FM Hoxha says EU enlargement is strategic necessity for Europe
TIRANA, July 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said EU enlargement is a strategic necessity for Europe’s security, stability and competitiveness during a conference in Luxembourg on EU support for the Western Balkans, held by the European Court of Auditors. The Albanian chief diplomat said the Western Balkans and the …
EU4Culture Program Concludes After Restoring 23 Cultural Heritage Sites in Albania
The EU4Culture program has officially ended in Albania after restoring and revitalizing 23 cultural heritage sites across the country. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) implemented the project, which the European Union funded with a total budget of €40 million. The program ran from October 2020 to June …
Apolonia Archaeological Park declared immovable cultural heritage, new management plan approved
TIRANA, July 1 – The Council of Ministers declared the Apolonia Archaeological Park an immovable cultural heritage asset, also approving its boundary definition, zoning, and a new protection and management plan. The Albanian government said the new status applies in line with the official zoning map and coordinates set in …
The Cost of Non Enlargement: Why the EU Cannot Afford to Leave the Western Balkans Behind
Tirana Times, June 29, 2026 – For years, the debate on European Union enlargement has been dominated by the presumed costs of admitting new members: institutional complexity, financial burdens, political resistance and the challenges of integrating countries still undergoing democratic and rule of law reforms. Yet a more strategic question …
The Strategic Price of Non-Enlargement
By Albert Rakipi Tirana Times, June 30, 2026 – For more than two decades, the Western Balkans have lived inside the promise of European integration. In Albania, support for membership in the European Union has often remained above 90 percent. I have sometimes described this support as almost “totalitarian.” Yet …
Albanian PM’s Response to Protests Causing Unease Within His Own Party
Faced with unprecedented anti-government protests, Edi Rama has chosen to go on the offensive, to the public unease of several MPs and ex-officials from his own Socialist Party. Original post Here
€65 Million Allocated to Strengthen Local Government and Urban Transport in Albania
Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo has announced that the Albanian government has allocated €65 million to strengthen local authorities and improve public services. Speaking after a Council of Ministers meeting, Demo said the funding, approved through a normative act, aims to boost municipal capacity and enhance infrastructure …
Fincantieri–KAYO Deal Aims to Create 500 Jobs and Build 10 Vessels by 2030 in Albania
A new cooperation memorandum has been signed at the Pashaliman Naval Base in Vlora between Italy’s Fincantieri, the Albanian state company KAYO, and the Industrial School “Pavarësia”. The agreement focuses on training programs, internships, and job opportunities in the naval construction industry. Fincantieri CEO Pierroberto Folgiero stressed that human capital …
Rama: Fincantieri–KAYO Agreement Opens Job Opportunities in Naval Industry
Prime Minister Edi Rama has said that the cooperation between Italy’s Fincantieri and the Albanian state company KAYO marks an important step toward strengthening Albania’s military and naval industry. He said the agreement focuses on internships and job opportunities in shipbuilding and maritime industry development. Rama stated that the partnership …
EU Commissioner Marta Kos: Albania Meets Key Interim Standards
EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos says that Albania has met the interim benchmarks for the fundamental cluster, marking an important step in the country’s EU accession process. In a post on X, Kos also says that Albania receives a positive assessment in the IBAR report. She says the Cypriot …
Surrounded by the green landscapes of northern Albania and waters flowing toward the Adriatic Sea, the Buna River remains one of the country’s most distinctive natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video of the Buna River on social media today, highlighting the natural beauty of one of northern …
Korça has come alive with the sounds of serenades during the third edition of the “Serenights Festival.” The four-day celebration brings one of the city’s best-loved traditions back to its streets, squares and iconic venues. The festival began last night and will run through September 20. It features a music …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa met today with Justice Minister Toni Gogu to discuss justice reform and Albania’s priorities in the European integration process. Moreira de Sousa stressed the importance of strengthening public trust in the justice system. She described it as essential to Albania’s future in …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti traveled to New York today, where he will hold meetings with world leaders, according to his office. The meetings will take place during the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Kurti will promote …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa met with Finance Minister Petrit Malaj to discuss the Finance Ministry’s role in Albania’s European Union accession process. In a social media post, Moreira de Sousa stressed the importance of the ministry’s role in managing EU funds and preparing Albania for the …
September is showing that Albania’s tourist season continues beyond the summer months, with many visitors choosing to explore the country in early autumn. Saranda remains one of the preferred destinations for travelers. Today, the “Seven Seas Navigation” cruise ship arrived at the port with 457 tourists from different countries, who …
Albanian Ambassador to France Dritan Tola met with INTERPOL President Lucas Philippe in Paris to discuss cooperation between Albania and the international police organization. During the meeting, Ambassador Tola congratulated Philippe on the new momentum and dynamism he has brought to the organization since taking office. He also reaffirmed Albania’s …
Ervin Demo has taken office as Minister of Interior after being sworn in at the Presidency. In the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, outgoing Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari formally handed over his duties to Demo. Koçiu shared images on social media from Demo’s first moments as Interior Minister. …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met today in Tirana with the new World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Albania, Dr. Fabio Scano. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Albania and the WHO and advancing reforms in the country’s healthcare sector. Hoxha and Scano discussed the role …
The “DEA OPEN AIR” film festival continues to promote Albanian cinema, create new spaces for film screenings and strengthen connections between filmmakers, their works and audiences. As part of this initiative, the FOCUS CineKO program begins today in Saranda. The program will run for three consecutive nights and will present …