Rama: “Double Your Business” targets SMEs, not large companies
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the “Double Your Business” program will not be available to large companies. It will target startups and small and medium-sized enterprises. Rama met agrotourism representatives in Tirana. He discussed the “Mountain Package” and new support programs for small businesses. He said the national program will …
Mountain Package: 36 municipalities identify 304 priority zones
The Mountain Package covers 36 municipalities. Authorities identified 304 priority zones. Minister Ervin Demo said individuals with historically used land can apply. Farmers who have worked these lands for years can also benefit. Municipalities play a key role. They define priority areas and support applications. Authorities will publish maps on …
Rama: Investment in human capital is vital for businesses
Prime Minister Edi Rama stressed the importance of investing in human capital. He spoke at a meeting with agrotourism representatives in Tirana. Rama urged businesses not to cut spending on staff. He said companies should pay workers well and make them feel valued. He added that human capital is essential …
BBC: The quirky holiday spots on trend for 2026 – Albania among Europe’s rising destinations
TIRANA, April 20 – A new wave of travel interest is reshaping European tourism in 2026, with industry observers pointing to a growing preference for smaller, less commercial destinations across the continent. In a broader overview of emerging holiday trends, the BBC highlights several countries gaining attention from international travellers, …
Albania’s EU path built on concrete results, Hoxha says after meeting Commissioner Kos
TIRANA, April 20 – Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos to discuss progress in the country’s European Union accession process. Hoxha said talks focused on the pace of negotiations and the need to maintain current momentum. He described Albania’s EU path as based on …
Western Balkans risk losing over €700 million in EU Growth Plan funds, sources say
TIRANA, April 20 – European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has warned Western Balkan countries they risk losing more than €700 million in funding under the EU Growth Plan if reforms stall, according to sources cited by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. A letter sent on April 17 to regional capitals …
PM Rama tells Greek ‘Kathimerini’ nationalism reflects lack of maturity, addresses ties with Greece
TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said nationalism often reflects a lack of maturity in an interview with Kathimerini ahead of his visit to Greece for the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama discussed bilateral relations with Greece, including property issues in the southern coastal region of Himara. He …
Albanian delegation holds talks in Italian parliament to boost bilateral ties
TIRANA, April 20 – An Albanian parliamentary delegation held meetings in the Italian Senate as part of a two-day visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation. Members of the delegation met Italian senator Raffaele De Rosa to discuss economic ties, parliamentary cooperation, and Albania’s European Union accession process. Talks …
Saranda prepares for increased tourist flows, expands free public beach access
TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian authorities said the coastal city of Saranda is preparing for the upcoming tourist season with expanded public beach access and new infrastructure. Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja inspected recent investments alongside local officials, including the mayor of Saranda. Officials said designated public beaches will offer free …
Vikena Kamenica, for the first time as a director with “Misa a Buenos Aires”
A work not usually seen on the stage of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania, which delicately intertwines Catholic liturgical, sacred music with the sensual sounds of Argentine tango, is also known as a “tango mass.” “Misa a Buenos Aires” by Martín Palmeri, entirely unique in its …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris on Monday. Rama thanked Macron for the warm welcome and said he was pleased with the meeting. During a working lunch, the two leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Albania and …
French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Albania’s European Union integration after meeting Prime Minister Edi Rama in Paris. Following the talks, Macron highlighted the growing ties between France and Albania. He pointed to progress in innovation, education, higher education, culture, and tourism as evidence of the close relationship …
European Council President António Costa said Albania could complete its European Union accession negotiations by 2027 if it maintains its current pace of reforms. Speaking at the EU–Moldova Summit in Brussels, Costa described Albania’s goal of closing negotiations by the end of 2027 as ambitious but achievable. He noted that …
Albania leads the Western Balkans in public support for European Union membership. Data from the European Commission shows very high levels of backing for EU integration. Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi stated that Albanians remain among the strongest supporters of the European project. He emphasized that 92% of citizens support …
The Central Election Commission of Albania and its counterparts in Moldova, Ukraine, and North Macedonia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen democratic resilience and European cooperation. First, the agreement was signed during the closing session of the regional conference “Money in Politics 2026.” As a result, the event marked …
Minister of Justice Toni Gogu held his first meeting with the new leadership of the National Bar Association in Tirana. First, both sides focused on strengthening institutional cooperation in the justice sector. They also discussed the implementation of new commitments following Albania’s signing of the Council of Europe Convention on …
The Parliamentary Committee on Economy, Employment and Finance reviewed the draft resolution on the annual activity report of the Bank of Albania for 2025. The committee also defined key priorities for the institution’s work in 2026. First, committee rapporteur and chair Milva Ekonomi praised the role of the Bank of …
The Municipality of Vlora has announced that navigation will be prohibited in the Cape Gjuhëz area on June 23 and 24, 2026, due to a coastal military exercise and live-fire drill conducted by the Albanian Armed Forces. According to an official notice from the Ministry of Defense, Military Unit No. …
The Albanian Parliament has called on the Bank of Albania to strengthen its supervision of banks with high exposure to large businesses and the real estate sector. This was one of the main points of a draft resolution approved by the Economy Committee. The resolution highlights the need to analyze …
French President Emmanuel Macron shared a message on social media platform X following his meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama at the Élysée Palace. Macron stated that France “reaffirms its support for Albania’s European integration and for the continuation of the reforms necessary to advance on its European path.” …