Strik: Albania Must Enforce EU Standards in Protected Areas
Following the conclusion of a fact-finding mission in the Vjosa-Narta protected area, European Parliament rapporteur Tineke Strik called on Albanian authorities to fully enforce European Union standards for construction in protected zones and to intensify efforts against corruption. At a press conference, Strik said Albania must respect EU legislation and …
AI Robot Forms Albanian Eagle Gesture at Ruhr Innovation Summit
Prime Minister Edi Rama is in Germany on an official visit to the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. During the Ruhr Summit, one of Europe’s key events on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology, Rama shared a video showing an artificial intelligence robot forming the Albanian eagle symbol with its hands. The summit …
Summer health centre in Castle-museum quarter serves tourists and residents in Berat
TIRANA, July 1 – The Ministry of Health and Social Protection reports that summer health centres continue to operate across Albania’s tourist areas. They provide medical services for holidaymakers without interruption. The ministry highlights work at the summer health centre in the Kala museum quarter in Berat. Medical staff serve …
Albanian National Ensemble to Perform for First Time in London
Albania’s cultural heritage will take center stage in London as the National Ensemble of Songs and Dances prepares for its first-ever performance in the United Kingdom. The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet announced that the ensemble will perform on 6 July at the Shaw Theatre in London. The show …
Negotiations, over 29% of revenues-to-GDP in 2026 from efficiency gains
TIRANA, July 1 – Albania continues progress in EU accession talks under Chapter 16 (Taxation) and Chapter 29 (Customs), with authorities focusing on legal alignment, technical systems and stronger administrative capacity. Ratification of the protocol on illicit tobacco trade remains a key closing requirement. Reporting to the Parliamentary Committee on …
Ankara NATO summit must be “implementation and delivery summit”
TIRANA, July 1 – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance summit due next week in Ankara should focus on implementation and delivery, with defence spending, support for Ukraine and defence industrial production set as top priorities. Rutte said allies must concentrate on fulfilling commitments made at last year’s …
Environment minister tells MEPs any Zvërnec project will undergo full environmental assessment
TIRANA, July 1 – Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj met a delegation of European Parliament members on Tuesday to discuss the proposed Narta–Zvërnec project. The delegation included Tineke Strik, Daniel Freund, Cristina Guarda, Jutta Paulus and Anna Strolenberg. During the meeting, Jaupaj said no final project proposal has reached the competent …
New copyright bill aligns Albania with European Union rules
TIRANA, July 1 – Albania’s new copyright bill will strengthen the protection of creators and rights holders in the digital environment while aligning national legislation with European Union rules, Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Martin Kajo said on Tuesday. Speaking at a conference on digital and audiovisual piracy organised by …
From UNESCO cities to the Ionian coast: Italian media highlights 15 wonders of Albania, writes ‘Idealista’
TIRANA, July 1 – Italian media outlet “Idealista” has highlighted 15 key destinations across Albania, presenting the country as an increasingly attractive European tourism hub where history, nature, and coastal landscapes meet. The article notes that Albania combines Roman amphitheatres, Ottoman-era bazaars, and modern urban life within a short travel …
Ireland assumes European Union Council presidency, President Begaj welcomes enlargement focus
TIRANA, July 1 – President Bajram Begaj welcomed Ireland as it begins its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. In a message published on Wednesday, Begaj wished Ireland success during its term at the helm of the Council. He said Albania was encouraged that European Union enlargement …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania is preparing new affordable housing policies in response to rising property prices, particularly in major cities. Speaking after a meeting with construction and real estate representatives, she said the reform would extend support beyond vulnerable groups to other people facing difficulties with …
Deputy Interior Minister Xhemal Qefalia said 19 laws were approved from 2021 to 2025 during a hearing before the Committee on Civic Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight. The laws cover the State Police, state border control, information processing, asset recovery, weapons, construction inspection, the Republican Guard, foreigners, asylum, citizenship, the …
RTSH has launched its new season with a new visual identity and a wider range of programmes. The new logo draws inspiration from an earlier TVSH design and retains a link with the visual history of Albania’s public broadcaster. RTSH says the new identity represents movement, broadcasting and continuity. The …
US President Donald Trump has thanked countries that, according to him, have committed to helping stabilize the Gaza Strip, including Albania and Kosovo. In his statement, Trump said several countries had agreed to send troops and police forces and provide training as part of efforts to stabilize the situation in …
US President Donald Trump today thanked Kosovo for its engagement in Gaza. “I also want to thank those who have sent troops to stabilize Gaza, including Kosovo,” the US president said in his speech to the UN General Assembly. On April 17, Kosovo’s Assembly approved a draft law allowing the …
The co-chairs of the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, Taulant Balla and Marco Tarquinio, issued a joint statement today. They urged Albanian institutions to implement the recommendations of the European Commission and the European Parliament. They also called for continued momentum as Albania moves towards EU membership. The statement …
Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings has reaffirmed Albania’s long-term sovereign credit rating at “BB” and maintained a “stable” outlook. In its analytical report published on Sept. 21, the agency said Albania’s per capita income has increased significantly in recent years. At the same time, government debt and overall external debt …
The Transparency Board announced on Tuesday the new fuel prices in the country, approved at its meeting on September 22, 2026. According to the decision, the retail price of diesel has been set at no more than 213 lek per litre, while the wholesale price has been set at no …
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana has shared photos and details on social media from the 42nd Retraining Session of the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) European Chapter. The training took place from September 19 to 23, bringing together professionals from the United States, Albania, and across Europe. In its statement, …
Greater oversight of private pension funds and more transparency for citizens. This is the aim of the new legal amendments announced for public consultation, which seek to align Albania’s pension fund rules more closely with European Union standards. The Financial Supervisory Authority is at the centre of the changes and …