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
ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases
TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …
Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …
Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht
TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …
Summer Afternoon Draws Crowds of Tourists to Durrës
Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …
Special anti-corruption prosecution chief: Strategy targets 70% cut in case backlog
TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …
PM Rama: Albania develops first artificial intelligence model for public procurement
TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …
Former Kosova President Thaçi sends message to citizens
TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …
Valbona Valley draws global travelers to Albania’s wild north
TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …
Foreign Tourists Visit Gjirokastër, Praise Nature, History and Hospitality
Foreign tourists visiting Gjirokastër continue to share positive impressions of Albania, highlighting the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Mirela Kumbaro shared on social media comments from visitors exploring the UNESCO-listed stone city. Tourists from several European countries expressed admiration for Albania’s landscapes, beaches, and cultural heritage. A …
Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH) has presented its new visual identity and the new television season at a ceremony attended by representatives of institutions, ministers, journalists, artists and well-known figures from the world of media and art. Radka Betcheva, EBU Head of Member Relations for Central and Eastern Europe, also …
Albanian Radio Television (RTSH) is starting the new television season with a new visual identity and a series of innovations in its programming. The presentation took place this Wednesday at the RTSH premises, in a ceremony attended by representatives of institutions, journalists, artists and well-known television figures. The Director General …
A new visual identity and a new television season. Albanian Radio Television (RTSH) presented its new projects and vision this Wednesday, September 16, at a ceremony held in the “Gjon Simoni” hall of the institution, marking another step in its journey towards a more modern and dynamic appearance. Members of …
The European Union is supporting Albania in several key sectors. Energy and infrastructure remain among the main priorities. According to the European Commission’s “Energy Factsheet – Albania,” the EU has provided €588 million through the Global Gateway initiative since 2021. Meanwhile, this support could mobilize around €1.5 billion in total …
Albanian Football Federation President Armand Duka attended a gala evening hosted by the Greek Football Federation to mark its 100th anniversary. During the important milestone for Greek football, Duka congratulated Greek Football Federation President Chrysostomos Gkagkatsis and the entire Greek football community. Duka praised the history and contribution of Greek …
Albania will experience mainly stable atmospheric conditions on Thursday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will bring alternating clear spells and moderate to locally dense cloud cover. Cloudiness will be more pronounced in mountainous areas. Winds will be light, mainly from northwest to southeast, with an average speed …
Former NATO commander in Europe Wesley Clark said today that the world should not forget what happened in Kosova from 1997 to 1999. Clark recalled the repression under Slobodan Milosevic. He said more than 400,000 people were expelled from their villages in the summer of 1998. He also recalled military …
Forty-one works by renowned Albanian painter Ibrahim Kodra will be presented together for the first time in many years at the “The Sea and Music” exhibition. The exhibition will open on September 23 at the Bank of Albania. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the exhibition. He …
US diplomat William Walker has reacted to the verdict by the Kosova Specialist Chambers against four former Kosova Liberation Army leaders. The former ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe described the sentences as a tragic day for Kosova. Walker questioned the European Union’s response before the …
North Macedonia’s Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi said that, despite the convictions, the four former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders “remain Kosovo’s liberators.” “Today’s verdict is a first-instance decision, while the battle for justice continues,” Gashi wrote on social media. Gashi called for calm. He also said that Thaçi, Krasniqi, Veseli …