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Thaçi reacts after The Hague ruling: I deny any involvement in killings, I will appeal the verdict

One day after the first-instance ruling in The Hague, which sentenced four former KLA leaders to a combined 81 years in prison, Hashim Thaçi has responded through a post published by his lead lawyer on the social media platform X. In the post, Thaçi expresses his gratitude for the support …

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July brings record number of hotel visitors, up 15% from a year earlier

The summer tourist season has boosted activity at accommodation establishments in Albania, with around 817,000 visitors recorded in July alone. Data show that the number of visitors staying in hotels and other accommodation establishments increased by 15% compared with July of the previous year. The vast majority of the increase …

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‘Albanians for America’ says Hague ruling must not become judgment of Kosova’s war for freedom; notes right to appeal

The Albanian-American organization Albanians for America has reacted to the Hague Special Court’s ruling on former Kosova Liberation Army leaders, saying it disagrees with the judgment and considers it unfair to those who fought for Kosova’s freedom. The organization said the KLA fought for freedom and to protect Kosova’s population. …

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TourMaG.com highlights Albania’s mix of modern development and cultural heritage

French travel media outlet TourMaG.com presents Albania as an increasingly attractive Mediterranean destination, highlighting its historical heritage, distinctive cities, nature and modern development. The article takes readers from Tirana and Kruja to Shkodër and Durrës. In Tirana, it highlights the mix of modernist, communist-era and contemporary architecture, as well as …

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Albanian Assembly to issue joint statement after Kosova Liberation Army leaders’ Hague sentences

The Assembly of Albania will issue a joint statement after the Hague Special Court sentenced four former leaders of the Kosova Liberation Army to a total of 81 years in prison. Assembly Speaker Niko Peleshi said the Assembly had adopted a common position involving all political forces. He described the …

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Visitors Continue to Flock to Lezhë Castle in September

Cultural heritage sites across Albania continue to attract domestic and international visitors in mid-September. Lezhë Castle remains one of the city’s most visited attractions. It combines history and archaeology with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Since January, the castle has welcomed 5,884 visitors. Most came from Western Europe, with …

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Albania launches automated platform for businesses under Double Your Enterprise program

The Ministry of Economy and Innovation has launched a fully automated platform to support small and medium-sized businesses applying to the “Double Your Enterprise” program. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the platform simplifies the application process. It also assists businesses at every stage, from expressing interest to preparing …

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PISA school selection follows OECD methodology

Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said PISA school selection follows rules set by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the international consortium managing the assessment. She said the Education Ministry cannot arbitrarily choose or change participating schools. According to Kumbaro, international sampling procedures aim to ensure statistical representation …

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Lake Shkodër highlighted as major tourism and nature destination

Lake Shkodër continues to attract growing numbers of domestic and foreign visitors as one of the region’s major tourism and nature destinations. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared evening images of the lake, highlighting its tourism and natural attractions. UNESCO declared Lake Shkodër a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve in June. The lake …

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Over 816,000 visitors stayed in Albanian hotels in July

More than 816,000 visitors stayed in accommodation facilities across Albania in July, with foreign tourists accounting for most of the increase. Data from the Institute of Statistics show that visitors from Kosova, Italy and Poland formed the largest groups among foreign tourists. According to the latest data, accommodation facilities recorded …

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Inaugural edition of Albanian Music Nights kicks off with world premieres by Albanian composers

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …

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Transport associations oppose VAT hike, warn of higher ticket prices from 2027

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …

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Mateu Boçi wins European championship; PM Rama praises achievement for Albanian chess

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …

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Excitement mounts in Tirana ahead of Albania’s Nations League showdown with Finland

TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …

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Works to begin tomorrow between former Eagle Square and Limuth Underpass, traffic diversions on Tirana–Durrës motorway

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …

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DP launches candidate selection process for local elections, nominations open until 30 November

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …

News
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, civil protection on alert

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …

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European Political Community Summit: Edi Rama shares a group photo alongside European leaders

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …

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Police step up security measures ahead of Albania–Finland match

TIRANA, Nov 12  /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …

News
Tirana Observatory Releases New Issue on EU Enlargement and European Security

The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …

News

Inaugural edition of Albanian Music Nights kicks off with world premieres by Albanian composers

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …

News

Transport associations oppose VAT hike, warn of higher ticket prices from 2027

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …

News

Mateu Boçi wins European championship; PM Rama praises achievement for Albanian chess

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …

News

Excitement mounts in Tirana ahead of Albania’s Nations League showdown with Finland

TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …

News

Works to begin tomorrow between former Eagle Square and Limuth Underpass, traffic diversions on Tirana–Durrës motorway

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …

News

DP launches candidate selection process for local elections, nominations open until 30 November

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …

News

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, civil protection on alert

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …

News

European Political Community Summit: Edi Rama shares a group photo alongside European leaders

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …

News

Police step up security measures ahead of Albania–Finland match

TIRANA, Nov 12  /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …

News

Tirana Observatory Releases New Issue on EU Enlargement and European Security

The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …