FM Hoxha: Kosovo, an independent state and should be recognized; Regional cooperation remains a major priority
Speaking at the “Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference, Hoxha also addressed Albania’s positions on Kosovo, stressing that Albania considers it an independent state that should receive international recognition. “We have fundamental differences with Serbia over Kosovo,” he said. “Kosovo is an independent state and should be recognized.” At the same …
Gjirokastër’s Cold War Museum unveils new exhibition on Albania’s communist past
The Cold War Museum in Gjirokastër has unveiled a new exhibition inside the city’s historic underground bunker. The central hall now features uniforms worn by soldiers, generals and officials during Albania’s communist era. Visitors can also see banned books, newspaper articles from the 1950s to the 1990s, and publications by …
National Energy Plan Sets 100% Electric Vehicle Target for Public Procurement
Albania plans to gradually shift public administration toward electric vehicles. Under the new target, public institutions must procure new light vehicles that are either fully electric or plug-in hybrids. The target forms part of the revised National Energy and Climate Plan 2020–2030. The plan introduces several measures to cut transport …
Kumbaro at PISA ministerial panel: “We want more spaces where children can excel”
The PISA 2025 results show a major improvement in Albanian students’ performance. Scores rose by 65 points in mathematics, 59 points in science and 50 points in reading. As a result, Albania ranks among the Western Balkans’ strongest performers in mathematics and science. The results were presented in Bratislava at …
BBC: ‘Tirana teeth’: Albania hopes to be the new Turkey for dental work
BBC reports on Tirana’s growing dental tourism industry, as Albania seeks to establish itself as a cheaper alternative to Turkey for international patients seeking dental treatment. Anthony Hook is sitting in a dentist’s chair, grinning toothily into a handheld mirror. He has been asked to pose for photos showing off …
US Embassy: Albania to Play a Key Role in the International Stabilization Force Mission
International Stabilization Force (ISF) Commander Major General Jasper Jeffers held talks with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha and Defence Minister Ermal Nufi. The discussions focused on Albania’s future contributions to the force and its role in supporting the ISF mission. During the meetings, the officials discussed Albania’s …
Mother Teresa Square to Become Pedestrian Zone with Museum and Underground Parking
Tirana plans to transform Mother Teresa Square into a mainly pedestrian public space. The project will move many of the square’s new functions underground. The Albanian Development Fund has launched a tender for the project. It has set a budget limit of 20.8 billion lek, or around €21 million, for …
Albania battles 43 wildfires as 13 remain active
The Ministry of Defence reported 43 wildfires across Albania over the past 24 hours. Of these, 13 remain active, while eight are under monitoring and 22 have been extinguished. Meanwhile, 697 local and municipal emergency personnel took part in firefighting and monitoring operations. In addition, they used 68 firefighting vehicles …
UNOPS and Albania join forces to modernise public procurement
The Centralized Purchasing Operator (OBP) and UNOPS have signed a cooperation agreement in Tirana. The agreement is called “Procuring Together for a European Albania”. It aims to strengthen strategic purchasing. It also seeks to improve public procurement. OBP Administrator Jonaid Myzyri signed the agreement. Sabine Kania, Director of the UNOPS …
Rama gathers ministers and Socialist leaders to set priorities for new parliamentary session
Prime Minister Edi Rama will meet political leaders and ministers at noon today, September 9, on the outskirts of Tirana. The meeting will focus on the Socialist Party’s priorities for the new parliamentary session. It will also address the government’s new political agenda. Meanwhile, Rama is expected to renew his …
President Bajram Begaj voiced concern about escalating tensions as students who gathered for a second day of rallies against the government clashed with law enforcement officers again. Original post Here
Franciscan priest Shtjefën Gjeçovi, a prominent figure in Albanian history, passed away on October 14, 1929. He devoted his life to the Albanian cause. According to documents held by the General Directorate of Archives, two men speaking Serbian ambushed Gjeçovi as he returned from Prizren and shot him. Born Hilë …
The government of Kosova has established a working group to coordinate a state strategy for the appeal proceedings involving four former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders: Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi. Prime Minister Albin Kurti described their convictions by the Specialist Chambers as legally and morally unjust. …
Representatives of six Western Balkan countries discussed digital cooperation and alignment with the European Union’s digital agenda at the 8th Regional Digital Summit. Albania has moved most public services online and continues to expand access for citizens living abroad. Deputy Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enkelejda Muçaj said electronic documents with …
Assembly of Albania Speaker Niko Peleshi said the right to protest is a constitutional right that citizens must exercise peacefully and in accordance with the law. He made the remarks as tensions continued for a second day outside the Ministry of Education in Tirana. Peleshi said violence and vandalism undermine …
The European Union Delegation to Albania expressed concern over escalating violence during protests in Tirana. It called for priority investigations into allegations that police used excessive force against protesters and journalists. In a statement on X, the delegation stressed that freedom of gathering and expression are fundamental rights and core …
The Council of Ministers has approved standard rules for ceremonies awarding orders and medals of the Republic of Albania. The rules follow international best practices and established protocol. The decision aims to ensure consistency and solemnity in decoration ceremonies. It also seeks to uphold the dignity and prestige of state …
The British Embassy in Tirana called on all parties to respect the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. It stressed that violence cannot be justified and police must avoid disproportionate action. In a statement, the embassy noted that Albania’s Constitution protects peaceful protest and freedom of expression. However, …
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy’s short-term priority is to strongly support Albania and Montenegro’s progress towards European Union membership. She made the remarks in an address to the Senate ahead of the European Council meeting. Meloni said enlargement and the Union’s internal reforms would feature in a strategic …
The moralistic reaction to leaked tapes of women filmed secretly in intimate acts shows Albania is still struggling to accept women as sexual beings – while also failing legally to protect victims of non-consensual exposure. Original post Here