuine will for reforms and to overcome deep divisions, reported BTA.

''We also condemn all acts of hate, vandalism and violence and continue to call on all sides to deescalate tension'', said Marta Kos, adding that ''Respect for fundamental rights and values, including freedom of peaceful assembly, media and academic freedom are key elements of Serbia's EU path and need to be adhered to by everyone''.

''The participation of President Vucic on military parades in Moscow and in Bejing accompanied with critical statements towards the EU and respectful Members of parliament is not what is expected from a candidate country'', commented Marta Kos.

The majority of people in Cyprus may be exempt from taxes

As of January 1, 2026, 60% of residents in Cyprus may not pay taxes, reported BNR’s correspondent Branislava Bobanac. Following the reform, the share of taxpayers that are exempt from paying tax will increase from 45% to 60% due to an increase in the annual tax-free income by EUR 1,000. The annual tax-free threshold is expected to increase from EUR 19.500 to EUR 20,500, announced Finance Minister Makis Keravnos.

Additional tax relief will be granted to vulnerable social groups and the middle class, including a EUR 1,000 deduction per child (for each spouse), as well as a EUR 1,000 deduction for mortgage repayments on primary residences. As a result, the tax-free income for many Cypriots will exceed EUR 30,000.

The new legislation also introduces strict measures against tax evasion and the shadow economy, which, according to published data, accounts for a quarter of Cyprus’s GDP.

Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis announces tax relief measures

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced measures to improve the standard of living, reports BNR's correspondent in Greece Katya Peeva.

At the International Fair of Thessaloniki, the Greek Prime Minister stated that property tax will be reduced by half for villages with up to 1,500 residents and completely abolished in 2027. In border islands with up to 20,000 residents, the tax will be reduced by 30%. Young people under the age of 25 will be exempt from paying taxes. Annual support for families will be increased, depending on the number of children and annual income. Some deductions will also be removed for pensioners. Salaries for military personnel and public sector employees will be increased.

Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis commented that the measures, worth EUR 1.5 billion, are made possible thanks to the fight against tax evasion.

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob marries his partner Tina Gaber in a private ceremony

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob has married TV host and influencer Tina Gaber, who is 19 years younger than him. This is the first marriage entered into by a Slovenian prime minister during the term of office. The private ceremony took place at Villa Tartini and was officiated by the mayor of Ljubljana, Zoran Janković, a close political ally of Golob. The couple covered all expenses themselves, according to The Slovenia Times.

The marriage comes a year and a half after the 58-year-old Golob publicly introduced Gaber as his partner. This is Golob’s second marriage. He separated from his previous wife more than a year before announcing his new relationship.

Published and translated by Kostadin Atanasov

Photos: pamfleti.net; BTA; EPA/BGNES; slovenskenovice.si