EU ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa highlights civil society’s role
European Union Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa has stressed that civil society is a key partner in Albania’s accession process. She said the 2026 Albania Report reflects many of its concerns. At the report’s presentation to civil society organisations, participants raised environmental issues, transparency, land ownership rights, education and healthcare. …
Shote Galica, Albanian heroine who fought for liberation and unity
Shote Galica, an Albanian fighter for national liberation and unity, was born in Drenica, Kosova, on 10 November 1895. Born Qerime, she grew up as the only daughter in a family with six sons. Inspired by Albanian patriots, she took up arms alongside her husband, Azem Bejta. Her resistance against …
Albania’s 2027 budget supports armed forces modernisation
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the 2027 defence budget will continue to modernise the Armed Forces, strengthen national security and meet commitments to NATO and strategic allies. Rama also shared footage of first-year bachelor’s students and Officer Preparation Course trainees at the Military Professional Education Centre in Bunavi, Vlora. He …
Transparency Board changes fuel prices
Transparency Board has set new maximum wholesale and retail fuel prices under measures addressing the special situation in the hydrocarbon market. Retail diesel prices must not exceed ALL 208 per litre, while wholesale prices must remain at or below ALL 196. For petrol, the maximum stands at ALL 167 per …
All tickets sold for Albania–Finland match at Air Albania
All tickets have sold out for Albania’s UEFA Nations League match against Finland at Air Albania Stadium, confirming strong fan interest in supporting the national team. Albania will face Finland on 12 November at 20:45 in front of a full stadium. Fans are expected to create their trademark atmosphere and …
Albanian police step up cannabis prevention and school drug-sale operations
State Police Director General Skënder Hita has highlighted efforts to prevent cannabis cultivation and stop drug sales near schools in 2026, during a joint conference with Italy’s Guardia di Finanza. Police identified 132,000 cannabis seedlings before cultivation, compared with 17,447 last year. Authorities also used 84 drones to monitor territory, …
New school to open in Tirana’s Astir neighborhood, featuring 28 classrooms, laboratories and a library
TIRANA, Nov 10 /ATA – A new school is nearing completion in the Astir neighborhood of Tirana, further expanding the capital’s educational infrastructure alongside several schools and sports facilities constructed or renovated in recent years. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the new facility on social media today, describing …
Albania – Finland match at Air Albania stadium sold out
TIRANA, Nov 10 /ATA/ The Air Albania Stadium will be packed for Albania’s UEFA Nations League match against Finland, with all tickets sold out. The sell-out highlights the strong interest among fans in supporting the national team. On 12 November at 20:45, Albania’s players will take to the pitch before a …
Mattarella: European Union is incomplete without Albania
TIRANA, Nov 10 /ATA/ – Italian President Sergio Mattarella said the European Union would remain incomplete without the accession of Albania and other candidate countries, reaffirming Italy’s support for the Western Balkans’ European integration. “Italy will always consider the European Union incomplete and diminished until Albania and the other candidate …
Izmir steel factory blast: Albania expresses solidarity with Turkey, says Foreign Minister Hoxha
TIRANA, Nov 10 /ATA/ Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, on Tuesday offered his condolences following an explosion at an iron and steel factory in Turkey’s Izmir province, which left several people dead and others injured. In a social media statement, Hoxha expressed his sympathies to the families of …
TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …
TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …
TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …
TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …
The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …