Mother Teresa, the Albanian-born saint who devoted her life to the poorest
TIRANA, August 26 – Mother Teresa, one of the world’s best-known humanitarian figures, was born 116 years ago today as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire and now the capital of North Macedonia. She came from an Albanian family. Her Albanian origins remained an important …
Major cruise ship AROYA to stop in Saranda in 2027
TIRANA, August 26 – AROYA, a major cruise ship operated by Saudi Arabia-based AROYA Cruises, is scheduled to make a stop in Saranda on July 20, 2027, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said. Gonxhja announced the planned stop after meeting Albanian cruise-industry executive Altin Alija in Taranto, Italy. …
Wikoff: KFOR has no mandate to decide on opening of Ibër Bridge in Mitrovica
TIRANA, August 26 – KFOR has no mandate to decide whether the Ibër Bridge in Mitrovica, Kosova should reopen to vehicle traffic, Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples, said. He said the decision rests with the European Union and the relevant institutions in Kosova. Wikoff …
Antonino Mullisi Wins European Youth Title and Sets Two Continental Records
Albanian weightlifter Antonino Mullisi has won the European Youth Championship title in 2026 and set two European records at the competition in Kosovo. Mullisi dominated the snatch with a 135-kilogram lift, setting a new European record. He then lifted 156 kilograms in the clean and jerk, finishing with 291 kilograms …
Albania Reports 24 Wildfires as Crews Battle Blazes Across the Country
Albania reported 24 wildfires across the country by Tuesday evening, with six fires still active and five under surveillance. A total of 126 emergency personnel and 18 firefighting vehicles took part in operations. The Armed Forces also deployed 20 personnel, one helicopter and two Air Tractor aircraft. Mount Dajti remains …
Rama: AI Will Put Government Services in Citizens’ Hands in Real Time
Prime Minister Edi Rama said artificial intelligence will help make government services more transparent and responsive, allowing citizens to track their requests in real time. Speaking after the government’s expanded meeting in Pogradec, Rama said a new digital system will allow citizens to submit requests, follow their progress and see …
Hoxha: EU Membership Remains Albania’s Top Foreign Policy Priority
Albania’s EU membership remains the country’s main foreign policy priority, Foreign Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said following the government’s seminar in Pogradec. Hoxha said Albania will accelerate its diplomatic efforts and maintain a clear focus on the EU accession process. He also highlighted stronger regional cooperation …
Bank loans drive life insurance growth, while fires and natural disasters raise property payouts by 20%
TIRANA, August 25 – Albania’s insurance market maintained steady growth from January to July 2026. Insurance premium income reached ALL 15.92 billion. Meanwhile, payouts to citizens rose by more than 12% to ALL 5.41 billion. Bank lending has strongly driven growth in life insurance, making it one of the market’s …
Albanian Football Federation seeks donors for 2 football fields for ethnic Albanians in southern Serbia’s Presheva Valley
TIRANA, August 25 – The Albanian Football Federation has launched a project to build 2 modern football fields in the Presheva Valley in southern Serbia, an area with a predominantly ethnic Albanian population. One field will be built in the Municipality of Presheva and the other in the Municipality of …
Term Deposits in Albanian Lek Increase by 14.8% in June
TIRANA, August 25 – Term deposits in the Albanian Lek (ALL) continued their upward trend in June 2026. According to data from the Bank of Albania, they exceeded ALL 244 billion by mid-year, marking a 14.8% increase from the same period in 2025. The growth rate accelerated from the end …
Durrës’ main entrance has undergone a major transformation following the reconstruction of Adria Street, improving access and creating more space for pedestrians and cyclists. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the renovated road on social media. The project features new sidewalks, bicycle lanes, modern lighting, road signs and green …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has ruled out resigning despite weeks of protests in Tirana, telling Greek newspaper Kathimerini that governments change through elections, not violence. Rama acknowledged young people’s concerns about education, corruption and the cost of living. He said these issues demand concrete solutions and pledged additional measures for …
Europe and Foreign Affairs Minister Ferit Hoxha has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to democratic freedoms, stressing that peaceful protest is a fundamental right but violence and vandalism have no place in political expression. Hoxha made the remarks during a meeting with ambassadors of European Union member states in Albania on …
Albania recorded an annual inflation rate of 2.9% in September, below the European Union average, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said, pointing to the resilience of the country’s economy amid price pressures. In a social media post, Malaj highlighted measures the government has introduced to monitor prices and protect household purchasing …
The Academy of Sciences of Albania has commemorated academician Alfred Uçi, a leading philosopher, aesthetician and cultural thinker who helped shape Albania’s school of aesthetic studies. The tribute marks 10 years since his death on Oct. 26, 2016. Born in Korçë on Dec. 12, 1930, Uçi studied philosophy at Moscow’s …
A total of 250 recruits, including 28 women, have begun Basic Individual Training as they take their first steps toward military careers in the Albanian Armed Forces. At a send-off ceremony at the “Skënderbej” Garrison in Tirana, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi praised the recruits for choosing to serve their country. …
Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Enkelejd Musabelliu presented a consumer protection bill to the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. The bill aligns Albanian legislation with 15 European Union legal acts, including 14 directives and one regulation. It addresses digitalisation, online trade and demand for sustainable products and services. …
The cruise ship Oosterdam arrived at the Port of Saranda on Monday morning with around 1,900 tourists of various nationalities on board, according to the port authority. During their stay, visitors can explore Saranda and nearby tourist destinations. These include the area’s natural attractions and cultural heritage. The arrival adds …
Prime Minister Edi Rama renewed his call for dialogue with students on Monday, following 13 days of protests in the capital. Rama shared images of the chairs placed outside the Prime Minister’s Office, symbolically reiterating his invitation for dialogue. The protests have continued for 13 days, marked by violent clashes …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj reacted on Monday to the victory of the Albanian coalition in the Preševo Valley, describing the result as a victory for unity, dignity, and political representation. In his message, Begaj emphasized that the election result should serve as an opportunity to advance the rights of Albanians …