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Albania women’s national team begins historic World Cup 2027 play-off against Wales

The Albanian women’s national football team starts a historic journey in the play-off stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 after UEFA’s draw placed Wales as its first-round opponent. The red-and-black team will open the campaign in front of Albanian supporters on October 9, when it hosts Wales …

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Faces of Protest: Meet the Albanians Taking to Tirana’s Streets

Prime Minister Edi Rama claims the daily protests shaking Tirana are misguided or manipulated from outside. BIRN spoke with some of the most dedicated protesters to find out more about their hopes for environmental and democratic changes. Original post Here

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Saudi Ambassador Meets Head of Albania–Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Group

Tirana Times, July 6,2026 – Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Albania, H.E. Turki bin Ibrahim Al-Madi, received Albanian MP Baldi Çomo, Chairman of the Albania–Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Eriol Mile for talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation. According to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Tirana, the …

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Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and OSCE Strengthen Cooperation to Promote Equality

The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and the OSCE Presence in Albania agreed to strengthen their institutional cooperation during a meeting between Commissioner Genta Tafa (Bungo) and OSCE Ambassador Michel Tarran. The two sides discussed joint initiatives to prevent and address hate speech while promoting equality, respect, and non-discrimination. They …

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Albania Launches New Public Administration Reforms to Advance EU Integration

Albania has unveiled a new package of initiatives aimed at modernizing its public administration and strengthening its preparedness for European Union membership. During Public Administration Week, Minister of State for Public Administration Adea Pirdeni emphasized that the government will prioritize investment in human capital, improve institutional performance, and align Albania’s …

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Prime Minister Rama Hosts Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani

Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and his delegation to the Prime Minister’s Office in Tirana. The visit marks Talabani’s first official trip to Albania and reflects efforts to strengthen relations between Albania and the Kurdistan Region. Prime Minister Rama …

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France Praises Albania’s Progress in Democratic Reforms and EU Integration Path

The Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi received Pierre-Alexandre Anglade, Chair of the Committee on European Affairs in the French National Assembly, along with members of the delegation, in Tirana. During the meeting, both sides highlighted the strong relations between Albania and France and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation within …

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Albania Reaffirms Commitment to EU Reforms in Talks with French Parliamentary Delegation

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha received a delegation from the European Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, led by Pierre-Alexandre Anglade, in Tirana. The two sides discussed current developments in the EU enlargement process and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum and credibility in the accession …

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Rama: Adaptability key for Albania’s garment industry amid EU integration process

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlights the importance of transformation and adaptability for Albania’s fason industry during the presentation of the national program preparing businesses for European Union integration. Rama presents leather-processing entrepreneur Etleva Laro’s company as an example of a business that successfully adapted to new economic challenges. He says …

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Balla and Hoxhaj discuss Kosovo justice, EU integration, and regional security

Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla meets with Kosovo MP and former Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj at the Albanian Parliament to discuss key regional issues. During the meeting, Balla and Hoxhaj address the legal proceedings against former Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK) leaders in The Hague, emphasizing the importance of …

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MIK Festival opens ninth edition in Korça with Morina Trio jazz concert

Tirana, July 10 – The ninth edition of the MIK Festival has opened in Korça. The four-day event brings concerts and cultural performances to historic venues across the city. Organisers will present a wide range of musical genres throughout the festival. Festival founder and internationally acclaimed soprano Inva Mula said …

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FM Hoxha: European Union enlargement is a strategic investment, Albania targets 2027 to conclude membership talks

TIRANA, July 10 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the Friends of the Western Balkans meeting in Rome, hosted by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Participants discussed the region’s European future and the European Union’s enlargement process. In a post …

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Albania and Italy strengthen cooperation on digital customs and AI

Albania and Italy are expanding customs cooperation by focusing on digital systems, electronic data exchange and the use of artificial intelligence in customs operations. Director General of the Albanian Customs Administration Besmir Beja met with Roberto Alesse, Director General of the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, during an official visit …

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Kumbaro hails EU negotiation milestone on education and science

Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro welcomed the approval by COREPER to close the first three chapters of Albania’s EU accession negotiations, calling it a major achievement for the country and its negotiating team. Kumbaro highlighted that two of the three chapters are directly related to the Ministry of Education: Chapter 25 …

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COREPER approves provisional closure of three EU accession chapters for Albania

COREPER approved the provisional closure of three chapters in Albania’s European Union accession negotiations, pushing the country another step forward on its path toward membership. The Agency for Media and Information (MIA) announced that the Committee of Permanent Representatives of EU member states endorsed the EU’s Common Position on closing …

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EtnoArtGallery in Korçë showcases Albania’s cultural identity and heritage

EtnoArtGallery – “The House of Memory” in the heart of Korçë’s Old Bazaar invites visitors on a journey through Albanian history, traditions and cultural heritage. The gallery displays authentic traditional costumes, rare objects and handmade elements that reflect everyday life in Albanian cities and villages of the past. Prime Minister …

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Albanians Hold ALL 1.8 Trillion in Bank Savings, Top 10 Depositors Control 7.5% of Total Deposits

Albanian households and businesses hold approximately ALL 1.8 trillion (around €18 billion) in bank deposits, while the country’s ten largest depositors account for about 7.5% of the total savings in the banking system. According to the Bank of Albania’s Supervision Report, total deposits reached ALL 1.8 trillion at the end …

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Qafë Qelë–Koman Road Reconstructed, Improving Access to One of Northern Albania’s Key Tourist Destinations

The 31-kilometre Qafë Qelë–Koman road has been reconstructed, significantly improving access to one of northern Albania’s most promising tourist destinations. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi, together with the Director of the Albanian Road Authority, Ami Kozeli, inspected the completed works during a site visit. The investment is considered …

News
Gaza Mission: Defense Minister Nufi Says Albania Will Initially Deploy Staff Officers

Albania will initially contribute staff officers to the international stabilization mission in Gaza, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi announced in an interview with Euronews Albania. Nufi said that following the completion of a reconnaissance and assessment mission, and after reviewing the report prepared by Albanian officers, the General Staff of the …

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Alpine Theth stays busy as summer tourism peaks

TIRANA, July 10 – The mountain village of Theth, located 70 kilometres from Shkodër, continues to rank among Albania’s most popular summer destinations. Large numbers of Albanian and foreign visitors are exploring the area during the peak tourist season. They come to experience Theth’s natural beauty as well as its …

News

MIK Festival opens ninth edition in Korça with Morina Trio jazz concert

Tirana, July 10 – The ninth edition of the MIK Festival has opened in Korça. The four-day event brings concerts and cultural performances to historic venues across the city. Organisers will present a wide range of musical genres throughout the festival. Festival founder and internationally acclaimed soprano Inva Mula said …

News

FM Hoxha: European Union enlargement is a strategic investment, Albania targets 2027 to conclude membership talks

TIRANA, July 10 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the Friends of the Western Balkans meeting in Rome, hosted by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Participants discussed the region’s European future and the European Union’s enlargement process. In a post …

News

Albania and Italy strengthen cooperation on digital customs and AI

Albania and Italy are expanding customs cooperation by focusing on digital systems, electronic data exchange and the use of artificial intelligence in customs operations. Director General of the Albanian Customs Administration Besmir Beja met with Roberto Alesse, Director General of the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, during an official visit …

News

Kumbaro hails EU negotiation milestone on education and science

Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro welcomed the approval by COREPER to close the first three chapters of Albania’s EU accession negotiations, calling it a major achievement for the country and its negotiating team. Kumbaro highlighted that two of the three chapters are directly related to the Ministry of Education: Chapter 25 …

News

COREPER approves provisional closure of three EU accession chapters for Albania

COREPER approved the provisional closure of three chapters in Albania’s European Union accession negotiations, pushing the country another step forward on its path toward membership. The Agency for Media and Information (MIA) announced that the Committee of Permanent Representatives of EU member states endorsed the EU’s Common Position on closing …

News

EtnoArtGallery in Korçë showcases Albania’s cultural identity and heritage

EtnoArtGallery – “The House of Memory” in the heart of Korçë’s Old Bazaar invites visitors on a journey through Albanian history, traditions and cultural heritage. The gallery displays authentic traditional costumes, rare objects and handmade elements that reflect everyday life in Albanian cities and villages of the past. Prime Minister …

News

Albanians Hold ALL 1.8 Trillion in Bank Savings, Top 10 Depositors Control 7.5% of Total Deposits

Albanian households and businesses hold approximately ALL 1.8 trillion (around €18 billion) in bank deposits, while the country’s ten largest depositors account for about 7.5% of the total savings in the banking system. According to the Bank of Albania’s Supervision Report, total deposits reached ALL 1.8 trillion at the end …

News

Qafë Qelë–Koman Road Reconstructed, Improving Access to One of Northern Albania’s Key Tourist Destinations

The 31-kilometre Qafë Qelë–Koman road has been reconstructed, significantly improving access to one of northern Albania’s most promising tourist destinations. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi, together with the Director of the Albanian Road Authority, Ami Kozeli, inspected the completed works during a site visit. The investment is considered …

News

Gaza Mission: Defense Minister Nufi Says Albania Will Initially Deploy Staff Officers

Albania will initially contribute staff officers to the international stabilization mission in Gaza, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi announced in an interview with Euronews Albania. Nufi said that following the completion of a reconnaissance and assessment mission, and after reviewing the report prepared by Albanian officers, the General Staff of the …

News

Alpine Theth stays busy as summer tourism peaks

TIRANA, July 10 – The mountain village of Theth, located 70 kilometres from Shkodër, continues to rank among Albania’s most popular summer destinations. Large numbers of Albanian and foreign visitors are exploring the area during the peak tourist season. They come to experience Theth’s natural beauty as well as its …