Ahmetaj Calls for Stronger Transparency and Consumer Protection in Microfinance
Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Albania, Natasha Ahmetaj, called for stronger transparency and consumer protection in the microfinance sector. She spoke during the 28th Annual Conference of the Microfinance Centre. The event focused on the future of microfinance and its social mission. Ahmetaj said microfinance must remain an …
Council of Europe Report: Albania Among Countries with Highest Pre-Trial Detention Rates
Council of Europe reports that Albania is among European countries with the highest incarceration and pre-trial detention rates. The findings come from the annual SPACE I report for 2025. The data shows 192 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants in Albania. At the same time, prison occupancy remains relatively low. Albania records …
Peace Board calls UN Security Council to pressure Hamas to disarm
TIRANA, May 20 – The Peace Board, created to oversee the Gaza ceasefire, will ask the United Nations Security Council to pressure Hamas to disarm, according to AP. Albania is a member of the Peace Board. A report scheduled for discussion at the Security Council says Hamas’ refusal to surrender …
Green light for “Gateway to the Alps” as economy committee approves European Investment Bank funding for northern infrastructure
TIRANA, May 20 – The Committee on Economy, Employment and Finance has approved a draft law that opens the way for financing one of the most important infrastructure projects in northern Albania, known as “Gateway to the Alps”. The committee, led by chair Milva Ekonomi, reviewed the financial agreement between …
Clear weather across the country with light cloud cover
TIRANA, May 20 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. The weather will be clear across the territory. Light and temporary cloud cover will appear in mountainous areas in the east from midday to the afternoon. Wind will blow from the northwest to …
PM Rama meets South Korean counterpart Kim Min-seok in Seoul to boost trade, investment and artificial intelligence cooperation
TIRANA, May 20 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok during his visit to South Korea. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen relations between the two countries. Rama said South Korea serves as an inspiration for Albania in national development. He added that both …
Mazniku: New Territorial Reform Must Close Development Gap Between Municipalities
Albania aims to reduce development gaps between municipalities through a new territorial reform. Administrative-Territorial Reform Co-Chair Arbjan Mazniku spoke during a public hearing in Durrës. He said balanced territorial development remains a major challenge for local government. Mazniku said the 2014 reform brought positive results. He noted better services and …
Tax Authorities and IMF Discuss Implementation of Fiscal Peace Measures
Albania’s tax administration met experts from the International Monetary Fund to discuss the implementation of the “Fiscal Peace” package. General Tax Director Ilir Binaj led the meeting in Tirana. The sides reviewed progress on tax reforms. They also discussed the EU Growth Plan, TADAT standards and debt management measures. Officials …
Albania to Host Socca European Championship Starting Tomorrow
Albania will officially launch the Socca European Championship tomorrow at the House of Football. Organizers built a modern mini stadium for the event. The venue will host matches from 28 national teams over five days. The tournament will begin at 09:00 with the match between Bulgaria and Ireland. Group stage …
Lamallari: Coastal Security and Territorial Control Key Priorities for Tourist Season
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said security and territorial control along Albania’s coastline remain key priorities for the tourist season. Lamallari spoke during a meeting in Sarandë with State Police officials, territorial inspectors and local institutions. He referred to recent events in the coastal city, where authorities detained four police officers …
Greece is increasing efforts to restart talks with Albania on maritime borders. Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias will visit Tirana next week for high-level meetings. He will meet Albanian Defense Minister Ermal Nufi and Prime Minister Edi Rama. The visit aims to revive talks on maritime border delimitation. In October …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania will officially open the final phase of European Union membership negotiations on May 26 in Brussels. He said Albania successfully completed the opening phase of the process. During his weekly remarks, Rama highlighted the discussions between the European Commission and EU member states in …
The Albanian Football Federation took part in the “UEFA Grow for Human Resources and Financial Management” conference in Warsaw. The event brought together representatives from European football federations. The conference focused on human resources and financial management inside football federations. Participants discussed organizational structures, internal processes and strategic planning. They …
Igli Hasani praised Italy’s support for Albania as steady, concrete and sincere. He said the backing extends across Italy’s political spectrum. During an official visit to Rome, Hasani met senior Italian officials. They focused on Albania’s path toward European integration and parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. Hasani met with …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha thanked U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio for honoring Mother Teresa. He praised her as a saint of Albanian origin who left a strong legacy of compassion, humility and service to humanity. In a social media post, Hoxha said Mother Teresa’s life …
Parliamentary Group Chair of the Socialist Party Taulant Balla said Albania’s European Union integration requires continued reforms and strong citizen involvement. He spoke during a discussion with students of the European University of Tirana held at Preza Castle. Balla focused on the progress of reforms and the fulfillment of conditions …
Three young innovators presented their projects on the podcast “Flasim”, hosted by Prime Minister Edi Rama. First, they introduced ideas focused on technology, research and agriculture. Then, they explained how innovation can become industry in Albania. Fabjola presented a self-healing concrete technology. She said the material uses industrial waste. It …
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio paid tribute to the legacy of Mother Teresa during a visit to the Missionaries of Charity. The U.S. Embassy in Tirana shared Rubio’s statement on social media. Rubio said Mother Teresa left an extraordinary legacy of compassion and service. He said he was honored …
The European Union Delegation in Albania has condemned the latest Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine. It said the strikes targeted Kyiv during the night and caused several casualties. It also said the residential complex where the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania in Ukraine lives was hit. The …
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs summoned the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Tirana, Alexey Zaitsev, to deliver a strong protest. The ministry responded to massive drone and missile attacks overnight in Ukraine. It said the attacks hit the residential complex where …