Begaj on Sentencing of Former KLA Leaders: Deep Sadness, Freedom Has a Name
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 …
ABI Bank Consolidates Growth in First Half of 2026
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 …
81 Years in Prison for Former KLA Leaders
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 …
Albania’s digital banking progress
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 …
Queen Teuta Monument Unveiled on Shëngjin-Velipojë Scenic Route
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 …
Over 5,300 children with disabilities receive support in Albanian schools
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 …
84th Anniversary of the Peza Conference
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 …
Hague Trial Panel Finds Four Former KLA Leaders Criminally Responsible for War Crimes
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 …
Hague Court Convicts Four Former KLA Leaders, Hands Down Prison Sentences
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague today convicted four former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders of war crimes and handed down prison sentences. Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi received a 25-year prison sentence. The Trial Panel found him criminally responsible for war crimes including murder, torture, cruel treatment and …
Albania Moves Toward EU Agriculture Standards at ICE 2026 Conference
The Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR) took part in the ICE 2026 Conference on the Integrated Administration and Control System (IACS) in Sofia. The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), together with the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) and the Bulgarian Paying Agency, organized the …
TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …
TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …
TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …
TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …
The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …