Environment ministry offers grants of up to €10,000 for adventure tourism businesses
The Ministry of Environment has opened a public grant call for small and medium-sized enterprises under the ASCEND project. The programme has a total fund of €80,000. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said the initiative aims to support businesses that promote sustainable adventure tourism and showcase natural and protected areas. He …
Social protection to receive 30% of Albania’s 2027 budget spending
Albania plans public investments of ALL 201.5 billion in 2027, equivalent to 6.9% of gross domestic product. Social protection and education will also receive substantial funding under the draft budget. Presenting the 2027 draft budget, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said capital expenditure would average around 6.6% of gross domestic product …
Finance minister presents Albania’s 2027 draft budget to parliamentary leaders
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented Albania’s 2027 draft state budget and fiscal package at the Assembly’s Conference of Chairpersons. The meeting is expected to set the timetable for parliamentary discussions and approval. The Democratic Party did not attend, saying its lawmakers had not received the supporting documents needed to review …
Albania’s 2027 budget doubles pension bonuses and disability payments for children
Albania’s 2027 draft budget will double monthly pension bonuses from January 1, while increasing support for children with disabilities and families in need. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the measures at the Conference of Chairpersons. Pension indexing is scheduled for April 2027, with around ALL 1.35 billion allocated for the …
Equinoxe Europe Brings International Screenwriting Experts to Albania
Durrës has become a meeting point for screenwriters and filmmakers from across Europe, as Albania hosts the international Equinoxe script development programme for the first time. The National Center of Cinematography said the programme has more than 30 years of experience in developing film scripts through professional guidance and collaboration …
Korça attracts autumn tourists as New Year bookings begin
Korça continues to welcome groups of foreign tourists in autumn, with its traditions, local cuisine and hospitality drawing visitors from Albania and abroad. Tourists are visiting the city’s main attractions and exploring its streets. Tour operator Eriketa Koçollari said foreign groups from around the world continued to visit the city …
Qatari-backed partnership targets $2 billion in investments in Albania and Kosova
Strategic Group and Qatar-based Ocean B Holding have signed a strategic cooperation framework targeting up to $2 billion in investments in Kosova and Albania. Under the agreement, Ocean B Holding has authorised Strategic Group to represent its investment interests across the region. The mandate also covers Montenegro, North Macedonia and …
Albania allocates ALL 76.7 billion for defence, 2.35% of gross domestic product
Albania plans to allocate ALL 76.7 billion to the Ministry of Defence in 2027, including ALL 7 billion in additional funding. The allocation will bring defence spending to 2.35% of gross domestic product, reflecting Albania’s commitments as a NATO member. Presenting the 2027 draft budget at the Conference of Chairpersons, …
2027 fiscal package raises dividend tax and cuts value-added tax on basic goods
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the 2027 fiscal package at the Conference of Chairpersons. He said the proposed changes would have a neutral overall effect. The package aims to redistribute income and protect vulnerable groups and the middle class. The plan rests on 3 principles: income redistribution, greater tax fairness …
Bonuses for Albanian Police on Protest Frontlines Spur Calls for Accountability
Security experts say Prime Minister Edi Rama has crossed a line in gifting police officers a 2,500-euro bonus for facing down protesters against his rule. Original post Here
European Commission report highlights Montenegro as likely frontrunner to join EU but laments lack of progress on reforms in Bosnia, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Serbia – and backsliding in Turkey. Original post Here
Tale, in the Lezha area, has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, attracting more visitors each year. New road infrastructure has improved access to the area and increased the value of nearby properties, creating new opportunities for the local community. Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared images of the new …
The theatre group from Andon Xoxa nine-year school in Fier has won three awards at the International Theatre Festival for Children in the Albanian Language in Zagreb, Croatia. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced the achievement on social media. The students received recognition for their performance of the play “Gjaku i …
The United States has invested more than $40 million to strengthen Albania’s defences against cyber threats sponsored by foreign governments. Speaking at the National Cybersecurity Conference, US Ambassador Eric Wendt highlighted progress in strengthening digital resilience and training future experts through cooperation with the United States. This partnership includes programmes …
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has praised Albania’s progress in implementing key reforms but urged continued efforts to meet the target of concluding accession negotiations by the end of 2027. Kos presented the European Union’s 2026 Enlargement Package at an extraordinary meeting of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee …
The Environment Ministry has held the second steering committee meeting for a French-funded feasibility study aimed at improving waste management. The study receives support through FASEP, France’s Fund for Studies and Support to the Private Sector. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said discussions focused on technical solutions, required infrastructure and efficient …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu has presented the government’s draft justice budget for 2027 to the Assembly’s Law Committee. The plan allocates around ALL 30 billion to the justice system, the highest amount to date. Gogu said the funding aims to bring justice closer to citizens. The draft allocates ALL 29.95 …
Albania’s women’s national team will face Serbia, Belgium and Romania in Group B1 of the 2027 UEFA Women’s Nations League. The draw took place in Nyon, Switzerland. The league phase will follow a home-and-away format. Each team will play every group opponent twice, once at home and once away. The …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the European Commission’s annual progress report had given Albania its highest assessment to date. He described the result as another proud moment for the country’s European future. Rama called the report encouraging and a further step towards the historic goal of joining the European Union. …
TIRANA, Nov. 4 (ATA) – The United States has invested more than 40 million dollars to strengthen Albania’s defences against foreign state-sponsored threats. Speaking at Albania’s National Cybersecurity Conference, Ambassador Eric Wendt highlighted Albania’s progress in building digital resilience and training future experts through partnership with the United States, including …