Fiscal Council establishment marks key step in strengthening fiscal discipline, minister says
TIRANA, June 18 – The government is taking a new step to strengthen transparency and accountability in public finance management through the establishment of a Fiscal Council. The institution will operate independently and report to Parliament. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj announced that the draft law on the Fiscal Council …
Lezha marks Olympic Day 2026, sport and education bring young people together
TIRANA, June 18 – Lezha celebrated Olympic Day 2026 under the global motto “Let’s Move”. The main square turned into a space dedicated to sport, education, and Olympic values. According to the Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH), 10 city schools took part in the activity. Students presented creative works dedicated …
After US Lifts Graft Sanctions, is Albania’s Berisha Really ‘Back’?
Five years after the US declared him persona non grata, Donald Trump has given Sali Berisha a ‘waiver’. But how much does it really change for the opposition party Berisha leads? Original post Here
Albania Elected to UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Albania has won election to the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Ferit Hoxha announced the news and described the decision as recognition of Albania’s active contribution within UNESCO. Hoxha said the election recognizes Albania’s long-standing commitment to protecting, promoting, and passing on its rich …
STRASBOURG – European Parliament Approves Amendment on the Albanian Language in North Macedonia’s Bar Exam
The European Parliament approved the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) report on North Macedonia, prepared by permanent rapporteur Thomas Waitz. The report assessed the findings of the European Commission. It highlighted the lack of progress in judicial reforms and anti-corruption efforts. In addition, it urged the country to implement constitutional amendments …
Nufi Meets Senior Pentagon Official: Strong Commitment to Peace, Stability, and Collective Defense
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met senior Pentagon official Elbridge A. Colby in Washington today. During the meeting, the two officials exchanged views on the strategic challenges shaping the Euro-Atlantic security environment. Nufi emphasized that the partnership between Albania and the United States is built on shared values, mutual trust, and …
New Property Tax Bill Proposes Market-Value Assessment with Rates of 0.1%–0.2% for Homes
The Ministry of Finance of Albania has opened a new draft law on property tax for public consultation. The reform aims to fundamentally change Albania’s property taxation system by introducing a market-value-based model and increasing local government revenues. Under the proposed legislation, revenue from property tax will remain a local …
Meloni: EU Approves Historic Return Regulation, Albanian Model Sets the Example
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the European Parliament’s approval of the new EU return regulation as a major achievement for Italy and Europe. Speaking in a video message from the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, Meloni said the regulation marks a historic decision. She added that the measure largely reflects …
Business-Customs Forum Focuses on Transparency, Efficiency, and Trade Facilitation
The General Directorate of Customs and the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania held the Business-Customs Forum today. Participants focused on European integration, digital transformation of customs services, and measures to simplify procedures for businesses. The forum brought together customs officials and business representatives. They discussed customs procedures, the investment …
New Air Route Links Albania and Romania as TAROM Launches Flights to Tirana
Tirana International Airport expanded its international network as it welcomed the inaugural flight of TAROM today. The airline launched operations in Tirana and opened a new weekly route. It will operate one flight every Wednesday during the summer season. The new connection strengthens air links between Albania and Romania. It …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a change at the helm of the Interior Ministry. Besfort Lamallari will leave the post and move to the Prime Minister’s Office, while Ervin Demo will take over the ministry. Rama announced the move while presenting changes to the government. He said Lamallari would …
The Ministry of Defense reported 40 wildfires across Albania in the past 24 hours. Six remain active, nine are under monitoring and 25 have been fully extinguished. A total of 492 local personnel and 36 firefighting vehicles are supporting operations. The Armed Forces have deployed 133 personnel, one helicopter, two …
Klodiana Spahiu has been sworn in as Minister of Health and Social Welfare at the Presidency. President Bajram Begaj appointed her following Prime Minister Edi Rama’s proposal, after Evis Sala resigned from the post. Spahiu is a cardiologist and holds a medical degree from the University of Tirana. She later …
An exhibition dedicated to one of Albania’s leading 20th-century artists, Ibrahim Kodra, will open in Tirana on September 23. “Ibrahim Kodra – The Sea and Music” will be held at the Bank of Albania and will remain open until November 23. The exhibition features 41 works created between 1947 and …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the launch of a national campaign to register artisans across Albania. The campaign aims to identify, assess and promote traditional crafts and the people who preserve them. Gonxhja said the campaign would give greater visibility to artisans and their work. It will …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj has announced a new National Housing Fund to support not only vulnerable groups, but also professionals, young people and newly formed families. Speaking after a government meeting, Ibrahimaj said the programme will make 7,000 apartments available. Around 2,000 will be offered through interest-free loans …
The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, met with UNDP Resident Representative Randi Davis to discuss cooperation in green finance, financial and digital education, payment systems, and support for SMEs. The meeting focused on Albania’s latest economic and financial developments and the Bank’s ongoing initiatives. Davis praised the …
Albania is increasingly attracting visitors through its natural heritage, with protected areas becoming key destinations for tourists. Diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity and outdoor activities are drawing more visitors and adding a new dimension to the country’s tourism offer. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said more than 4.5 million visitors explored Albania’s …
General jurisdiction prosecutors from Tirana, Elbasan, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Kukës, Korçë, Berat, Fier, Vlora, Dibër, Lezhë and Shkodër took part in a training session on prosecutorial ethics and professional dilemmas. The Dutch Embassy in Albania said the training was led by Dutch prosecutor Disa Jironet. It focused on complex cases, …
Former Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari will join the Prime Minister’s Office team and work on the government’s two new platforms, “Besa” and “Mirror” platforms. In a Facebook post, Lamallari described his time as Interior Minister as an unforgettable journey and a “book of life” that guided him to his next …