Ursula von der Leyen from Ireland: Albania and Montenegro Are Making Steady Progress Toward EU Membership
During her official visit to Ireland, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the progress made by Albania and Montenegro in their EU accession negotiations, emphasizing that both countries are advancing in the enlargement process based on merit. “Albania and Montenegro continue to make progress in the enlargement process. …
Day 34 of Protests: Demonstrators Gather Outside the Prime Minister’s Office
Citizens took to the streets once again this Friday as the protest entered its 34th consecutive day. As on previous days, demonstrators began gathering at 7:00 p.m. before marching toward the Prime Minister’s Office. Protesters were seen carrying banners and Albanian flags. Despite the high temperatures, they continued their demonstration, …
Anti-Government Protests Escalate in Tirana as Demonstrators Block Parliament
Tirana Times, July 03, 2026 – Albania’s month-long anti-government protest movement entered a more confrontational phase on Thursday, as demonstrators gathered outside Parliament, blocked access points and clashed with police while lawmakers were holding a plenary session inside. The protest, now extending into its second month, has moved beyond its …
Albania and European Commission to sign agreement on EU staff exchanges in September
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania will sign an agreement with the European Commission in September to allow Albanian public officials to work for fixed periods at European Union institutions, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said. Pirdeni said the initiative will strengthen the skills of Albania’s …
Government allocates €65 mln support package for local authorities
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s government will provide an additional €65 million to strengthen local government capacity and improve public services across the country. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the funding forms part of the 2026 budget amendments approved through a normative act. The package supports investment in basic …
Electronic communications authority completes 10 of 11 parliamentary recommendations
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s Electronic and Postal Communications Authority has completed 10 of 11 recommendations issued by Parliament while continuing to align the country’s electronic communications legislation with European Union rules. Speaking before Parliament’s Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, the authority’s chairman, Gentian Sala, said the …
Foreign minister Hoxha: Public administration undergoing deep transformation toward European Union standards
TIRANA, July 3 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania’s public administration is undergoing a deep transformation. He linked the process to preparations for European Union membership. He spoke at the third edition of Public Administration Week. The event carried the theme “Public Service for a European Albania.” He said …
PM Rama: National Flight School opens, training and certification also for NATO and Kosova pilots
TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the opening of the National Flight School. He described it as an ambitious project for the modernization of the Armed Forces. He said the initiative was initially met with humour and scepticism. However, Rama added that the project has now become …
From the Nile to the Balkans
By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, July 3, 2026 – If you sit by the banks of the Nile on a quiet afternoon and allow its serene flow to guide your thoughts, you realize that the water remembers not only the lands it traverses, but also the people who shaped …
Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs
While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here
TIRANA, July 10 – The mountain village of Theth, located 70 kilometres from Shkodër, continues to rank among Albania’s most popular summer destinations. Large numbers of Albanian and foreign visitors are exploring the area during the peak tourist season. They come to experience Theth’s natural beauty as well as its …
TIRANA, July 10 – Kosova’s political leaders began talks on Thursday to establish new institutions following the snap parliamentary elections held on 7 June. Acting Prime Minister and Self-Determination Movement leader Albin Kurti met Democratic Party of Kosova leader Bedri Hamza at the Assembly. Later in the day, Kurti is …
The stunning landscapes of the Shkodër region have become the backdrop for Honda’s latest advertising campaign, showcasing Albania’s growing appeal for international productions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the commercial and said the project highlights Shkodra’s rise as an important destination for high-level film and advertising productions. In …
TIRANA, July 10 – The Kanye West concert on 11 July is set to place Tirana among the capitals capable of hosting major international music events. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the concert represents more than a live performance. He described it as a strategic test of …
The sixth edition of the Porto Palermo Festival will bring 12 nights of music and artistic performances to the Albanian Riviera from July 30 to August 16. Festival founder Olen Cesari has prepared a diverse program featuring renowned Albanian and international artists, transforming the historic Porto Palermo Castle into a …
TIRANA, July 10 – The Albanian government has launched the Urban Renaissance 2.0 programme, a new initiative that aims to transform communities, support local economic growth and strengthen cooperation between central and local government. State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo described the programme as an ambitious plan designed to …
TIRANA, July 10 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented the government’s vision for economic development and entrepreneurship support during the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” event. She said the new urban development program goes beyond city revitalization. According to Ibrahimaj, it aims to create a development model that supports sustainable …
TIRANA, July 10 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu announced that a normative act approved on June 30 has secured more than ALL 1.5 billion in additional funds for the Ministry of Justice and its dependent institutions for the 2026–2028 period. According to the minister, the funds will support infrastructure improvements, …
TIRANA, July 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” programme, an ambitious development initiative that aims to further transform Albania’s urban landscape with a EUR 1.5 billion funding target. According to Rama, the new programme responds to a new stage of Albania’s development, where citizens have …
TIRANA, July 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has entered a new phase of development, where improved standards have increased citizens’ expectations for better services and greater dignity in daily life. During the presentation of the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” programme, Rama said society’s new demands should not be …