Funds for Farmers: Deadline for Support Scheme Extended Until September 11
Farmers who were declared successful in the first phase of the National Agricultural Support Scheme have until September 11 to submit the required documentation. The Agricultural and Rural Development Agency has extended the deadline for applicants, giving them more time to complete their documents and verify that they meet the …
Mountain Tourism / Brataj Proposes Shelters in Forests for Tourists in Emergencies
Following incidents that have occurred during trips into remote mountainous areas, the Director of the National Emergency Service, Skënder Brataj, has proposed building shelters in forests where tourists could seek refuge in emergency situations. “Unfortunately, every year there have been fatalities. More people are visiting these areas now, but the …
Over 17,000 textbooks for children in the diaspora
TIRANA, August 31 – Albania plans to provide more than 5,700 learning packages for children in the diaspora during the 2026–2027 school year. The packages contain around 17,000 textbooks. They will reach 15 European countries, the United States and Canada. The materials include the joint textbooks “Albanian Language” and “Albanian …
President Begaj receives new Dutch ambassador, EU integration in focus
TIRANA, August 31 – President Bajram Begaj received the new Dutch ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster, on Monday. The ambassador presented her credentials during the meeting. Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to stronger relations with the Netherlands. He described the country as an important European partner and a trusted NATO ally. …
Finance Minister Malaj: Fight tax evasion with fairness and transparency
TIRANA, August 31 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met regional leaders of the tax and customs administrations to discuss priorities for the coming period. The talks also focused on improving services for citizens and businesses. Malaj met the general directors of the Tax Administration and Customs Administration. They discussed efforts …
Kosova: Acting PM Kurti pledges stronger cooperation with municipalities on minority rights
TIRANA, August 31 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has called for stronger cooperation between central institutions and municipalities to address the needs of minority communities in Kosova. Kurti made the call at a meeting with heads of municipal offices for communities and return. Kurti said challenges vary among communities …
High fire risk in Lezha, Tirana and Fier
TIRANA, August 31 – The Institute of GeoSciences has warned of a high fire risk in several Albanian counties this afternoon and on Tuesday, September 1. The institute expects high risk levels in Lezha, Tirana and Fier. Other counties will face moderate risk. Some areas in Shkodra, Kukës, Dibra, Durres, …
Kosova: Self-Determination Movement and Democratic League agree on presidential candidate
TIRANA, August 31 – The Self-Determination Movement and the Democratic League of Kosova have agreed on professor Bekim Sejdiu as their joint candidate for president. Self-Determination leader Albin Kurti and Democratic League leader Lumir Abdixhiku presented Sejdiu at a joint news conference. Abdixhiku said the negotiations had not been easy. …
PM Rama: 20 schools in Tirana equipped with smart cameras to strengthen security
TIRANA, August 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that 20 schools in Tirana now have smart cameras under the Smart City project. The investment aims to strengthen security in schools. Rama said the government decided to invest in new security technology after a 14-year-old boy was fatally …
Albania’s Cash Boom Raises Money Laundering Concerns
Cash outside Albania’s banking system reached a record 5.6 billion euros, last month. Tirana Times, August 30, 2026 – The amount of cash circulating outside Albania’s banking system has reached a record high, raising fresh concerns over the scale of the informal economy, the possible presence of illicit money and …
Just in the last two weeks, reporters and media watchdogs have documented dozens of cases of verbal abuse and physical violence directed against members of the press covering anti-governments protests in Albania. In most cases, police officers were the perpetrators. Original post Here
Albania will present its tourism potential at World Travel Market London 2026, one of the world’s leading international tourism events. The fair will take place from November 3 to 5 at ExCeL London in the United Kingdom. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja said the event offers an …
Albania plans to establish around 5,000 collection points for portable batteries as part of a new national waste management system. The proposal also introduces digital battery passports and QR codes to improve tracking and recycling. The Ministry of Environment has launched the draft decision for public consultation. It aims to …
Kosovo and Albania are looking to deepen scientific cooperation and strengthen ties between their academic institutions. Kosovo President Justina Shiroka Pula held a meeting with academics Anastas Angjeli from the Academy of Sciences of Albania, Besnik Krasniqi from the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo, and academician Lulzim Tafa, …
Albania plans to introduce a unified national examination for recruitment into the public administration, based on the Cambridge testing model. The initiative is part of a broader reform aimed at strengthening merit-based recruitment, professional performance and the quality of public services. Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the new plan alongside …
Albania ranks among the most advanced countries in digital government, according to the World Bank’s GovTech assessment. However, Prime Minister Edi Rama says the country must now ensure that public institutions respond to citizens on time and take responsibility for their requests. Speaking alongside Minister of State for Public Administration …
Albania is seeking stronger parliamentary ties with the Czech Republic as it advances towards European Union membership. During an official visit to Prague, Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi met with Tomio Okamura, Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, and Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Czech Senate. The …
Albania has started evaluating the performance of public institution leaders as part of a broader reform aimed at strengthening meritocracy and accountability in public administration. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the process during the presentation of the new “Merit Scale” initiative, alongside Minister of Public Administration Adea Pirdeni. Rama stressed …
Kosovo’s government has approved a €4.27 billion draft budget for 2027. The plan includes higher public sector wages, increased child benefits, a 13th salary and major infrastructure investments. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the new budget exceeds the revised 2026 budget by €200 million. The government will now submit it …
Kosovo President Justina Shiroka Pula met on Monday with academics Anastas Angjeli from the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Albania, Besnik Krasniqi from the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo (ASHAK), and academician Lulzim Tafa, an external member of ASHASH. The President shared details and photos from the …