Week in Review: Big Changes, Bigger Challenges
Our selection of Premium stories this week seeks to unpack the aftermath of an eventful weekend, with dramatic and rapid changes in Serbia that could have a wider impact across the region. Original post Here
Foreign Investors Association of Albania urge review of proposed 2027 tax measures
The Foreign Investors Association of Albania has called on the government to reconsider the proposed 2027 fiscal package. It urged officials to consult businesses meaningfully and assess the economic impact of planned tax increases. The association said major tax changes should rely on sound economic analysis and transparent consultation. Businesses …
Finance Minister Malaj says 2027 fiscal package redistributes taxes rather than raising them
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj has defended Albania’s proposed 2027 fiscal package, saying its overall effect on state revenue will be neutral or slightly negative. He presented the changes to the Economy Committee. Malaj said the package aims to redistribute revenue, protect vulnerable groups and support the middle class. Higher dividend …
President Begaj consults Socialist Party and Social Democrats on 2027 local elections as Democrats decline invitation
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has begun consultations with parliamentary parties to set the date for the 2027 local elections. His first meeting was with Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla at the Brigades Palace at around 9:00 a.m. Representatives of the Social Democratic Party, led by Tom Doshi, were …
Albanian news agency and German news agency train journalists in digital verification
The Albanian Telegraphic Agency has held professional training with Germany’s Deutsche Presse-Agentur on verifying digital content amid growing challenges from artificial intelligence. Led by Deutsche Presse-Agentur journalist Stefan Voss, the session brought together 11 agency journalists and translators. Participants examined methods for detecting manipulated images and videos and checking the …
President Begaj sets May 9, 2027, as date for Albania’s local elections
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has decreed May 9, 2027, as the date for the country’s next local elections. The Electoral Code requires voting to take place on one of four Sundays between April 15 and May 15. During consultations, the Socialist Party, the Social Democratic Party and the State Election …
Albania Protests Enter Day 18 as Rama Calls for Dialogue
The protests by students and citizens against the government continue this Friday, marking their 18th consecutive day. Despite repeated calls for dialogue from Prime Minister Edi Rama, protesters remain firm in their position, demanding his resignation. Earlier today, Rama once again shared images on social media showing chairs placed outside …
Albania’s 2027 Local Elections: Opposition Boycotts President Begaj’s Consultations on Election Date
President Bajram Begaj will hold consultations with representatives of political parties this Friday to determine the date of the 2027 local elections, in a process that begins with most opposition parties rejecting his invitation. The first meeting is scheduled for 9:00 AM with representatives of the Socialist Party, while representatives …
Student Protests: EU Ambassador Says Violence Cannot Be a Way to Express Discontent
The European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, visited Elbasan this Friday, where she attended the fourth meeting of the CoR-Albania Joint Consultative Committee. Referring to recent developments in the country, the ambassador stressed that violence cannot be a means of expressing discontent, while emphasizing the responsibility of …
Albanian Diplomat Bashkim Zeneli Dies at 78
Diplomat, former MP and publicist Bashkim Zeneli passed away this Friday at the age of 78. According to reports, Zeneli died in a hospital abroad. Zeneli served as a journalist, a member of the Albanian Parliament, and Albania’s ambassador to Germany and Greece. He was also one of the early …
The US Embassy in Tirana has urged American citizens to avoid protest areas, warning that demonstrations could escalate into violence and disrupt traffic and public services. In an official security alert, the embassy said protests continue in central Tirana and near government institutions. Some demonstrations have turned violent, with reports …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has warned that society risks normalising violence and turning it into a tool for settling disputes with teachers, university lecturers and public institutions. Speaking at a meeting of the National Council for the Rights and Protection of Children on October 30, Rama called for a joint …
Albania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, has called for stronger regional cooperation to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses and access new markets. She made the statement at the fourth edition of the regional conference “SHE RISES”, held in Pristina, Kosovo. The event brought together women entrepreneurs, government …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has called for a broader approach to addressing violence involving minors, stressing that punishment alone cannot solve the problem. He said authorities must also support vulnerable children and their families and help young people reintegrate into society. Speaking at a meeting of the National Council for …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has called for a national debate on restricting minors’ access to social media, including whether the minimum age should be 16 or 18. Speaking at a meeting of the National Council for the Rights and Protection of Children on October 30, Rama said the growing influence …
Albanian singer Evi Reçi and virtual artist Bora Faira have won the “Best Human–AI Collaboration” award at the World AI Music Festival in Cannes, marking an international achievement for Albanian music. The festival announced the award during its October 2026 edition, recognising the project “Nata Sonte” for bringing together human …
The United States Embassy in Tirana has issued an official statement regarding the ongoing protests in Albania, as well as those expected on Saturday, warning of the risk of escalation into violence. The Embassy emphasized that some demonstrations have turned violent, involving the use of incendiary devices, stone-throwing, and property …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced that the government will begin consultations with parents and teachers on restricting minors’ access to social media. Authorities are considering whether the age limit should be set at 16 or 18, with the aim of preventing children from having individual accounts on these platforms. …
During his speech this afternoon, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that, starting next year, children will remain at school until 5:00 PM. The measure will help working parents, while children will take part in cultural and sports activities that will also contribute to their social development. “Another important task is …
The European Commission has responded to recent amendments to the draft law on the Bank of Albania, specifically Article 72, which provides legal protection for the Governor of the Bank of Albania in the exercise of official duties. In response to a question from Euronews Albania journalist Thimi Samarxhiu, a …