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Albania and Montenegro Move Toward Stronger Cooperation, Hoxha Welcomes Ibrahimović in Tirana

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”adbe05f3-d4d9-4ce6-b413-f591c5fda930″ data-turn-id-container=”adbe05f3-d4d9-4ce6-b413-f591c5fda930″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-9″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Ferit Hoxha welcomed Ervin Ibrahimović to Tirana this Tuesday for an official visit marking the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, as well as the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Montenegro’s independence. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” …

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Minister Gogu: IBAR Has Moved from the Working Group to EU Member States’ Ambassadors

Toni Gogu stated that the IBAR process has made significant progress, emphasizing that the report has now moved from the technical level to the group of ambassadors of the European Union member states. In a statement to the media, Gogu announced that COELA has forwarded Albania’s IBAR report to COREPER, …

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Next Plenary Session on Thursday, Agenda Released! Opposition Requests Two Interpellations with PM Rama

The next plenary session of the Parliament of Albania will take place on Thursday, May 21, starting at 10:00 AM. The official agenda for the session has also been published. According to the agenda, nine interpellations requested by opposition MPs and Socialist MP Erion Braçe are expected to take place. …

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“In the Footsteps of the Berat Codices” Exhibition Draws Visitors to Onufri Museum

The exhibition “In the Footsteps of the Berat Codices” opened today at the Onufri Iconographic Museum as part of the International Museum Day celebrations. The National Museum Center of Berat organized the exhibition in cooperation with the General Directorate of Archives. As a result, the event attracted both local and …

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Agricultural University of Tirana–Vienna university cooperation becomes European model

TIRANA, May 19 – The cooperation between the Agricultural University of Tirana and the Vienna University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences has delivered concrete results. It has developed into a key European model in higher education. Meanwhile, the rector of the Vienna university, Eva Schulev-Steindl, assessed the progress of …

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Constitutional Court opens doors to students for institutional engagement

TIRANA, May 19 – The Constitutional Court marks its 34th anniversary of activity with the “Open Days” initiative on 18–19 May. It welcomes students from public and private universities. Meanwhile, students gain direct insight into the institutional life of the court and its role and function. On the first day, …

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Football federation president Armando Duka sets World Cup 2030 target for Albania

TIRANA, May 19 – The president of the Albanian Football Federation, Armando Duka, said Albania aims to reach the World Cup in 2030 during the presentation of the new national team coach Rolando Maran. Meanwhile, Duka said the national team opens a new cycle with a coach who brings experience …

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“Mona Lisa of Berat” displayed after three-month restoration

TIRANA, May 19 – The monumental icon “Saint Mary with Christ in her right arm”, a work by Onufri, returned to public display in Berat. It followed a three-month restoration process at the Conservation and Restoration Laboratory of the Onufri Iconographic Museum. Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi …

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Italians Lead Tourist Visits in Albania, Accommodation Up 20.8%

Tourism in Albania continued to grow in March, with a strong increase in visitors staying in accommodation structures. According to INSTAT, total visitors increased by 20.8% compared to March 2025. Foreign visitors rose even more, by 23.7%. Resident visitors increased by 15.9%. Italian tourists led arrivals. They made up 30% …

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Radio Tirana in 1947, rare photographs from Albanian Telegraphic Agency archive

TIRANA, May 19 – The archive of the Albanian news agency (ATSH) contains rare photographs of Radio Tirana dated 1947. The images show the radio’s facilities, speakers, technicians and broadcasting equipment. They also feature antennas, an orchestra and singers performing live in front of microphones. Radio Tirana was founded in …

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Porto Palermo Festival Opens with Call to Protect the Sea and Environment

The sixth Porto Palermo Festival opened with the environmental awareness event “Preserving Our Sea 4”, putting marine protection and coastal clean-up at the centre of the festival. Violinist Olen Çezari organized the initiative with the support of the Municipality of Himarë. Himarë Mayor Vangjel Tavo joined the clean-up campaign. He …

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Shala River Area to Connect with Tropoja as Road Project Site Prepares for Construction

The construction site for the Shalë–Tropojë road project is ready, marking an important step toward connecting the Dukagjin area with the Albanian Alps. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the site and described the project as a strategic investment. The new road will connect Shala with Tropoja through Qafa …

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EU Offers Up to €100,000 to Support Albania’s Wood Industry

The European Union has launched a new funding scheme to help Albanian wood-processing companies invest in innovative circular economy solutions. The Wood2Value scheme will support investments in technologies and production processes that reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and increase competitiveness. The EU Delegation in Tirana said selected companies can receive …

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Over 20,000 Applications Qualify for Albania’s 2026 National Agriculture Support Scheme

Albania’s Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR) has qualified 20,636 applications under Measures 5–9 of the 2026 National Agriculture Support Scheme after completing the initial administrative review. The scheme supports sustainable agriculture, higher production standards and inland fisheries. AZHBR approved 362 applications under Measure 5, which supports biological pest …

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Rama Condemns Berlin Attack: “No Tolerance for Hate, Violence or Extremism”

Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his solidarity with Germany and the German people following the tragic incident at the Pride Parade in Berlin. In a statement on social media, Rama condemned the attack and said there can be no tolerance for hate, violence or extremism in any form. He stressed …

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Koçiu: Albania Expands Protected Areas Network to Strengthen Environmental Protection

Albania has expanded its protected areas network and placed nearly one-quarter of its territory under national nature protection. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared a video showing the country’s environmental progress from 2013 to 2026. She highlighted stronger environmental laws, better management of protected areas and new initiatives to protect …

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Balla: “Double Your Business” Programme Opens New Financing Opportunities for SMEs

The “Double Your Business” programme supports Albanian entrepreneurs and creates new financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, said Taulant Balla during a visit to the “Belba” winery in Kavajë. Balla visited the winery, which two brothers established after bringing their experience from Italy and combining it with Albania’s traditional …

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PM presents ‘Besa’ strategy and comments on recent protests

TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented “Besa”, a document he described as the political and governing strategy for the government’s fourth term, during a joint meeting of the government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group. Rama said recent protests should serve as a moment of reflection rather …

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Week in Review: A Fighting Spirit

From Albania’s ‘Flamingo Revolution’ to Turkey’s embattled opposition, BIRN’s premium selection of stories this week tell a fighting mood is visible across south-east Europe, despite the summer heat. Original post Here

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Kosovo’s Trade Deficit Rises 16%, Exports Cover Only 15% of Imports

Kosovo’s trade deficit increased by 16.1% in June 2026 compared with the same period last year, reaching €578.3 million. The deficit reflects the gap between the value of imports and exports. According to data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS), exports covered only 15% of imports. Kosovo exported goods …

News

Porto Palermo Festival Opens with Call to Protect the Sea and Environment

The sixth Porto Palermo Festival opened with the environmental awareness event “Preserving Our Sea 4”, putting marine protection and coastal clean-up at the centre of the festival. Violinist Olen Çezari organized the initiative with the support of the Municipality of Himarë. Himarë Mayor Vangjel Tavo joined the clean-up campaign. He …

News

Shala River Area to Connect with Tropoja as Road Project Site Prepares for Construction

The construction site for the Shalë–Tropojë road project is ready, marking an important step toward connecting the Dukagjin area with the Albanian Alps. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the site and described the project as a strategic investment. The new road will connect Shala with Tropoja through Qafa …

News

EU Offers Up to €100,000 to Support Albania’s Wood Industry

The European Union has launched a new funding scheme to help Albanian wood-processing companies invest in innovative circular economy solutions. The Wood2Value scheme will support investments in technologies and production processes that reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and increase competitiveness. The EU Delegation in Tirana said selected companies can receive …

News

Over 20,000 Applications Qualify for Albania’s 2026 National Agriculture Support Scheme

Albania’s Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR) has qualified 20,636 applications under Measures 5–9 of the 2026 National Agriculture Support Scheme after completing the initial administrative review. The scheme supports sustainable agriculture, higher production standards and inland fisheries. AZHBR approved 362 applications under Measure 5, which supports biological pest …

News

Rama Condemns Berlin Attack: “No Tolerance for Hate, Violence or Extremism”

Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his solidarity with Germany and the German people following the tragic incident at the Pride Parade in Berlin. In a statement on social media, Rama condemned the attack and said there can be no tolerance for hate, violence or extremism in any form. He stressed …

News

Koçiu: Albania Expands Protected Areas Network to Strengthen Environmental Protection

Albania has expanded its protected areas network and placed nearly one-quarter of its territory under national nature protection. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared a video showing the country’s environmental progress from 2013 to 2026. She highlighted stronger environmental laws, better management of protected areas and new initiatives to protect …

News

Balla: “Double Your Business” Programme Opens New Financing Opportunities for SMEs

The “Double Your Business” programme supports Albanian entrepreneurs and creates new financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, said Taulant Balla during a visit to the “Belba” winery in Kavajë. Balla visited the winery, which two brothers established after bringing their experience from Italy and combining it with Albania’s traditional …

News

PM presents ‘Besa’ strategy and comments on recent protests

TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented “Besa”, a document he described as the political and governing strategy for the government’s fourth term, during a joint meeting of the government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group. Rama said recent protests should serve as a moment of reflection rather …

News

Week in Review: A Fighting Spirit

From Albania’s ‘Flamingo Revolution’ to Turkey’s embattled opposition, BIRN’s premium selection of stories this week tell a fighting mood is visible across south-east Europe, despite the summer heat. Original post Here

News

Kosovo’s Trade Deficit Rises 16%, Exports Cover Only 15% of Imports

Kosovo’s trade deficit increased by 16.1% in June 2026 compared with the same period last year, reaching €578.3 million. The deficit reflects the gap between the value of imports and exports. According to data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS), exports covered only 15% of imports. Kosovo exported goods …