Kosova Assembly approves first reading of Specialist Chambers law changes
The Assembly of Kosova has approved in the first reading a bill amending the Law on Specialist Chambers. All 91 lawmakers who took part in the vote supported the bill. The legislation now requires a second reading for final approval. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said Kosova needs functioning institutions to …
Kercisht i Sipërm: Byzantine Churches and Dramatic Mountain Views in Dibër
Albania’s northeastern border with North Macedonia runs along the mountain slopes of the Deshat massif, part of the Korab-Koritnik National Park. Below these slopes, Kercisht i Sipërm offers one of the most impressive viewpoints in the Maqellarë area. Locals call the village the “Balcony of Maqellarë.” From here, visitors can …
“Neighbours / from Motherland” receives 10-minute standing ovation at Tirana Dance Festival
The world premiere of “Neighbours / from Motherland” opened the fifth International Dance Festival in Tirana. The performance received a 10-minute standing ovation from the audience. Brigel Gjoka and Rauf “Rubberlegz” Yasi created the contemporary dance work. It brought the Albanian and Kosova Ballet companies together on the same stage …
Albania’s Socialist majority backs plan to cut municipalities from 61 to 46
Socialist Party Parliamentary Group leader Taulant Balla said the majority will vote for its draft plan to change Albania’s administrative-territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities from 61 to 46. Speaking to the media at the Assembly of Albania, Balla said the country needs major reforms to …
Albania Justice Minister Gogu: Penal Procedure Code changes will not weaken fight against corruption
Justice Minister Toni Gogu said proposed changes to Albania’s Penal Procedure Code will not weaken the fight against corruption and organised crime. He said tackling serious criminal offences remains a non-negotiable priority. The review aims to strengthen citizens’ guarantees while preserving mechanisms to investigate and punish serious crime. Meanwhile, Theo …
Eagle Symbol Becomes Lasting Memory for Foreign Tourists Leaving Albania
Albania continues to attract foreign tourists with its coastline, natural landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. Tourism remains one of the country’s most important economic sectors. At the same time, a longer tourism season creates new opportunities for local businesses and supports employment growth. Prime Minister Edi Rama today …
Xhubleta Featured on New Postage Stamp Celebrating Albania’s Cultural Heritage
The xhubleta, one of the most distinctive elements of Albania’s cultural heritage, now features on a new postage stamp. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today that the new philatelic issue by Albanian Post aims to promote the history, values and symbolism of the traditional garment. “The xhubleta, this precious part …
Flamingo Mirror Records Over 127,000 Searches in First 24 Hours
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that the “Flamingo Mirror” platform recorded more than 127,000 searches within its first 24 hours online. He described the platform as marking a new era of transparency. In a social media post, Rama said that “Flamingo Mirror” recorded 3,397 page searches during its first …
Gonxhja: Now Is the Time to Invest in Albania and Build Sustainable Tourism
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today that growing interest from international brands in Albania highlights the country’s tourism potential and investor confidence in the sector’s continued development. Gonxhja referred to the “Future Hospitality Forum,” which took place in Tirana several days ago. He said Albania has …
Albania and EU Coordinate on Digital Customs Systems
A delegation from the Albanian Customs Administration, led by Director General Besmir Beja, held its first coordination meeting in Brussels with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD). The meeting focused on implementing the European Union’s digital customs systems and achieving full interoperability with the EU’s …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said energy and transport links play a key role in economic growth and Albania’s integration with the European market. She made the remarks after meeting Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi. Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Albania in …
EU member states have approved an intergovernmental conference with Albania on October 13 in Luxembourg, paving the way for the provisional closure of Chapter 20 on Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) approved the meeting after reviewing Albania’s progress on business development and industrial reforms. Chapter …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has moved closer to its historic goal of joining the European Union after the bloc gave the green light to close negotiations on Chapter 20, which covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. In a social media post, Rama said the latest development strengthens Albania’s prospects …
Albania recorded around 788,000 euro transfers worth €8.7 billion during its first 11 months in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). The system has significantly reduced cross-border payment costs for individuals and businesses since it began operating in Albania on October 7, 2025. Bank of Albania data show that individuals …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met Albanian students studying at Gülhane Faculty of Medicine, part of the University of Health Sciences in Ankara, Türkiye. They discussed student life, their experiences abroad, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and their vision for Albania’s future. Nufi said the students’ presence at the Turkish university …
President Bajram Begaj has awarded US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin the title of Commander of the Supreme Order of the Eagle for their contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt attended the ceremony at the Palace of …
Tirana will host the 11th Golden Age Gym Festival from October 1 to 7, 2028, bringing together more than 2,000 participants from across Europe. The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) announced that its executive board unanimously approved Tirana’s bid, citing Albania’s organisational capacity. The Albanian Gymnastics Federation initiated the bid …
Albania, Greece and North Macedonia have launched preparations for a joint bid to add the Prespa region to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The initiative aims to protect the area’s natural, historical and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and creating new opportunities for local communities. The European Union will provide …
Tirana will host Japanese Cultural Week from October 14 to 18, offering five days of activities that showcase Japan’s traditions, art, architecture, cuisine, cinema and martial arts. The programme will feature traditional tea ceremonies, Japanese food demonstrations, exhibitions, film screenings and judo and karate competitions. On October 16, visitors can …
Archaeologists have begun excavating the upper city’s defensive walls at Butrint for the first time, seeking new evidence about the ancient city’s fortifications and urban development. The research forms part of the “Urban Topography of Butrint in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages” project, which examines the site’s evolution between …