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Geosciences Institute: High wildfire risk expected in several regions

TIRANA, September 4 – The risk of wildfires will be high across most of Albania this afternoon and tomorrow, according to the Geosciences Institute. The institute forecasts high risk in Shkodër, Dibër, Lezha, Durrës, Tirana, Elbasan, Fier, Berat, Vlora and Gjirokastër regions. Meanwhile, Kukës and Korca will face moderate overall …

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PM Rama attends Cernobbio Forum on Europe’s future and Mediterranean role

TIRANA, September 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is attending the 52nd “Intelligence on the World, Europe and Italy” Forum in Cernobbio, Italy. The forum brings together political, institutional and business leaders from Europe and beyond. Rama is due to speak on the “Agenda for Europe” panel during a session …

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Shëngjin remains busy in September as holidaymakers seek quieter breaks

TIRANA, September 4 – The end of August has not brought the tourist season to a close in Shëngjin. The coastal resort continues to attract visitors, many of them from Kosova. Holidaymakers say they are enjoying their stay and value the quieter atmosphere, the beach and the services still available …

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Kosovo receives the flag for the 2030 Mediterranean Games

Taranto has officially handed over the Mediterranean Games flag to Prishtina, which will host the 2030 edition. The 20th Mediterranean Games ended in Taranto with a celebration featuring Mediterranean music, a tarantella performance, spectacular lights and fireworks. During the closing ceremony, representatives from all 26 participating countries paraded at the …

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Under Pressure Over Gaza, Israel’s Defence Industry Expands in the Balkans

Countries across the Balkan region have increasingly been doing arms deals with Israel and purchasing its military technology – while strengthening political ties too. Original post Here

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Rama: “We have no role or technical capacity to disable social media accounts”

Prime Minister Edi Rama has rejected claims that the government intervened to deactivate or restrict the social media accounts of people linked to the ongoing protest. In a post on X, Rama said the government has no role in decisions made by social media platforms. He also stressed that state …

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UNICEF approves new 2027–2031 program for Albania, focusing on child protection and skills

UNICEF’s Executive Board has approved a new country program for Albania for 2027–2031. UNICEF Albania and the Albanian government jointly developed the program. The five-year program sets shared priorities and a roadmap to improve children’s well-being, protection and development across the country. According to UNICEF Albania, the program will focus …

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Jaupaj: Albania accelerates alignment of environmental legislation with the EU

Albania aims to complete the alignment of its environmental legislation with European Union rules by September 2027, as part of negotiations on Chapter 27. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said in a television interview that the process covers around 90 EU directives and regulations. Albania must incorporate these rules into around …

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Hoxha meets EU Commissioner Kos: Albania determined to maintain momentum in EU accession talks

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in Dublin on Thursday. Hoxha held the meeting on the sidelines of the General Affairs Council, which is taking place in Dublin. “It was a pleasure to meet and discuss with EU Commissioner for Enlargement …

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Green economy: Albania advances legal framework in line with EU standards

Albania is advancing its legal framework to support a greener and more sustainable economy through ecodesign, as part of its efforts to align with European Union legislation. As part of the European Integration Partnership Platform, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy held a meeting with the Ministry of Economy and …

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Bank of Albania keeps key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%

The Bank of Albania has kept its key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%. The Supervisory Council announced the decision on November 3. Governor Gent Sejko also confirmed that the overnight deposit rate will remain at 1.5%. Meanwhile, the overnight lending rate will stay at 3.5%. Sejko said the decision reflects …

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Albania strengthens aviation emergency response with search-and-rescue drill

Albania will test its aviation emergency response capabilities today through a planned search-and-rescue exercise near Tirana International Airport. The drill, named SAR-2026, will run from 10:30 to 12:00. The National Search and Rescue Centre is organising the exercise with institutions responsible for aviation emergencies. Participants include the Armed Forces, Tirana …

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Albanian and Hungarian national libraries launch cultural cooperation

The National Library of Albania and Hungary’s National Szechenyi Library have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen professional, scientific and cultural ties. The signing ceremony brought together Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Lira Pipa and Hungarian Ambassador to Albania Martina Laura Kasnyik. The agreement provides for exchanges …

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FM Hoxha: Albania seeks merit-based European Union membership, not shortcuts

Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “EU Enlargement: Assessing New Concepts and the Outlook for 2027,” organised by the German Council on Foreign Relations. Hoxha said geopolitical realities had made enlargement a strategic and security necessity for Europe. However, he stressed that this …

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Lezha begins construction of a new pedestrian zone

Construction has begun on a new pedestrian promenade in Lezha, a project worth ALL 62 million funded by the municipal budget. The development aims to create new recreational spaces for residents and tourists. The municipality expects to complete the project by next summer. Deputy PM Albana Koçiu shared footage of …

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European Commission to present Albania’s 2026 progress report in Brussels

The European Commission is expected to publish its 2026 Enlargement Package today at around 13:00, including its annual report on Albania. The report will assess reform progress, accession criteria and the challenges Albania must address on its path towards European Union membership. For the first time, the package is expected …

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Government plans higher spending on public security in 2027

Interior Minister Ervin Demo has presented the government’s proposed 2027 budget for the Interior Ministry to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates around ALL 40 billion, a 12% increase from 2026 and the ministry’s highest budget allocation to date. It aims to strengthen public security, …

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Kruja: where history, culture and mountain tourism meet

Located on the slopes of a mountain, the historic city of Kruja remains one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations. Just a short distance from Tirana, it attracts local and international visitors with its rich history, cultural traditions and natural beauty. Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared new images of …

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Government draft budget for 2027 prioritises infrastructure and energy projects

Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi has announced that the government’s draft budget for 2027 provides full funding for priority infrastructure and energy projects. It includes investment in roads and water supply and sewerage systems across all 12 counties. Key road projects include continued construction of the Elbasan bypass, completion …

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Lion King musical brings a new adventure to Tirana’s Puppet Theatre

The musical “The Lion King” will bring a colourful theatrical experience to children and families in Tirana this November and December. Melsi Qirici, director of the National Centre of Culture for Children, has announced the performance dates. The show will take place on November 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and …

News

Bank of Albania keeps key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%

The Bank of Albania has kept its key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%. The Supervisory Council announced the decision on November 3. Governor Gent Sejko also confirmed that the overnight deposit rate will remain at 1.5%. Meanwhile, the overnight lending rate will stay at 3.5%. Sejko said the decision reflects …

News

Albania strengthens aviation emergency response with search-and-rescue drill

Albania will test its aviation emergency response capabilities today through a planned search-and-rescue exercise near Tirana International Airport. The drill, named SAR-2026, will run from 10:30 to 12:00. The National Search and Rescue Centre is organising the exercise with institutions responsible for aviation emergencies. Participants include the Armed Forces, Tirana …

News

Albanian and Hungarian national libraries launch cultural cooperation

The National Library of Albania and Hungary’s National Szechenyi Library have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen professional, scientific and cultural ties. The signing ceremony brought together Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Lira Pipa and Hungarian Ambassador to Albania Martina Laura Kasnyik. The agreement provides for exchanges …

News

FM Hoxha: Albania seeks merit-based European Union membership, not shortcuts

Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “EU Enlargement: Assessing New Concepts and the Outlook for 2027,” organised by the German Council on Foreign Relations. Hoxha said geopolitical realities had made enlargement a strategic and security necessity for Europe. However, he stressed that this …

News

Lezha begins construction of a new pedestrian zone

Construction has begun on a new pedestrian promenade in Lezha, a project worth ALL 62 million funded by the municipal budget. The development aims to create new recreational spaces for residents and tourists. The municipality expects to complete the project by next summer. Deputy PM Albana Koçiu shared footage of …

News

European Commission to present Albania’s 2026 progress report in Brussels

The European Commission is expected to publish its 2026 Enlargement Package today at around 13:00, including its annual report on Albania. The report will assess reform progress, accession criteria and the challenges Albania must address on its path towards European Union membership. For the first time, the package is expected …

News

Government plans higher spending on public security in 2027

Interior Minister Ervin Demo has presented the government’s proposed 2027 budget for the Interior Ministry to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates around ALL 40 billion, a 12% increase from 2026 and the ministry’s highest budget allocation to date. It aims to strengthen public security, …

News

Kruja: where history, culture and mountain tourism meet

Located on the slopes of a mountain, the historic city of Kruja remains one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations. Just a short distance from Tirana, it attracts local and international visitors with its rich history, cultural traditions and natural beauty. Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared new images of …

News

Government draft budget for 2027 prioritises infrastructure and energy projects

Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi has announced that the government’s draft budget for 2027 provides full funding for priority infrastructure and energy projects. It includes investment in roads and water supply and sewerage systems across all 12 counties. Key road projects include continued construction of the Elbasan bypass, completion …

News

Lion King musical brings a new adventure to Tirana’s Puppet Theatre

The musical “The Lion King” will bring a colourful theatrical experience to children and families in Tirana this November and December. Melsi Qirici, director of the National Centre of Culture for Children, has announced the performance dates. The show will take place on November 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and …