Albania’s 2027 budget doubles pension bonuses and disability payments for children
Albania’s 2027 draft budget will double monthly pension bonuses from January 1, while increasing support for children with disabilities and families in need. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the measures at the Conference of Chairpersons. Pension indexing is scheduled for April 2027, with around ALL 1.35 billion allocated for the …
Equinoxe Europe Brings International Screenwriting Experts to Albania
Durrës has become a meeting point for screenwriters and filmmakers from across Europe, as Albania hosts the international Equinoxe script development programme for the first time. The National Center of Cinematography said the programme has more than 30 years of experience in developing film scripts through professional guidance and collaboration …
Korça attracts autumn tourists as New Year bookings begin
Korça continues to welcome groups of foreign tourists in autumn, with its traditions, local cuisine and hospitality drawing visitors from Albania and abroad. Tourists are visiting the city’s main attractions and exploring its streets. Tour operator Eriketa Koçollari said foreign groups from around the world continued to visit the city …
Qatari-backed partnership targets $2 billion in investments in Albania and Kosova
Strategic Group and Qatar-based Ocean B Holding have signed a strategic cooperation framework targeting up to $2 billion in investments in Kosova and Albania. Under the agreement, Ocean B Holding has authorised Strategic Group to represent its investment interests across the region. The mandate also covers Montenegro, North Macedonia and …
Albania allocates ALL 76.7 billion for defence, 2.35% of gross domestic product
Albania plans to allocate ALL 76.7 billion to the Ministry of Defence in 2027, including ALL 7 billion in additional funding. The allocation will bring defence spending to 2.35% of gross domestic product, reflecting Albania’s commitments as a NATO member. Presenting the 2027 draft budget at the Conference of Chairpersons, …
2027 fiscal package raises dividend tax and cuts value-added tax on basic goods
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the 2027 fiscal package at the Conference of Chairpersons. He said the proposed changes would have a neutral overall effect. The package aims to redistribute income and protect vulnerable groups and the middle class. The plan rests on 3 principles: income redistribution, greater tax fairness …
Bonuses for Albanian Police on Protest Frontlines Spur Calls for Accountability
Security experts say Prime Minister Edi Rama has crossed a line in gifting police officers a 2,500-euro bonus for facing down protesters against his rule. Original post Here
Albanian Customs Strengthen Regional Cooperation Against Cross-Border Crime
The Albanian Customs Administration is strengthening regional cooperation to fight cross-border crime. It works with international authorities through the Southeast European Law Enforcement Center (SELEC), sharing information and coordinating operations. The administration also supports joint efforts to improve regional security. As part of this work, it reports information on seizures …
Lungomare 3 Transforms Radhimë, Boosting Vlora’s Tourism Potential
The Lungomare 3 project is transforming Radhimë and expanding Vlora’s potential for quality tourism. The investment has upgraded coastal infrastructure and created modern public spaces for residents and visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared new footage of Radhimë, highlighting the ongoing urban transformation along the Vlora coast. The new promenade …
Albania Approves Transport Strategy and Action Plan Through 2030
The Albanian government has approved a new Transport Sector Strategy and action plan through 2030. The Council of Ministers adopted the decision on Tuesday. The strategy and action plan will guide the measures and policies planned for the transport sector over the next four years. Under the decision, the Ministry …
EU justice agency says seven more suspects were arrested and 100 servers were shut down in ongoing international operation against investment fraud involving Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia. Original post Here
Albania’s Tax Administration reported net tax revenue of ALL 40.1 billion in October 2026, exceeding the monthly target by ALL 200 million, or 0.6%. Revenue increased by ALL 4 billion, or 11.2%, compared with October 2025. The administration reported this growth despite a decline in trade volumes caused by protests. …
Albanian Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja announced the completion of restoration work at Borsh Castle, overlooking the Ionian coast on the Albanian Riviera. The project focused on consolidating the fortifications, preserving the monument’s authenticity and highlighting its historical and architectural features, including the Haxhi Bendo Mosque. The …
Greek authorities have reduced winter operating hours at Qafëbota, Albania’s southernmost border crossing with Greece. From November 1 to March 31, the crossing operates from 07:00 to 21:00 Greek time, cutting daily service by 4 hours. Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue announced the schedule. During summer, Qafëbota operates from …
Central Election Commission head Celibashi calls for electoral code changes ahead of local elections
Albania’s Central Election Commission head, Ilirjan Celibashi, has called for the implementation of recommendations from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s election observers ahead of the May 9 local elections. He said lawmakers must align the Electoral Code with the new territorial division. The changes should address municipal …
Albanian Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro has presented the ministry’s proposed 2027 budget to the Assembly’s Committee on Education, Science and Sport. The ministry is set to receive ALL 67.95 billion, a 4.8% increase on the previous year. Kumbaro said all five budget programmes would receive more funding. Priorities include support …
Albanian footballers continued to make an impact in foreign leagues, with Ernest Muçi leading the weekend’s performances through a goal and an assist. Cristian Shpendi and Indrit Tuci also found the net for their clubs. Muçi helped Trabzonspor beat Gaziantep 2-0 in the Turkish league. He provided an assist late …
Partizani beat Teuta 1-0 in Durrës on Monday to close the 10th round of Albania’s Abissnet Superiore. The away win ended a run of six consecutive defeats and earned Partizani three important points. Egnatia strengthened their lead with a 2-1 victory over Tirana at Vora’s stadium. Teuta’s defeat also helped …
The jailed Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, accused Prime Minister Edi Rama had demanded his resignation as relation between two old political friends further deteriorate. Original post Here
Albania will see unsettled weather on Tuesday, with moderate to dense cloud cover and occasional clear spells. Temperatures will range from 4°C in Dibër to 19°C in Berat and Saranda, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Light, intermittent rain and brief thunderstorms are expected across most of the country from …