EU Backs Albania’s Ambition to Conclude Accession Talks by End of 2027
The European Union backs Albania’s ambition to conclude accession negotiations by the end of 2027, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said on Tuesday. She spoke at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama and Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, following the 10th Albania-EU …
Rama: Chapter 20 Closure Recognises Albania’s EU Reforms
Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Tuesday that the provisional closure of Chapter 20 marks another step towards Albania’s EU membership. Speaking in Luxembourg after the 10th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference, Rama described the milestone as recognition of the country’s reforms and ongoing transformation. Chapter 20 covers enterprise and industrial policy. …
US Embassy Warns Americans as Tirana Protest Turns Violent
The US Embassy in Tirana has urged American citizens to avoid protests and public gatherings after clashes erupted during a demonstration on Durrës Street, near Skanderbeg Square, on Tuesday. In a security alert, the embassy said the protest had turned violent after demonstrators threw stones. It warned that unrest could …
Rama: We Will Not Stop Until Albania’s Flag Flies Alongside EU Flags
Prime Minister Edi Rama has reaffirmed Albania’s determination to join the European Union, saying the country will not stop until its national flag flies alongside those of EU member states. In a video message from Luxembourg on Tuesday, Rama spoke alongside Albania’s negotiating team following the 10th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference, …
Kos: Albania Could Join EU Before 2030 if Positive Momentum Continues
Albania could join the European Union before 2030 if positive momentum among member states continues, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said on Tuesday. She made the remarks in Luxembourg after the 10th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference. Asked whether the EU’s new accession rules could pave the way for Albania to …
Rama: Culture of Impunity Is Over in Albania, No One Is Above the Law
Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Tuesday that Albania had ended its culture of impunity and that no one stood above the law. He made the statement in Luxembourg after the 10th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference. Asked by The Kyiv Independent about investigations into senior officials, Rama said the justice system …
Byrne: Albania Enters Final Phase of EU Accession Talks
Albania has provisionally closed a fourth chapter in its EU accession negotiations, marking further progress towards membership. Speaking in Luxembourg on Tuesday, Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, said Albania had entered the final phase of the accession process. The 10th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference formally …
Rama: Zvërnec Project Aims to Set Example for Nature-Friendly Investment
Prime Minister Edi Rama described the investment project in Zvërnec as a model for developing projects in harmony with nature. He made the remarks on Tuesday in Luxembourg, following the 10th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference. Asked by The Kyiv Independent about Jared Kushner’s investment plans in Albania, Rama said international media …
Albania and Luxembourg to Launch Direct Flights in March 2027
Prime Minister Edi Rama met with Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden in Luxembourg on Tuesday to discuss bilateral ties and Albania’s EU accession process. After the meeting, Rama announced that Luxair will launch direct flights between Luxembourg and Albania in March 2027. The new route will strengthen air links between …
Erdogan Congratulates Kosovo’s New President, Pledges Stronger Ties
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has congratulated Kosovo President Justina Shiroka-Pula on taking office, expressing confidence that bilateral cooperation will continue to grow. In a congratulatory letter, Erdogan said cooperation between the two countries would further strengthen regional peace and stability. He conveyed his best wishes on behalf of the …
Wine industry professionals gathered in Albania for “Tastin’ France”, an initiative by Business France that promotes the quality and heritage of French wines in international markets. The France-Albania Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized the event with support from the French Embassy in Albania and Kub France Tirana. The gathering …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said on Monday that those who destroy businesses, attack State Police officers and set fire to the capital are not protesters but perpetrators of violence. In a social media statement, Koçiu stressed that authorities must respect and protect the right to peaceful protest. However, she …
Tourism revenue in Albania has more than doubled in three years, while overnight stays outside the peak summer season have increased by around 78%, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said. Gonxhja attended the Balkan Blue Economy Summit at Marina Orikum as part of the Balkans Sea Fair. …
Albania on Monday commemorated writer, playwright, screenwriter and journalist Dhimitër Xhuvani, who died on October 19, 2009. Xhuvani was one of the most prominent figures in Albanian literature in the second half of the 20th century. Born in Pogradec on May 23, 1934, he initially trained in medicine and worked …
The Swiss Embassy in Albania has expressed concern over the recent outbreak of violence and damage to public and private property during demonstrations in the country. It called on all sides to exercise restraint, ease tensions and prioritize constructive dialogue. In a statement posted on social media, the embassy stressed …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has renewed his call for dialogue with protesters, urging them to reject violence, stone-throwing and arson targeting public institutions. Rama said the government stands ready to hold talks at any time and without conditions. He also called on protest organizers to lead by example and help …
Marco Tarquinio, chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Albania, and Andreas Schieder, the Parliament’s standing rapporteur for Albania, have voiced concern over the escalation of protests in Tirana. “We condemn the violent escalation of these protests, attacks on public institutions and the destruction of public and private …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met Interior Minister Ervin Demo and senior State Police officials on Monday to address the violent protests that have rocked the capital in recent days. During the meeting, Rama accused Russia of seeking to undermine Albania’s economic growth, discourage investment and obstruct its EU integration. He …
Albanian karate athlete Neevis Hasani won the bronze medal at the World Karate Championships in Bielsko-Biała, Poland, securing a place among the world’s top three junior athletes in the under-55kg category. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the achievement, praising Hasani’s performance on the international stage. Hasani secured …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that citizens have the right to protest but must not resort to violence, as demonstrations continued in the capital in recent days. In a social media post, Rama shared a photo from protests across Europe and urged citizens not to fall for what …