European Union to disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro, says Kos
TIRANA, May 11 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the European Union will disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro under the Growth Plan. Meanwhile, she stated that implementation of the Growth Plan is progressing well. She confirmed that nearly 200 million euros will be released …
PM Rama: Only 12% of public tenders have single bidders, Albania below EU average
TIRANA, May 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has reached an advanced stage of progress in public procurement and in its position within European Union accession negotiations. Speaking at a joint press conference with Reida Kashta (Shahollari), head of the Public Procurement Agency and negotiator for Chapter 5 …
Upper Grabova: The Hidden “Twin” of Voskopoja in Mount Valamara
Grabova e Sipërme sits hidden in the highlands between Gramsh and Korçë, on the slopes of Mount Valamara. First, the village stands at about 1,250 meters above sea level and preserves a striking natural landscape shaped by mountain waters and deep valleys. Then, its stone houses and traditional architecture reflect …
Tirana International Airport on track for record year, 13.3 million passengers projected
TIRANA, May 11 – Tirana International Airport continued strong growth in 2026, confirming its position as one of the fastest-expanding airports in the region. Airport management data shows around 3.3 million passengers handled in the first four months of the year. This figure marks a 10.4% increase compared to the …
Travel + Leisure: Albania Emerges as Europe’s Hidden Coastal Gem
Travel + Leisure highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive and still underexplored destinations. First, the article describes the Albanian Riviera as a strong alternative to the French Côte d’Azur, thanks to its clear waters, historic villages, and ancient ruins. Then, writer Ada Calhoun shares her one-week journey through …
Public procurement key chapter in EU negotiations, Albania advancing global agreement talks
TIRANA, May 11 – Public Procurement Agency Director General and Chapter 5 negotiator Reida Kashta said public procurement stands as one of the key chapters in Albania’s European Union integration process. She said the EU places it within the new negotiation methodology under the fundamental cluster. Kashta made the remarks …
Eurovision 2026: Alis draws attention at opening ceremony on turquoise carpet parade
TIRANA, May 11 – The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 turquoise carpet turned into a parade of colours, emotions, and international presentations, with 35 countries taking part in the opening event attended by global media and fans. At the same time, Albania joined the ceremony with Alis Kallaçi as this year’s …
Prime Minister Rama launches Albanian Digital Solution as new state digital technology company
TIRANA, May 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the creation of a new state-owned digital technology company, Albanian Digital Solution, aimed at strengthening innovation and digital public services in Albania. He made the announcement during a press conference with Reida Kashta, chief negotiator for Chapter 5 on Public Procurement …
Institutional cooperation strengthened in fight against trafficking of cultural heritage
TIRANA, May 11 – The General Directorate of Customs took part in a two-day activity on combating illegal trafficking of cultural heritage, organized within a project aimed at strengthening capacities and law enforcement cooperation. The event brought together cultural heritage professionals and law enforcement institutions. It focused on improving inter-institutional …
Kanye Concert in Prague Puts Spotlight on Tensions over Freedom of Expression
Pro-Israel Czechia may provide US rapper and ‘reformed antisemite’ Kanye West oddly favourable ground to return to the European stage this summer. Original post Here
Albania has implemented around 80% of the reforms required under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, placing the country among the region’s top performers. The European Commission expects Albania to reach this milestone and ranks it alongside Montenegro as one of the best-performing countries in the Western Balkans. …
President Bajram Begaj attended the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Kyiv and the ceremonies marking Ukraine’s Statehood Day, reaffirming Albania’s strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, recovery, and European integration. “Albania has been clear and unwavering in its support for Ukraine. We stand with your independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi and Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu inspected the construction site of “Guna Tactical”, a major investment in Albania’s defense industry. The officials reviewed the project’s progress and highlighted its strategic role in creating a modern defense sector that will support economic growth, generate jobs, and strengthen …
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi presented Albania’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations during the second day of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The report highlights Albania’s progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Karakaçi said Albania presented concrete results, …
The Albanian Ambassadors’ Council has strongly condemned recent statements by Serbian Government Minister Snezhana Paunović, warning that such rhetoric threatens regional stability and contradicts European values. In a statement, the council said the remarks revive concepts linked to the ethnic cleansing of Albanians and raise concerns about Serbia’s continued distancing …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu gathered the heads of justice institutions to review the progress of Albania’s justice reform and discuss the challenges ahead in the country’s European integration process. Gogu said the next 12 months will be crucial for Albania’s EU accession path. He stressed that the main challenge is …
French Ambassador to Albania Catherine Suard highlighted the strong ties between France and Albania during a reception in Tirana marking France’s National Day. The event brought together senior Albanian officials, diplomats, media representatives, and civil society members. Suard reaffirmed France’s support for Albania’s EU integration. She said France believes Albania …
The RTSH Symphony Orchestra closed its artistic season with a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The festive concert featured soloists Eva Golemi, Vikena Kamenica, Amadi Lagha, and Artur Vera. Dritan Lumshi conducted the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet Choir. …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”b00ac4c8-f68a-4447-b0ff-3cba8e686a39″ data-turn-id-container=”b00ac4c8-f68a-4447-b0ff-3cba8e686a39″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s General Directorate of Prisons has announced the completion of the implementation of the penal amnesty, confirming that 553 convicted individuals were granted immediate release, while 863 inmates benefited from sentence reductions. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-6″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-6″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ data-turn=”assistant”> …
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj announced on Wednesday, following the government meeting, that the draft decision on the social security agreement with Slovenia had been approved in principle. The minister said that, under the new agreement, years of social security contributions will also be recognised by Slovenia. Ibrahimaj …