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Albania Marks 75 Years of Air Force, Begaj Announces New Transformation Chapter

President Bajram Begaj marks the 75th anniversary of Albania’s Military Aviation at Kuçova Air Base. He honors generations of personnel, including first commander Edip Ohri and 43 fallen heroes. Begaj highlights the Air Force’s transformation from isolation to NATO standards. He says the force has followed Albania’s path toward integration. …

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Nufi: Air Force Modernization Remains Strategic Priority

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi marks the 75th anniversary of Albania’s Military Aviation at NATO’s Kuçova Air Base. Senior officials, military leaders, and veterans attend the ceremony. Nufi announces the reopening of the Aviation School in Vlorë after two decades. The school will train military and civilian pilots, as well as …

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Albania Showcases Investment Opportunities to German Businesses in Berlin

Albania presents its investment potential at a Germany–Albania business conference in Berlin. Officials and entrepreneurs from both countries attend the event to boost economic cooperation. The Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) hosts a workshop on investment opportunities and investor protection. AIDA Director Laura Saro highlights Germany as a key economic …

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EU Regrets Kosovo Parties Fail to Agree on Consensus President Candidate

The European Union expresses regret after Kosovo’s political parties fail to agree on a unified presidential candidate. An EU spokesperson urges political actors to strengthen dialogue and ensure institutional stability. He warns that Kosovo risks missing key opportunities, including benefits from the Growth Plan. Lawmakers fail to elect a new …

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Kanye West to Headline Historic One-Night Show in Tirana

Tirana prepares to host a major international music event on July 11, 2026. Kanye West will perform a one-night-only show in Albania. Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja announces the event and calls it a milestone for the country. He says the concert will place Albania on the global events map. Organizers …

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Berat and Gjirokastër Highlight Global Model for Heritage Management

Albania presents Berat and Gjirokastër as international examples of heritage management at a conference in Mostar. Regional heritage directorates showcase an integrated management model for the two historic cities. Both cities belong to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Experts present strategies on funding preservation and sustainable growth. They highlight investments …

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Arts University and National Opera Sign Cooperation Agreement

The University of Arts and the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble sign a cooperation agreement in Tirana. Director General Aulon Naçi and Rector Erald Bakalli formalize the partnership. The agreement strengthens institutional cooperation. It creates new opportunities for students to gain professional experience and join artistic productions. …

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Gjirokastër Extends Visiting Hours at Cultural Monuments for Tourist Season

The official start of the tourist season in Gjirokastër has led to extended visiting hours at cultural heritage sites for visitors and tourists. According to the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage, from May 1 to October 31, Gjirokastër Castle and the Antigonea Archaeological Park will welcome ticketed visitors under a …

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Albanian PM Announces Kanye West Concert Despite Antisemitism Concerns

Controversial US rapper also known as Ye – who has been banned from the UK and Australia – will hold a concert in Tirana on July 11, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Facebook. Original post Here

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“Double Your Business” scheme, Finance Minister: sovereign guarantee and negotiations on loan terms

TIRANA, April 30 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj says the new programme “Double Your Business” will be launched soon. He speaks during a press conference on the first-quarter fiscal performance. He says the scheme remains in the preparation phase. The Ministry of Finance negotiates with the Ministry of Economy and …

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Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs

While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here

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ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases

TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …

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Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …

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Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht

TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …

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Summer Afternoon Draws Crowds of Tourists to Durrës

Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …

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Special anti-corruption prosecution chief: Strategy targets 70% cut in case backlog

TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …

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PM Rama: Albania develops first artificial intelligence model for public procurement

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …

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Former Kosova President Thaçi sends message to citizens

TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …

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Valbona Valley draws global travelers to Albania’s wild north

TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …

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Foreign Tourists Visit Gjirokastër, Praise Nature, History and Hospitality

Foreign tourists visiting Gjirokastër continue to share positive impressions of Albania, highlighting the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Mirela Kumbaro shared on social media comments from visitors exploring the UNESCO-listed stone city. Tourists from several European countries expressed admiration for Albania’s landscapes, beaches, and cultural heritage. A …

News

Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs

While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here

News

ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases

TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …

News

Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …

News

Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht

TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …

News

Summer Afternoon Draws Crowds of Tourists to Durrës

Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …

News

Special anti-corruption prosecution chief: Strategy targets 70% cut in case backlog

TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …

News

PM Rama: Albania develops first artificial intelligence model for public procurement

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …

News

Former Kosova President Thaçi sends message to citizens

TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …

News

Valbona Valley draws global travelers to Albania’s wild north

TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …

News

Foreign Tourists Visit Gjirokastër, Praise Nature, History and Hospitality

Foreign tourists visiting Gjirokastër continue to share positive impressions of Albania, highlighting the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Mirela Kumbaro shared on social media comments from visitors exploring the UNESCO-listed stone city. Tourists from several European countries expressed admiration for Albania’s landscapes, beaches, and cultural heritage. A …