Michelin Guide Selects 20 Hotels in Albania, Boosting International Tourism Profile
Twenty hotels in Albania have been selected for the prestigious Michelin Guide’s hotel collection, giving the country greater visibility among international travellers. Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the selection, describing it as an important step in promoting Albanian hospitality worldwide. The selected hotels are located across several …
Albania Signs Agreement to Join International Stabilization Force in Gaza
Albania has signed an official agreement to participate in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, reaffirming its commitment to international peace and security efforts. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at the General Staff Headquarters of the Albanian Armed Forces in Tirana. Albanian Armed Forces Chief of General …
Allied Forces Demonstrate Maritime Readiness Off the Coast of Albania
The maritime, air and amphibious capabilities of Allied forces took centre stage aboard the Turkish ship TCG ANADOLU and along the Albanian coast during Neptune Strike 26-4 on October 19, 2026, demonstrating the cooperation and readiness that underpin NATO’s collective defence. The event was attended by senior officials, including defence …
Technological Development in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Global Debates, Risks and Prospects for Albania
By Denis Jukni Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from an experimental technology to a new infrastructure of the economy and public administration. Generative models, automation, robotics, cloud infrastructure, large-scale data processing and algorithmic systems are changing how companies produce, how institutions deliver services and how citizens receive information. This transformation …
Week in Review: Polls and Storms
A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here
Gjergj Fishta: The Pen That Gave Voice to Albania’s National Soul
Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …
EU and Western Balkans leaders to meet in Brussels on November 25
European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …
PM Rama urges young people to distance themselves from violent protests
Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged young people to distance themselves from violent protests. He called on them to express their views through peaceful democratic means. In remarks on social media, Rama defended the right to peaceful protest. He said citizens could challenge the government through debate and elections. He …
Defense minister meets Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi has met Colonel Murat Ilhan, Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana. Turkish Ambassador to Albania Bariş Ceyhun Erciyes also attended the meeting. According to the Ministry of Defense, the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey and their shared commitment to closer cooperation in …
Institute of Statistics: Albania records 10.7 million foreign arrivals in nine months
Albania recorded around 17.4 million entries by Albanian and foreign citizens from January to September 2026, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Foreign citizens accounted for 10.7 million entries, while Albanian citizens accounted for 6.7 million. Compared with the same period in 2025, foreign arrivals rose by 4.9%, while …
Vora and Elbasani claimed important victories on Tuesday as the ninth round of Albania’s Abissnet Superliga got underway. Meanwhile, Skënderbeu and Laçi shared the points after a 1-1 draw. Vora beat Vllaznia 2-1 at home in a closely contested match. Kashari opened the scoring in the 16th minute, while Daka …
The Ministry of Environment has opened a public grant call for small and medium-sized enterprises under the ASCEND project. The programme has a total fund of €80,000. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said the initiative aims to support businesses that promote sustainable adventure tourism and showcase natural and protected areas. He …
Albania plans public investments of ALL 201.5 billion in 2027, equivalent to 6.9% of gross domestic product. Social protection and education will also receive substantial funding under the draft budget. Presenting the 2027 draft budget, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said capital expenditure would average around 6.6% of gross domestic product …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented Albania’s 2027 draft state budget and fiscal package at the Assembly’s Conference of Chairpersons. The meeting is expected to set the timetable for parliamentary discussions and approval. The Democratic Party did not attend, saying its lawmakers had not received the supporting documents needed to review …
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 …
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 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 …
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 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, …
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 …