Albania increases elite athlete payments with 30%–200% boosts and higher daily allowances
TIRANA, April 24 – The Albanian government has approved new measures increasing financial rewards for elite athletes and their coaches, with implementation expected in April 2026. The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Blendi Gonxhja, said the revised scheme introduces higher and more structured support for athletes across multiple disciplines. …
Foreign tourist arrivals in Albania rise 11% in March amid shifting travel patterns
TIRANA, April 24 – Albania recorded a 10.8% rise in foreign tourist arrivals in March, as more than 600,000 foreign nationals visited the country, official data showed. The national statistics agency reported that the increase followed a slower start to the year. Travel activity recovered during March, with stronger flows …
Reform aims to strengthen Albanian municipalities through territorial reform
TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s special parliamentary committee on administrative-territorial reform continued nationwide consultations, focusing on concerns over municipal competencies. In Lezha, local hearings highlighted concerns raised by municipal leaders regarding the scope of local government powers. During the discussion, the Minister of State for Local Governance, Ervin Demo, addressed …
Justice or Realpolitik? Two Prime Ministers, Two Futures for the Balkans
Kosovo’s Albin Kurti and Albania’s Edi Rama have distinct and divergent approaches to governing, each with its own set of risks and rewards. Original post Here
Hoxha meets Greek business leaders at Delphi Forum
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met representatives of the Greek Businessmen’s Union at the Delphi Economic Forum. The meeting focused on economic diplomacy and Albania’s potential for foreign investment. Hoxha said Albania offers an open market and a dynamic economy that is increasingly friendly to foreign investors. …
Himara to open tourist season on May 1–3
Himara will open the tourist season on May 1–3. The coastal city will welcome local and foreign visitors. The three-day event will create a festive atmosphere in the southern destination. The program will promote the area’s history, cultural heritage, pristine beaches, traditions, and rich Albanian cuisine. Minister of Tourism, Culture, …
Traffic resumes in Llogara Tunnel after accident
Traffic has resumed in the Llogara Tunnel after a temporary closure caused by a collision between two vehicles. The Albanian Road Authority said police, ambulance, and firefighters arrived quickly and managed the situation. Authorities reopened the tunnel shortly after clearing the scene. The Llogara Tunnel includes a main tunnel and …
Marta Kos notes progress for Albania toward EU membership
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos reported positive developments for Albania and Montenegro on their path to EU membership. She met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens. They discussed EU enlargement and the Western Balkans. Mitsotakis said enlargement had not made the expected progress but noted a new momentum. He …
Qosja leaves final letter with burial wishes for family
Academic Rexhep Qosja passed away at the age of 89. He wrote a final letter before his death and stated his last wishes. He asked for a simple burial ceremony. He rejected religious rituals and official attendance. He requested that only close family members attend the funeral. He chose to …
Hoxha meets Moldovan foreign minister at Delphi Forum
At the Delphi Economic Forum, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi. Hoxha said the meeting gave both sides a chance to exchange views on EU accession. He stressed that Albania actively engages in the European integration process. He …
Tirana International Airport (TIA) recorded over 817,000 passengers and 4,708 flights in March, connecting to 80 destinations across 27 countries. The data show strong travel demand and continued growth in air traffic through Tirana. The most requested destinations were Milan, London, Rome, Pisa, and Bologna, reflecting high travel flows between …
TIRANA, April 30 – A World Bank report forecasts a slowdown in Albania and the Western Balkans, raising concerns over growth prospects and social welfare. Speaking on “Mirëmëngjes Shqipëri” (“Good Morning Albania”), former Finance Minister Arben Malaj said international institutions projected continued growth but also highlighted structural weaknesses in the …
TIRANA, April 31 – All matches from round 34 of the Abissnet Superiore, broadcast on RTSH, take place on Saturday at 16:00. The league also schedules the final two rounds of the regular season on the same day and time next week, on Wednesday and Sunday. League leaders Elbasani face …
TIRANA, April 30 – The Transparency Board has raised fuel prices by 5 ALL for both diesel and petrol in its decision dated 30 April 2026. Diesel now costs 208 ALL/litre, up from 203 ALL. Petrol is set at 185 ALL/litre. The Board also set wholesale limits. Diesel may not …
The Council of Ministers approves amendments to transfer the “Government Residence” property in Sarandë to the municipality. Authorities include the site in the “Tourism Development Pole of Sarandë” project. They design it as an Eco-Smart campus stretching from Qafa e Gjashtës to the former residence area. The government removes restrictions …
TIRANA, April 30 – Energy and Infrastructure Minister Enea Karakaçi inspects the Golemi electricity substation in Golem, Kavaja, as part of ongoing investments to improve power supply in coastal and tourist areas. He says the upgrade doubles capacity from 31.5 MW to 80 MW and will secure long-term supply for …
TIRANA, April 30 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to a report published by SIGMA under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which evaluates Albania’s Media and Information Agency (MIA). The report highlights the creation of the Media and Information Agency as a structure within the Prime …
Elbasan expands nature tourism with the second phase of the EU IPA Cross-Border project. The Council of the Municipality approves the creation of the Dopaj–Funar hiking trail and new orientation signage. Mayor Gledian Llatja presents the project as part of a broader strategy to develop nature and adventure tourism in …
TIRANA, April 30 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj reported a positive and stable fiscal and economic performance during the first three months of 2026. He said key indicators showed higher budget revenues, improved fiscal administration, stronger tax compliance, as well as growth in employment and business activity. He attributed the …
TIRANA, April 30 – “Reporters Without Borders” has published its latest report on media freedom in Albania. The report highlights pressure on press freedom and media independence. It links this pressure to conflicts of interest between business and politics, an incomplete legal framework, and political influence over media regulation. The …