High Fire Risk in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier as temperatures reach 33°C
The Institute of GeoSciences (IGJEO) warns of a high fire risk this afternoon and tomorrow in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier counties. Meanwhile, other parts of the country will face a moderate risk. However, the high-risk level will affect only localised areas in some counties. These include northeastern Lezhë, northeastern Tirana …
Territorial reform, OSCE ambassador: No decision should be made without national-level consultation
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Michel Tarran, said in Pogradec that the territorial reform remains under discussion and that no final decision has been made so far. Asked about the consultation process, Tarran stressed that the OSCE does not impose a specific model for territorial organization. He …
Bank of Albania, World Bank step up cooperation on digital payments
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with a World Bank delegation to discuss Albania’s economic performance, EU integration and payment-system modernization. Sejko said the economy continues to perform well, supported by growth, stronger employment and incomes, and financial stability. He also highlighted Albania’s progress toward EU standards. The talks …
Lek strengthens against major foreign currencies on domestic market
The lek strengthened against major foreign currencies in the domestic foreign exchange market on Wednesday, compared with the previous day. According to the official exchange rate published by the Bank of Albania, the euro fell by 0.05 lek, to 92.02 lek, while the US dollar dropped by 0.19 lek, to …
“Balkans meet in Trieste”, FM Hoxha: Enlargement is Europe’s strength
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, was among the keynote speakers at the “Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference. Italy’s ANSA news agency organized the event. The conference took place during the 34th General Assembly of the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE). The Friuli …
FM Hoxha: Kosovo, an independent state and should be recognized; Regional cooperation remains a major priority
Speaking at the “Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference, Hoxha also addressed Albania’s positions on Kosovo, stressing that Albania considers it an independent state that should receive international recognition. “We have fundamental differences with Serbia over Kosovo,” he said. “Kosovo is an independent state and should be recognized.” At the same …
Gjirokastër’s Cold War Museum unveils new exhibition on Albania’s communist past
The Cold War Museum in Gjirokastër has unveiled a new exhibition inside the city’s historic underground bunker. The central hall now features uniforms worn by soldiers, generals and officials during Albania’s communist era. Visitors can also see banned books, newspaper articles from the 1950s to the 1990s, and publications by …
National Energy Plan Sets 100% Electric Vehicle Target for Public Procurement
Albania plans to gradually shift public administration toward electric vehicles. Under the new target, public institutions must procure new light vehicles that are either fully electric or plug-in hybrids. The target forms part of the revised National Energy and Climate Plan 2020–2030. The plan introduces several measures to cut transport …
Kumbaro at PISA ministerial panel: “We want more spaces where children can excel”
The PISA 2025 results show a major improvement in Albanian students’ performance. Scores rose by 65 points in mathematics, 59 points in science and 50 points in reading. As a result, Albania ranks among the Western Balkans’ strongest performers in mathematics and science. The results were presented in Bratislava at …
BBC: ‘Tirana teeth’: Albania hopes to be the new Turkey for dental work
BBC reports on Tirana’s growing dental tourism industry, as Albania seeks to establish itself as a cheaper alternative to Turkey for international patients seeking dental treatment. Anthony Hook is sitting in a dentist’s chair, grinning toothily into a handheld mirror. He has been asked to pose for photos showing off …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted immediately on Wednesday following the decision of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague regarding the former KLA leaders. Rama shared a photo on Facebook with the word “SHAME” written in capital letters. The image shows a map of Europe surrounded by a circle of …
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj announced after the government meeting on Wednesday the decision to reactivate the Transparency Board for fuel prices. According to the minister, this mechanism will serve to reduce the excise tax and lower market prices, which have remained at high levels for more than …
President Bajram Begaj reacted on Wednesday to the sentencing of the former KLA leaders by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. He said that today’s decision brings deep sadness, adding that for Albanians, no one and nothing can tarnish the KLA. “Deep sadness over today’s decision. The determination to …
Rapid branch network expansion, high liquidity and stronger capital demonstrate the Bank’s sustainable development The American Bank of Investments (ABI Bank) closed the first half of 2026 with a sound financial position and indicators demonstrating stability, strong financing capacity and growing confidence in the Albanian market. ABI Bank is continuing …
The four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) have been sentenced to a combined 81 years in prison by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, following the conclusion of the first-instance judgment in the case against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. Former Kosovo …
Developments in Albania’s financial sector have drawn the attention of European media outlet Euractiv, which has highlighted the country’s digital banking transformation and its potential for closer integration with the wider European financial market. The article also features Jet Bank, presented as the first fully digital, branchless bank in the …
A monumental statue dedicated to Queen Teuta has been installed on the scenic Shëngjin-Velipojë route. The monument adds a new historical, cultural and tourism attraction to the area. Sculptor Julian Muçollari created the nearly nine-meter-high monument. Journalist Marin Mema inspired the concept. Historian Paulin Zefi, actors from Albanian-speaking territories and …
More than 5,300 children with disabilities receive support in Albanian schools, Deputy Health and Social Welfare Minister Ina Majko said as the new school year begins. Majko said support for children and their families includes dedicated services aimed at promoting inclusion in education. She highlighted assistant teachers, psychosocial services and …
Albania marks today the 84th anniversary of the Peza Conference, held on September 16, 1942, by representatives of Albanian antifascist forces seeking to establish a united front against the occupiers. The conference adopted several important decisions, including the creation of the National Liberation Antifascist Front. The front brought together antifascists …
The Trial Panel at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague has found former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi criminally responsible for war crimes. Presiding Judge Charles Smith presented the panel’s findings today during the first-instance judgment hearing. The panel found …