OSCE: Electoral reform in Albania is a slow but important process; decision-making belongs to Albanians
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”c95c2a13-72c0-43e1-9252-fe79f8d8e808″ data-turn-id-container=”c95c2a13-72c0-43e1-9252-fe79f8d8e808″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-33″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Presence in Albania has assessed that the work of the Special Commission on Electoral Reform has progressed slowly, but welcomed the resumption of its activity and its focus on important issues such …
Celebrations and historical remembrance: Montenegro marks 20 years of independence
Montenegro this week is marking the 20th anniversary of its independence with concerts and festive activities taking place in the capital, Podgorica, and other cities across the country. On May 21, 2006, Montenegrin citizens voted in a historic referendum on the future of the state, with 55.5% choosing independence after …
Albanian activist leaves Israel on a flight to Turkey
Albanian citizen Baki Goxhaj has departed for Turkey on one of the aircraft provided by the Turkish government for the transport of activists detained by Israel. According to sources from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, he is currently on his way to Istanbul, where he will be received …
SPAK, corruption, elections: IBAR document revealed, what was decided on Albania’s criteria
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”32a4dda1-cf36-4cd4-b698-7534afe718a0″ data-turn-id-container=”32a4dda1-cf36-4cd4-b698-7534afe718a0″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-35″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> This Thursday, Albania passed the draft of the European Union’s common interim position in the COELA working group in Brussels. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-17″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-17″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-36″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Meanwhile, tomorrow the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report, otherwise known as …
Pushing Against Inertia: How Harnex Is Testing the Balkans’ Appetite for Innovation
Tirana loves a good spectacle. Walk through the capital today and you are greeted by sleek new glass towers, vibrant urban spaces, and a relentless political chorus proclaiming Albania as the next big digital hub of the Western Balkans. But scratch beneath the surface of this calculated showmanship, and a …
Transparency Board lowers fuel prices, diesel drops to 197 ALL per litre
TIRANA, May 21 – The Transparency Board set new ceiling prices for fuel trading during its latest meeting. The new prices enter into force today at 13:00. According to the decision, the retail price of SSH EN 590 diesel will not exceed 197 ALL per litre. Meanwhile, the wholesale price …
Lushnja hospital joins national investment programme
TIRANA, May 21 – Health and Social Protection Minister Evis Sala said the Lushnja municipal hospital forms part of the national investment programme for hospital infrastructure. She said services for citizens continue during reconstruction works. Sala said the investment started in 2026. Works officially began on March 4 with the …
Ruling Socialist Party MP Balla: Germany praises Albania on negotiation chapters 23 and 24
TIRANA, Thursday, May 21 – Albania has received positive evaluations on European Union accession chapters 23 and 24, ruling Socialist Party parliamentary group chairman Taulant Balla said on Thursday. Germany views Albania as a model among candidate countries, citing justice reform, vetting, and efforts against corruption and organised crime. Meanwhile, …
Arbëresh Museum Planned in Vuno to Preserve Cultural Heritage
The planned Arbëresh Museum in Vuno aims to preserve historical memory and cultural heritage. The museum will focus on the history of the Arbëresh community and their migration to Italy. The project was presented by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports in cooperation with the Municipality of Himara and …
Stage III of the 83rd Tour of Albania, Swiss rider Guillaume Haldimann wins
TIRANA, May 21 – The third stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania concluded on Wednesday. The stage ran on the Elbasan–Vlora route over 149 kilometres. The average speed reached 48.3 km/h. The stage proved highly competitive. A leading group of five riders reached the finish together. Swiss rider Guillaume …
TIRANA, August 5 – The Spanish travel blog “Viajablog” has presented Albania as a destination for every season. Writing for the blog, Quique Cardona highlights the country’s diverse climate and geographical position between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The article describes Albania as a destination where visitors can explore the …
TIRANA, August 5 – Fourteen wildfire outbreaks were reported across Albania during the past 12 hours. Five fires remain active, the Media and Information Agency (MIA) said on Tuesday. Emergency crews continue firefighting operations with 182 operational personnel. They also use 19 fire engines, three Air Force helicopters and one …
TIRANA, August 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images today from wildfire operations across Albania. He highlighted the deployment of the country’s first firefighting aircraft and praised the crews working on the front line. Rama said the aircraft has begun operations as an additional firefighting asset during the challenging …
TIRANA, August 5 – Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro welcomed the provisional closure of Chapter 25 of Albania’s European Union accession negotiations, which covers science and research. She described the step as further evidence of the country’s progress toward EU membership. Meanwhile, Kumbaro said the closure confirms Albania’s progress in aligning …
TIRANA, August 5 – Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the new agricultural cooperative “ARRKO” will create fresh opportunities for farmers in the municipality of Kolonja. The cooperative forms part of a national initiative that encourages farmers to organise around priority agricultural products. Meanwhile, the cooperative aims to unite local farmers …
TIRANA, August 5 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Democratic League of Kosova (LDK) leader Lumir Abdixhiku failed to reach a political agreement during their meeting on August 4. However, both leaders said they will continue negotiations to form Kosova’s new institutions after the June 7 elections. The meeting …
TIRANA, August 5 – The European Union will provide €100 million to Albania under a broad cooperation programme for 2025-2027, according to details published in the Official Journal. The funding will support critical raw materials, environmental protection and democratic reforms. Meanwhile, the programme places strong emphasis on developing Albania’s critical …
TIRANA, August 5 – A new artistic installation has been placed on the Taulantia promenade in Durrës. The artwork has become a new landmark for residents and visitors. Meanwhile, Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako said the installation represents more than an artistic work. She described it as a symbol of love …
TIRANA, August 5 – President Bajram Begaj received the credentials of Paraguay’s non-resident Ambassador to Albania, María José Argaña de Mateu, during an official ceremony in Tirana. Meanwhile, Begaj praised the friendly relations between Albania and Paraguay. He also expressed his commitment to giving new momentum to bilateral cooperation. In …
TIRANA, August 5 – Albania’s Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met with Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in Rome to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and security. The two ministers discussed deeper cooperation between Albania and Italy, focusing on increasing the interoperability of the Armed Forces and exploring new opportunities …