Von der Leyen: Albania has completed 80% of reforms
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Albania’s progress in implementing the EU Growth Plan, stating that the country has completed 80% of the planned reforms. During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana, she announced that Albania has so far received €213 million, with …
Von der Leyen: 63 schools rebuilt with EU support
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that 63 schools in Albania have been rebuilt or renovated through the “EU for Schools” programme. During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, she recalled the European Union’s support following the 2019 earthquake and stressed that the schools programme …
Rama and Ursula von der Leyen asked about former SHISH chief, Prime Minister responds
Prime Minister Edi Rama and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were asked during their joint press conference in Tirana about SPAK’s measure against former SHISH Director Vlora Hyseni and whether the issue had been discussed between them. Rama said that what some in Albania portray as regression is …
Rama meets Wendt, U.S. Embassy: A strong partnership is measured by what two nations achieve together
The U.S. Embassy has issued a statement regarding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s meeting on Wednesday with the new U.S. Ambassador, Eric Wendt. The Embassy shared images from the meeting, stating that a strong partnership is measured by what two nations achieve together. In its post, the Embassy said that Rama …
Ursula von der Leyen in Tirana, welcomed by Rama with an official ceremony
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was welcomed by Prime Minister Edi Rama with an official ceremony at midday on Wednesday, as part of her visit to Tirana. Von der Leyen arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office, where she was received by the head of the Albanian government. Her …
U.S. State Department Report on Albania: Foreign Investment Rises, but Corruption and Informality Remain Concerns
The U.S. Department of State has published its 2026 report on Albania’s investment climate, highlighting challenges related to corruption, organized crime, money laundering, property rights and competition. The 40-page report notes that despite the increase in foreign investment, investors continue to face a lack of transparency, informality, difficulties in contract …
Skender Hita Attends European Police Chiefs Convention: Cooperation with International Partners
Director General of the Albanian State Police, Skender Hita, attended the European Police Chiefs Convention (EPCC). Ahead of the conference, Director Hita was received in a separate meeting by Europol’s Acting Executive Director, Jürgen Ebner. Also present at the meeting was the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the …
Will Albania’s Handling of ‘Flamingo’ Protests Affect its EU Accession Progress?
The anti-government protests that rocked Albania this summer will not jeopardise its EU membership prospects – but will feed into a broader assessment of Tirana’s respect for democracy and that rule of law. Original post Here
Demo meets Director for Western Balkans Superti: Chapters 24 and 22 in focus as Albania presses ahead toward its 2027 goal
Interior Minister Ervin Demo met with Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement, to discuss Albania’s progress toward EU membership. Their first meeting focused on the final milestones for Chapter 24, “Justice, Freedom and Security,” and Chapter 22, “Regional Policy and Coordination of …
Albania Customs Administration publishes new manual to standardize customs valuation practices
Albania’s Customs Administration has published the “Customs Valuation Manual”, a practical guide designed to standardize procedures and ensure the consistent application of rules for determining the value of goods for customs purposes. The manual brings together the relevant legal framework and customs valuation methods. It also addresses issues that customs …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced the creation of a National Council for children with disabilities, aimed at introducing a new approach to relations between institutions, children and their families. The announcement was made during the “Flasim” podcast, where part of the discussion focused on support for children on the …
A fire broke out today in the Zall-Herr area, within the Municipality of Tirana. According to reports, the flames do not pose a threat to homes, as there are no residential buildings near the site of the fire. Six fire engines and 25 firefighters have been deployed to contain and …
Albania’s insurance market continues to expand. In the first eight months of the year, insurance companies collected around ALL 18.3 billion in gross written premiums. According to data from the Albanian Financial Supervisory Authority (AFSA), this represents an increase of 2.4% compared with the same period last year. The increase …
A serious tragedy has struck the Albanian community in Greece following a fatal accident that occurred last night in Nea Peramos, Kavala, claiming the lives of two young Albanian men. The victims have been identified as Arditi, 34, and Marigleni, 36. According to reports, the two men were close friends. …
By Zef Preci Tirana Times, September 30, 2026 – For more than two decades, Albania has had legislation requiring senior public officials to declare their assets and financial interests. Yet persistent concerns over unexplained wealth suggest that the central issue is no longer simply whether officials submit asset declarations. The …
Investigators examine weapons deals, state-linked defense companies and the role of businessman Ron Yeffet after allegations of international arms trafficking surfaced in recordings released by former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj. Tirana Times, October 03, 2026 – A series of searches by Albania’s special prosecutors has opened a potentially significant …
Albania lost 2-1 to Finland at Helsinki Olympic Stadium in a Nations League League C Group 1 match. Rey Manaj put Albania ahead in the fourth minute with a header from Kristjan Asllani’s corner. Goalkeeper Etrit Berisha then made a mistake in the 22nd minute and had to intervene outside …
Electricity distribution losses in Albania fell to 15.6% in the first eight months of 2026, according to data from the Electricity Distribution System Operator. The figure marks a continued improvement from 18.93% in 2023, 17.93% in 2024 and 16.96% in 2025. Regional data also show lower losses. Fier recorded the …
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is among the leading candidates in the European Union enlargement process. In an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, she placed Albania and Montenegro at the front of the process, followed by Moldova and Ukraine. Kos said enlargement had achieved more …
Albania U19 secured a second consecutive victory over Lithuania U19, coming from behind to win 2-1 in a friendly match at the Vora Stadium. Lithuania took the lead in the first half, scoring from one of their few chances of the game. However, Albania responded strongly after the break and …