Former Intelligence Chief Accused of Blackmailing Leading Investigative Journalist
Vlora Hyseni’s public accusation against Klodiana Lala has triggered an unusually broad reaction from journalists’ organizations and opposition politicians, while raising a deeper question: was Albania’s intelligence service collecting information on investigative journalists, and could such information have been used to intimidate them? Tirana Times, September 24, 2026 – Klodiana …
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development raises Albania growth forecast to 3.5%
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has raised its forecast for Albania’s economic growth in 2026 to 3.5%, from 3.4% in June. The bank linked the revision to reforms and investment related to European Union accession. Albania’s economy grew by 3.8% in 2025 and by 3.7% in the first …
Archaeological research resumes at Paleolithic settlement in Gajtan near Shkodër
Archaeological research has resumed for a second consecutive year in Gajtan village, east of Shkodër, near the Gajtan Cave. The work forms part of the Gajtan Paleolithic Archaeological Research in Albania project. Archaeologist Rudens Ruka leads the project, which brings together Albania’s Institute of Archaeology and several French research institutions. …
FM Hoxha meets EU vice-president Kallas, reaffirms Albania’s commitment to regional cooperation
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended a lunch hosted by European Commission Vice-President and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. Western Balkan leaders and foreign ministers also attended. The discussions focused on current developments in the Western Balkans, regional challenges and closer …
Excellence and internship programmes offer entry to Albania’s public administration
The Excellence Programme and the National Internship Programme are government initiatives that help young graduates enter Albania’s public administration. The two programmes differ in the type and duration of the opportunity they offer. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared the experiences of two young women who have joined the public …
Albania collects record 164.9 billion ALL in customs revenue
Albania’s Customs Administration collected a record 164.9 billion ALL in revenue during the first eight months of 2026. The figure is 6.8 billion ALL higher than in the same period last year. According to the General Directorate of Customs, the result reflects stronger import activity, improved administration and tighter controls. …
President Begaj meets Albania’s top security officials
President Bajram Begaj met with Interior Minister Ervin Demo, General Director of the State Police Skënder Hita and acting State Intelligence Service director Elvis Lila on September 24. The Presidency said Begaj discussed current issues with the three officials. The meetings came after the Special Prosecution Office investigated former State …
Tirana-Durres railway and airport link targeted for 2027
Albania aims to improve its railway network in the coming years. Major projects will strengthen links between Tirana, Durrës, the airport and regional transport corridors. Deputy Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enkelejda Muçaj said the Tirana-Durrës railway and its connection to Tirana International Airport should become operational by that date. She …
Durrës Port handles more than 2.78 million tonnes of goods in eight months
Durrës Port handled more than 2.78 million tonnes of goods and 1,432 vessels during the first eight months of the year. The figures cover the January-August period. The port reported a high level of activity during the period. Durrës Port remains one of Albania’s main hubs for maritime transport and …
China: Development, Openness and Cooperation
By H.E. Ms. Pang Chunxue, Ambassador of the Republic of China to the Republic of Albania Seventy-seven years ago, Chairman Mao Zedong proudly declared to the world: “The Chinese people have stood up!” Through reform and opening-up, China has become prosperous and has developed into the world’s second-largest economy. Today, …
div:has([data-free-thinking-preview-answer=true])+:is(.text-message,.relative:has(>.text-message))]:-mt-2 grow”> Tirana is strengthening its position as one of Southern Europe’s fastest-growing urban destinations, combining a vibrant city atmosphere, a rich cultural and culinary scene, and easy access to Albania’s coastal attractions. Italian newspaper Il Resto del Carlino has ranked the Albanian capital among four affordable destinations recommended for …
Albania’s EU accession negotiations took centre stage at an interparliamentary conference in Tirana. The event focused on reforms and membership obligations. It also examined the role of parliaments in European integration. The conference, titled “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Accession,” brings together lawmakers and officials from across Europe. …
Ahead of National Cultural Heritage Day, the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Berat presented an open-air exhibition featuring the city’s rich cultural heritage. The exhibition showcases views of traditional Berat homes, places of worship and icons created by Onufri, the Çetiri brothers and anonymous painters. The organizers placed the …
Several villages in Korçë are creating new spaces to produce, promote and sell traditional local products as part of the “Taste Routes” project. Mayor Sotiraq Filo said the Albanian Development Fund and the Municipality of Korçë are implementing the project together. The initiative aims to give new functions to village …
Prime Minister Edi Rama will attend the Euronews Tourism Summit in Brussels today, September 29. The summit brings together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and experts. They will discuss the trends shaping the future of tourism. Topics include changing traveller expectations, digital innovation, and sustainable development. Rama’s participation offers an opportunity …
Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla met today with Anton Hofreiter, Chair of the German Bundestag’s Committee on European Union Affairs. The meeting focused on Albania’s European integration process. They also discussed progress in the EU accession negotiations and close cooperation with Germany in support of Albania’s path to …
Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi met today with Anja Karliczek, Chair of the German Bundestag’s Parliamentary Committee on Tourism. He also welcomed members of the German delegation visiting Albania. During the meeting, both sides praised the strong political and economic ties between Albania and Germany. They also highlighted …
The European Commission is drawing up proposals that would give the four leading EU candidates a clearer, step-by-step path to membership. The plans target Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania, according to two senior Commission officials who spoke to POLITICO. The officials work on the draft proposals and spoke anonymously about …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with representatives of the joint IMF and World Bank mission as Albania completed its Financial Sector Assessment Program, or FSAP. The Albanian authorities requested the assessment, while the Bank of Albania coordinated the process domestically. Senior officials from the Financial Supervisory Authority, the …
The Lezhë coast attracted more holidaymakers during the 2026 summer season, with visits to the beaches of Shëngjin and Tale increasing by 14% compared with last year. According to data from the Municipality of Lezhë, August recorded the highest number of visitors during the season. The number of holidaymakers increased …