Von der Leyen: Albania has completed 80% of reforms
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Albania’s progress in implementing the EU Growth Plan, stating that the country has completed 80% of the planned reforms. During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana, she announced that Albania has so far received €213 million, with …
Von der Leyen: 63 schools rebuilt with EU support
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that 63 schools in Albania have been rebuilt or renovated through the “EU for Schools” programme. During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, she recalled the European Union’s support following the 2019 earthquake and stressed that the schools programme …
Rama and Ursula von der Leyen asked about former SHISH chief, Prime Minister responds
Prime Minister Edi Rama and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were asked during their joint press conference in Tirana about SPAK’s measure against former SHISH Director Vlora Hyseni and whether the issue had been discussed between them. Rama said that what some in Albania portray as regression is …
Rama meets Wendt, U.S. Embassy: A strong partnership is measured by what two nations achieve together
The U.S. Embassy has issued a statement regarding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s meeting on Wednesday with the new U.S. Ambassador, Eric Wendt. The Embassy shared images from the meeting, stating that a strong partnership is measured by what two nations achieve together. In its post, the Embassy said that Rama …
Ursula von der Leyen in Tirana, welcomed by Rama with an official ceremony
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was welcomed by Prime Minister Edi Rama with an official ceremony at midday on Wednesday, as part of her visit to Tirana. Von der Leyen arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office, where she was received by the head of the Albanian government. Her …
U.S. State Department Report on Albania: Foreign Investment Rises, but Corruption and Informality Remain Concerns
The U.S. Department of State has published its 2026 report on Albania’s investment climate, highlighting challenges related to corruption, organized crime, money laundering, property rights and competition. The 40-page report notes that despite the increase in foreign investment, investors continue to face a lack of transparency, informality, difficulties in contract …
Skender Hita Attends European Police Chiefs Convention: Cooperation with International Partners
Director General of the Albanian State Police, Skender Hita, attended the European Police Chiefs Convention (EPCC). Ahead of the conference, Director Hita was received in a separate meeting by Europol’s Acting Executive Director, Jürgen Ebner. Also present at the meeting was the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the …
Will Albania’s Handling of ‘Flamingo’ Protests Affect its EU Accession Progress?
The anti-government protests that rocked Albania this summer will not jeopardise its EU membership prospects – but will feed into a broader assessment of Tirana’s respect for democracy and that rule of law. Original post Here
Demo meets Director for Western Balkans Superti: Chapters 24 and 22 in focus as Albania presses ahead toward its 2027 goal
Interior Minister Ervin Demo met with Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement, to discuss Albania’s progress toward EU membership. Their first meeting focused on the final milestones for Chapter 24, “Justice, Freedom and Security,” and Chapter 22, “Regional Policy and Coordination of …
Albania Customs Administration publishes new manual to standardize customs valuation practices
Albania’s Customs Administration has published the “Customs Valuation Manual”, a practical guide designed to standardize procedures and ensure the consistent application of rules for determining the value of goods for customs purposes. The manual brings together the relevant legal framework and customs valuation methods. It also addresses issues that customs …
Stronger ties among Western Balkan countries are essential to the region’s future in the European Union, while also strengthening security and resilience, the European Union Delegation in Tirana said today. The statement came during the 12th Tirana Forum on Regional Connectivity, organized by the Institute for Cooperation and Development. The …
The European Commission has unveiled its “Pre-Enlargement Policy Reviews”, setting out reforms to EU institutions, governance and safeguards ahead of the next enlargement wave. The review confirms that EU internal reforms and candidate countries’ progress will move forward in parallel. It also foresees a specific roadmap for Albania’s membership in …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha welcomed European Commissioner Marta Kos’ remarks on the European Union’s preparations for future enlargement. In a post on X, Hoxha said Albania is ready to continue its reforms and work closely with EU member states and the European Commission on an ambitious …
The government has reacted after the European Commission today formally presented its “Pre-Enlargement Policy Reviews”, setting out the framework for internal institutional and governance reforms, as well as safeguard mechanisms that will accompany the European Union’s next wave of enlargement. In its response, the government stressed that this strategic document …
Archbishop Joan of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania has attended the International Scientific Conference organised by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania shared details and images from the conference, noting that its theme is “The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church (2016–2026): Assessments and Perspectives”. …
Numerous citizens and activists took to the streets again this Tuesday as the ongoing protest entered its 129th day. As they do every afternoon, protesters gathered in Skanderbeg Square, chanting slogans including: “Your time is up”, “A new Albania”, “Rama resign”, and “Rama in prison, Berisha in prison”. After gathering …
George Orwell’s literary classic “1984” will be staged at the Kujtim Spahivogli National Experimental Theatre in a co-production with the Shkodër’s Migjeni Theatre. Directed by Dino Mustafic and adapted for the stage by Jeton Neziraj, the production will run on October 16, 17, 18 and 22, 23, 24 and 25. …
Kosova’s acting President Albulena Haxhiu has asked the Constitutional Court to clarify who can exercise presidential powers after her six-month mandate expires if the Assembly fails to elect a new president. The Office of the President confirmed the request to Radio Free Europe on October 6, the deadline for electing …
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said the Tirana-Durrës-Rinas Airport (TIA) rail project forms part of a broader railway modernisation programme. He spoke during a consultation with major international companies on the Public Service Contract for passenger rail transport on the corridor. The project includes rehabilitation of the existing line. …
Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj said proposed changes to Albania’s banking and payment laws will further align the country’s financial framework with European Union rules. Presenting the changes to the parliamentarian Economy Committee, he said the measures support Albania’s European integration process. They also address closing benchmarks for Chapter 4 …