Albania moves towards instant payments, saving citizens and businesses millions
Albania is taking an important step towards modernising its payment system through the regional TIPS Clone project. The new system will allow people and businesses to transfer money instantly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko announced that the system is expected to …
Design and innovation take centre stage at Tirana International Fair, with over 70 Italian companies
Design, innovation and business cooperation are in the spotlight at the 32nd Tirana International Fair. More than 70 Italian companies are presenting their products, services and projects, while exploring new opportunities in the Albanian market. The panel “Tradition as a Living Project” brought together Italian companies and design professionals to …
Hoxha meets German lawmaker, calls for stronger German engagement in the Western Balkans
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, met with German MP Peter Beyer in Berlin to discuss bilateral relations and Germany’s role in the Western Balkans. Beyer is a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which leads Germany’s governing coalition. He also serves on the Bundestag’s Foreign …
Nufi: NATO must strengthen cooperation against hybrid threats and disinformation
Albania’s Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has called for stronger cooperation among NATO member states to counter hybrid threats, disinformation and malicious online campaigns. In an interview with POLITICO Europe, Nufi warned that these threats aim to undermine public trust, fuel divisions and weaken the resilience of democratic societies. He also …
Albania aligns central banking legislation with EU standards, European Commission reports
The European Commission has recognised Albania’s progress in aligning its monetary policy legislation with European Union standards, particularly in safeguarding the independence of the Bank of Albania. In its latest Progress Report on Albania, the Commission notes that the country has achieved a high level of alignment with EU legislation, …
EU Expansion Package: Progress for Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine, While Kosovo Gains Renewed Support
The European Commission today approved its annual Expansion Package, evaluating candidate countries’ achievements over the past year and setting key reform priorities for the future. Expansion remains one of the European Union’s most strategic policies to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity across the continent. Furthermore, this year’s report demonstrates that …
“Besniku Shpk”, a success story in Albania’s and the regional agribusiness market
From a family-owned business established in 1999, Besniku Shpk has grown over the years into one of the well-known names in Albania’s agribusiness sector. Operating in both the agricultural and livestock sectors, the company is entering a new phase of growth, marked by business expansion and ambitions to reach new …
Protesters gather outside PM’s office; several detained for obstructing police
TIRANA, November 4 /ATSH/ – A group of young people and citizens gathered again this afternoon in front of the Prime Minister’s Office on “Martyrs of Nation” boulevard, continuing the protests seen over the last few days. Tensions flared in front of the Prime Minister’s Office when police detained two …
Tale road: A new modern upgrade driving tourism growth in Lezha
TIRANA, November 4 /ATSH/ – Tale area in Lezha has long been a favorite tourist destination, attracting an ever-increasing number of visitors each year. Investments in road infrastructure have significantly improved access to Tale, while also increasing the value of surrounding properties, thereby creating a new reality for the local …
Bardhi: EC Progress Report highlights concerns over democracy and corruption in Albania
TIRANA, Nov 4 /ATA/ Democratic Party parliamentary group chairman Gazment Bardhi today criticised the European Commission’s 2026 Progress Report on Albania, calling it the most damning assessment the country has received in years. “The 2026 Progress Report lays bare Edi Rama’s poor governance. It is the bleakest report since the assessments …
The Benja Thermal Springs in Përmet continue to attract domestic and foreign tourists as autumn brings cooler temperatures to the Langarica Valley. Visitors come to enjoy the natural hot springs and the peaceful surroundings. The springs rank among Përmet’s best-known natural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the …
Albania ranks among the countries that have undergone the most dramatic tourism transformations in Europe, evolving from one of the continent’s most isolated nations into an increasingly popular destination for international visitors, Israeli media outlet Ynet News reports. Journalist Asaf Rosen highlights the country’s opening after the fall of communism, …
Eni Vasili, director-general of Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH), has outlined the institution’s funding needs and technology priorities for 2027. Speaking to the Committee on Human Rights and Public Information, she highlighted digitalisation, infrastructure modernisation and rising operating costs. The state budget allocation for RTSH is projected at ALL 940 …
Eni Vasili, director-general of Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH), has identified modern television infrastructure as a key priority for the public broadcaster. Speaking to the Committee on Human Rights and Public Information, she stressed the need to bring its production studio into operation. RTSH currently produces most of its own …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj has presented a 2027 budget plan allocating ALL 10.5 billion to vocational education, entrepreneurship and innovation. The ministry’s overall budget stands at ALL 42 billion. Vocational education and employment services will receive ALL 8.9 billion. Investment of ALL 1.22 billion will support vocational schools, …
Gjirokastër Castle welcomed 300,000 domestic and foreign visitors between January and October 2026. Visitor numbers rose by 6.5% compared with the same period in 2025. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja shared the latest figures and reported a 10.5% increase in revenue over the same period last year. “Between …
Valbona Valley remains one of Albania’s most treasured mountain destinations, offering a unique experience for visitors seeking tranquillity, unspoilt nature and breathtaking scenery. During autumn, vibrant seasonal colours make the valley even more captivating, turning it into a natural postcard of the Albanian Alps. Prime Minister Edi Rama today shared …
Eni Vasili, director-general of Albanian Radio and Television, has outlined RTSH’s priorities for services aimed at Albanians abroad and foreign-language audiences in 2027. She presented them during a hearing with the Committee on Civic Initiatives as part of discussions on the 2027 budget. The priorities include establishing an international correspondent …
Restoration teams are improving the infrastructure at Rozafa Castle in Shkodër, one of the country’s most important historical and cultural monuments. Work began around two months ago. Crews have completed the Castle Museum’s façade and are now repairing the cobblestone paving in an inner courtyard. “We are currently working on …
Albania’s annual inflation rate reached 3.4% in October 2026, up from 2.3% in the same month last year. Consumer prices also rose by 0.5% compared with September, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation, adding 1.36 percentage points. Transport …