Albania and Canada seek to expand bilateral cooperation
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met Canadian Ambassador to Albania Elissa Golberg on October 29 to discuss bilateral relations and opportunities to deepen cooperation. Hoxha described Canada as a friend, NATO ally and trusted partner. He also thanked Ottawa for its contribution to Albania’s democratic consolidation and socio-economic development. Both …
Albania proposes national art fund using savings from public procurement
Albania’s government has approved a draft law to establish a National Art Fund. The initiative will use part of the savings from public procurement to support artists and invest in the country’s cultural heritage. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the fund would allocate up to 10% of …
PM Rama Shares Update on Saranda’s “Sixth Road” Project, Aimed at Easing Traffic Congestion
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a video showing construction work on Saranda’s “Sixth Road,” highlighting the importance of the investment in improving road infrastructure and easing traffic congestion in the city. According to Rama, the project aims to reduce traffic, make daily travel easier for residents, and provide better …
Transparency Board Sets New Diesel and Petrol Prices in Albania
The Transparency Board has set new retail and wholesale prices for diesel and petrol in Albania following a meeting held on Thursday, October 29. According to the board’s decision, the maximum retail price of diesel will be 212 lek per litre, while the wholesale price must not exceed 200 lek …
Veliaj’s Prison Transfer: Who Rules, the Law or Arbitrary Power?
The unexplained transfer of Tirana’s mayor to Fier prison has triggered tensions within the ruling Socialist Party and an immediate response from Tirana’s Municipal Council, raising serious concerns about administrative arbitrariness and the rule of law. Tirana Times, October 29, 2026 – The sudden transfer of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj …
SheAds project highlights Albanian girls breaking barriers in sport
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja has highlighted 3 young athletes who are challenging gender stereotypes in sport. Their dedication and daily sacrifices show that talent and success have no gender, he said. Gonxhja shared the stories of footballer Amarda Xhebrahimi, sport shooter Sindi Sula and wrestler Albina Drazhi …
American Chamber of Commerce raises concerns over 2027 draft budget tax measures
The American Chamber of Commerce in Albania has urged the government to reconsider tax increases proposed in the 2027 fiscal package. It warned that the changes could raise business costs, discourage investment and weaken the country’s competitiveness. The chamber said higher dividend tax, standard value-added tax and some reduced rates, …
2027 draft budget allocates ALL 75.4 billion for infrastructure and energy
The 2027 draft budget allocates ALL 75.4 billion to infrastructure and energy, equivalent to 2.5% of gross domestic product. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the figures at the Conference of Chairpersons. The funding will support transport, railway and port projects, as well as drinking water and sewage systems. Planned water …
Transparency Board sets new fuel price caps from October 29
The Transparency Board has announced new maximum prices for diesel and petrol. The limits took effect at 15:00 on October 29. Retailers may charge no more than ALL 212 per litre for diesel. The wholesale cap stands at ALL 200 per litre. For petrol, the retail ceiling is ALL 181 …
Kosova president meets United States chargé d’affaires in Prishtina
Kosova President Justina Shiroka Pula met United States chargé d’affaires Anu Prattipati in Prishtina. Prattipati congratulated the president on taking office. Shiroka Pula thanked her for the message. She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening relations and the strategic partnership between Kosova and the United States. The president also stressed the …
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has praised Albania’s progress towards European Union membership. She ranked Albania among the four most advanced candidate countries, alongside Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine. Speaking at the presentation of the European Commission’s 2026 Enlargement Report, Kallas highlighted Albania’s rapid progress. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania had received its strongest assessment yet in the European Commission’s annual Progress Report. He described the report as another source of pride for the country and an encouraging step towards its historic goal of joining the European Union. “Another meaningful and encouraging report card …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …