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Fuel price cap lowered, diesel set at no more than 203 Lek per litre

TIRANA, April 29 – The Price Transparency Board has set new ceiling prices for petroleum products. The new prices enter into force today at 11:30. The board approves the decision at its latest meeting. It lowers the retail price of standard diesel (SSH EN 590) to a maximum of 203 …

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Research funding tripled as Albania aligns reforms with European Union directives

TIRANA, April 29 – Following the Thursday’s government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presented the latest decisions at a press conference. She said European Union integration remains a key priority for Albania. In this context, she announced that the budget for scientific research has tripled. Kumbaro stated that the …

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Tax relief, social security deal and record foreign investment highlighted by Finance Minister

TIRANA, April 29 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented three key developments following the government meeting, focusing on fiscal reforms, international agreements, and foreign investment growth. He said the process of debt cancellation and fiscal reconciliation will begin within May. He explained that secondary legislation is in its final stage. …

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Government backs “After School” programme, doubles pay for teachers and expands participation

TIRANA, April 29 – Following a government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presents new decisions. She focuses on the “After School” programme. She says the initiative has developed in different formats for over a decade. She adds that the programme will now expand further to give students more opportunities. …

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Blendi Gonxhja: Durrës Archaeological Museum showcases 3,200 artefacts in renewed exhibition spaces

Blendi Gonxhja highlights transformation of Durrës museum Blendi Gonxhja said the Archaeological Museum of Durrës now displays over 3,200 artefacts. He added that the museum presents Albania’s ancient history in modern, restructured pavillions. Moreover, he said new technologies allow visitors to experience a “journey through time.” In addition, he emphasized …

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Vlorë: Spring “postcard” views attract tourists between sea and sky

Vlorë looks like a spring postcard at the end of April. The city combines clear blue skies with calm seas. Although the beach season has not officially started, visitors continue to arrive. They enjoy the sunshine and even swim in the sea. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo from …

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Fincantieri–Kayo agreement signed for naval production in Vlora, PM Rama says first two ships will strengthen Albanian Navy

TIRANA, April 29 – A cooperation agreement between Italian company Fincantieri and company KAYO marks a step toward the modernization of the Albanian Armed Forces. The project focuses on the construction of military vessels in the Vlora Bay Naval Base naval base. The agreement establishes a new company that will …

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Fire safety inspection plan launched in Tirana after apartment blaze

TIRANA, April 29 – The acting Mayor of Tirana, Anuela Ristani, meets emergency structures, municipal police, and fire service teams. The meeting follows a fire in an apartment building in the “Farmacia 10” area, where 71 apartments burned. Ristani praises the coordinated response of all structures. She says the quick …

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Marubi Museum joins Milan-based international photography network

TIRANA, April 29 – The National Museum of Photography “Marubi” joins Rete Fotografia, an international network based in Milan that brings together institutions and organisations active in the field of photography. The museum describes the membership as an important development for Albanian photography. It highlights new opportunities for international visibility …

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SASPAC launches new website on development priorities

SASPAC has launched a new online platform. The website is now accessible to the public. The platform brings together all foreign assistance data in Albania. It presents transparent and structured information. Users can find details on EU IPA programmes and funding. The site also lists donors, partners and implementing institutions. …

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Albania and European Commission to sign agreement on EU staff exchanges in September

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania will sign an agreement with the European Commission in September to allow Albanian public officials to work for fixed periods at European Union institutions, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said. Pirdeni said the initiative will strengthen the skills of Albania’s …

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Government allocates €65 mln support package for local authorities

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s government will provide an additional €65 million to strengthen local government capacity and improve public services across the country. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the funding forms part of the 2026 budget amendments approved through a normative act. The package supports investment in basic …

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Electronic communications authority completes 10 of 11 parliamentary recommendations

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s Electronic and Postal Communications Authority has completed 10 of 11 recommendations issued by Parliament while continuing to align the country’s electronic communications legislation with European Union rules. Speaking before Parliament’s Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, the authority’s chairman, Gentian Sala, said the …

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Foreign minister Hoxha: Public administration undergoing deep transformation toward European Union standards

TIRANA, July 3 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania’s public administration is undergoing a deep transformation. He linked the process to preparations for European Union membership. He spoke at the third edition of Public Administration Week. The event carried the theme “Public Service for a European Albania.” He said …

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PM Rama: National Flight School opens, training and certification also for NATO and Kosova pilots

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the opening of the National Flight School. He described it as an ambitious project for the modernization of the Armed Forces. He said the initiative was initially met with humour and scepticism. However, Rama added that the project has now become …

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From the Nile to the Balkans

By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, July 3, 2026 – If you sit by the banks of the Nile on a quiet afternoon and allow its serene flow to guide your thoughts, you realize that the water remembers not only the lands it traverses, but also the people who shaped …

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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 …

News

Albania and European Commission to sign agreement on EU staff exchanges in September

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania will sign an agreement with the European Commission in September to allow Albanian public officials to work for fixed periods at European Union institutions, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said. Pirdeni said the initiative will strengthen the skills of Albania’s …

News

Government allocates €65 mln support package for local authorities

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s government will provide an additional €65 million to strengthen local government capacity and improve public services across the country. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the funding forms part of the 2026 budget amendments approved through a normative act. The package supports investment in basic …

News

Electronic communications authority completes 10 of 11 parliamentary recommendations

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s Electronic and Postal Communications Authority has completed 10 of 11 recommendations issued by Parliament while continuing to align the country’s electronic communications legislation with European Union rules. Speaking before Parliament’s Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, the authority’s chairman, Gentian Sala, said the …

News

Foreign minister Hoxha: Public administration undergoing deep transformation toward European Union standards

TIRANA, July 3 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania’s public administration is undergoing a deep transformation. He linked the process to preparations for European Union membership. He spoke at the third edition of Public Administration Week. The event carried the theme “Public Service for a European Albania.” He said …

News

PM Rama: National Flight School opens, training and certification also for NATO and Kosova pilots

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the opening of the National Flight School. He described it as an ambitious project for the modernization of the Armed Forces. He said the initiative was initially met with humour and scepticism. However, Rama added that the project has now become …

News

From the Nile to the Balkans

By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, July 3, 2026 – If you sit by the banks of the Nile on a quiet afternoon and allow its serene flow to guide your thoughts, you realize that the water remembers not only the lands it traverses, but also the people who shaped …

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 …