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PM Rama: European standards in food safety a challenge to achieve in EU membership negotiation process

TIRANA, April 21 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said food safety represents one of the toughest challenges in Albania’s European Union accession talks. He made the remarks during a meeting with food business operators in Tirana. Rama linked food safety reforms directly to Albania’s goal of EU membership within the …

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Rama: Food safety, the most complex challenge of the EU integration process

Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting this Tuesday with food business operators, where he emphasized the importance of the European Union accession process as a key challenge for ensuring food safety in the country. Rama described food safety as one of the most difficult challenges of the negotiations, stressing …

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“We have provided €12.5 million for food safety,” Gonzato: Quality improvement a condition for the EU

The European Union Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, during a meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama and representatives of the food business sector, stated that food safety is an important area for Albania’s progress toward the EU, as it is directly linked to access to the European market. He underlined …

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Food safety, Rama: 900 businesses risk closure if they fail to meet EU standards

Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting with food business operators, where he emphasized that food safety is one of the most difficult and complex challenges in the process of European Union accession. The Prime Minister stated that 900 food-related businesses operating in the country risk closure or exclusion from …

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Rama visits Greece, to attend the Delphi Economic Forum; meeting also with Mitsotakis

Prime Minister Edi Rama will pay a working visit to Greece at the invitation of the Delphi Economic Forum, which will take place from April 21 to 23. Rama will hold a meeting with his counterpart, the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations, deepening economic …

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Record state budget revenues, €240 million more than last year

Revenues from taxes and customs have increased by around €240 million at the beginning of this year. VAT and social contributions have recorded the most significant growth. The state budget collected approximately 205 billion ALL in the first three months of the year. This figure is about 24 billion ALL, …

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U.S. Ambassador to NATO visits Kosovo, welcomed by Anu Prattipati

The Chargé d’Affaires of the United States of America in Kosovo, Anu Prattipati, welcomed on Tuesday the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, Ambassador Matthew Whitaker, during his visit. Through a post on “X,” the U.S. Embassy in Pristina stated that this visit is an opportunity to discuss shared security interests. …

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Haxhiu meets U.S. representative to NATO: America’s support vital for Kosovo

The Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, received on Tuesday the United States Permanent Representative to NATO, Matthew G. Whitaker. It is reported that the two interlocutors discussed current political developments, security in the Kosovo region, and the importance of close coordination among allies in facing the …

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Albania 2030: Minister Hoxha invites Albanian professionals to join the diplomatic team in Brussels

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, in a post on “X,” has invited Albanian professionals to join the diplomatic team in Brussels as part of the Albania 2030 objective. Hoxha writes that this is a key moment to contribute directly to a historic process that will shape …

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Applications open for soft loans in the Municipality of Tirana, registration through e-Albania

The Municipality of Tirana has opened applications for housing support through soft loans. In the first phase, which lasts until May 19, interested individuals must apply through the e-Albania platform. The Municipality of Tirana has launched the call for soft loans for the year 2026, defining the criteria, deadlines, and …

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Week in Review: Moves Towards Change, But in Which Direction?

Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week tells a story of political change in key countries in the region, but associated uncertainty about future political directions. Original post Here

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DPA exhibits rare diaries and manuscripts in Tirana

The General Directorate of Archives (DPA) organized a special exhibition in Tirana to mark World Book and Copyright Day. The event showcased rare diaries and original manuscripts of prominent Albanian figures for the first time. The exhibition took place in the cultural space “Auditor” and brought together officials, writers, critics, …

News
Albania pushes cash reduction as businesses face 30 May POS terminal deadline

TIRANA, April 24 – Businesses in Albania have 37 days left to meet legal requirements for cashless payments through POS terminals in selected sectors. The obligation applies to accommodation services, transport operators, and public institutions. The deadline for tourism and transport businesses is set for 30 May 2026. Separate provisions …

News
Albania advances green finance framework with European Investment Bank support

TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s Financial Supervisory Authority held talks with the European Investment Bank on developing a national green investment guide and strengthening sustainable finance standards. The meeting brought together experts from the European Investment Bank, led by Alessandro de Concini, the institution’s representative in Albania. Discussions focused on …

News
Dinamo City reach Albanian Cup final after narrow win over Vllaznia in Shkodër

TIRANA, April 24 – Dinamo City have qualified for the Albanian Cup final after defeating Vllaznia 1–0 at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium in Shkodër. The result followed a tightly contested semi-final second leg, where both sides created early chances but failed to convert in the first half. The first leg …

News
Government advances redevelopment of Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana

TIRANA, April 24 – The government approved legal changes to move forward with the redevelopment of the Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana. The revised decision expands the role of the Albanian Investment Corporation, which will act as project developer through partnership contracts. The model allows the corporation to work with …

News
Cruise ship “Monet” opens summer tourist season in Vlora

TIRANA, April 24 – The cruise ship “Monet” arrived at the port of Vlora on Friday, marking the start of the summer tourist season in the coastal city. Port authorities said the vessel, sailing under the Kingstown flag, carried 48 tourists from countries including Croatia, Portugal, Germany and the United …

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Nationwide coastal maintenance drive begins ahead of summer season

TIRANA, April 24 – Authorities have begun a nationwide coastal maintenance drive across municipalities and natural parks ahead of the summer tourist season. The Ministry of Environment is coordinating the effort with other institutions, local governments and volunteer groups. Teams are carrying out maintenance work along beaches and public areas, …

News
German-backed projects advance in energy, water and public transport sectors

TIRANA, April 24 – German-supported projects are expanding in Albania across energy, water supply and public transport sectors. A senior official from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development highlighted ongoing investments in energy infrastructure. She said a newly financed substation in Petrela will strengthen electricity supply for …

News
Dutch PM holds phone call with Albanian PM, highlights strategic role of Albania in Western Balkans

TIRANA, April 24 – The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, held a phone call with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Jetten posted details of the conversation on social media platform X, describing Albania as a key strategic partner in the Western Balkans for both the Netherlands and the …

News

Week in Review: Moves Towards Change, But in Which Direction?

Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week tells a story of political change in key countries in the region, but associated uncertainty about future political directions. Original post Here

News

DPA exhibits rare diaries and manuscripts in Tirana

The General Directorate of Archives (DPA) organized a special exhibition in Tirana to mark World Book and Copyright Day. The event showcased rare diaries and original manuscripts of prominent Albanian figures for the first time. The exhibition took place in the cultural space “Auditor” and brought together officials, writers, critics, …

News

Albania pushes cash reduction as businesses face 30 May POS terminal deadline

TIRANA, April 24 – Businesses in Albania have 37 days left to meet legal requirements for cashless payments through POS terminals in selected sectors. The obligation applies to accommodation services, transport operators, and public institutions. The deadline for tourism and transport businesses is set for 30 May 2026. Separate provisions …

News

Albania advances green finance framework with European Investment Bank support

TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s Financial Supervisory Authority held talks with the European Investment Bank on developing a national green investment guide and strengthening sustainable finance standards. The meeting brought together experts from the European Investment Bank, led by Alessandro de Concini, the institution’s representative in Albania. Discussions focused on …

News

Dinamo City reach Albanian Cup final after narrow win over Vllaznia in Shkodër

TIRANA, April 24 – Dinamo City have qualified for the Albanian Cup final after defeating Vllaznia 1–0 at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium in Shkodër. The result followed a tightly contested semi-final second leg, where both sides created early chances but failed to convert in the first half. The first leg …

News

Government advances redevelopment of Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana

TIRANA, April 24 – The government approved legal changes to move forward with the redevelopment of the Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana. The revised decision expands the role of the Albanian Investment Corporation, which will act as project developer through partnership contracts. The model allows the corporation to work with …

News

Cruise ship “Monet” opens summer tourist season in Vlora

TIRANA, April 24 – The cruise ship “Monet” arrived at the port of Vlora on Friday, marking the start of the summer tourist season in the coastal city. Port authorities said the vessel, sailing under the Kingstown flag, carried 48 tourists from countries including Croatia, Portugal, Germany and the United …

News

Nationwide coastal maintenance drive begins ahead of summer season

TIRANA, April 24 – Authorities have begun a nationwide coastal maintenance drive across municipalities and natural parks ahead of the summer tourist season. The Ministry of Environment is coordinating the effort with other institutions, local governments and volunteer groups. Teams are carrying out maintenance work along beaches and public areas, …

News

German-backed projects advance in energy, water and public transport sectors

TIRANA, April 24 – German-supported projects are expanding in Albania across energy, water supply and public transport sectors. A senior official from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development highlighted ongoing investments in energy infrastructure. She said a newly financed substation in Petrela will strengthen electricity supply for …

News

Dutch PM holds phone call with Albanian PM, highlights strategic role of Albania in Western Balkans

TIRANA, April 24 – The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, held a phone call with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Jetten posted details of the conversation on social media platform X, describing Albania as a key strategic partner in the Western Balkans for both the Netherlands and the …