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Government Approves New Procedures for Funding Cultural and Artistic Projects

The government has approved a new set of procedures for financing artistic and cultural projects in Albania. The decision replaces the 2022 regulation and aims to improve transparency, efficiency, and quality in state support for the arts. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport will manage the new system. Under …

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Albania secures $40 mln climate project, expands forestry reform agenda, minister Jaupaj say

TIRANA, May 7 – Albania secured a $40 million climate project under the “Albadap” programme, which Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj described as the largest climate initiative in the Western Balkans. At a press conference in Tirana, Jaupaj said no EU or Western Balkan country runs a similar project financed by …

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NATO more important than ever in current geopolitical environment, FM Hoxha tells Secretary General Rutte

TIRANA, May 7 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said NATO has become more important than ever in the current geopolitical environment after meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in talks focused on Euro-Atlantic security, Ukraine, the Western Balkans and Albania’s role in the Alliance. The meeting marked Hoxha’s first encounter …

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Interior Minister Lamallari at United Nations highlights Albania’s return migration approach

TIRANA, May 7 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari attended the International Forum on Migration Review at the United Nations in New York. He joined a panel discussion on “Migration as a creative force”. At the discussion, Lamallari presented Albania’s approach to migration. He focused on the return of emigrants and …

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“After School” Programme Pilot Starts in Tirana Schools

TIRANA, May 7 – The “After School” programme started its pilot phase in several schools in Tirana. Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro announced the launch on her official page. She said the pilot began this week after regular classes. The programme includes activities such as dance, crafts, visual arts, and …

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Elbasani, Vllaznia, Egnatia and Dinamo City Reach “Final Four” in Superiore League

Elbasani, Vllaznia, Egnatia and Dinamo City have secured places in the “Final Four” of the Albanian Superiore League. The teams will compete to determine the league champion. At the same time, Flamurtari has been relegated to the First Division after the 35th round results. Tirana earned a crucial 1-0 victory …

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Fuel prices capped at 196 Lek per litre, Transparency Board decides

TIRANA, May 7 – The Transparency Board cut the price of diesel by 10 lek per litre at its latest meeting. It set a new maximum retail price for standard diesel at 196 lek per litre. It fixed the wholesale price at 184 lek per litre. The Board also set …

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Ibrahimaj: Young People Are Building Innovative Solutions for Albania’s Economy

Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj visited a FinTech company in Tirana to learn about new digital products and innovative projects developed by young Albanian entrepreneurs. During the visit, she said that startups are playing an increasingly important role in building a modern and competitive economy. In addition, she …

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200,000 signatures delivered in The Hague in support of former Kosova Liberation Army leaders

TIRANA, May 7 – The Organisation of Kosova Liberation Army War Veterans said it delivered 200,000 signatures to the Kosova Specialist Chambers in The Hague in support of former Kosova Liberation Army leaders. Veterans’ organisation head Hysni Gucati said the signatures represent “200,000 voices” calling for justice for the former …

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Gjirokastër attracts German tourists drawn to history, architecture and culture

TIRANA, May 7 – German tourists show rising interest in Gjirokastër, turning the historic southern Albanian city into a key destination in Albania. Visitors explore its architecture, cobblestone streets, and cultural heritage. Renata and Wolfgang, a German couple, visit Gjirokastër this spring during a longer trip across Albania. Spring travel …

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Albania’s Recurrent Gasification Mirage

Before Albania can have gasification, it will need to have a functioning economy, a population wealthy enough to afford the costs of central heating and cooling, schools, kindergartens and nurseries equipped with air conditioning, and a substantial industrial base capable of consuming a volume of gas large enough to justify …

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Kanye West concert plan sparks controversy in Albania

Event raises concerns over antisemitism row, reported €50 million temporary stadium, wider European backlash and criticism from Jewish communities. TIRANA, May 11, 2026 – The planned concert of American rapper and producer Kanye West in Albania on July 11 has triggered growing public debate, with human rights activists and the …

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Albania and Netherlands reaffirm partnership in politics, security and European affairs

TIRANA, May 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels. The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations between Albania and the Netherlands. They confirmed a high level of cooperation and expressed …

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European Union to disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro, says Kos

TIRANA, May 11 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the European Union will disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro under the Growth Plan. Meanwhile, she stated that implementation of the Growth Plan is progressing well. She confirmed that nearly 200 million euros will be released …

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PM Rama: Only 12% of public tenders have single bidders, Albania below EU average

TIRANA, May 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has reached an advanced stage of progress in public procurement and in its position within European Union accession negotiations. Speaking at a joint press conference with Reida Kashta (Shahollari), head of the Public Procurement Agency and negotiator for Chapter 5 …

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Upper Grabova: The Hidden “Twin” of Voskopoja in Mount Valamara

Grabova e Sipërme sits hidden in the highlands between Gramsh and Korçë, on the slopes of Mount Valamara. First, the village stands at about 1,250 meters above sea level and preserves a striking natural landscape shaped by mountain waters and deep valleys. Then, its stone houses and traditional architecture reflect …

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Tirana International Airport on track for record year, 13.3 million passengers projected

TIRANA, May 11 – Tirana International Airport continued strong growth in 2026, confirming its position as one of the fastest-expanding airports in the region. Airport management data shows around 3.3 million passengers handled in the first four months of the year. This figure marks a 10.4% increase compared to the …

News
Travel + Leisure: Albania Emerges as Europe’s Hidden Coastal Gem

Travel + Leisure highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive and still underexplored destinations. First, the article describes the Albanian Riviera as a strong alternative to the French Côte d’Azur, thanks to its clear waters, historic villages, and ancient ruins. Then, writer Ada Calhoun shares her one-week journey through …

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Public procurement key chapter in EU negotiations, Albania advancing global agreement talks

TIRANA, May 11 – Public Procurement Agency Director General and Chapter 5 negotiator Reida Kashta said public procurement stands as one of the key chapters in Albania’s European Union integration process. She said the EU places it within the new negotiation methodology under the fundamental cluster. Kashta made the remarks …

News
Eurovision 2026: Alis draws attention at opening ceremony on turquoise carpet parade

TIRANA, May 11 – The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 turquoise carpet turned into a parade of colours, emotions, and international presentations, with 35 countries taking part in the opening event attended by global media and fans. At the same time, Albania joined the ceremony with Alis Kallaçi as this year’s …

News

Albania’s Recurrent Gasification Mirage

Before Albania can have gasification, it will need to have a functioning economy, a population wealthy enough to afford the costs of central heating and cooling, schools, kindergartens and nurseries equipped with air conditioning, and a substantial industrial base capable of consuming a volume of gas large enough to justify …

News

Kanye West concert plan sparks controversy in Albania

Event raises concerns over antisemitism row, reported €50 million temporary stadium, wider European backlash and criticism from Jewish communities. TIRANA, May 11, 2026 – The planned concert of American rapper and producer Kanye West in Albania on July 11 has triggered growing public debate, with human rights activists and the …

News

Albania and Netherlands reaffirm partnership in politics, security and European affairs

TIRANA, May 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels. The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations between Albania and the Netherlands. They confirmed a high level of cooperation and expressed …

News

European Union to disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro, says Kos

TIRANA, May 11 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the European Union will disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro under the Growth Plan. Meanwhile, she stated that implementation of the Growth Plan is progressing well. She confirmed that nearly 200 million euros will be released …

News

PM Rama: Only 12% of public tenders have single bidders, Albania below EU average

TIRANA, May 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has reached an advanced stage of progress in public procurement and in its position within European Union accession negotiations. Speaking at a joint press conference with Reida Kashta (Shahollari), head of the Public Procurement Agency and negotiator for Chapter 5 …

News

Upper Grabova: The Hidden “Twin” of Voskopoja in Mount Valamara

Grabova e Sipërme sits hidden in the highlands between Gramsh and Korçë, on the slopes of Mount Valamara. First, the village stands at about 1,250 meters above sea level and preserves a striking natural landscape shaped by mountain waters and deep valleys. Then, its stone houses and traditional architecture reflect …

News

Tirana International Airport on track for record year, 13.3 million passengers projected

TIRANA, May 11 – Tirana International Airport continued strong growth in 2026, confirming its position as one of the fastest-expanding airports in the region. Airport management data shows around 3.3 million passengers handled in the first four months of the year. This figure marks a 10.4% increase compared to the …

News

Travel + Leisure: Albania Emerges as Europe’s Hidden Coastal Gem

Travel + Leisure highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive and still underexplored destinations. First, the article describes the Albanian Riviera as a strong alternative to the French Côte d’Azur, thanks to its clear waters, historic villages, and ancient ruins. Then, writer Ada Calhoun shares her one-week journey through …

News

Public procurement key chapter in EU negotiations, Albania advancing global agreement talks

TIRANA, May 11 – Public Procurement Agency Director General and Chapter 5 negotiator Reida Kashta said public procurement stands as one of the key chapters in Albania’s European Union integration process. She said the EU places it within the new negotiation methodology under the fundamental cluster. Kashta made the remarks …

News

Eurovision 2026: Alis draws attention at opening ceremony on turquoise carpet parade

TIRANA, May 11 – The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 turquoise carpet turned into a parade of colours, emotions, and international presentations, with 35 countries taking part in the opening event attended by global media and fans. At the same time, Albania joined the ceremony with Alis Kallaçi as this year’s …