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Albania Sees Decline in Child Population as Education Spending Remains Below EU Average

*]: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:56288df9-49f5-45b2-affa-9d9567f8af40-5″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:56288df9-49f5-45b2-affa-9d9567f8af40-5″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> The number of children in Albania is declining, while investments in education and social protection continue to lag behind European Union standards. These are among the key findings of UNICEF’s latest report on Albania, which outlines the priorities for cooperation with …

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More Than 5,000 Visits Recorded at Summer Health Centres in the First Two Weeks of June

More than 5,000 domestic and foreign holidaymakers have sought medical assistance at Albania’s summer health centres. Their health issues ranged from minor conditions to cases requiring microsurgical procedures performed by the medical teams at these facilities. “Most of the visits were consultations and follow-up examinations related to insect bites, allergies, …

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UNICEF: Emigration and Low Birth Rates Are Reducing the Number of Children in Albania

*]: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:56288df9-49f5-45b2-affa-9d9567f8af40-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:56288df9-49f5-45b2-affa-9d9567f8af40-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> *]: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:56288df9-49f5-45b2-affa-9d9567f8af40-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:56288df9-49f5-45b2-affa-9d9567f8af40-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> In Albania, the number of children is declining, while investments in education and social protection remain lower than those of European Union countries. These are among the findings of UNICEF’s latest document …

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Albania’s University Trade Union Backs Protests, Urges Government to Listen to Citizens’ Demands

*]: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:56288df9-49f5-45b2-affa-9d9567f8af40-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:56288df9-49f5-45b2-affa-9d9567f8af40-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-turn=”assistant”> The Trade Union of University Employees of Albania (SPUSH) expressed its support on Friday for the civic mobilisation that has been taking place in Tirana and other cities across the country since May 31, 2026. In a public statement, the union …

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“From 2.2 to 13.7 Million Passengers”: Rama Says Tirana Airport Is Entering a New Digital Era

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”5983bfb1-7716-45b2-90b6-d42f22daa5e2″ data-turn-id-container=”5983bfb1-7716-45b2-90b6-d42f22daa5e2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-9″ data-turn=”user”> Prime Minister Edi Rama has described the development of Tirana International Airport as one of Albania’s most successful infrastructure transformation stories. *]: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:56288df9-49f5-45b2-affa-9d9567f8af40-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:56288df9-49f5-45b2-affa-9d9567f8af40-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-turn=”assistant”> Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the first direct flight between …

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Kosovo Election Commission Completes Recount of 185 Polling Stations, Certification of Results Pending

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”6f9ab0ea-2ab8-4ac7-a06f-df311a05c7be” data-turn-id-container=”6f9ab0ea-2ab8-4ac7-a06f-df311a05c7be” data-testid=”conversation-turn-17″ data-turn=”user”> The Central Election Commission (KQZ) of Kosovo has completed the recount process for 185 polling stations for which a recount had been ordered. *]: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:56288df9-49f5-45b2-affa-9d9567f8af40-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:56288df9-49f5-45b2-affa-9d9567f8af40-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-turn=”assistant”> According to KQZ spokesperson Valmir Elezi, before the final …

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Porto Palermo: Two World War II Shells Removed from the Seabed

Two military shells left on the seabed in Porto Palermo Bay were brought to the surface on Friday during an operation carried out by divers from the Pashaliman Naval Base, in the presence of military engineering experts, personnel from the Albanian Naval Force, civil emergency authorities, and representatives of the …

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Day 20 of Protests: Activists and Citizens Gather Again Outside the Prime Minister’s Office

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”1ac6ed0e-7c8c-48e3-aea2-454bc8b851b6″ data-turn-id-container=”1ac6ed0e-7c8c-48e3-aea2-454bc8b851b6″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-15″ data-turn=”user”> Citizens continued their protests this Friday along the “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, marking the 20th consecutive day of demonstrations, with their main demand being the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. *]: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:56288df9-49f5-45b2-affa-9d9567f8af40-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:56288df9-49f5-45b2-affa-9d9567f8af40-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> At …

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National Library of Albania joins annual conference in Luxembourg

TIRANA, June 19 – The National Library of Albania took part in the Annual Conference of Directors of European National Libraries in Luxembourg. Meanwhile, the European National Libraries network brings together national libraries across Europe. The conference aims to strengthen institutional cooperation. In addition, it promotes innovation and supports the …

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Media Freedom in Albania discussed in parliamentary hearing with Reporter Without Borders representative

TIRANA, June 19 – The Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Public Information held a hearing with Pavol Szalai, representative of Reporter Without Borders, on the media situation in Albania. Meanwhile, Szalai leads the organization’s Central Europe office, which covers Albania and other Western Balkan countries. He said his visit …

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Albanian President Begaj Attends Farewell Ceremony for Norway’s King Harald V

Albanian President Bajram Begaj attended the farewell ceremony for King Harald V of Norway in Oslo, joining monarchs and world leaders in paying tribute to the late Norwegian king. The ceremony took place at Oslo Cathedral following a solemn procession from the Royal Palace. Representatives from several countries attended the …

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NATO Delegation Visits Durres Port to Discuss Security and Corridor VIII

A high-level NATO delegation visited the Port of Durres on Wednesday to assess its port capacities and strategic role in regional security and logistics. The delegation was led by the Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples. Representatives of the Albanian Armed Forces and Naval Force Commander Rear Admiral …

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Citizens Can Now Rate Consular Services Online Across Albania’s Diplomatic Network

Albanian citizens can now rate consular services online as part of a new initiative aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of services. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced the new evaluation system on Wednesday. Starting today, citizens can scan a QR code at any location where …

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UNDP Approves New Albania Program Focused on Jobs, Economy and Justice

The Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has approved a new Country Programme for Albania for 2027–2031. The five-year programme will support Albania’s development. It will also accelerate reforms and advance the country’s European Union integration process. The programme has three main priorities. First, it will promote …

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Hoxha: News Agencies Stand on the Front Line Against Disinformation

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” on Wednesday. The Italian news agency ANSA and the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies (ABNA) organized the conference. The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Central European Initiative (CEI) also supported the event. …

News
Former Deputy PM Balluku Faces New Corruption Evidence

Tirana Times, September 09, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has uncovered new evidence in its widening investigation of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, increasing pressure on one of the most powerful figures of the governing Socialist Party. SPAK said Wednesday that a special …

News
High Fire Risk in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier as temperatures reach 33°C

The Institute of GeoSciences (IGJEO) warns of a high fire risk this afternoon and tomorrow in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier counties. Meanwhile, other parts of the country will face a moderate risk. However, the high-risk level will affect only localised areas in some counties. These include northeastern Lezhë, northeastern Tirana …

News
Territorial reform, OSCE ambassador: No decision should be made without national-level consultation

The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Michel Tarran, said in Pogradec that the territorial reform remains under discussion and that no final decision has been made so far. Asked about the consultation process, Tarran stressed that the OSCE does not impose a specific model for territorial organization. He …

News
Bank of Albania, World Bank step up cooperation on digital payments

Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with a World Bank delegation to discuss Albania’s economic performance, EU integration and payment-system modernization. Sejko said the economy continues to perform well, supported by growth, stronger employment and incomes, and financial stability. He also highlighted Albania’s progress toward EU standards. The talks …

News
Lek strengthens against major foreign currencies on domestic market

The lek strengthened against major foreign currencies in the domestic foreign exchange market on Wednesday, compared with the previous day. According to the official exchange rate published by the Bank of Albania, the euro fell by 0.05 lek, to 92.02 lek, while the US dollar dropped by 0.19 lek, to …

News

Albanian President Begaj Attends Farewell Ceremony for Norway’s King Harald V

Albanian President Bajram Begaj attended the farewell ceremony for King Harald V of Norway in Oslo, joining monarchs and world leaders in paying tribute to the late Norwegian king. The ceremony took place at Oslo Cathedral following a solemn procession from the Royal Palace. Representatives from several countries attended the …

News

NATO Delegation Visits Durres Port to Discuss Security and Corridor VIII

A high-level NATO delegation visited the Port of Durres on Wednesday to assess its port capacities and strategic role in regional security and logistics. The delegation was led by the Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples. Representatives of the Albanian Armed Forces and Naval Force Commander Rear Admiral …

News

Citizens Can Now Rate Consular Services Online Across Albania’s Diplomatic Network

Albanian citizens can now rate consular services online as part of a new initiative aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of services. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced the new evaluation system on Wednesday. Starting today, citizens can scan a QR code at any location where …

News

UNDP Approves New Albania Program Focused on Jobs, Economy and Justice

The Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has approved a new Country Programme for Albania for 2027–2031. The five-year programme will support Albania’s development. It will also accelerate reforms and advance the country’s European Union integration process. The programme has three main priorities. First, it will promote …

News

Hoxha: News Agencies Stand on the Front Line Against Disinformation

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” on Wednesday. The Italian news agency ANSA and the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies (ABNA) organized the conference. The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Central European Initiative (CEI) also supported the event. …

News

Former Deputy PM Balluku Faces New Corruption Evidence

Tirana Times, September 09, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has uncovered new evidence in its widening investigation of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, increasing pressure on one of the most powerful figures of the governing Socialist Party. SPAK said Wednesday that a special …

News

High Fire Risk in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier as temperatures reach 33°C

The Institute of GeoSciences (IGJEO) warns of a high fire risk this afternoon and tomorrow in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier counties. Meanwhile, other parts of the country will face a moderate risk. However, the high-risk level will affect only localised areas in some counties. These include northeastern Lezhë, northeastern Tirana …

News

Territorial reform, OSCE ambassador: No decision should be made without national-level consultation

The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Michel Tarran, said in Pogradec that the territorial reform remains under discussion and that no final decision has been made so far. Asked about the consultation process, Tarran stressed that the OSCE does not impose a specific model for territorial organization. He …

News

Bank of Albania, World Bank step up cooperation on digital payments

Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with a World Bank delegation to discuss Albania’s economic performance, EU integration and payment-system modernization. Sejko said the economy continues to perform well, supported by growth, stronger employment and incomes, and financial stability. He also highlighted Albania’s progress toward EU standards. The talks …

News

Lek strengthens against major foreign currencies on domestic market

The lek strengthened against major foreign currencies in the domestic foreign exchange market on Wednesday, compared with the previous day. According to the official exchange rate published by the Bank of Albania, the euro fell by 0.05 lek, to 92.02 lek, while the US dollar dropped by 0.19 lek, to …