PM Rama welcomed by Rutte and Erdogan at official NATO Summit reception
TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the official reception for heads of state and government hosted by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the NATO Summit in Ankara. Rama shared images from the reception on social media. He described the event …
Three fires hit Porto Palermo in Himara Municipality, flames brought under control
TIRANA, July 8 – Three fire outbreaks affected the Porto Palermo area in Himarë Municipality overnight, putting emergency structures on alert. According to official information, authorities received the alert around 23:00. Firefighters immediately sent a fire engine and a water tanker to the scene. Meanwhile, the entire firefighting service was …
“El Generacional”: From Ksamil to Theth, Albania Ranks Among Europe’s Most Affordable Destinations
Spanish media outlet El Generacional has listed Albania among the most affordable travel destinations in Europe this summer, alongside countries such as Romania, Portugal and Bulgaria. According to the article, Albania attracts visitors with its combination of crystal-clear beaches, rich cultural heritage and affordable travel costs, making it an ideal …
Defence budget rises to ALL 69.2 billion, Finance Minister Malaj: Albania meets NATO commitments
TIRANA, July 8 – Albania has significantly increased its defence and security investments as part of its commitments as a NATO member. The additional funding supports the modernization of the Armed Forces and the strengthening of defence capabilities. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj published data on defence spending trends, showing that …
Kosovo’s Tourism Grows as More Than 44,000 Foreign Visitors Arrive in May
Kosovo’s hotel sector recorded significant growth in May 2026, with the number of visitors increasing compared to the same period last year. According to data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS), hotels across the country welcomed 69,081 visitors in May, including 25,026 domestic tourists and 44,055 international visitors. Compared …
Albania launches hydrometeorological service reform to create modern system
TIRANA, July 8 – Albania has started the process of reforming its hydrometeorological service to modernize the sector and strengthen its capacity to address climate change, public safety and sustainable development challenges. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj held the first meeting today with the inter-institutional working group established for the reform. …
PM Rama: 4-million-euro Kanye West concert could generate over 100 million euros
TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama defended the government’s decision to allocate 4 million euros for the Kanye West concert, saying the event could generate more than 100 million euros for the Albanian economy. Rama said the government approved the funding at the last minute to prevent the …
Central Bank Governor Sejko: Stronger Lek reflects structural economic improvements
TIRANA, July 8 – Central Bank Governor Gent Sejko said on Wednesday that the Albanian Lek (ALL) has continued to strengthen, attributing the trend to structural improvements in the country’s external balance and increased foreign currency inflows. Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Citizens’ Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight, Sejko …
AKSHI Shares Albania’s Digital Transformation Experience with Kurdistan Region Delegation
The National Agency of Information Society (AKSHI) hosted a high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, led by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, to discuss digital transformation and innovation in public administration. AKSHI Director General Igli Tafa and other representatives welcomed Talabani and his delegation, which included the Minister …
Rama Arrives at NATO Summit, Meets Erdoğan Ahead of Bilateral Talks
Prime Minister Edi Rama and his wife, Linda Rama, arrived at the official reception and dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan during the NATO Summit in Ankara. Rama met President Erdoğan and the First Lady before posing for an official photograph. He also …
Seizures in Albania of cannabis from Canada suggest the Balkan country – long seen as a source – is also becoming a destination point in a globalised market. Original post Here
The European Mobility Week promotes sustainable transport and active mobility across Europe. The annual European Commission initiative encourages public transport, cycling and walking to improve quality of life. PM Edi Rama shared a video of young people in Shkodër riding bicycles. He said cycling remains a long-standing tradition passed from …
The Dyrrachium International Theater Festival brought a Bulgarian production to the Durrës Amphitheatre. Actor Sevar Ivanov performed the monodrama “The Little Dog Laughed” before an audience at the historic venue. Directed by Ana Bateva, the production uses humour and irony to present contemporary Bulgarian theatre. Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako shared …
The European Week of Sport began on Sept. 20 and will run through Sept. 30. The initiative forms part of the European “BeActive” campaign. It promotes physical activity and healthier lifestyles. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja highlighted the importance of sport. He said sport brings communities together. …
The “Not in My Name” protest continued for an eighth night in Prishtina. Citizens gathered in Skanderbeg Square to oppose the convictions handed down by the Kosova Specialist Chambers in The Hague against former Kosova Liberation Army leaders. Singer Ylli Limani joined the eighth-night protest. Singer Leonora Jakupi and journalist …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu said Albania will discuss the broadest package of Criminal Procedure Code changes since its adoption on September 30. The Justice Ministry and the Council of Europe will present the package at a meeting with justice institutions and other stakeholders. The review follows a Council of Europe …
Albania Under-21 coach Alban Bushi has named 21 players for a friendly against Ukraine Under-21 on October 5. The match will take place at Szentmarjay Tibor Városi Stadion in Eger, Hungary, at 15:30. The squad will begin its training camp in Tirana on September 28. Four players are new to …
Swiss documentary “The Bow and the Brush” (“L’Archet et le Pinceau”) had its world premiere at the Tirana International Film Festival on Tuesday evening. The film was directed by Franco-Swiss filmmaker Raphaëlle Régnier. It is part of the 24th edition of TIFF. The documentary brings Western classical music and traditional …
Albania’s banking sector improved the quality of its loan portfolio in the first half of 2026. The non-performing loan ratio fell to 3.7%, its lowest level in 15 years, according to Bank of Albania data. The improvement covered several segments of the portfolio. Short-term loans, loans issued in ALL and …
Albania has recorded a sharp rise in tourist interest, with the number of visitors doubling over the past decade, Euronews Travel reports. More and more travelers are discovering a country that combines history, beaches, nature and distinctive traditions. According to Euronews Travel, Albania followed a different path from many other …