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European Socca Finals come to Albania

Albania will host the European Socca Championship for the first time. The event marks an important moment for minifootball in the country. Jurgen Demneri called it a major achievement and a great chance to promote Albania internationally. Albania joined Socca in 2023. The team reached the World Cup quarterfinals and …

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Rama: “Double Your Business” targets SMEs, not large companies

Prime Minister Edi Rama said the “Double Your Business” program will not be available to large companies. It will target startups and small and medium-sized enterprises. Rama met agrotourism representatives in Tirana. He discussed the “Mountain Package” and new support programs for small businesses. He said the national program will …

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Mountain Package: 36 municipalities identify 304 priority zones

The Mountain Package covers 36 municipalities. Authorities identified 304 priority zones. Minister Ervin Demo said individuals with historically used land can apply. Farmers who have worked these lands for years can also benefit. Municipalities play a key role. They define priority areas and support applications. Authorities will publish maps on …

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Rama: Investment in human capital is vital for businesses

Prime Minister Edi Rama stressed the importance of investing in human capital. He spoke at a meeting with agrotourism representatives in Tirana. Rama urged businesses not to cut spending on staff. He said companies should pay workers well and make them feel valued. He added that human capital is essential …

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BBC: The quirky holiday spots on trend for 2026 – Albania among Europe’s rising destinations

TIRANA, April 20 – A new wave of travel interest is reshaping European tourism in 2026, with industry observers pointing to a growing preference for smaller, less commercial destinations across the continent. In a broader overview of emerging holiday trends, the BBC highlights several countries gaining attention from international travellers, …

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Albania’s EU path built on concrete results, Hoxha says after meeting Commissioner Kos

TIRANA, April 20 – Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos to discuss progress in the country’s European Union accession process. Hoxha said talks focused on the pace of negotiations and the need to maintain current momentum. He described Albania’s EU path as based on …

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Western Balkans risk losing over €700 million in EU Growth Plan funds, sources say

TIRANA, April 20 – European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has warned Western Balkan countries they risk losing more than €700 million in funding under the EU Growth Plan if reforms stall, according to sources cited by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. A letter sent on April 17 to regional capitals …

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PM Rama tells Greek ‘Kathimerini’ nationalism reflects lack of maturity, addresses ties with Greece

TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said nationalism often reflects a lack of maturity in an interview with Kathimerini ahead of his visit to Greece for the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama discussed bilateral relations with Greece, including property issues in the southern coastal region of Himara. He …

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Albanian delegation holds talks in Italian parliament to boost bilateral ties

TIRANA, April 20 – An Albanian parliamentary delegation held meetings in the Italian Senate as part of a two-day visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation. Members of the delegation met Italian senator Raffaele De Rosa to discuss economic ties, parliamentary cooperation, and Albania’s European Union accession process. Talks …

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Saranda prepares for increased tourist flows, expands free public beach access

TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian authorities said the coastal city of Saranda is preparing for the upcoming tourist season with expanded public beach access and new infrastructure. Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja inspected recent investments alongside local officials, including the mayor of Saranda. Officials said designated public beaches will offer free …

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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, …

News
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 …

News
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 …

News
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 …

News
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 …

News
Cruise ship “Monet” opens summer tourist season in Vlora

TIRANA, April 24 – The cruise ship “Monet” arrived at the port of Vlora on Friday, marking the start of the summer tourist season in the coastal city. Port authorities said the vessel, sailing under the Kingstown flag, carried 48 tourists from countries including Croatia, Portugal, Germany and the United …

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Nationwide coastal maintenance drive begins ahead of summer season

TIRANA, April 24 – Authorities have begun a nationwide coastal maintenance drive across municipalities and natural parks ahead of the summer tourist season. The Ministry of Environment is coordinating the effort with other institutions, local governments and volunteer groups. Teams are carrying out maintenance work along beaches and public areas, …

News
German-backed projects advance in energy, water and public transport sectors

TIRANA, April 24 – German-supported projects are expanding in Albania across energy, water supply and public transport sectors. A senior official from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development highlighted ongoing investments in energy infrastructure. She said a newly financed substation in Petrela will strengthen electricity supply for …

News
Dutch PM holds phone call with Albanian PM, highlights strategic role of Albania in Western Balkans

TIRANA, April 24 – The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, held a phone call with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Jetten posted details of the conversation on social media platform X, describing Albania as a key strategic partner in the Western Balkans for both the Netherlands and the …

News

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

News

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, …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

Cruise ship “Monet” opens summer tourist season in Vlora

TIRANA, April 24 – The cruise ship “Monet” arrived at the port of Vlora on Friday, marking the start of the summer tourist season in the coastal city. Port authorities said the vessel, sailing under the Kingstown flag, carried 48 tourists from countries including Croatia, Portugal, Germany and the United …

News

Nationwide coastal maintenance drive begins ahead of summer season

TIRANA, April 24 – Authorities have begun a nationwide coastal maintenance drive across municipalities and natural parks ahead of the summer tourist season. The Ministry of Environment is coordinating the effort with other institutions, local governments and volunteer groups. Teams are carrying out maintenance work along beaches and public areas, …

News

German-backed projects advance in energy, water and public transport sectors

TIRANA, April 24 – German-supported projects are expanding in Albania across energy, water supply and public transport sectors. A senior official from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development highlighted ongoing investments in energy infrastructure. She said a newly financed substation in Petrela will strengthen electricity supply for …

News

Dutch PM holds phone call with Albanian PM, highlights strategic role of Albania in Western Balkans

TIRANA, April 24 – The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, held a phone call with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Jetten posted details of the conversation on social media platform X, describing Albania as a key strategic partner in the Western Balkans for both the Netherlands and the …