Social security contributions rise by 10.9% to €939 million in 6 months
TIRANA, July 15 – Albania collected 93.9 billion Albanian Lek (€939 million) in social security contributions during the first half of 2026, marking a 10.9% increase compared with the same period last year. According to data published by the Agency for Media and Information, several factors supported the growth. These …
Defence Minister Nufi welcomes German Defence Chief Breuer
TIRANA, July 15 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi hosted a courtesy meeting with German Armed Forces Chief of Defence General Carsten Breuer during his official visit to Tirana. The two officials highlighted the strong relations between Albania and Germany in defence and security. They also praised Germany’s role as a …
Over 41,000 farmers apply for 2026 national support scheme
TIRANA, July 15 – More than 41,000 farmers have applied for the 2026 National Support Scheme, which includes 12 support measures for the agriculture sector. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla met with farmers from Pogradec and Korça to discuss applications, sector challenges and financial support planned for …
Kos: Environmental laws must meet EU standards, protests are part of democracy
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said protests in Albania do not threaten the country’s path toward European Union membership. Speaking after the ninth Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference, Kos said Albania had successfully closed three negotiation chapters. She urged Albania to align its legislation on protected areas with EU standards, describing environmental …
Rama: Albania on track with EU accession talks under agreed timetable
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania remains on track with its European Union accession negotiations and continues to follow the timetable agreed with the European Commission. Speaking at a joint press conference with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta …
Albania reaffirms commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi participated in the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York, where Albania reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. The forum provided Albania with an opportunity to present its progress and strengthen cooperation with …
Albania closes three more EU negotiation chapters at ninth Intergovernmental Conference
Prime Minister Edi Rama arrived at the European Council headquarters in Brussels for the ninth Albania-European Union Intergovernmental Conference. During the conference, Albania closed negotiations on three additional chapters in its EU accession process. The chapters cover Science and Research (Chapter 25), Education and Culture (Chapter 26), and External Relations …
Rama: Albania’s EU progress must continue with more results for citizens
Prime Minister Edi Rama described the closure of three EU negotiation chapters as another important milestone in Albania’s European integration process. Speaking at a joint press conference with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos after the ninth Albania-EU …
Albania Joins the European Family in Three Areas as EU Calls for Deeper Reforms
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania reached an important milestone by closing its first three negotiation chapters with the European Union. Speaking after the 9th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels, Kos said the achievement marks a major step in Albania’s path toward EU membership. “Today, we closed the first …
Balla offers condolences for former Emir of Qatar: His vision and legacy will inspire future generations
Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla visited the Embassy of Qatar in Tirana to express condolences following the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. During the visit, Balla conveyed his condolences to the Qatari Ambassador, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Al Thani …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today called on Albania to maintain its focus on reforms. She stressed that the European integration process still requires further work. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, von der Leyen said Albania must continue reforms across all open negotiation …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that the Transparency Dashboard will publish all information about the Zvërnec investment project in the coming days. At a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Rama also provided an update on the project. He said the government now awaits …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Albania’s progress under the Western Balkans Growth Plan. She said Albania has completed more than 80% of the planned reforms and has received more than €213 million in EU funds. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, von der …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said EU enlargement works in both directions. She stressed that candidate countries must prepare for membership, while the EU must also prepare to welcome new members. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, von der Leyen said the European Commission …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that veto power does not benefit the European Union or its member states. At a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Rama said Albania has repeatedly faced the effects of vetoes. He described the mechanism as outdated in today’s …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she will visit Emin Duraku School in Tirana tomorrow with Prime Minister Edi Rama. The EU supported the school’s reconstruction after the 2019 earthquake. At a joint press conference with Rama, von der Leyen recalled the EU’s support for Albania after the …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU continues to work on its new enlargement package. She also said future accession treaties could include safeguards similar to those in previous treaties. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, reporters asked von der Leyen whether the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the courts should handle the case involving former State Intelligence Service (SHISH) chief Vlora Hyseni. Rama also said no security partner has raised concerns about the case. At a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Rama said the European Commission …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the fight against corruption and organized crime remains central to Albania’s EU integration process. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, von der Leyen said investigations into senior officials show that Albania’s justice system is working. “The fight against …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said his political responsibility lies in continuing justice reform and strengthening the fight against corruption. At a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, journalists asked Rama whether he felt politically responsible for government appointments, including that of former SHISH chief Vlora …