Recently completed mural in Art Park of Tirana pays tribute to women of Albanian Film Archive
TIRANA, November 4, ATSH/ A new mural dedicated to the women who have worked at the Central State Film Archive over the years has been completed in Tirana’s Art Park. This artwork—a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports and the Central State Film Archive—serves as a …
Bank of Albania keeps key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%
The Bank of Albania has kept its key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%. The Supervisory Council announced the decision on November 3. Governor Gent Sejko also confirmed that the overnight deposit rate will remain at 1.5%. Meanwhile, the overnight lending rate will stay at 3.5%. Sejko said the decision reflects …
Albania strengthens aviation emergency response with search-and-rescue drill
Albania will test its aviation emergency response capabilities today through a planned search-and-rescue exercise near Tirana International Airport. The drill, named SAR-2026, will run from 10:30 to 12:00. The National Search and Rescue Centre is organising the exercise with institutions responsible for aviation emergencies. Participants include the Armed Forces, Tirana …
Albanian and Hungarian national libraries launch cultural cooperation
The National Library of Albania and Hungary’s National Szechenyi Library have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen professional, scientific and cultural ties. The signing ceremony brought together Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Lira Pipa and Hungarian Ambassador to Albania Martina Laura Kasnyik. The agreement provides for exchanges …
FM Hoxha: Albania seeks merit-based European Union membership, not shortcuts
Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “EU Enlargement: Assessing New Concepts and the Outlook for 2027,” organised by the German Council on Foreign Relations. Hoxha said geopolitical realities had made enlargement a strategic and security necessity for Europe. However, he stressed that this …
Lezha begins construction of a new pedestrian zone
Construction has begun on a new pedestrian promenade in Lezha, a project worth ALL 62 million funded by the municipal budget. The development aims to create new recreational spaces for residents and tourists. The municipality expects to complete the project by next summer. Deputy PM Albana Koçiu shared footage of …
European Commission to present Albania’s 2026 progress report in Brussels
The European Commission is expected to publish its 2026 Enlargement Package today at around 13:00, including its annual report on Albania. The report will assess reform progress, accession criteria and the challenges Albania must address on its path towards European Union membership. For the first time, the package is expected …
Government plans higher spending on public security in 2027
Interior Minister Ervin Demo has presented the government’s proposed 2027 budget for the Interior Ministry to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates around ALL 40 billion, a 12% increase from 2026 and the ministry’s highest budget allocation to date. It aims to strengthen public security, …
Kruja: where history, culture and mountain tourism meet
Located on the slopes of a mountain, the historic city of Kruja remains one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations. Just a short distance from Tirana, it attracts local and international visitors with its rich history, cultural traditions and natural beauty. Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared new images of …
Government draft budget for 2027 prioritises infrastructure and energy projects
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi has announced that the government’s draft budget for 2027 provides full funding for priority infrastructure and energy projects. It includes investment in roads and water supply and sewerage systems across all 12 counties. Key road projects include continued construction of the Elbasan bypass, completion …
The team of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has published a message from him on its official Facebook page, marking the sixth anniversary of his transfer to The Hague. “I want to shake each of your hands, embrace you all and assure you that I will emerge completely innocent at …
Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, met Europol Executive Director Jürgen Ebner on Thursday on the sidelines of the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice in Budva, Montenegro. Sveçla said Kosovo remains a reliable partner for Europol, with consistent results under their cooperation agreements. He also highlighted the success …
The Council of Ministers on Thursday approved a decision establishing new categories and requirements for tourist accommodation facilities, introducing stricter rules for resort developments. Under the new rules, tourism facilities must account for at least 60% of a project’s total construction area, while residential units cannot exceed 40%. The calculation …
European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa presented the 2026 Progress Report on Albania to the National Council for European Integration and its two co-chairs, Taulant Balla and Jorida Tabaku. In her remarks, the ambassador stressed the importance of political dialogue and public consultation in Albania’s EU integration …
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted Albania’s progress towards European Union membership on Thursday, describing the 2026 Progress Report as a clear assessment of his government’s performance. Speaking at a joint press conference with EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa, Rama welcomed the report’s findings. However, he argued that disinformation prevents …
The Council of Ministers has approved new rules governing the organisation and operation of the Agency for the Treatment of Concessions and Public-Private Partnerships (ATRAKO), defining its responsibilities, funding, service fees and additional payments for employees involved in feasibility studies. Under the decision, ATRAKO will operate as a public budgetary …
The Tirana International Fair, organised by Klik Ekspo Group, continues to bring Albanian and international businesses together, offering opportunities to showcase products, exchange expertise and establish new partnerships. On the third day of this year’s edition, held at the Palace of Congresses, business representatives, industry associations and experts gathered for …
The European Commission has recognised Albania’s progress in employment, education and vocational training, highlighting developments in several programmes and policies designed to improve skills and expand access to the labour market. Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj shared the findings of the European Commission’s 2026 Albania Report on social …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced the creation of a new communication platform for students and university lecturers, aimed at facilitating direct dialogue on issues and concerns they wish to raise with the government. During a joint press conference with the European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, …
The Transparency Board decided on Thursday to lower fuel prices across the country. Under the new decision, diesel will be sold at a maximum price of 210 Albanian lek per liter at retail outlets, while the wholesale price must not exceed 198 lek per liter. Petrol prices have also been …