PM Rama welcomed by Rutte and Erdogan at official NATO Summit reception
TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the official reception for heads of state and government hosted by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the NATO Summit in Ankara. Rama shared images from the reception on social media. He described the event …
Three fires hit Porto Palermo in Himara Municipality, flames brought under control
TIRANA, July 8 – Three fire outbreaks affected the Porto Palermo area in Himarë Municipality overnight, putting emergency structures on alert. According to official information, authorities received the alert around 23:00. Firefighters immediately sent a fire engine and a water tanker to the scene. Meanwhile, the entire firefighting service was …
“El Generacional”: From Ksamil to Theth, Albania Ranks Among Europe’s Most Affordable Destinations
Spanish media outlet El Generacional has listed Albania among the most affordable travel destinations in Europe this summer, alongside countries such as Romania, Portugal and Bulgaria. According to the article, Albania attracts visitors with its combination of crystal-clear beaches, rich cultural heritage and affordable travel costs, making it an ideal …
Defence budget rises to ALL 69.2 billion, Finance Minister Malaj: Albania meets NATO commitments
TIRANA, July 8 – Albania has significantly increased its defence and security investments as part of its commitments as a NATO member. The additional funding supports the modernization of the Armed Forces and the strengthening of defence capabilities. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj published data on defence spending trends, showing that …
Kosovo’s Tourism Grows as More Than 44,000 Foreign Visitors Arrive in May
Kosovo’s hotel sector recorded significant growth in May 2026, with the number of visitors increasing compared to the same period last year. According to data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS), hotels across the country welcomed 69,081 visitors in May, including 25,026 domestic tourists and 44,055 international visitors. Compared …
Albania launches hydrometeorological service reform to create modern system
TIRANA, July 8 – Albania has started the process of reforming its hydrometeorological service to modernize the sector and strengthen its capacity to address climate change, public safety and sustainable development challenges. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj held the first meeting today with the inter-institutional working group established for the reform. …
PM Rama: 4-million-euro Kanye West concert could generate over 100 million euros
TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama defended the government’s decision to allocate 4 million euros for the Kanye West concert, saying the event could generate more than 100 million euros for the Albanian economy. Rama said the government approved the funding at the last minute to prevent the …
Central Bank Governor Sejko: Stronger Lek reflects structural economic improvements
TIRANA, July 8 – Central Bank Governor Gent Sejko said on Wednesday that the Albanian Lek (ALL) has continued to strengthen, attributing the trend to structural improvements in the country’s external balance and increased foreign currency inflows. Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Citizens’ Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight, Sejko …
AKSHI Shares Albania’s Digital Transformation Experience with Kurdistan Region Delegation
The National Agency of Information Society (AKSHI) hosted a high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, led by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, to discuss digital transformation and innovation in public administration. AKSHI Director General Igli Tafa and other representatives welcomed Talabani and his delegation, which included the Minister …
Rama Arrives at NATO Summit, Meets Erdoğan Ahead of Bilateral Talks
Prime Minister Edi Rama and his wife, Linda Rama, arrived at the official reception and dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan during the NATO Summit in Ankara. Rama met President Erdoğan and the First Lady before posing for an official photograph. He also …
Prime Minister Edi Rama described the Hague verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders as a painful moment for Kosovo and Albanians. He spoke during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama said he struggled to find the right words. He said the Hague decision felt like …
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the role of the Albanian diaspora and the importance of democratic coexistence during his meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama also addressed calls by some community members to protest during his visit to the United States. He said they have the right to …
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted new steps to strengthen Albania’s ties with its diaspora during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. He also announced that Albania will soon open a consulate in Detroit. Rama recalled that Albanians living abroad voted in Albania’s parliamentary elections for the first time …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with US Congressman Mike Lawler in New York. They discussed developments in Kosovo, focusing on the Kosovo Specialist Chambers’ verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders. Lawler serves on the US House Foreign Affairs Committee and chairs its Subcommittee on the Middle East …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa held her first meeting with Ilir Rusi, head of the High Judicial Council (HJC). They discussed the importance of judicial independence and efficiency in Albania’s justice reform. In a social media post, Moreira de Sousa highlighted the HJC’s key role in judicial …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the European Union’s support for the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). She described SPAK’s work as essential to strengthening the rule of law in Albania. Moreira de Sousa held her first meeting with SPAK head Klodjan Braho. …
The Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, chaired by Igli Hasani, held its latest meeting and approved three bills. The committee reviewed the bills in its capacity as a consultative body. The discussions focused first on the bill “On the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.” Deputy Finance Minister …
The Light Infantry Battalion Group has been certified “Mission Capable” after completing an evaluation during the “Shield of the Arbër-26” military exercise at the Biza training area. President Bajram Begaj, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, commanders, NATO representatives, military attachés and other …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with members of the diaspora, US entrepreneurs and American politicians during his visit to the United States. They discussed opportunities to attract US investment to Kosovo and the diaspora’s role in facilitating these investments. Kurti highlighted the long-standing contribution of Kosovo’s diaspora in the …
Strengthening customs cooperation and facilitating trade through modern border management were the focus of the first day of a seminar in Durrës. The event brings together the Albanian Customs Administration and Kosovo Customs. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja said the US Department of Commerce’s Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) …