Pope Clement XI and his Arbëresh origins
TIRANA, July 23 – Gjon Françesk Albani, known as Pope Clement XI, was born on July 23, 1649, in Urbino, Italy. Clement XI became an important figure of the Catholic Church in the early 18th century. He came from the Albani family, a noble family with Arbëresh origins from Arbëria. …
Deputy PM Koçiu promotes business financing program during visit to Durrës startup
TIRANA, July 23 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu presented the government’s “Double Your Entrepreneurship” program during a visit to a startup in Durrës. The program aims to improve access to financing for micro, small and medium-sized businesses. It offers loans of up to 200 million lekë per beneficiary, with …
100,000 Visitors to Shkodra Castle
Rozafa Castle has officially surpassed 100,000 visitors this year, confirming its position as one of Albania’s most visited cultural heritage sites and the top tourist attraction in the city of Shkodra. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Shkodra announced the milestone today. Consequently, these high visitor numbers demonstrate the …
Albania joins international cybersecurity workforce coalition
TIRANA, July 23 – Albania has joined the International Coalition on Cyber Security Workforces (ICCSW), becoming the first country from the region to enter the international initiative focused on developing cybersecurity professionals. The National Authority for Cyber Security said the coalition brings together governments and organizations that work to build …
Albania approves national fisheries and aquaculture data programme
TIRANA, July 23 – Albania’s Council of Ministers has approved a multiannual national programme for collecting, managing and using data in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The decision also covers the content of multiannual marine scientific sampling programmes. The programme sets rules for collecting, managing and using biological, environmental, technical …
Medieval Koman settlement preserves Albania’s cultural heritage
TIRANA, July 23 – The Medieval Settlement of Koman remains one of Albania’s most important cultural heritage sites. It lies in the Drin Valley at the foot of Mount Dalmaca. Albania declared the site a Cultural Monument in 1963. It also received Archaeological Zone A and B status in 2015. …
Zucchero Brings the Magic of Blues, Rock, and Soul to Tirana
Italian music icon Zucchero electrified the Palace of Congresses last night, delivering a concert that transformed into a true celebration of blues, rock, and soul. Performing with his signature raspy voice and decades of stage energy, the artist kept the crowd cheering throughout every song. The auditorium sold out completely …
Military education supports Albania’s Euro-Atlantic future
TIRANA, July 23 – Albania’s Ministry of Defence has described military education as an investment in the country’s Euro-Atlantic future. The statement followed the graduation of 67 new officers from the Armed Forces Academy. The class included 10 officers from Kosova. The graduation ceremony took place on Tuesday evening at …
Egnatia draw with Celje, Champions League tie remains open
TIRANA, July 23 – Albanian champions Egnatia drew 3-3 with Slovenia’s Celje in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the Union of European Football Associations Champions League. The result leaves qualification open ahead of the return match. Egnatia took the lead in the 7th minute at the …
Mountain Economy Development: Albania Approves Four Priority Zones in Shkodër
The Council of Ministers today approved sweeping amendments to expand Albania’s priority mountain economy zones across the Shkodër municipality. The decision designates four distinct territories for targeted economic growth and infrastructure support: Zone No. 6 (4,667 hectares): Encompasses the villages of Nderlysaj, Lekaj, Gimaj, Nënmavriq, Nicaj-Shale, Abat, Pecaj, Vuksanaj, and …
TIRANA, July 30 – The Council of Europe says Albania’s planned municipal mergers should follow a detailed review of the 2015 territorial reform and real consultations with affected communities. A preliminary report by rapporteurs Anders Knape and Soren Schumacher, prepared in March 2026, warns that weaknesses in local government should …
“Ardenica Restaurant & Wine,” located near the historic Ardenica Monastery in Lushnja’s Kolonjë area, is emerging as a destination that combines traditional hospitality, local cuisine and quality wines. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the business on social media. The Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (AZHBR) supported the project …
TIRANA, July 30 – Albania will experience mostly clear weather on Thursday as stable atmospheric conditions continue across the country. According to the Military Meteorological Service, light to moderate temporary cloud formations may appear around midday, mainly over mountainous areas in the south. Local light rain showers may occur in …
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports and the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the University of Tirana have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the development of human resources in Albania’s tourism sector. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja and Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Prof. …
TIRANA, July 30 – British newspaper “Daily Mail” has highlighted Albania as one of the most attractive lower-cost European alternatives for travellers who are reconsidering expensive long-haul holidays. In an article by Alessia Fidler, the British outlet writes that rising travel costs are pushing many Britons to replace dream destinations …
TIRANA, July 30 – The Special Operations Regiment (ROS) in Zall Herr completed the “Commando” and “Reconnaissance Operator” courses with a graduation ceremony. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, senior military officials, service members and relatives attended the event. …
TIRANA, July 30 – The National Tourism Agency is present at Albania’s entry points to provide foreign visitors with tourist information during their stay. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing agency staff welcoming tourists and distributing maps, guides and information materials. The initiative helps visitors discover …
TIRANA, July 30 – The government approved measures to support companies operating in Albania’s defense industry, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said. Nufi said the latest Council of Ministers meeting approved 5 acts related to the Ministry of Defense. One of the main decisions changes the Value Added Tax law to …
Specialists from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (IKTK) inspected Zoto Bridge in Vithkuq, Korçë, as part of ongoing efforts to monitor and protect cultural monuments. The first-category cultural monument faces several conservation challenges, including the impact of natural factors. IKTK said it remains committed to preserving the bridge’s authenticity, …
TIRANA, July 30 – The Council of Ministers approved a draft legal act on Albania’s participation in the international mission in Gaza, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said. The government will send the draft to the Assembly for approval. Nufi said Albania will initially contribute 4 staff officers to the mission. …