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Shipbuilding agreement signed in Tirana for Vlora Bay naval base, over 400 jobs expected, says defence minister Nufi

TIRANA, April 29 – Albanian company Kayo and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri signed an agreement in Tirana to produce vessels at the Vlora Bay naval base in Albania. The project will serve the Albanian Armed Forces and allied countries. Prime Minister Edi Rama and Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attended the signing …

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Shipbuilding agreement with Fincantieri to boost jobs and modernise armed forces, says Kayo chief Veliu

TIRANA, April 29 – Kayo chief Ardi Veliu said on Wednesday that the agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri will increase employment and support the modernisation of the Albanian Armed Forces. Officials signed the agreement in Tirana during a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office. The project will produce vessels at …

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Warship production in Vlora Bay naval base, Fincantieri CEO outlines Italian industrial vision for European market

TIRANA, April 29 – Albania and Italy agreed to jointly produce military vessels, initially for the Albanian Armed Forces and later for export markets. Albanian company Kayo will carry out production in cooperation with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri S.p.A. The agreement was signed in Tirana by Kayo chief Ardi Veliu and …

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Vučić’s Strong Statement: “They Tell Me My Mother Cheated on My Father with an Albanian”

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, made a strong statement during the podcast The Rest Is Politics: Leading, where he spoke about what he described as serious personal attacks and slander against him. In part of the discussion, Vučić stated: “Can you understand the argument when someone is casting a curse against you? …

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Fiscal Amnesty to Take Effect Within May, Government Finalizes Acts on Scientific Research – What to Know from Today’s Cabinet Meeting

Following the meeting of the Council of Ministers, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj and Minister of Education and Sports Mirela Kumbaro announced the latest government decisions, focusing on issues affecting the Albanian diaspora, fiscal policies, and the development of scientific research. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj announced the ratification of an agreement between Albania and Poland on social security, describing …

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Kosovo Heads to Elections, Osmani: Roads Closed by Injustice Are Always Opened by the People

Former President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, reacted this Wednesday following the dissolution of the Kosovo Assembly the previous day and the decision for the country to hold new elections within 45 days. In a video message published on the social network Facebook, Osmani stated that roads closed by injustice are always opened by …

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World Bank: Albania Continues Economic Growth, but Faster Reforms Are Needed

The head of the World Bank in Albania stated that the Albanian economy continues to demonstrate resilience, but in order to sustain this pace and turn it into long-term development, faster reforms and greater investment in human capital are required. Speaking during the presentation of the regional economic report, Emanuel Salinas Paolucci emphasized that the main …

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Democratic Party Officially Launches the Procedure for Electing a New Leader

The Democratic Party of Albania has officially launched the procedure for electing a new leader, through a decision by the Commission for the Organization and Control of Electoral Operations (KOKOE). According to the official document dated March 18, 2026, the process begins immediately and clearly defines the deadlines and criteria …

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Fincantieri–KAYO Agreement, Rama: Pashaliman to Become a Center of Excellence for Shipbuilding

Prime Minister Edi Rama was present this Wednesday at the signing of the agreement between Fincantieri and KAYO to produce ships in Albania at the Pashaliman shipyard. During his speech, Rama described this agreement as an important moment for Albania’s future, emphasizing that it is not only linked to strengthening security and the Armed Forces, but …

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Agreement Signed with Italian Company: Albania to Produce Ships in Pashaliman

Prime Minister Edi Rama was present at the signing of an agreement between Fincantieri, one of Europe’s leading companies of excellence, and KAYO, to produce ships at the Pashaliman shipyard in Albania. According to Rama, this venture will focus on producing vessels that will serve not only the Albanian Armed Forces but also the …

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Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs

While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here

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ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases

TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …

News
Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …

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Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht

TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …

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Summer Afternoon Draws Crowds of Tourists to Durrës

Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …

News
Special anti-corruption prosecution chief: Strategy targets 70% cut in case backlog

TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …

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PM Rama: Albania develops first artificial intelligence model for public procurement

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …

News
Former Kosova President Thaçi sends message to citizens

TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …

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Valbona Valley draws global travelers to Albania’s wild north

TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …

News
Foreign Tourists Visit Gjirokastër, Praise Nature, History and Hospitality

Foreign tourists visiting Gjirokastër continue to share positive impressions of Albania, highlighting the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Mirela Kumbaro shared on social media comments from visitors exploring the UNESCO-listed stone city. Tourists from several European countries expressed admiration for Albania’s landscapes, beaches, and cultural heritage. A …

News

Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs

While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here

News

ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases

TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …

News

Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …

News

Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht

TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …

News

Summer Afternoon Draws Crowds of Tourists to Durrës

Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …

News

Special anti-corruption prosecution chief: Strategy targets 70% cut in case backlog

TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …

News

PM Rama: Albania develops first artificial intelligence model for public procurement

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …

News

Former Kosova President Thaçi sends message to citizens

TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …

News

Valbona Valley draws global travelers to Albania’s wild north

TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …

News

Foreign Tourists Visit Gjirokastër, Praise Nature, History and Hospitality

Foreign tourists visiting Gjirokastër continue to share positive impressions of Albania, highlighting the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Mirela Kumbaro shared on social media comments from visitors exploring the UNESCO-listed stone city. Tourists from several European countries expressed admiration for Albania’s landscapes, beaches, and cultural heritage. A …