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Hoxha: No approved project in Zvërnec yet, full environmental impact assessment will be done

No approved project exists yet for the Zvërnec investment, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. He added that authorities will carry out a full environmental impact assessment before any decision. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha said institutions continue preparatory work. He also …

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Hoxha: EU enlargement will be key priority of Irish Presidency in 2026

EU enlargement will be a key priority of the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2026, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha said his recent visit to Ireland focused on Albania’s EU …

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TKOB prepares tribute evening for Albanian bass-baritone Lukë Kaçaj

The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB) is preparing a special evening dedicated to the great Albanian bass-baritone Lukë Kaçaj. The event will pay tribute to one of the most powerful voices in Albanian opera. It will also honor his life, marked by artistic achievement and personal hardship. Lukë …

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Golem Becomes a Tourism Hotspot, Short-Term Rental Market Records Strong Growth

Golem is emerging as one of Albania’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, recording significant increases in both demand and supply in the short-term rental market. According to data from AirDNA, a platform specializing in short-term rental market analytics for platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, the area recorded the strongest growth in …

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Non-Performing Loan Ratio Fell to 3.75% in April

The ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) returned to a downward trend in April. According to statistics from the Bank of Albania, the NPL ratio declined to 3.75%, down from 3.85% recorded in March. The indicator also continued to decrease on an annual basis, compared to 4.03% in April 2025. The …

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Albanian Medicinal Plants Attract Tourists in Gjirokastër, Demand for Traditional Products Rises

Medicinal plants and traditional Albanian products are attracting growing interest from tourists in Gjirokastër, particularly foreign visitors seeking natural and authentic products from the region. Mountain tea, lavender, spices, and endemic plants are among the most sought-after products in the city’s historic bazaar, becoming an important part of its tourism …

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Activists and Citizens Begin March Toward the Prime Minister’s Office

Although in smaller numbers than on previous days, activists and citizens once again gathered this Thursday, marking the 12th day of protests. After assembling in Skanderbeg Square at around 6:00 p.m., demonstrators began marching toward the Prime Minister’s Office, chanting slogans such as “Rama to prison, Berisha to prison” and …

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Hoxha: We Aim to Close All EU Negotiation Chapters Within the Next Year

During a discussion with foreign journalists, Minister Ferit Hoxha stated that Albania has set an ambitious but achievable objective of concluding all European Union negotiation chapters within the next year. Hoxha emphasized that the achievements made so far in the European integration process were also considered ambitious, recalling that only …

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Foreign Minister: Protests in Albania Are Not a Concern for the EU, Freedom of Expression at a High Level

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha stated that Albania is experiencing a high level of freedom of expression and that the protests taking place in the country do not currently constitute a concern for European Union member states. Asked by journalist Flora McCarthy from Dublin whether Ireland, which …

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U.S. State Department Responds to Euronews Albania on Berisha’s ‘Non Grata’ Status

The Press Office of the U.S. Department of State has responded to an inquiry from Euronews Albania regarding reports circulating on Thursday morning that the United States had revoked the “non grata” designation imposed on Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha. In response to a question from journalist Thimi Samarxhiu, the …

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Albania expands ALBTraceCo’s role in biometric and digital identity services

The Council of Ministers has approved changes that expand the activity of ALBTraceCo, the company responsible for producing and distributing biometric documents. The new decision adds services and technology systems linked to biometric and digital identity. Under the decision, the company will manage and develop high-security infrastructure and technologies. ALBTraceCo …

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Shijak approves 11 new priority zones for mountain economy development

The Council of Ministers has approved changes that add new priority areas for developing the mountain economy in Shijak. The government introduced the changes under Law No. 20/2025, known as the “Mountain Package”. The Minister of State for Local Government proposed the amendments. Under the decision, authorities have revised the …

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Hoxha: Russian aggression will not weaken Europe’s resolve, security or unity

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has reacted to the latest attacks in Kyiv and the reported Russian drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany. Hoxha said the incidents will not weaken Europe’s determination to support Ukraine. “Russia has once again shown that it will not stop its …

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Rama thanks Sala for her contribution and continued international engagement

Prime Minister Edi Rama has thanked Prof. Evis Sala for her dedication and professionalism during her time as Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Rama praised Sala for her work on the government’s new reform program. He also highlighted her continued contribution through her international engagement. “I warmly thank Professor …

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New EU Ambassador Dirk Schuebel begins his mission in Kosovo

Germany’s Dirk Schuebel has started his mandate as the new European Union Ambassador to Kosovo. Schuebel has called for the rapid formation of Kosovo’s institutions. He said functioning institutions would allow the EU to fully engage with Kosovo and provide the support available to the country. “There is an important …

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PM Rama: Inspections must pass “Besa” test, no unannounced checks

TIRANA, September 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said inspections must pass the “Besa” test and that authorities should no longer conduct checks without prior notice. Speaking at an extended meeting with inspectors, attended by Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj and General Inspector Dashnor Sula, Rama called for a …

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President President Begaj receives new EU Ambassador de Sousa, reaffirms 2030 membership goal

TIRANA, September 2 – President Bajram Begaj received the new European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, who presented her credentials. The president wished de Sousa success in her new role and praised the EU Delegation’s contribution to strengthening relations between Tirana and Brussels and supporting Albania’s European …

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Europexplores names Albania Europe’s top travel destination

TIRANA, September 2 – Albania has been highlighted as Europe’s top travel destination by Europexplores in an Instagram post. The travel platform describes Albania as one of the most talked-about destinations for European getaways. It highlights the turquoise beaches of the Albanian Riviera and Ksamil, along with the historic streets …

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Gonzato Departs as New EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa Officially Takes Office

A new chapter in the European Union’s diplomatic representation in Albania begins this Wednesday. Sofia Moreira de Sousa officially takes office as the EU Ambassador to Tirana, following the end of Italian diplomat Silvio Gonzato’s mandate. The Portuguese diplomat’s first institutional engagement will be at the Presidency of the Republic, …

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Grenell Backs Six LDK MPs Who Rejected Sejdiu’s Candidacy for Kosovo President: “Great Friends of America”

Former U.S. envoy for the Balkans Richard Grenell has reacted to the latest political developments in Kosovo, expressing support for six MPs from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) who have said they will not vote for Bekim Sejdiu as president. Grenell posted a photo of the six MPs on …

News

Albania expands ALBTraceCo’s role in biometric and digital identity services

The Council of Ministers has approved changes that expand the activity of ALBTraceCo, the company responsible for producing and distributing biometric documents. The new decision adds services and technology systems linked to biometric and digital identity. Under the decision, the company will manage and develop high-security infrastructure and technologies. ALBTraceCo …

News

Shijak approves 11 new priority zones for mountain economy development

The Council of Ministers has approved changes that add new priority areas for developing the mountain economy in Shijak. The government introduced the changes under Law No. 20/2025, known as the “Mountain Package”. The Minister of State for Local Government proposed the amendments. Under the decision, authorities have revised the …

News

Hoxha: Russian aggression will not weaken Europe’s resolve, security or unity

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has reacted to the latest attacks in Kyiv and the reported Russian drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany. Hoxha said the incidents will not weaken Europe’s determination to support Ukraine. “Russia has once again shown that it will not stop its …

News

Rama thanks Sala for her contribution and continued international engagement

Prime Minister Edi Rama has thanked Prof. Evis Sala for her dedication and professionalism during her time as Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Rama praised Sala for her work on the government’s new reform program. He also highlighted her continued contribution through her international engagement. “I warmly thank Professor …

News

New EU Ambassador Dirk Schuebel begins his mission in Kosovo

Germany’s Dirk Schuebel has started his mandate as the new European Union Ambassador to Kosovo. Schuebel has called for the rapid formation of Kosovo’s institutions. He said functioning institutions would allow the EU to fully engage with Kosovo and provide the support available to the country. “There is an important …

News

PM Rama: Inspections must pass “Besa” test, no unannounced checks

TIRANA, September 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said inspections must pass the “Besa” test and that authorities should no longer conduct checks without prior notice. Speaking at an extended meeting with inspectors, attended by Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj and General Inspector Dashnor Sula, Rama called for a …

News

President President Begaj receives new EU Ambassador de Sousa, reaffirms 2030 membership goal

TIRANA, September 2 – President Bajram Begaj received the new European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, who presented her credentials. The president wished de Sousa success in her new role and praised the EU Delegation’s contribution to strengthening relations between Tirana and Brussels and supporting Albania’s European …

News

Europexplores names Albania Europe’s top travel destination

TIRANA, September 2 – Albania has been highlighted as Europe’s top travel destination by Europexplores in an Instagram post. The travel platform describes Albania as one of the most talked-about destinations for European getaways. It highlights the turquoise beaches of the Albanian Riviera and Ksamil, along with the historic streets …

News

Gonzato Departs as New EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa Officially Takes Office

A new chapter in the European Union’s diplomatic representation in Albania begins this Wednesday. Sofia Moreira de Sousa officially takes office as the EU Ambassador to Tirana, following the end of Italian diplomat Silvio Gonzato’s mandate. The Portuguese diplomat’s first institutional engagement will be at the Presidency of the Republic, …

News

Grenell Backs Six LDK MPs Who Rejected Sejdiu’s Candidacy for Kosovo President: “Great Friends of America”

Former U.S. envoy for the Balkans Richard Grenell has reacted to the latest political developments in Kosovo, expressing support for six MPs from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) who have said they will not vote for Bekim Sejdiu as president. Grenell posted a photo of the six MPs on …