Hoxha: News Agencies Stand on the Front Line Against Disinformation
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” on Wednesday. The Italian news agency ANSA and the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies (ABNA) organized the conference. The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Central European Initiative (CEI) also supported the event. …
Former Deputy PM Balluku Faces New Corruption Evidence
Tirana Times, September 09, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has uncovered new evidence in its widening investigation of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, increasing pressure on one of the most powerful figures of the governing Socialist Party. SPAK said Wednesday that a special …
High Fire Risk in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier as temperatures reach 33°C
The Institute of GeoSciences (IGJEO) warns of a high fire risk this afternoon and tomorrow in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier counties. Meanwhile, other parts of the country will face a moderate risk. However, the high-risk level will affect only localised areas in some counties. These include northeastern Lezhë, northeastern Tirana …
Territorial reform, OSCE ambassador: No decision should be made without national-level consultation
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Michel Tarran, said in Pogradec that the territorial reform remains under discussion and that no final decision has been made so far. Asked about the consultation process, Tarran stressed that the OSCE does not impose a specific model for territorial organization. He …
Bank of Albania, World Bank step up cooperation on digital payments
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with a World Bank delegation to discuss Albania’s economic performance, EU integration and payment-system modernization. Sejko said the economy continues to perform well, supported by growth, stronger employment and incomes, and financial stability. He also highlighted Albania’s progress toward EU standards. The talks …
Lek strengthens against major foreign currencies on domestic market
The lek strengthened against major foreign currencies in the domestic foreign exchange market on Wednesday, compared with the previous day. According to the official exchange rate published by the Bank of Albania, the euro fell by 0.05 lek, to 92.02 lek, while the US dollar dropped by 0.19 lek, to …
“Balkans meet in Trieste”, FM Hoxha: Enlargement is Europe’s strength
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, was among the keynote speakers at the “Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference. Italy’s ANSA news agency organized the event. The conference took place during the 34th General Assembly of the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE). The Friuli …
FM Hoxha: Kosovo, an independent state and should be recognized; Regional cooperation remains a major priority
Speaking at the “Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference, Hoxha also addressed Albania’s positions on Kosovo, stressing that Albania considers it an independent state that should receive international recognition. “We have fundamental differences with Serbia over Kosovo,” he said. “Kosovo is an independent state and should be recognized.” At the same …
Gjirokastër’s Cold War Museum unveils new exhibition on Albania’s communist past
The Cold War Museum in Gjirokastër has unveiled a new exhibition inside the city’s historic underground bunker. The central hall now features uniforms worn by soldiers, generals and officials during Albania’s communist era. Visitors can also see banned books, newspaper articles from the 1950s to the 1990s, and publications by …
National Energy Plan Sets 100% Electric Vehicle Target for Public Procurement
Albania plans to gradually shift public administration toward electric vehicles. Under the new target, public institutions must procure new light vehicles that are either fully electric or plug-in hybrids. The target forms part of the revised National Energy and Climate Plan 2020–2030. The plan introduces several measures to cut transport …
TIRANA, Nov 7 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama today reiterated his invitation to the protesting students to engage in dialogue, expressing the government’s readiness to consider their proposals and address the concerns they have raised. Rama shared footage on social media of the stone table set up outside the Prime …
TIRANA, Nov 7 /ATA/ Despite being part of the “100 Villages” programme, the stone-paved streets of Arrëz and Sinicë, in Upper Devoll, remain largely off the tourist trail, attracting relatively few visitors. The villages are easily accessible, either by road from Bilisht towards Miras or via a hiking trail starting …
TIRANA, Nov 7 /ATA/ Redistributing the benefits of economic growth among citizens, lowering the cost of essential goods, increasing pensioners’ incomes and supporting households and businesses are among the key priorities of the 2027 Draft Budget and Fiscal Package. In an interview with the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATSH), Minister of …
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ Following positive European Commission assessment, Gogu says Albania will align anti-corruption laws with EU standards and sets out three regional priorities Justice Minister Toni Gogu attended the session entitled “The Judicial Dimension of the Fight Against Corruption” at the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home …
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ The 2027 budget of the Ministry of Economy and Innovation prioritises increased financial support for pensioners, including doubling the monthly bonus, indexing pensions and preparing a new pension scheme. Speaking in a television interview, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said the ministry’s budget for …
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ President of the Constitutional Court Fiona Papajorgji attended a meeting of the Governing Bureau of the Association of Francophone Constitutional Courts (ACCF), where participants discussed the association’s activities in 2026 and its priorities for 2027–2028. The meeting was followed by a working session entitled “Electoral Legitimacy …
Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu met Montenegro’s Minister of Human and Minority Rights, Fatmir Gjeka, in Podgorica to discuss minority rights, representation and access to justice. Their talks also covered legislative changes and efforts to combat discrimination. Gogu stressed the importance of ensuring equal access to justice. He also highlighted …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi, inspected construction work on the 21-kilometre Tirana bypass. The project aims to ease traffic and divert vehicles away from the capital. Rama said work was progressing well and highlighted the road’s strategic role in connecting the Blue Corridor …
Albania coach Rolando Maran has announced his squad for the national team’s final two Nations League matches against Finland and Belarus. Albania will face Finland at Air Albania Stadium on 12 November before travelling to Hungary to play Belarus behind closed doors on 15 November. The main surprise is the …
Albania is planning new rules for the administration, maintenance and restoration of museums, cultural monuments and other heritage sites. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has opened public consultation on amendments to the law on cultural heritage and museums. The draft aims to strengthen protection and sustainable management while …