Ursula von der Leyen from Ireland: Albania and Montenegro Are Making Steady Progress Toward EU Membership
During her official visit to Ireland, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the progress made by Albania and Montenegro in their EU accession negotiations, emphasizing that both countries are advancing in the enlargement process based on merit. “Albania and Montenegro continue to make progress in the enlargement process. …
Day 34 of Protests: Demonstrators Gather Outside the Prime Minister’s Office
Citizens took to the streets once again this Friday as the protest entered its 34th consecutive day. As on previous days, demonstrators began gathering at 7:00 p.m. before marching toward the Prime Minister’s Office. Protesters were seen carrying banners and Albanian flags. Despite the high temperatures, they continued their demonstration, …
Anti-Government Protests Escalate in Tirana as Demonstrators Block Parliament
Tirana Times, July 03, 2026 – Albania’s month-long anti-government protest movement entered a more confrontational phase on Thursday, as demonstrators gathered outside Parliament, blocked access points and clashed with police while lawmakers were holding a plenary session inside. The protest, now extending into its second month, has moved beyond its …
Albania and European Commission to sign agreement on EU staff exchanges in September
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania will sign an agreement with the European Commission in September to allow Albanian public officials to work for fixed periods at European Union institutions, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said. Pirdeni said the initiative will strengthen the skills of Albania’s …
Government allocates €65 mln support package for local authorities
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s government will provide an additional €65 million to strengthen local government capacity and improve public services across the country. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the funding forms part of the 2026 budget amendments approved through a normative act. The package supports investment in basic …
Electronic communications authority completes 10 of 11 parliamentary recommendations
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s Electronic and Postal Communications Authority has completed 10 of 11 recommendations issued by Parliament while continuing to align the country’s electronic communications legislation with European Union rules. Speaking before Parliament’s Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, the authority’s chairman, Gentian Sala, said the …
Foreign minister Hoxha: Public administration undergoing deep transformation toward European Union standards
TIRANA, July 3 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania’s public administration is undergoing a deep transformation. He linked the process to preparations for European Union membership. He spoke at the third edition of Public Administration Week. The event carried the theme “Public Service for a European Albania.” He said …
PM Rama: National Flight School opens, training and certification also for NATO and Kosova pilots
TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the opening of the National Flight School. He described it as an ambitious project for the modernization of the Armed Forces. He said the initiative was initially met with humour and scepticism. However, Rama added that the project has now become …
From the Nile to the Balkans
By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, July 3, 2026 – If you sit by the banks of the Nile on a quiet afternoon and allow its serene flow to guide your thoughts, you realize that the water remembers not only the lands it traverses, but also the people who shaped …
Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs
While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here
Lack of up-to-date legislation and weak monitoring mechanisms mean AI-generated fakes and manipulated content are finding their way into Albanian political campaigning – and need to be tackled before 2027’s local elections. Original post Here
With Russia interfering to exacerbate divisions and the United States rejecting liberal transformation for economic transactionalism, the European Union should develop a targeted and realistic approach to accession for Western Balkan countries. Original post Here
European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged Kosovo and Serbia to move forward with the normalization process after holding separate talks with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić in New York. Meeting the two leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, Kallas …
Firefighters are bringing a blaze near the Apollonia Archaeological Park under control with support from aerial operations. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja visited the site to monitor the situation and firefighting efforts. Gonxhja said protecting Apollonia Archaeological Park remains a priority as an important cultural heritage site. He …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has officially decreed the dismissal of Vlora Hyseni as Director of the State Intelligence Service. The decree cites Article 93 of the Constitution and Law No. 8391 “On the State Intelligence Service”. Prime Minister Edi Rama proposed the dismissal. The decision follows measures that …
Minister of State for Public Administration and Anticorruption Adea Pirdeni attended a meeting of the General Affairs Council in Brussels today. The meeting discussed Albania’s progress in the rule of law. In a video message, Pirdeni said the meeting recognized Albania’s progress in the rule of law. She highlighted the …
The Military Meteorological Service said Thursday will bring stable atmospheric conditions across the country. The forecast calls for mostly clear skies across the entire territory. Winds will mainly blow from the northeast and northwest at an average speed of 7 m/s. In mountainous areas, valleys and along the coast, winds …
Tirana is preparing to host the seventh edition of Colourday Festival Albania on Sept. 26. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the event. He said several well-known artists will perform at the festival. Meanwhile, the event will feature interactive spaces where visitors can join the celebrations. Organisers will …
Saudi Arabia marked its National Day in Tirana at a reception hosted by Ambassador Turki bin Ibrahim Al-Madi, with President Bajram Begaj as guest of honour. Members of the Assembly of Albania, government officials, diplomats, academics, artists, religious community leaders and media representatives attended. Al-Madi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s economic and …
German MEP Terry Reintke said the European Parliament supports Albania’s progress towards European Union membership while stressing the importance of environmental, democratic and rule-of-law standards. She said the integration process should continue alongside respect for these standards. Reintke also called for a moratorium on development plans in protected areas and …