10th edition of “Miss Summer World” takes place in Himara
TIRANA, May 20 – Miss Summer World held its 10th edition in Himara, bringing together contestants from 45 countries for the international final at Potam beach. Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo said the contestants added visibility and appeal to the coastal city, while the municipality supported the organisation of the event. …
Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Karakaçi and Swiss ambassador Huber sign agreement on building damage assessment
TIRANA, May 20 – Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi held a meeting with Swiss Ambassador to Albania Ruth Huber. The two sides signed the Agreement on the Building Damage Assessment Project. The Institute of Construction implements the project with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation …
Ahmetaj Calls for Stronger Transparency and Consumer Protection in Microfinance
Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Albania, Natasha Ahmetaj, called for stronger transparency and consumer protection in the microfinance sector. She spoke during the 28th Annual Conference of the Microfinance Centre. The event focused on the future of microfinance and its social mission. Ahmetaj said microfinance must remain an …
Council of Europe Report: Albania Among Countries with Highest Pre-Trial Detention Rates
Council of Europe reports that Albania is among European countries with the highest incarceration and pre-trial detention rates. The findings come from the annual SPACE I report for 2025. The data shows 192 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants in Albania. At the same time, prison occupancy remains relatively low. Albania records …
Peace Board calls UN Security Council to pressure Hamas to disarm
TIRANA, May 20 – The Peace Board, created to oversee the Gaza ceasefire, will ask the United Nations Security Council to pressure Hamas to disarm, according to AP. Albania is a member of the Peace Board. A report scheduled for discussion at the Security Council says Hamas’ refusal to surrender …
Green light for “Gateway to the Alps” as economy committee approves European Investment Bank funding for northern infrastructure
TIRANA, May 20 – The Committee on Economy, Employment and Finance has approved a draft law that opens the way for financing one of the most important infrastructure projects in northern Albania, known as “Gateway to the Alps”. The committee, led by chair Milva Ekonomi, reviewed the financial agreement between …
Clear weather across the country with light cloud cover
TIRANA, May 20 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. The weather will be clear across the territory. Light and temporary cloud cover will appear in mountainous areas in the east from midday to the afternoon. Wind will blow from the northwest to …
PM Rama meets South Korean counterpart Kim Min-seok in Seoul to boost trade, investment and artificial intelligence cooperation
TIRANA, May 20 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok during his visit to South Korea. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen relations between the two countries. Rama said South Korea serves as an inspiration for Albania in national development. He added that both …
Mazniku: New Territorial Reform Must Close Development Gap Between Municipalities
Albania aims to reduce development gaps between municipalities through a new territorial reform. Administrative-Territorial Reform Co-Chair Arbjan Mazniku spoke during a public hearing in Durrës. He said balanced territorial development remains a major challenge for local government. Mazniku said the 2014 reform brought positive results. He noted better services and …
Tax Authorities and IMF Discuss Implementation of Fiscal Peace Measures
Albania’s tax administration met experts from the International Monetary Fund to discuss the implementation of the “Fiscal Peace” package. General Tax Director Ilir Binaj led the meeting in Tirana. The sides reviewed progress on tax reforms. They also discussed the EU Growth Plan, TADAT standards and debt management measures. Officials …
Litter, construction debris and untreated wastewater are conspiring to undermine Albania’s bid to become the next big tourist destination on the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Original post Here
The Trump administration is now making it clear that it sees the Balkans as a field to pursue its commercial, energy and defence-related interests – and not ‘democracy-building’. Original post Here
Agrotourism continues to drive economic and social development across Albania by creating jobs and strengthening rural communities. Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the “Hani i Qerosit” agrotourism site in Kuçovë, Berat, which is emerging as a popular destination for visitors seeking nature, tradition, and authentic farm experiences. Rama said the …
Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman described Albania as a reliable economic partner. Speaking alongside Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, Radman said the two countries have strong potential to expand economic cooperation. He identified transport, infrastructure, energy, and defence as key areas for closer collaboration. Radman also called …
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania’s security cooperation with Croatia aims to strengthen regional peace and should not concern any country. Hoxha made the remarks after meeting Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman in Tirana. The two ministers agreed that the European future of the Western …
Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman praised Albania’s progress toward European Union membership and pledged Croatia’s continued support. Speaking alongside Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, Radman said Albania and Croatia enjoy strong and friendly relations built on trust, shared values, and their NATO alliance. He said regular …
Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla defended the fast-track approval of Albania’s defence agreement with the United States. Balla said national interest and security needs justified the accelerated parliamentary review. He rejected opposition claims that lawmakers violated parliamentary deadlines. He said the Constitution defines when fast-track procedures cannot apply. …
Albania’s Parliament approved today the direct loan agreement with the United States under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi described the ratification as a historic moment in a social media post. Nufi said the agreement represents the strongest concrete and financial support Albania has received from …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj visited a food production company today to highlight the opportunities offered by the “Double Your Business” programme. The programme helps businesses increase investments, expand production, and create new jobs. During her visit to a pastry company, Ibrahimaj met entrepreneur Fatmir, who has built his …
The Albanian Academy of Sciences today honoured Maximilian Lambertz on the anniversary of his birth, remembering one of the most important figures in Albanology who dedicated his life to studying the Albanian language, folklore, and culture. Lambertz was born on 27 July 1882 in Austria. He developed an interest in …