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Albania and Moldova strengthen cooperation on customs modernization

TIRANA, July 28 – Albania and Moldova are strengthening cooperation to modernize customs systems, align procedures with European Union standards, and facilitate trade. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja met with General Director of Moldova’s Customs Service Radu Vrabie during the first high-level Albania–Moldova meeting. The meeting received support from …

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Holta Canyon, a journey through Albania’s natural beauty

TIRANA, July 28 – Holta Canyon in Gramsh is one of Albania’s most visited tourist attractions. The destination offers visitors a journey through a landscape shaped by rock formations and thermal waters. Its caves and natural features make it an attractive site for exploration. PM Rama shared images of Holta …

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Albanian economy grows 3.7% in first quarter of 2026

TIRANA, July – Albania’s economy grew by 3.7% in the first quarter of 2026, exceeding the average growth rate of Western Balkan countries and the European Union. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the latest economic indicators and said the Finance Ministry expects growth to reach 4% by the end of …

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On Albania’s Adriatic Coast, Tourism Ambitions Put at Risk by Pollution

Litter, construction debris and untreated wastewater are conspiring to undermine Albania’s bid to become the next big tourist destination on the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Original post Here

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Letter from Washington: US Seeks to Score Material Goals in the Balkans

The Trump administration is now making it clear that it sees the Balkans as a field to pursue its commercial, energy and defence-related interests – and not ‘democracy-building’. Original post Here

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“Hani i Qerosit” Agrotourism Boosts Rural Tourism in Kuçovë

Agrotourism continues to drive economic and social development across Albania by creating jobs and strengthening rural communities. Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the “Hani i Qerosit” agrotourism site in Kuçovë, Berat, which is emerging as a popular destination for visitors seeking nature, tradition, and authentic farm experiences. Rama said the …

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Croatia Sees Strong Potential to Expand Economic Ties with Albania

Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman described Albania as a reliable economic partner. Speaking alongside Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, Radman said the two countries have strong potential to expand economic cooperation. He identified transport, infrastructure, energy, and defence as key areas for closer collaboration. Radman also called …

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Hoxha: Albania-Croatia Security Cooperation Threatens No One

Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania’s security cooperation with Croatia aims to strengthen regional peace and should not concern any country. Hoxha made the remarks after meeting Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman in Tirana. The two ministers agreed that the European future of the Western …

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Radman: Croatia Will Continue to Support Albania’s EU Membership Bid

Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman praised Albania’s progress toward European Union membership and pledged Croatia’s continued support. Speaking alongside Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, Radman said Albania and Croatia enjoy strong and friendly relations built on trust, shared values, and their NATO alliance. He said regular …

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Balla: $302 Million US Defence Deal Fast-Tracked for National Interest

Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla defended the fast-track approval of Albania’s defence agreement with the United States. Balla said national interest and security needs justified the accelerated parliamentary review. He rejected opposition claims that lawmakers violated parliamentary deadlines. He said the Constitution defines when fast-track procedures cannot apply. …

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Week in Review: Cocaine Busts, Changing Goals, Tourism Woes

Our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at Washington’s shifting foreign policy priorities in the Balkans, a suspicious drug trawl, surging property prices and more. Original post Here

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Defense company chief hails tactical vehicle milestone

TIRANA, July 31 – Ardi Veliu, chief executive officer of Albania’s state-owned defense company KAYO, said the delivery of the first 40 NATO-standard tactical vehicles produced in Albania marks an important step for the country’s defense industry. The company Timak Defence produced the vehicles, which include 35 light tactical vehicles …

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Gonxhja: Albania Suspends Construction Works in Tourist Areas During Summer Season

Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced that Albania will halt construction works and related activities in tourist areas during the summer season. The Council of Ministers approved the measure to improve visitors’ experiences and protect the quality of the tourist season. The decision will prevent construction activities from …

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PM Rama: Albania aims for fully domestic-made military equipment by 2028

TIRANA, July 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania aims to equip its Armed Forces with military vehicles and capabilities produced in the country by 2028. Rama made the statement during a ceremony where the Armed Forces received the first 40 tactical vehicles produced in Albania by Timak Defence …

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PM Rama: Albania plans to produce super-intelligent drones for air defence

TIRANA, July 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing new defence industry capacities. He said the country plans to produce intelligent drones and advanced military equipment. Rama spoke at the ceremony for the delivery of tactical vehicles from “Timak Defence”. He said Albania would soon present more …

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New administrative reform aims to preserve European Union standards

TIRANA, July 31 – Deputy chair of the Special Commission for Administrative-Territorial Reform, Arbjan Mazniku, said the proposed territorial division aims to consolidate municipalities and improve public services. He added that the reform will preserve the standards achieved through the current system. Presenting the main elements of the draft reform, …

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U.S. Senate clears way for Eric Wendt vote as new ambassador to Albania

TIRANA, July 31 – The US Senate approved a procedural resolution that allows a group vote on 74 nominations from the American administration, including Eric Wendt’s candidacy for ambassador to Albania, according to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website. The resolution passed with 50 votes in favor and 47 against, …

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Himara beaches inspected to protect public spaces

TIRANA, July 31 – Authorities continue inspections along coastal areas to ensure the proper use of public spaces and compliance with beach management standards. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the National Coastline Agency and municipalities are carrying out inspections in Himara to protect public beach areas. Meanwhile, …

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Public Safety Local Council in Elbasan discusses measures against online misinformation and digital violence

TIRANA, July 31 – Online misinformation and digital violence against children were the focus of the latest meeting of the Public Safety Local Council in Elbasan. Local institutions and partners discussed measures under the School Safety Package 2026-2027. They also presented the “Raporto Tani” (Report Now) application, which aims to …

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Gonxhja: Tirana Becomes Albania’s Tourism Capital as Cross-Border Tourism Gains Importance

Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania is reshaping its tourism policies to improve service quality and extend the tourist season throughout the year. He explained that the country is following the National Tourism Strategy and introducing new measures to strengthen sustainable tourism development. Furthermore, Gonxhja highlighted cultural tourism as a …

News

Week in Review: Cocaine Busts, Changing Goals, Tourism Woes

Our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at Washington’s shifting foreign policy priorities in the Balkans, a suspicious drug trawl, surging property prices and more. Original post Here

News

Defense company chief hails tactical vehicle milestone

TIRANA, July 31 – Ardi Veliu, chief executive officer of Albania’s state-owned defense company KAYO, said the delivery of the first 40 NATO-standard tactical vehicles produced in Albania marks an important step for the country’s defense industry. The company Timak Defence produced the vehicles, which include 35 light tactical vehicles …

News

Gonxhja: Albania Suspends Construction Works in Tourist Areas During Summer Season

Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced that Albania will halt construction works and related activities in tourist areas during the summer season. The Council of Ministers approved the measure to improve visitors’ experiences and protect the quality of the tourist season. The decision will prevent construction activities from …

News

PM Rama: Albania aims for fully domestic-made military equipment by 2028

TIRANA, July 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania aims to equip its Armed Forces with military vehicles and capabilities produced in the country by 2028. Rama made the statement during a ceremony where the Armed Forces received the first 40 tactical vehicles produced in Albania by Timak Defence …

News

PM Rama: Albania plans to produce super-intelligent drones for air defence

TIRANA, July 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing new defence industry capacities. He said the country plans to produce intelligent drones and advanced military equipment. Rama spoke at the ceremony for the delivery of tactical vehicles from “Timak Defence”. He said Albania would soon present more …

News

New administrative reform aims to preserve European Union standards

TIRANA, July 31 – Deputy chair of the Special Commission for Administrative-Territorial Reform, Arbjan Mazniku, said the proposed territorial division aims to consolidate municipalities and improve public services. He added that the reform will preserve the standards achieved through the current system. Presenting the main elements of the draft reform, …

News

U.S. Senate clears way for Eric Wendt vote as new ambassador to Albania

TIRANA, July 31 – The US Senate approved a procedural resolution that allows a group vote on 74 nominations from the American administration, including Eric Wendt’s candidacy for ambassador to Albania, according to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website. The resolution passed with 50 votes in favor and 47 against, …

News

Himara beaches inspected to protect public spaces

TIRANA, July 31 – Authorities continue inspections along coastal areas to ensure the proper use of public spaces and compliance with beach management standards. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the National Coastline Agency and municipalities are carrying out inspections in Himara to protect public beach areas. Meanwhile, …

News

Public Safety Local Council in Elbasan discusses measures against online misinformation and digital violence

TIRANA, July 31 – Online misinformation and digital violence against children were the focus of the latest meeting of the Public Safety Local Council in Elbasan. Local institutions and partners discussed measures under the School Safety Package 2026-2027. They also presented the “Raporto Tani” (Report Now) application, which aims to …

News

Gonxhja: Tirana Becomes Albania’s Tourism Capital as Cross-Border Tourism Gains Importance

Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania is reshaping its tourism policies to improve service quality and extend the tourist season throughout the year. He explained that the country is following the National Tourism Strategy and introducing new measures to strengthen sustainable tourism development. Furthermore, Gonxhja highlighted cultural tourism as a …