Will Albania’s Handling of ‘Flamingo’ Protests Affect its EU Accession Progress?
The anti-government protests that rocked Albania this summer will not jeopardise its EU membership prospects – but will feed into a broader assessment of Tirana’s respect for democracy and that rule of law. Original post Here
Demo meets Director for Western Balkans Superti: Chapters 24 and 22 in focus as Albania presses ahead toward its 2027 goal
Interior Minister Ervin Demo met with Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement, to discuss Albania’s progress toward EU membership. Their first meeting focused on the final milestones for Chapter 24, “Justice, Freedom and Security,” and Chapter 22, “Regional Policy and Coordination of …
Albania Customs Administration publishes new manual to standardize customs valuation practices
Albania’s Customs Administration has published the “Customs Valuation Manual”, a practical guide designed to standardize procedures and ensure the consistent application of rules for determining the value of goods for customs purposes. The manual brings together the relevant legal framework and customs valuation methods. It also addresses issues that customs …
Minister Gogu presents Criminal Procedure Code changes: Pre-trial detention should remain exceptional; Electronic monitoring to start by next spring
Justice Minister Toni Gogu, together with the Council of Europe, presented proposed amendments to Albania’s Criminal Procedure Code today. The initiative launches a public consultation on a broad reform of criminal procedures. The proposals focus on pre-trial detention, alternatives to imprisonment, stronger safeguards and the protection of individual rights. In …
Parliament honors Vendim Kapaj: Albanian traditional sounds featured in Nolan’s “The Odyssey”
On National Cultural Heritage Day, the Albanian Parliament expressed its appreciation for everyone who works to preserve and pass on the country’s cultural heritage from one generation to the next. In a social media post, Parliament highlighted the work of Vendim Kapaj, who holds the title “Grand Master” and has …
Finance Minister Malaj meets IMF mission: Significant improvements in public investment planning and management
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission assessing public investment efficiency (PIMA), led by Ian Hawkesworth. The meeting focused on the IMF’s findings and assessment of Albania’s public investment efficiency. The IMF plans to publish the full report soon. During the meeting, participants highlighted Albania’s …
Rama: No prison detention for offences carrying sentences of less than five years
Prime Minister Edi Rama today presented a draft package of amendments to Albania’s Criminal Procedure Code. Rama focused on the rules for imposing security measures. He also outlined plans to strengthen alternatives to pre-trial detention. During the presentation, Rama referred to an episode involving Professor Rafael Pariso. According to Rama, …
Director-General of the EC Esposito: New Criminal Procedure Code should strengthen justice and protect rights
“Drafting a Criminal Procedure Code ranks among a country’s most important undertakings. It defines how authorities collect evidence, conduct questioning, restrict freedom and enforce criminal penalties,” said Gianluca Esposito, Director General for Human Rights and the Rule of Law at the Council of Europe. Speaking at a meeting in Tirana …
Gonxhja: Objects from Ardenica’s “Mill Room” added to cultural heritage inventory
On National Cultural Heritage Day, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced that the National Institute of Cultural Heritage has registered and catalogued, for the first time, the objects preserved in the “Mill Room” at Ardenica Monastery. The objects will now become part of Albania’s cultural heritage inventory. …
German Cultural Week Brings Oktoberfest, Art and Music to Tirana
German Cultural Week 2026 will bring art, music, gastronomy and traditions to Tirana under the slogan “Culture Connects Us All,” as part of the International Cultural Weeks. From October 2 to 6, the city will celebrate German culture through a diverse program of events. Since the launch of the International …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has invited citizens to take part in a running event in Tirana on October 24-25. He shared a video on Facebook encouraging people to put on their running shoes and challenge themselves. Meanwhile, Rama said the capital’s streets will become a major running track for the …
Hybrid threats and cyberattacks against Albania were the focus of a workshop organised by the National Cyber Security Authority with the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats. National Cyber Security Authority head Bledar Kazia said authorities had detected external attacks on systems during the latest protest. He stressed …
Interior Minister Ervin Demo and State Police Director General Skënder Hita met with local State Police leaders in Shkodër on Monday. According to media reports, the meeting focused on public order and security issues in the region. The participants also discussed efforts to combat crime, particularly the cultivation and distribution …
Tirana hosted the third edition of “Tirana Grand Prix” for three days. The event is the largest automotive event in Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared moments from the event on social media today. The three-day programme celebrated automotive history, elegance and passion. It brought together collectors and enthusiasts from …
A new photo exhibition is bringing 20th-century Italian cinema to Tirana. The exhibition, “L’Italia che sognavamo”, opened today and will remain on display until October 23. Visitors can see the exhibition in the area in front of the Central State Film Archive. It features photographs from Italian cinema throughout the …
Albania’s Under-21 team drew 2-2 with Ukraine in a friendly match in Eger, Hungary, on Monday. The match took place at Szentmarjay Tibor Varosi Stadion. Albania produced a strong performance and controlled much of the game. Albania took the lead in the 18th minute through Kevin Dodaj. The team created …
Albania striker Rey Manaj said the team must start strongly against San Marino and seek an early goal in their UEFA Nations League match. Further, Manaj said Albania should focus on scoring regardless of how the goals come. He recalled the recent match against Andorra, when Albania scored late. The …
For the first time, an Albanian university has entered the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, one of the world’s best-known university rankings. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro thanked the academic staff, researchers, students and wider community of Tirana State University for their work to strengthen academic quality, research and internationalisation. …
Climate change is affecting biodiversity and reshaping the Mediterranean ecosystem. In Albania, researchers increasingly see the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in coastal waters and on beaches where the species sometimes nests. Albania has not traditionally ranked among the species’ main nesting areas. Warmer sea and sand temperatures now create …
The General Directorate of Archives has opened the Archive Museum, a new space dedicated to Albania’s documentary heritage. The museum aims to bring visitors, especially young people, closer to the country’s history through archival documents. General Archives Director Auron Rrokaj said the museum differs from traditional museums because it focuses …