President Begaj Receives New Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Albania
President Bajram Begaj received today the new Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, on the occasion of the presentation of her credentials. The Presidency’s Press Office announced that the Head of State expressed confidence that cooperation between Albanian institutions and the EU Delegation in …
42 International Students in Korçë as “Fan S. Noli” University Expands International Cooperation
“Fan S. Noli” University in Korçë is expanding its cooperation with foreign universities. As part of mobility programs, 42 international students have come to Korçë this year, while 14 Albanian students have gone abroad. “We are in the process of internationalization. We have mobility agreements with several foreign universities. Among …
Avoidance of Double Taxation: Government Approves Fiscal Agreements with Germany and Lithuania
The Council of Ministers approved a series of draft laws and decisions during its latest meeting concerning fiscal agreements with Germany and Lithuania, the administration of confiscated properties, environmental protection, the development of the mountain economy, reconstruction, and the criteria for awarding the Public Order Service Medal. One of the …
Dirk Schuebel Takes Office as EU Ambassador to Kosovo
German diplomat Dirk Schuebel has taken office as Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo and European Union Special Representative (EUSR). “I look forward to working with Kosovo’s institutions, political actors, civil society, the media and all communities to help a multi-ethnic Kosovo advance on its path towards EU …
Kosova, Acting PM Kurti: Presidential agreement stands despite six Democratic League MPs’ opposition
TIRANA, September 2 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the agreement between the Self-Determination Movement and the Democratic League of Kosova on the presidential nomination remains in place despite six Democratic League lawmakers opposing Bekim Sejdiu’s candidacy. After a meeting of the Self-Determination parliamentary group, Kurti said all 53 …
Mediterranean Games: Enkileda Carja wins bronze in the snatch
18-year-old weightlifter Enkileda Carja won another medal for Albania at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Carja secured bronze in the 69 kg snatch event after lifting 100 kg. She succeeded in two of her three attempts. First, Carja lifted 98 kg. Then, she successfully raised 100 kg after adding two …
Defence Minister Nufi visits Civil Emergency Support Base on 39th anniversary, highlights wildfire response
TIRANA, September 2 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited Albania’s Civil Emergency Support Base as the structure marked the 39th anniversary of its establishment. Nufi praised the base’s role during the difficult wildfire season. From April through August 2026, the base carried out 54 firefighting operations, deploying more than 1,500 …
Lin Festival returns from September 4 to 6 with culture, art and traditions by the lake
The picturesque village of Lin will host the fourth edition of the Lin Festival from September 4 to 6, 2026. The National Center for Traditional Activities (QKVT) organizes the event to promote and preserve Albania’s intangible cultural heritage. Set along the shores of the lake, the festival will offer a …
Gonxhja: Public beaches expand by 67% as authorities curb price abuse
Albania has significantly expanded its public beaches during the 2026 tourist season. The move gives local and international visitors more space, access, and affordable options. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said today that municipalities increased the number of public beach station plots by 67% this season. Meanwhile, authorities …
Police rescue four German tourists after boat catches fire in Ksamil
TIRANA, September 2 – Border Police and the Marine Police Unit in Ksamil rescued four German tourists after the boat they were travelling on caught fire. Police said officers responded after receiving a report that a boat had caught fire inside near the Pema e Thatë area in Ksamil. Border …
United States Ambassador Eric Wendt has outlined his priorities in a video message posted on X. He identified defence, economic prosperity and security as the main areas for cooperation. He also thanked President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their trust, along with the Albanian people for …
Personnel from Albania’s Civil Emergencies Support Base and the Kosova Security Force held a joint mountain search and rescue exercise in Prevalla, near Prizren. According to Defence Minister Ermal Nufi, the exercise took place from 2 to 5 November. Participants exchanged experience, tested new equipment and practised rescue techniques in …
Albania will allocate 2.08 billion lek to the Cultural Heritage and Museums programme in 2027, marking an 80% increase compared with 2026, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced on Thursday. Presenting the draft budget to the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Gonxhja said the increased …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Romania’s new Foreign Minister, Dan Neculaescu, in Bucharest to discuss bilateral ties and regional security. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation, with a particular focus on expanding economic and trade relations and making full use of their potential. Hoxha …
Albania and India are exploring ways to strengthen tourism ties following a meeting at the World Travel Market London 2026. Jola Hysaj, director general of the National Tourism Agency, met India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during the international travel fair. The two officials discussed exchanging experience …
Albania’s Arts and Culture programme will receive a budget of 3.37 billion lek in 2027, with around 1.5 billion lek, or 45% of the total, earmarked for public investment, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced. The draft budget also allocates 495.9 million lek to artistic projects, marking …
The European Commission’s 2026 report highlights Albania’s new law on the Bank of Albania and progress in central bank independence, payment systems and banking stability. The report notes that the new legislation aligns with European Union rules on central bank independence and the prohibition of monetary financing for the public …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has stressed the need for an inspection system that supports businesses and promotes economic growth without creating unnecessary barriers. Speaking at a conference organised by the General Inspectorate on investment and compliance with legal requirements, he said inspections should serve a practical purpose rather than burden …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu has pledged to align Albania’s anti-corruption legislation with European Union standards. He also proposed three priorities for stronger regional cooperation at the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs in Budva, Montenegro, on 5–6 November. Speaking at a session on the judicial dimension of …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi presented the 2027 draft budget to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates ALL 76.284 billion, a 10% increase on 2026, equivalent to 2.6% of gross domestic product. Capital spending accounts for ALL 43.6 billion, while current expenditure totals ALL 32.6 billion. …