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Çano: Germany provides €29 million in new support for development and reforms

Albania and Germany concluded Development Cooperation negotiations. They signed a new Cooperation Protocol for 2026–2028. This marks a key step in strengthening their long-term partnership. Eridana Çano, Director General of SASPAC, signed the protocol. Heike Backofen-Warnecke, representative of Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), also signed it. …

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Rama meets Ambassador Whitaker. Talks focus on NATO Summit in Tirana

Prime Minister Edi Rama met Matthew Whitaker today in Tirana. Rama said they discussed the close ties between the two countries. He stressed the strategic partnership. He highlighted strong diplomatic and military relations. He said both sides see their strengthening as a shared priority. They also discussed the upcoming NATO …

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Kos: Albania among leaders in EU integration process

Marta Kos said Albania ranks among the leading countries in the EU integration process. In an interview with Klan News, she spoke about Albania’s progress. She said the EU may approve interim rule of law benchmarks in May. Then the process of closing chapters can begin. She praised Albania’s progress. …

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Hoxha meets Kos in Delphi. Intensive work continues for EU membership

Ferit Hoxha met Marta Kos at the Delphi Economic Forum. They discussed Albania’s EU integration process. Hoxha said the EU membership process never stops. It requires constant work and energy. He stressed the role of both Albania and its partners. He said they discussed key issues for steady progress. They …

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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, …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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Over 817,000 passengers pass through Tirana airport in March

Tirana International Airport (TIA) recorded over 817,000 passengers and 4,708 flights in March, connecting to 80 destinations across 27 countries. The data show strong travel demand and continued growth in air traffic through Tirana. The most requested destinations were Milan, London, Rome, Pisa, and Bologna, reflecting high travel flows between …

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Former Finance Minister Arben Malaj warns of structural risks to growth in Albania

TIRANA, April 30 – A World Bank report forecasts a slowdown in Albania and the Western Balkans, raising concerns over growth prospects and social welfare. Speaking on “Mirëmëngjes Shqipëri” (“Good Morning Albania”), former Finance Minister Arben Malaj said international institutions projected continued growth but also highlighted structural weaknesses in the …

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Abissnet Superiore on RTSH: Round 34 scheduled entirely for Saturday at 16:00

TIRANA, April 31 – All matches from round 34 of the Abissnet Superiore, broadcast on RTSH, take place on Saturday at 16:00. The league also schedules the final two rounds of the regular season on the same day and time next week, on Wednesday and Sunday. League leaders Elbasani face …

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Fuel prices increase by 5 ALL, diesel reaches 208 ALL/litre and petrol 185 ALL/litre

TIRANA, April 30 – The Transparency Board has raised fuel prices by 5 ALL for both diesel and petrol in its decision dated 30 April 2026. Diesel now costs 208 ALL/litre, up from 203 ALL. Petrol is set at 185 ALL/litre. The Board also set wholesale limits. Diesel may not …

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“Tourism Development Pole” project transforms former government residence in Sarandë

The Council of Ministers approves amendments to transfer the “Government Residence” property in Sarandë to the municipality. Authorities include the site in the “Tourism Development Pole of Sarandë” project. They design it as an Eco-Smart campus stretching from Qafa e Gjashtës to the former residence area. The government removes restrictions …

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Golem substation upgrade strengthens coastal energy supply

TIRANA, April 30 – Energy and Infrastructure Minister Enea Karakaçi inspects the Golemi electricity substation in Golem, Kavaja, as part of ongoing investments to improve power supply in coastal and tourist areas. He says the upgrade doubles capacity from 31.5 MW to 80 MW and will secure long-term supply for …

News
PM Rama reacts to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report on Media and Information Agency, praises communication role

TIRANA, April 30 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to a report published by SIGMA under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which evaluates Albania’s Media and Information Agency (MIA). The report highlights the creation of the Media and Information Agency as a structure within the Prime …

News
EU-funded project boosts nature tourism in Elbasan and Funar

Elbasan expands nature tourism with the second phase of the EU IPA Cross-Border project. The Council of the Municipality approves the creation of the Dopaj–Funar hiking trail and new orientation signage. Mayor Gledian Llatja presents the project as part of a broader strategy to develop nature and adventure tourism in …

News
Finance Minister Malaj reports positive fiscal performance in first quarter of 2026

TIRANA, April 30 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj reported a positive and stable fiscal and economic performance during the first three months of 2026. He said key indicators showed higher budget revenues, improved fiscal administration, stronger tax compliance, as well as growth in employment and business activity. He attributed the …

News
“Reporters Without Borders” publish media freedom report

TIRANA, April 30 – “Reporters Without Borders” has published its latest report on media freedom in Albania. The report highlights pressure on press freedom and media independence. It links this pressure to conflicts of interest between business and politics, an incomplete legal framework, and political influence over media regulation. The …

News

Over 817,000 passengers pass through Tirana airport in March

Tirana International Airport (TIA) recorded over 817,000 passengers and 4,708 flights in March, connecting to 80 destinations across 27 countries. The data show strong travel demand and continued growth in air traffic through Tirana. The most requested destinations were Milan, London, Rome, Pisa, and Bologna, reflecting high travel flows between …

News

Former Finance Minister Arben Malaj warns of structural risks to growth in Albania

TIRANA, April 30 – A World Bank report forecasts a slowdown in Albania and the Western Balkans, raising concerns over growth prospects and social welfare. Speaking on “Mirëmëngjes Shqipëri” (“Good Morning Albania”), former Finance Minister Arben Malaj said international institutions projected continued growth but also highlighted structural weaknesses in the …

News

Abissnet Superiore on RTSH: Round 34 scheduled entirely for Saturday at 16:00

TIRANA, April 31 – All matches from round 34 of the Abissnet Superiore, broadcast on RTSH, take place on Saturday at 16:00. The league also schedules the final two rounds of the regular season on the same day and time next week, on Wednesday and Sunday. League leaders Elbasani face …

News

Fuel prices increase by 5 ALL, diesel reaches 208 ALL/litre and petrol 185 ALL/litre

TIRANA, April 30 – The Transparency Board has raised fuel prices by 5 ALL for both diesel and petrol in its decision dated 30 April 2026. Diesel now costs 208 ALL/litre, up from 203 ALL. Petrol is set at 185 ALL/litre. The Board also set wholesale limits. Diesel may not …

News

“Tourism Development Pole” project transforms former government residence in Sarandë

The Council of Ministers approves amendments to transfer the “Government Residence” property in Sarandë to the municipality. Authorities include the site in the “Tourism Development Pole of Sarandë” project. They design it as an Eco-Smart campus stretching from Qafa e Gjashtës to the former residence area. The government removes restrictions …

News

Golem substation upgrade strengthens coastal energy supply

TIRANA, April 30 – Energy and Infrastructure Minister Enea Karakaçi inspects the Golemi electricity substation in Golem, Kavaja, as part of ongoing investments to improve power supply in coastal and tourist areas. He says the upgrade doubles capacity from 31.5 MW to 80 MW and will secure long-term supply for …

News

PM Rama reacts to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report on Media and Information Agency, praises communication role

TIRANA, April 30 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to a report published by SIGMA under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which evaluates Albania’s Media and Information Agency (MIA). The report highlights the creation of the Media and Information Agency as a structure within the Prime …

News

EU-funded project boosts nature tourism in Elbasan and Funar

Elbasan expands nature tourism with the second phase of the EU IPA Cross-Border project. The Council of the Municipality approves the creation of the Dopaj–Funar hiking trail and new orientation signage. Mayor Gledian Llatja presents the project as part of a broader strategy to develop nature and adventure tourism in …

News

Finance Minister Malaj reports positive fiscal performance in first quarter of 2026

TIRANA, April 30 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj reported a positive and stable fiscal and economic performance during the first three months of 2026. He said key indicators showed higher budget revenues, improved fiscal administration, stronger tax compliance, as well as growth in employment and business activity. He attributed the …

News

“Reporters Without Borders” publish media freedom report

TIRANA, April 30 – “Reporters Without Borders” has published its latest report on media freedom in Albania. The report highlights pressure on press freedom and media independence. It links this pressure to conflicts of interest between business and politics, an incomplete legal framework, and political influence over media regulation. The …