Council of Europe urges stronger municipalities, rejects centralization
TIRANA, July 30 – The Council of Europe says Albania’s planned municipal mergers should follow a detailed review of the 2015 territorial reform and real consultations with affected communities. A preliminary report by rapporteurs Anders Knape and Soren Schumacher, prepared in March 2026, warns that weaknesses in local government should …
“Ardenica Restaurant & Wine” Offers an Authentic Experience of Nature and Tradition
“Ardenica Restaurant & Wine,” located near the historic Ardenica Monastery in Lushnja’s Kolonjë area, is emerging as a destination that combines traditional hospitality, local cuisine and quality wines. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the business on social media. The Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (AZHBR) supported the project …
Clear weather expected across Albania, temperatures to reach 38 degrees Celsius
TIRANA, July 30 – Albania will experience mostly clear weather on Thursday as stable atmospheric conditions continue across the country. According to the Military Meteorological Service, light to moderate temporary cloud formations may appear around midday, mainly over mountainous areas in the south. Local light rain showers may occur in …
Agreement Signed to Train Young Tourism Professionals
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports and the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the University of Tirana have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the development of human resources in Albania’s tourism sector. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja and Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Prof. …
“Daily Mail”: Albania tops British travellers’ choices as Europe’s cheaper holiday alternative
TIRANA, July 30 – British newspaper “Daily Mail” has highlighted Albania as one of the most attractive lower-cost European alternatives for travellers who are reconsidering expensive long-haul holidays. In an article by Alessia Fidler, the British outlet writes that rising travel costs are pushing many Britons to replace dream destinations …
Special Forces complete advanced military training courses
TIRANA, July 30 – The Special Operations Regiment (ROS) in Zall Herr completed the “Commando” and “Reconnaissance Operator” courses with a graduation ceremony. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, senior military officials, service members and relatives attended the event. …
National Tourism Agency informs visitors at Albania’s entry points
TIRANA, July 30 – The National Tourism Agency is present at Albania’s entry points to provide foreign visitors with tourist information during their stay. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing agency staff welcoming tourists and distributing maps, guides and information materials. The initiative helps visitors discover …
Tax relief to support Albania’s defense industry
TIRANA, July 30 – The government approved measures to support companies operating in Albania’s defense industry, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said. Nufi said the latest Council of Ministers meeting approved 5 acts related to the Ministry of Defense. One of the main decisions changes the Value Added Tax law to …
Zoto Bridge in Vithkuq, a Valuable Testimony of Cultural Heritage
Specialists from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (IKTK) inspected Zoto Bridge in Vithkuq, Korçë, as part of ongoing efforts to monitor and protect cultural monuments. The first-category cultural monument faces several conservation challenges, including the impact of natural factors. IKTK said it remains committed to preserving the bridge’s authenticity, …
Albania prepares Gaza mission with 4 staff officers
TIRANA, July 30 – The Council of Ministers approved a draft legal act on Albania’s participation in the international mission in Gaza, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said. The government will send the draft to the Assembly for approval. Nufi said Albania will initially contribute 4 staff officers to the mission. …
Albania will continue to support NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosovo to help maintain security and regional stability, Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces Arben Kingji said on Sunday. Kingji met KFOR Commander Major General Özkan Ulutaş as he prepared to end his term leading the NATO …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Malësia e Madhe and Përmet have transformed over the past decade, emerging as tourist destinations with growing economic potential. Speaking in the fifth episode of the seventh season of his “FLASIM” podcast, Rama recalled that both areas once seemed to offer few opportunities for development. …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has criticized Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić for pledging during an election campaign to “raise the Serbian flag again in Kosovo.” Hoxha described the remarks as provocative and threatening, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could encourage dangerous actions. He cited the 2023 …
Albania is taking steps to align its tax legislation with European Union standards by implementing DAC8, which requires the collection and exchange of information on crypto-asset transactions. The General Directorate of Taxes said the rapid growth of the digital economy makes greater tax transparency and stronger international cooperation increasingly important. …
Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Croatian President Zoran Milanović have congratulated Justina Shiroka-Pula on taking office as Kosovo’s president, expressing support for stronger bilateral ties and Kosovo’s European integration. Mattarella called for deeper cooperation between Italy and Kosovo, reaffirming Italy’s support, including through its participation in NATO’s KFOR mission. He …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, French Ambassador Catherine Suard and EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa attended Rodeo, a performance by the French Grenade dance company, at the “Let’s Stay Together” Community Center in Kombinat, Tirana. Koçiu said the event brought art closer to the community while promoting …
President Bajram Begaj visited Dibër this weekend and attended the closing ceremony of the 32nd edition of the “Oda Dibrane” festival. During his visit, he also met Dibër Mayor Rahim Spahiu to discuss local development projects, challenges, cultural heritage and tourism potential. Begaj described the festival as a symbol of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia on Sunday, including a deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Rama expressed Albania’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people. He also offered condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He stressed …
Albania’s Abissnet Superiore resumed this weekend after the international break for Nations League matches, with Teuta extending their winning streak and Elbasani sharing the points with Vora. Teuta beat Skënderbeu 2-0 at the Niko Dovana Stadium to secure their fifth consecutive victory and maintain top spot in the standings. Kallaku …
Albania and Italy are strengthening cultural cooperation to preserve and digitize their shared film heritage. Albanian Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli visited the Central State Film Archive, where they viewed rare footage documenting the history of relations between the two countries. …