Bylykbashi calls for fundamental electoral system reform and open lists in elections
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ Oerd Bylykbashi, co-chair of the Electoral Reform Commission, today called for the reform process to focus on implementing the recommendations of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), describing the establishment of a level playing field as the key to ensuring free and fair …
Hoxha: Regional cooperation and European integration must go hand in hand
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha took part in the Ministerial Meeting of the Central European Initiative (CEI), held in Bucharest, Romania. Amid profound shifts in Europe’s security and geopolitical landscape, regional cooperation is more important than ever, according to the Foreign Minister. “The CEI remains a valuable platform …
Rama announces new inspection framework for 2027, unannounced checks to be phased out
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ The 32nd Tirana International Fair (TIF32) featured a conference with the participation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and Economy Minister Delina Ibrahimaj, providing foreign businesses and prospective investors with guidance on Albania’s legal requirements, regulatory standards and inspection procedures. The conference featured three thematic panels focusing …
Dutch Ambassador: Protests reflect social tensions, violence is unacceptable
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ Dutch Ambassador Marleen Monster said Albania’s protests reflect public discontent and social tensions, stressing that while citizens have the right to demonstrate, violence is unacceptable. During a visit to Korçë, where she met with law enforcement representatives to discuss media freedom, Monster stressed that citizens have …
Gonxhja holds talks with World Bank Director on Sustainable Tourism Development
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja today held a meeting with Xiaoqing Yu, the World Bank’s Country Director for the Western Balkans, and other representatives of the institution. Gonxhja said the discussions focused on the progress of reforms and projects aimed at increasing tourism’s economic …
Albania and India explore new avenues for tourism cooperation
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ On the sidelines of the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026 international tourism fair, National Tourism Agency Director-General Jola Hysaj held a meeting with India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The talks focused on strengthening tourism relations and cooperation between Albania and India through …
US ambassador Eric Wendt outlines priorities for Albania: defence, investment and security
United States Ambassador Eric Wendt has outlined his priorities in a video message posted on X. He identified defence, economic prosperity and security as the main areas for cooperation. He also thanked President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their trust, along with the Albanian people for …
Albania and Kosova hold joint mountain search and rescue exercise
Personnel from Albania’s Civil Emergencies Support Base and the Kosova Security Force held a joint mountain search and rescue exercise in Prevalla, near Prizren. According to Defence Minister Ermal Nufi, the exercise took place from 2 to 5 November. Participants exchanged experience, tested new equipment and practised rescue techniques in …
Gonxhja: ALL 2.08 BILLION LEK ALLOCATED TO CULTURAL HERITAGE AND MUSEUMS IN 2027
Albania will allocate 2.08 billion lek to the Cultural Heritage and Museums programme in 2027, marking an 80% increase compared with 2026, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced on Thursday. Presenting the draft budget to the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Gonxhja said the increased …
FM Hoxha and Romanian counterpart reaffirm support for Albania’s European integration
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Romania’s new Foreign Minister, Dan Neculaescu, in Bucharest to discuss bilateral ties and regional security. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation, with a particular focus on expanding economic and trade relations and making full use of their potential. Hoxha …
The Site of Witness and Memory Museum in Shkodër attracts foreign visitors interested in Albania’s communist past. Through documents, personal testimonies and preserved rooms, they learn about political prisoners and persecution under the dictatorship. The museum occupies a former branch of the Internal Affairs Department. Photographs, letters, manuscripts and personal …
Civil protection authorities are preparing for possible emergencies during the 2026–2027 autumn and winter season. At a meeting of the Civil Protection Commission, officials discussed measures to address heavy rainfall, icy conditions and other severe weather. Commission Chair Albert Halilaj stressed the need to protect roads linking villages to administrative …
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has expressed condolences for those killed or injured in an explosion at a steel plant in Turkey’s Izmir province. In a social media statement on Tuesday, he offered sympathy to families who lost loved ones and expressed Albania’s solidarity with Turkey. Hoxha said he was deeply …
Albania have begun their training camp ahead of their final two Nations League matches against Finland and Belarus. The Albanian Football Association said 25 players were available to coach Rolando Maran, while Myrto Uzuni and Qazim Laçi were due to join the squad on Tuesday evening. Both players are expected …
European Union Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa has stressed that civil society is a key partner in Albania’s accession process. She said the 2026 Albania Report reflects many of its concerns. At the report’s presentation to civil society organisations, participants raised environmental issues, transparency, land ownership rights, education and healthcare. …
Shote Galica, an Albanian fighter for national liberation and unity, was born in Drenica, Kosova, on 10 November 1895. Born Qerime, she grew up as the only daughter in a family with six sons. Inspired by Albanian patriots, she took up arms alongside her husband, Azem Bejta. Her resistance against …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the 2027 defence budget will continue to modernise the Armed Forces, strengthen national security and meet commitments to NATO and strategic allies. Rama also shared footage of first-year bachelor’s students and Officer Preparation Course trainees at the Military Professional Education Centre in Bunavi, Vlora. He …
Transparency Board has set new maximum wholesale and retail fuel prices under measures addressing the special situation in the hydrocarbon market. Retail diesel prices must not exceed ALL 208 per litre, while wholesale prices must remain at or below ALL 196. For petrol, the maximum stands at ALL 167 per …
All tickets have sold out for Albania’s UEFA Nations League match against Finland at Air Albania Stadium, confirming strong fan interest in supporting the national team. Albania will face Finland on 12 November at 20:45 in front of a full stadium. Fans are expected to create their trademark atmosphere and …
State Police Director General Skënder Hita has highlighted efforts to prevent cannabis cultivation and stop drug sales near schools in 2026, during a joint conference with Italy’s Guardia di Finanza. Police identified 132,000 cannabis seedlings before cultivation, compared with 17,447 last year. Authorities also used 84 drones to monitor territory, …