Week in Review: Cocaine Busts, Changing Goals, Tourism Woes
Our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at Washington’s shifting foreign policy priorities in the Balkans, a suspicious drug trawl, surging property prices and more. Original post Here
Defense company chief hails tactical vehicle milestone
TIRANA, July 31 – Ardi Veliu, chief executive officer of Albania’s state-owned defense company KAYO, said the delivery of the first 40 NATO-standard tactical vehicles produced in Albania marks an important step for the country’s defense industry. The company Timak Defence produced the vehicles, which include 35 light tactical vehicles …
Gonxhja: Albania Suspends Construction Works in Tourist Areas During Summer Season
Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced that Albania will halt construction works and related activities in tourist areas during the summer season. The Council of Ministers approved the measure to improve visitors’ experiences and protect the quality of the tourist season. The decision will prevent construction activities from …
PM Rama: Albania aims for fully domestic-made military equipment by 2028
TIRANA, July 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania aims to equip its Armed Forces with military vehicles and capabilities produced in the country by 2028. Rama made the statement during a ceremony where the Armed Forces received the first 40 tactical vehicles produced in Albania by Timak Defence …
PM Rama: Albania plans to produce super-intelligent drones for air defence
TIRANA, July 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing new defence industry capacities. He said the country plans to produce intelligent drones and advanced military equipment. Rama spoke at the ceremony for the delivery of tactical vehicles from “Timak Defence”. He said Albania would soon present more …
New administrative reform aims to preserve European Union standards
TIRANA, July 31 – Deputy chair of the Special Commission for Administrative-Territorial Reform, Arbjan Mazniku, said the proposed territorial division aims to consolidate municipalities and improve public services. He added that the reform will preserve the standards achieved through the current system. Presenting the main elements of the draft reform, …
U.S. Senate clears way for Eric Wendt vote as new ambassador to Albania
TIRANA, July 31 – The US Senate approved a procedural resolution that allows a group vote on 74 nominations from the American administration, including Eric Wendt’s candidacy for ambassador to Albania, according to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website. The resolution passed with 50 votes in favor and 47 against, …
Himara beaches inspected to protect public spaces
TIRANA, July 31 – Authorities continue inspections along coastal areas to ensure the proper use of public spaces and compliance with beach management standards. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the National Coastline Agency and municipalities are carrying out inspections in Himara to protect public beach areas. Meanwhile, …
Public Safety Local Council in Elbasan discusses measures against online misinformation and digital violence
TIRANA, July 31 – Online misinformation and digital violence against children were the focus of the latest meeting of the Public Safety Local Council in Elbasan. Local institutions and partners discussed measures under the School Safety Package 2026-2027. They also presented the “Raporto Tani” (Report Now) application, which aims to …
Gonxhja: Tirana Becomes Albania’s Tourism Capital as Cross-Border Tourism Gains Importance
Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania is reshaping its tourism policies to improve service quality and extend the tourist season throughout the year. He explained that the country is following the National Tourism Strategy and introducing new measures to strengthen sustainable tourism development. Furthermore, Gonxhja highlighted cultural tourism as a …
The RTSH Symphony Orchestra will perform works by Albanian composers alongside international classical masterpieces on October 15 at the Ferdinand Deda Hall of Albanian Radio and Television. Maestro Eno Koço will conduct the concert, which brings together different musical styles and periods. The programme features works by Aleksandër Peçi, Johann …
Albanian Interior Minister Ervin Demo highlighted the strategic partnership between Albania and Greece at the Balkan Strategic Cooperation Forum, citing progress in trade, regional development and security. Trade between the two countries has exceeded 1 billion euros, while more than 300 Greek companies operate in Albania. Demo identified further opportunities …
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar signed a general cooperation agreement in Tirana to strengthen ties between the two countries. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation in the economy, security, technology, agriculture, energy, healthcare, education and tourism. Hoxha highlighted opportunities for Israeli investment in …
Assembly of Albania Speaker Niko Peleshi met Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in Tirana to discuss bilateral relations and opportunities to expand cooperation. The meeting comes as Albania and Israel mark 35 years of diplomatic relations. Peleshi highlighted the historical ties between Albanians and Jews, including the protection of Jews …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha, speaking during a joint press statement with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, said that Albania remains unwaveringly committed to peace and international dialogue. The minister also condemned Iran’s attacks, adding that they undermine peace and security in the region. Hoxha expressed gratitude …
Prime Minister Edi Rama stated during his speech that the “Price Comparison Platform” and the “Kurse” initiative are launching with 238 products across 13 categories, giving consumers the opportunity to compare prices and choose where to shop for the best deals. Rama said the “Price Comparison Platform” is a joint …
Albania and Greece maintain good neighbourly relations, which they aim to further strengthen through economic, regional, academic and security cooperation. This message was conveyed at the Balkan Strategic Forum, held in Tirana with the participation of Albanian and Greek delegations. “There are even greater opportunities to develop these forms of …
Tirana Traffic Police have stepped up checks on the ground over the past 24 hours, focusing particularly on penalising pedestrians who fail to comply with traffic regulations. As a result of these checks, 78 fines have been issued to pedestrians who crossed roads at unauthorised locations or violated traffic signs …
Albanian-American actor, screenwriter, and director Nickola Shreli has joined the cast of the fifth season of the hit television series “Tulsa King,” alongside Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone. The news was reported this week by American film and television industry media outlets, with Shreli among the new cast members joining the …
Serbia’s Interior Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Dačić has reiterated his statements about Kosovo, claiming that the Serbian flag will once again fly in Prizren. The remarks were made during an election rally in Belgrade, where the Serbian politician also responded to criticism from former German Foreign Minister Michael …