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Cambridge University to support Albanian education agency

Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presented in Parliament a draft law to create the National Agency for Education Services. The reform aims to transform how education services are delivered to citizens. She said the reform is the result of work and reflection that started in 2019. The new agency will …

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Parliament promotes new publication on Albanian committees (1920–2025)

The Albanian Parliament organized the promotion of the publication “Parliamentary Committees of Albania over the Years (1920–2025)” on the occasion of International Book Day. The event was held by the Parliamentary Library and Publications Service and brought together academics, deputies, and students. Participants included Prof. Dr. Teki Kurti, Prof. Dr. …

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FM Hoxha highlights Albania’s steady EU orientation at Delphi Economic Forum

TIRANA, April 24 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania brings strategic value to the European Union through predictability, alignment and regional cooperation. He made the remarks during a panel at the Delphi Economic Forum titled “From responsibility to benefit: How can Western Balkans EU membership become a European geopolitical …

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Return of “Spring Festival” on Albanian public broadcaster RTSH

TIRANA, April 24 – Albanian public broadcaster Albanian Radio and Television confirmed the return of the “Spring Festival”, a historic light-music event that promotes Albanian artists. The broadcaster designed the festival to revive its role in supporting music production. It also prioritises live performance as the core format of the …

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Albania hosts NATO Steadfast Dart 27 preparations, delegation reviews port capabilities

TIRANA, April 24 – The Port of Durrës received a NATO delegation of 60 representatives during preparations for the Steadfast Dart 27 exercise. Officials held briefings at the “Hysni Aruçi” conference hall in Durrës. NATO representatives reviewed Albania’s infrastructure and support capacities for allied operations. Inspection teams then visited the …

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Over 1,000 Austrian tourists visit Kruja museum in April

The Skanderbeg Museum in Kruja has become an important stop for foreign tourists visiting Albania. The museum attracts large groups from countries such as Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and others. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that more than 1,000 Austrian tourists visited the museum in April alone. The museum “Gjergj …

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Albania increases elite athlete payments with 30%–200% boosts and higher daily allowances

TIRANA, April 24 – The Albanian government has approved new measures increasing financial rewards for elite athletes and their coaches, with implementation expected in April 2026. The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Blendi Gonxhja, said the revised scheme introduces higher and more structured support for athletes across multiple disciplines. …

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Foreign tourist arrivals in Albania rise 11% in March amid shifting travel patterns

TIRANA, April 24 – Albania recorded a 10.8% rise in foreign tourist arrivals in March, as more than 600,000 foreign nationals visited the country, official data showed. The national statistics agency reported that the increase followed a slower start to the year. Travel activity recovered during March, with stronger flows …

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Reform aims to strengthen Albanian municipalities through territorial reform

TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s special parliamentary committee on administrative-territorial reform continued nationwide consultations, focusing on concerns over municipal competencies. In Lezha, local hearings highlighted concerns raised by municipal leaders regarding the scope of local government powers. During the discussion, the Minister of State for Local Governance, Ervin Demo, addressed …

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Justice or Realpolitik? Two Prime Ministers, Two Futures for the Balkans

Kosovo’s Albin Kurti and Albania’s Edi Rama have distinct and divergent approaches to governing, each with its own set of risks and rewards. Original post Here

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Week in Review: Moves Towards Change, But in Which Direction?

Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week tells a story of political change in key countries in the region, but associated uncertainty about future political directions. Original post Here

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DPA exhibits rare diaries and manuscripts in Tirana

The General Directorate of Archives (DPA) organized a special exhibition in Tirana to mark World Book and Copyright Day. The event showcased rare diaries and original manuscripts of prominent Albanian figures for the first time. The exhibition took place in the cultural space “Auditor” and brought together officials, writers, critics, …

News
Albania pushes cash reduction as businesses face 30 May POS terminal deadline

TIRANA, April 24 – Businesses in Albania have 37 days left to meet legal requirements for cashless payments through POS terminals in selected sectors. The obligation applies to accommodation services, transport operators, and public institutions. The deadline for tourism and transport businesses is set for 30 May 2026. Separate provisions …

News
Albania advances green finance framework with European Investment Bank support

TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s Financial Supervisory Authority held talks with the European Investment Bank on developing a national green investment guide and strengthening sustainable finance standards. The meeting brought together experts from the European Investment Bank, led by Alessandro de Concini, the institution’s representative in Albania. Discussions focused on …

News
Dinamo City reach Albanian Cup final after narrow win over Vllaznia in Shkodër

TIRANA, April 24 – Dinamo City have qualified for the Albanian Cup final after defeating Vllaznia 1–0 at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium in Shkodër. The result followed a tightly contested semi-final second leg, where both sides created early chances but failed to convert in the first half. The first leg …

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Government advances redevelopment of Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana

TIRANA, April 24 – The government approved legal changes to move forward with the redevelopment of the Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana. The revised decision expands the role of the Albanian Investment Corporation, which will act as project developer through partnership contracts. The model allows the corporation to work with …

News
Cruise ship “Monet” opens summer tourist season in Vlora

TIRANA, April 24 – The cruise ship “Monet” arrived at the port of Vlora on Friday, marking the start of the summer tourist season in the coastal city. Port authorities said the vessel, sailing under the Kingstown flag, carried 48 tourists from countries including Croatia, Portugal, Germany and the United …

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Nationwide coastal maintenance drive begins ahead of summer season

TIRANA, April 24 – Authorities have begun a nationwide coastal maintenance drive across municipalities and natural parks ahead of the summer tourist season. The Ministry of Environment is coordinating the effort with other institutions, local governments and volunteer groups. Teams are carrying out maintenance work along beaches and public areas, …

News
German-backed projects advance in energy, water and public transport sectors

TIRANA, April 24 – German-supported projects are expanding in Albania across energy, water supply and public transport sectors. A senior official from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development highlighted ongoing investments in energy infrastructure. She said a newly financed substation in Petrela will strengthen electricity supply for …

News
Dutch PM holds phone call with Albanian PM, highlights strategic role of Albania in Western Balkans

TIRANA, April 24 – The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, held a phone call with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Jetten posted details of the conversation on social media platform X, describing Albania as a key strategic partner in the Western Balkans for both the Netherlands and the …

News

Week in Review: Moves Towards Change, But in Which Direction?

Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week tells a story of political change in key countries in the region, but associated uncertainty about future political directions. Original post Here

News

DPA exhibits rare diaries and manuscripts in Tirana

The General Directorate of Archives (DPA) organized a special exhibition in Tirana to mark World Book and Copyright Day. The event showcased rare diaries and original manuscripts of prominent Albanian figures for the first time. The exhibition took place in the cultural space “Auditor” and brought together officials, writers, critics, …

News

Albania pushes cash reduction as businesses face 30 May POS terminal deadline

TIRANA, April 24 – Businesses in Albania have 37 days left to meet legal requirements for cashless payments through POS terminals in selected sectors. The obligation applies to accommodation services, transport operators, and public institutions. The deadline for tourism and transport businesses is set for 30 May 2026. Separate provisions …

News

Albania advances green finance framework with European Investment Bank support

TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s Financial Supervisory Authority held talks with the European Investment Bank on developing a national green investment guide and strengthening sustainable finance standards. The meeting brought together experts from the European Investment Bank, led by Alessandro de Concini, the institution’s representative in Albania. Discussions focused on …

News

Dinamo City reach Albanian Cup final after narrow win over Vllaznia in Shkodër

TIRANA, April 24 – Dinamo City have qualified for the Albanian Cup final after defeating Vllaznia 1–0 at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium in Shkodër. The result followed a tightly contested semi-final second leg, where both sides created early chances but failed to convert in the first half. The first leg …

News

Government advances redevelopment of Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana

TIRANA, April 24 – The government approved legal changes to move forward with the redevelopment of the Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana. The revised decision expands the role of the Albanian Investment Corporation, which will act as project developer through partnership contracts. The model allows the corporation to work with …

News

Cruise ship “Monet” opens summer tourist season in Vlora

TIRANA, April 24 – The cruise ship “Monet” arrived at the port of Vlora on Friday, marking the start of the summer tourist season in the coastal city. Port authorities said the vessel, sailing under the Kingstown flag, carried 48 tourists from countries including Croatia, Portugal, Germany and the United …

News

Nationwide coastal maintenance drive begins ahead of summer season

TIRANA, April 24 – Authorities have begun a nationwide coastal maintenance drive across municipalities and natural parks ahead of the summer tourist season. The Ministry of Environment is coordinating the effort with other institutions, local governments and volunteer groups. Teams are carrying out maintenance work along beaches and public areas, …

News

German-backed projects advance in energy, water and public transport sectors

TIRANA, April 24 – German-supported projects are expanding in Albania across energy, water supply and public transport sectors. A senior official from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development highlighted ongoing investments in energy infrastructure. She said a newly financed substation in Petrela will strengthen electricity supply for …

News

Dutch PM holds phone call with Albanian PM, highlights strategic role of Albania in Western Balkans

TIRANA, April 24 – The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, held a phone call with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Jetten posted details of the conversation on social media platform X, describing Albania as a key strategic partner in the Western Balkans for both the Netherlands and the …