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 …
US Embassy: Albania to Play a Key Role in the International Stabilization Force Mission
International Stabilization Force (ISF) Commander Major General Jasper Jeffers held talks with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha and Defence Minister Ermal Nufi. The discussions focused on Albania’s future contributions to the force and its role in supporting the ISF mission. During the meetings, the officials discussed Albania’s …
Mother Teresa Square to Become Pedestrian Zone with Museum and Underground Parking
Tirana plans to transform Mother Teresa Square into a mainly pedestrian public space. The project will move many of the square’s new functions underground. The Albanian Development Fund has launched a tender for the project. It has set a budget limit of 20.8 billion lek, or around €21 million, for …
Albania battles 43 wildfires as 13 remain active
The Ministry of Defence reported 43 wildfires across Albania over the past 24 hours. Of these, 13 remain active, while eight are under monitoring and 22 have been extinguished. Meanwhile, 697 local and municipal emergency personnel took part in firefighting and monitoring operations. In addition, they used 68 firefighting vehicles …
UNOPS and Albania join forces to modernise public procurement
The Centralized Purchasing Operator (OBP) and UNOPS have signed a cooperation agreement in Tirana. The agreement is called “Procuring Together for a European Albania”. It aims to strengthen strategic purchasing. It also seeks to improve public procurement. OBP Administrator Jonaid Myzyri signed the agreement. Sabine Kania, Director of the UNOPS …
Rama gathers ministers and Socialist leaders to set priorities for new parliamentary session
Prime Minister Edi Rama will meet political leaders and ministers at noon today, September 9, on the outskirts of Tirana. The meeting will focus on the Socialist Party’s priorities for the new parliamentary session. It will also address the government’s new political agenda. Meanwhile, Rama is expected to renew his …
Peleshi meets EU ambassador: EU membership is a natural aspiration for Albanians
Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi met today with the European Union’s new ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa. They discussed Albania’s path towards EU membership and the work ahead in the integration process. Peleshi said EU membership remains a natural aspiration for Albanians. He also stressed the country’s institutional …
Under New Law, Albania’s Mountains Risk Same Fate as Coast, Critics Say
While all eyes are on the damage caused by tourism construction on Albania’s coast, the government has passed a law designed to boost investment in the mountains too, much to the concern of environmentalists. Original post Here
Duka Meets Trump Special Envoy Paolo Zampolli to Discuss Sports Diplomacy
President of the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) Armand Duka met today with Paolo Zampolli, US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for Global Partnerships. Zampolli is visiting Tirana as part of a wider tour. During his visit, he has met representatives of state institutions, political leaders and other stakeholders in Albania. …
The Site of Witness and Memory Museum in Shkodër attracts foreign visitors interested in Albania’s communist past. Through documents, personal testimonies and preserved rooms, they learn about political prisoners and persecution under the dictatorship. The museum occupies a former branch of the Internal Affairs Department. Photographs, letters, manuscripts and personal …
Civil protection authorities are preparing for possible emergencies during the 2026–2027 autumn and winter season. At a meeting of the Civil Protection Commission, officials discussed measures to address heavy rainfall, icy conditions and other severe weather. Commission Chair Albert Halilaj stressed the need to protect roads linking villages to administrative …
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has expressed condolences for those killed or injured in an explosion at a steel plant in Turkey’s Izmir province. In a social media statement on Tuesday, he offered sympathy to families who lost loved ones and expressed Albania’s solidarity with Turkey. Hoxha said he was deeply …
Albania have begun their training camp ahead of their final two Nations League matches against Finland and Belarus. The Albanian Football Association said 25 players were available to coach Rolando Maran, while Myrto Uzuni and Qazim Laçi were due to join the squad on Tuesday evening. Both players are expected …
European Union Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa has stressed that civil society is a key partner in Albania’s accession process. She said the 2026 Albania Report reflects many of its concerns. At the report’s presentation to civil society organisations, participants raised environmental issues, transparency, land ownership rights, education and healthcare. …
Shote Galica, an Albanian fighter for national liberation and unity, was born in Drenica, Kosova, on 10 November 1895. Born Qerime, she grew up as the only daughter in a family with six sons. Inspired by Albanian patriots, she took up arms alongside her husband, Azem Bejta. Her resistance against …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the 2027 defence budget will continue to modernise the Armed Forces, strengthen national security and meet commitments to NATO and strategic allies. Rama also shared footage of first-year bachelor’s students and Officer Preparation Course trainees at the Military Professional Education Centre in Bunavi, Vlora. He …
Transparency Board has set new maximum wholesale and retail fuel prices under measures addressing the special situation in the hydrocarbon market. Retail diesel prices must not exceed ALL 208 per litre, while wholesale prices must remain at or below ALL 196. For petrol, the maximum stands at ALL 167 per …
All tickets have sold out for Albania’s UEFA Nations League match against Finland at Air Albania Stadium, confirming strong fan interest in supporting the national team. Albania will face Finland on 12 November at 20:45 in front of a full stadium. Fans are expected to create their trademark atmosphere and …
State Police Director General Skënder Hita has highlighted efforts to prevent cannabis cultivation and stop drug sales near schools in 2026, during a joint conference with Italy’s Guardia di Finanza. Police identified 132,000 cannabis seedlings before cultivation, compared with 17,447 last year. Authorities also used 84 drones to monitor territory, …