Albanian lawmakers attend regional security and defence committees meeting in Zagreb
TIRANA, June 3 – Members of Albania’s Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence, Agron Malaj and Bujar Rexha, took part in the annual meeting of parliamentary security and defence committees from Southeast European countries in Zagreb, Croatia. The Croatian Parliament organised the event with RACVIAC (Centre for Security Cooperation), …
Finance Minister Malaj: Albanian Development Bank to finance up to €1 billion in investments
TIRANA, June 3 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj outlined plans for the Albanian Development Bank after a government meeting. The new financial institution will support strategic sectors of the economy and key development projects. Malaj said the bank will start with an initial capital of €100 million. He added that …
Prime Minister Rama says Zvërnec land funds cleared after verification, warns of hybrid influence activity
TIRANA, June 3 – The government said it completed verification of funds used for the purchase of land in Zvërnec. It said investors passed financial checks. However, it said payments to the seller remain frozen due to a separate judicial process. Prime Minister Edi Rama made the announcement after a …
Costa Visits Kosovo, Meets Haxhiu and Kurti
President of the European Council, António Costa, visited Kosovo as part of his Western Balkans tour. First, Costa met acting President Albulena Haxhiu in Pristina. The two officials discussed issues of mutual interest and Kosovo’s European path. Afterward, Costa held talks with acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti. Meanwhile, the European …
Program ‘Double Your Enterprise’ launches July 1 with €250 mln fund for businesses
TIRANA, June 3 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the government will launch the “Double Your Enterprise” programme on July 1. The scheme aims to support Albanian businesses through new financing opportunities. Ibrahimaj said the Bank of Albania has made €250 million available for the programme. In addition, …
“Vlora Airport Will Be Built and Become Operational” – Karakaçi: Companies Given 30 Days to Resolve Their Dispute
The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Enena Karakaçi, stated to the media following the government meeting that the ministry has given the contracting companies responsible for the construction of Vlora International Airport a 30-day deadline to resolve their commercial dispute. Karakaçi emphasized that Vlora Airport will be completed and become operational according to …
Rama on Zvërnec: Luxury Resorts Bring High Revenue to the Country, the Project Will Not Be Cancelled
Following the government meeting this Wednesday, Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed the media, also commenting on the construction of the resort in Zvërnec. Rama stated that resorts are among the main drivers of a country’s economic development and that he will not cancel the project. “I have to deal with people who say, …
“Property’s Origin Is Now in SPAK’s Hands” – Rama on Zvërnec: This Will Put an End to Any Speculation That Project Is Not Based on the Law
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke at a press conference regarding the construction project in the Zvërnec area, following the protests that have taken place there. Rama described the land purchase transaction as a positive development and stressed that anyone claiming ownership of the property will be subject to investigation. “What I want to talk …
Albanian Book Fair Comes to North Macedonia: 55 Publishers from the Region Gather in Skopje for the First Time
Thousands of book titles, dozens of publishers, and four days dedicated to Albanian-language literature. For the first time, Skopje will host the Albanian Book Fair 2026, an event aimed at bringing together publishers and book lovers from North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania. From June 4 to June 7, Skanderbeg Square will be transformed into a hub for the …
“Double Your Enterprise” Program Launches on July 1, Says Ibrahimaj: €250 Million Fund Available for Businesses
Following the government meeting this Wednesday, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj announced that the “Double Your Enterprise” program will officially launch on July 1. According to Ibrahimaj, the program will provide financing to businesses at interest rates ranging from 2% to 3%, supported by a €250 million fund made available to enterprises …
TIRANA, August 18 – Italian tourists continue to arrive at the Port of Vlora in large numbers in late August. Many others are returning home after spending their holidays on Albania’s beaches and in its cities. Albanians living abroad are also arriving for their holidays. As a result, Vlora continues …
Albania continues to attract foreign tourists. Visitors particularly praise its hospitality, cuisine and coastline. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared today the views of several foreign tourists who chose Vlora for their holidays. “For the first time in Vlora, and certainly not the last, new friends of Albania are coming …
Berat’s rich historical and cultural heritage continues to attract more visitors. The city of a thousand windows remains one of Albania’s leading cultural tourism destinations. Data from the first seven months of 2026 show growing interest in the “Onufri” Iconographic Museum and the Ethnographic Museum. Miklor Pasku, director of the …
TIRANA, August 18 – Large wildfires have affected Albania and several other European countries. The fires have claimed lives and damaged homes, ecosystems, farmland, infrastructure, cultural heritage and local economies. The European Union Delegation in Tirana said Europe remains united in response to the fires. It stressed that no country …
Gjirokastër continues to inspire young generations with its distinctive houses, architecture and rich cultural heritage. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared a video featuring young artist Ajden Nora. He highlighted how young people are keeping Albania’s cultural heritage alive through music and art. “When tradition finds the …
TIRANA, August 18 – Tourist numbers in Shkodër region have risen significantly this summer. The increase has created new challenges for local institutions. Authorities are focusing on visitor safety and service quality. For the Regional Administration of Protected Areas in Shkodër, visitor safety remains a key concern. The focus has …
TIRANA, August 18 – Authorities continue to monitor a wildfire in the Fushë-Laja area of Puka Municipality, in the forests of Mount Tërbun. The Puka Fire Protection and Rescue Service and forestry service have worked at the site for several days. Local service employees, residents, volunteers and personnel from the …
TIRANA, August 18 – Albania registered 6,396 all-electric vehicles for the first time between January and July 2026. The figure represents a 126% increase from the same period last year, according to the General Directorate of Road Transport Services. All-electric vehicles accounted for 40.5% of all newly registered zero-mileage vehicles …
TIRANA, August 18 – Young farmers have submitted 414 applications for investments under the 2026 National Support Scheme, according to the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development. Livestock and agricultural mechanization account for the main investment priorities. Of the total, 223 applications seek funding to purchase animals. Another 164 applications …
TIRANA, August 18 – Albania’s economy grew by 3.71% in the first quarter of 2026. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the figure places Albania among the fastest-growing economies in the region. He also said the country is narrowing the gap with European economies. According to Malaj, Albania and Kosova recorded …