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Rama: Socialist Party Has Always Defended Albania’s National Interest

Prime Minister Edi Rama said the ruling Socialist Party has consistently defended Albania’s national interest and urged citizens to support the country’s path toward membership in the European Union. Speaking at an event marking the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Tirana, Rama acknowledged that the party had made …

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Hoxha: Positive IBAR Assessment Reflects Albania’s Reform Progress Toward the EU

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha welcomed EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and European Union officials at Albania’s Mission to the EU in Brussels on Monday. The meeting followed Albania’s positive assessment in the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR), which Hoxha said reflects the country’s transformative efforts on …

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Manastirliu: Tirana Drives Albania’s Journey Toward EU Membership

Ogerta Manastirliu said Tirana has been the driving force behind Albania’s progress toward the European Union, as the Socialist Party celebrated the 35th anniversary of its founding. Speaking at an event attended by party founders, members, supporters and leaders, Manastirliu praised the contribution of those who helped build and strengthen …

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Ivanka Trump Calls Sazan Development the ‘Project of a Lifetime’

Ivanka Trump called the planned tourism development on Sazan Island the most ambitious project of her career and described it as “the project of a lifetime.” Speaking on entrepreneur David Senra’s podcast, Trump discussed the project that her husband, Jared Kushner, is leading in Albania. Trump said she discovered Sazan …

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Hoxha and Van Hoof Discuss New Initiatives to Strengthen Albania–Belgium Relations

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Els Van Hoof to discuss ways to deepen cooperation between Albania and Belgium. During the meeting, Hoxha thanked Belgium for its continued support for the European Union enlargement process and for Albania’s EU membership bid. He also praised the constructive …

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Hoxha: Belgium’s New Embassy in Tirana Will Boost Bilateral Cooperation

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha welcomed Belgium’s decision to open an embassy in Tirana, describing it as an important step that will strengthen relations between the two countries. During an official visit to Brussels, Hoxha met with Maxime Prévot. The two officials reaffirmed the strong partnership between …

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Rama: Supporting Socialist Party Means Supporting Albania’s Path to the EU

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that supporting the Socialist Party means supporting Albania’s integration into the European Union, while warning that there are political forces opposing this process. Speaking at a party event in Tirana, Rama said the Socialist Party’s mission is to bring Albania into the “crown of Europe,” …

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Ahmeti Responds to Kurti: Ohr Agreement Was Also the Cornerstone of the Ahtisaari Plan for Kosovo

The leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), Ali Ahmeti, has responded to acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti following criticism directed at the Democratic Union for Integration during its time in government. Kurti had suggested that DUI governed alongside a VMRO administration that was more hostile toward Albanians. Ahmeti …

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Transparency Board Sets New Fuel Prices, Diesel and Gasoline Increase

The Transparency Board has decided to raise the fuel price caps in the country. According to the decision taken during its meeting on June 2, 2026, the maximum retail price of diesel fuel must not exceed 191 lek per liter, an increase of 6 lek compared to the Board’s previous …

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Italian Vintage Car Exhibition Draws Attention in Gjirokastër

The historic bazaar of Gjirokastër became a unique attraction as 30 vintage cars were displayed in the city’s museum district. The classic vehicles traveled from Italy as part of a tour across Albania, making a stop in the UNESCO-listed “Stone City.” The retro automobiles captured the attention of numerous tourists, …

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EU Appoints Sofia Moreira de Sousa as New Ambassador to Albania

The European Union has appointed Sofia Moreira de Sousa as its new ambassador to Albania. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced the appointment as part of the EU’s 2026 diplomatic rotation. Currently, Moreira de Sousa leads the European Commission Representation in Portugal. Previously, she …

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Lake Shkodra Joins UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves

The UNESCO has officially designated Lake Shkodra as a transboundary Biosphere Reserve. As a result, the lake has joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This recognition highlights the ecological importance of one of the region’s most valuable natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video from the …

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Rama: Shkodra Continues to Grow as a Tourist Destination

Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said that Shkodra has become a thriving tourist destination that continues to grow year after year. Speaking at the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Shkodra, Rama rejected accusations that government policies have damaged Albanian cities and regions. Instead, he argued …

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Task Force Meets on Tourism Season 2026, Focus on Safety and Services

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, chaired a meeting of the interinstitutional task force for the 2026 summer tourism season. The task force coordinated measures to ensure a smooth and safe tourist season across Albania. Officials focused on key priorities such as beach safety, waste management, food …

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President Begaj Meets Croatian Parliament Speaker in Tirana, Pushes Forward EU Accession Talks and Chapter Closures

President Bajram Begaj of Bajram Begaj met the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandroković, in Tirana. First, he focused on European integration. He stressed closing negotiation chapters. He pushed for finalizing Albania’s accession process. Next, Begaj praised strong relations with Croatia. He highlighted the strategic partnership. In addition, he …

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Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” Celebrates Literary Excellence with Prestigious Awards in North Macedonia

The Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” took place from 4–7 June in Skanderbeg Square in Shkup. First, it became a major cultural hub for Albanian literature and publishing. It brought together publishers, authors, researchers, and readers from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Next, the fair hosted book promotions and literary …

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Gonxhja: Pogradec Historic Center Renovation to Be Completed in October

The urban restoration project in the historic center of Pogradec is progressing steadily. It has already reached 80% completion. First, the project focuses on restoring traditional buildings. It also improves public squares and urban infrastructure. In addition, it creates thematic tourist routes. Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports Ministria e …

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EU food safety project EU4FoodSafety starts in Tirana

TIRANA, June 8 – Albania launched the EU4FoodSafety project in Tirana on World Food Safety Day. The initiative aims to strengthen the food safety system and align it further with European standards. The Albanian government supports the project. The European Union and the German government finance it. It focuses on …

News
Inflation in May reaches 3% as transport and housing drive price rises

TIRANA, June 8 – Consumer prices in Albania continued to rise in May, pushing annual inflation to 3%, up from 2.2% a year earlier, according to data published by INSTAT. Meanwhile, the statistical institute said the increase over the past two months mainly reflects higher fuel prices. It linked the …

News
Gjirokastër; Traditional stone coffee ritual attracts visitors in historic bazaar

TIRANA, June 8 – A traditional stone coffee preparation ritual has become an attraction for tourists visiting Gjirokastër, where visitors now experience a local hospitality practice in the city’s historic bazaar. Artisan Lubjana Baho has set up a hospitality corner in one of the cobbled streets. Meanwhile, she introduces visitors …

News

EU Appoints Sofia Moreira de Sousa as New Ambassador to Albania

The European Union has appointed Sofia Moreira de Sousa as its new ambassador to Albania. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced the appointment as part of the EU’s 2026 diplomatic rotation. Currently, Moreira de Sousa leads the European Commission Representation in Portugal. Previously, she …

News

Lake Shkodra Joins UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves

The UNESCO has officially designated Lake Shkodra as a transboundary Biosphere Reserve. As a result, the lake has joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This recognition highlights the ecological importance of one of the region’s most valuable natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video from the …

News

Rama: Shkodra Continues to Grow as a Tourist Destination

Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said that Shkodra has become a thriving tourist destination that continues to grow year after year. Speaking at the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Shkodra, Rama rejected accusations that government policies have damaged Albanian cities and regions. Instead, he argued …

News

Task Force Meets on Tourism Season 2026, Focus on Safety and Services

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, chaired a meeting of the interinstitutional task force for the 2026 summer tourism season. The task force coordinated measures to ensure a smooth and safe tourist season across Albania. Officials focused on key priorities such as beach safety, waste management, food …

News

President Begaj Meets Croatian Parliament Speaker in Tirana, Pushes Forward EU Accession Talks and Chapter Closures

President Bajram Begaj of Bajram Begaj met the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandroković, in Tirana. First, he focused on European integration. He stressed closing negotiation chapters. He pushed for finalizing Albania’s accession process. Next, Begaj praised strong relations with Croatia. He highlighted the strategic partnership. In addition, he …

News

Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” Celebrates Literary Excellence with Prestigious Awards in North Macedonia

The Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” took place from 4–7 June in Skanderbeg Square in Shkup. First, it became a major cultural hub for Albanian literature and publishing. It brought together publishers, authors, researchers, and readers from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Next, the fair hosted book promotions and literary …

News

Gonxhja: Pogradec Historic Center Renovation to Be Completed in October

The urban restoration project in the historic center of Pogradec is progressing steadily. It has already reached 80% completion. First, the project focuses on restoring traditional buildings. It also improves public squares and urban infrastructure. In addition, it creates thematic tourist routes. Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports Ministria e …

News

EU food safety project EU4FoodSafety starts in Tirana

TIRANA, June 8 – Albania launched the EU4FoodSafety project in Tirana on World Food Safety Day. The initiative aims to strengthen the food safety system and align it further with European standards. The Albanian government supports the project. The European Union and the German government finance it. It focuses on …

News

Inflation in May reaches 3% as transport and housing drive price rises

TIRANA, June 8 – Consumer prices in Albania continued to rise in May, pushing annual inflation to 3%, up from 2.2% a year earlier, according to data published by INSTAT. Meanwhile, the statistical institute said the increase over the past two months mainly reflects higher fuel prices. It linked the …

News

Gjirokastër; Traditional stone coffee ritual attracts visitors in historic bazaar

TIRANA, June 8 – A traditional stone coffee preparation ritual has become an attraction for tourists visiting Gjirokastër, where visitors now experience a local hospitality practice in the city’s historic bazaar. Artisan Lubjana Baho has set up a hospitality corner in one of the cobbled streets. Meanwhile, she introduces visitors …