Albania and European Union hold second security and defence dialogue in Brussels
TIRANA, April 17 – Albania and the European Union held their second dialogue on security and defence under a joint partnership framework. The meeting took place as global security challenges continue to grow in complexity. European Union officials and Albanian representatives discussed cooperation in defence and foreign policy alignment. Albania …
FM Hoxha attends Antalya Diplomacy Forum
TIRANA, April 17 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has arrived in Turkey to take part in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The event gathers heads of state, ministers, diplomats and representatives of international organisations for high-level dialogue. This year’s forum runs from April 17 to 19, 2026, …
Summer tourism preparations intensify along Durrës coastline
TIRANA, April 17 – The municipality of Durrës has intensified work ahead of the summer tourism season across the coastal area. Efforts focus on preparing beaches that attract thousands of local and international visitors each year. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing ongoing preparation activities along …
Albania and Kosova launch first phase of joint Albanian language competition
TIRANA, April 17 – Ninth-grade students in Albania and Kosova begin the first phase of a joint Albanian language competition on Friday. The initiative enters its second consecutive year and brings together schools from both countries. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro invited students to take part and test their knowledge of …
Diaspora Summit IV: Albanians abroad say patriotism knows no distance
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs shared messages from Albanians worldwide. They participated in the fourth Diaspora Summit. They expressed strong emotional ties to their homeland. Participants said distance does not weaken their sense of belonging. “Our hearts beat Albanian wherever we are,” they said. Albanians living in Brussels, …
“Publik Galeri” exhibition turns confiscated space from crime symbol into art center
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu and Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari attended the opening of the “Publik Galeri” exhibition. The initiative aims to transform confiscated spaces into art and community centers. Authorities converted the space from a site linked to illegal profits and criminal activity into a public venue. It now …
Transport Strategy 2030 focuses on TEN-T integration, €7.9 billion investments
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy has released the Transport Sector Strategy and Action Plan 2030 for public consultation. The documents set the direction for transport development aligned with national priorities and EU integration. The strategy aims to build a modern, safe, and sustainable transport system. It seeks to improve …
Begaj meets Diaspora Council in Tirana, highlights national identity preservation
TIRANA, April 17 – President Bajram Begaj met the Coordinating Council of Diaspora in Tirana after the fourth diaspora summit. The meeting took place at the Presidential Institution following the closing of the event. Officials focused on diaspora engagement and cultural identity. Begaj praised the contribution of diaspora members across …
Friday weather unsettled with alternating sunshine and cloud
TIRANA, April 17 – Albania’s Military Meteorological Service said the country will face unstable weather conditions on Friday. The day will bring alternating sunshine and cloud cover across most regions. Cloudiness will increase mainly around midday. Forecasters expect light, localised rain in southern and southeastern mountain areas. Rain will develop …
Gonxhja: Legacy of lahuta master Jonuz Delaj remains immortal
Renowned lahuta player from Malësia e Madhe, Jonuz Delaj, passed away. He left a rare legacy in preserving the Epic of the Kreshniks and the Albanian lahuta tradition. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania lost more than a musician. He said the country lost a living era …
The European Parliament approved the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) report on North Macedonia, prepared by permanent rapporteur Thomas Waitz. The report assessed the findings of the European Commission. It highlighted the lack of progress in judicial reforms and anti-corruption efforts. In addition, it urged the country to implement constitutional amendments …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met senior Pentagon official Elbridge A. Colby in Washington today. During the meeting, the two officials exchanged views on the strategic challenges shaping the Euro-Atlantic security environment. Nufi emphasized that the partnership between Albania and the United States is built on shared values, mutual trust, and …
The Ministry of Finance of Albania has opened a new draft law on property tax for public consultation. The reform aims to fundamentally change Albania’s property taxation system by introducing a market-value-based model and increasing local government revenues. Under the proposed legislation, revenue from property tax will remain a local …
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the European Parliament’s approval of the new EU return regulation as a major achievement for Italy and Europe. Speaking in a video message from the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, Meloni said the regulation marks a historic decision. She added that the measure largely reflects …
The General Directorate of Customs and the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania held the Business-Customs Forum today. Participants focused on European integration, digital transformation of customs services, and measures to simplify procedures for businesses. The forum brought together customs officials and business representatives. They discussed customs procedures, the investment …
Tirana International Airport expanded its international network as it welcomed the inaugural flight of TAROM today. The airline launched operations in Tirana and opened a new weekly route. It will operate one flight every Wednesday during the summer season. The new connection strengthens air links between Albania and Romania. It …
Ferit Hoxha said the European Parliament’s approval of the progress report for Albania confirmed strong support for the country’s EU membership path. He stated that the European Parliament also recognized significant progress achieved in key reform areas. The Parliament adopted the report with a large majority, including 483 votes in …
Toni Gogu held talks in Strasbourg today with Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel. The two officials focused on bilateral cooperation in justice and Albania’s European integration process. Gogu described the Netherlands as a demanding but constructive partner. He said both sides discuss results and concrete projects that help Albania …
Gjergji Lala, one of the well-known figures of Albanian cinematography, has died at the age of 79. He passed away in a hospital in Italy after a long illness. The news marks the end of a career that spanned decades in both theatre and film. Audiences remember Lala especially for …
The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on Kosovo, stating that reforms and progress in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue remain crucial to the country’s European path. The resolution was approved with 412 votes in favor, 174 against, and 58 abstentions. “Continued reforms and progress in the EU-facilitated dialogue remain key to …