SPAK Hosts International Anti-Corruption Meeting in Tirana, Bringing Together Representatives from 28 Jurisdictions
Albania’s Special Structure against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK) hosted the 16th meeting of the Law Enforcement Network (LEN), part of the OECD Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ACN), in Tirana from October 27 to 29. In a statement published on social media on Friday, SPAK announced …
President Begaj Sets May 9, 2027, as Date for Local Elections in Albania
President Bajram Begaj has decreed May 9, 2027, as the date for the next local government elections in Albania. In an official statement, the Presidency announced that the decision was made following consultations with representatives of political parties represented in Parliament and the State Election Commissioner. The consultations were attended …
EU Enlargement Draft: Kosovo Makes No Progress in Fundamental Areas
The European Commission is set to adopt and publish its annual EU progress reports on Wednesday, November 4, along with the enlargement package. According to draft versions of these documents, Kosovo is among the countries that have made no progress or have recorded only limited progress in most areas. The …
Pope Leo XIV Welcomes Albanian Bishops and Diocesan Administrators in Rome
Pope Leo XIV welcomes the bishops and diocesan administrators of Albania in a private audience at the Vatican during their Ad Limina Apostolorum visit, a periodic visit made by bishops from each country to the Vatican every five years. During the meeting, which lasted more than an hour, the bishops …
Albania’s 2027 Fiscal Package Sparks Backlash Over Higher Taxes and Investment Risks
The American Chamber of Commerce warns of risks to foreign investment as the government’s 2027 fiscal package faces growing opposition from businesses, lawmakers and economists. by Sidonja Manushi TIRANA, Albania – Albania’s government has unveiled a controversial 2027 fiscal package, proposing significant changes to value-added tax, dividend taxation, personal income …
Migjeni, the Albanian writer who challenged social injustice through literature
Migjeni remains one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Albanian literature. Through his poetry and prose, he challenged social injustice, exposed poverty and gave a voice to people living on the margins of society. Born Millosh Gjergj Nikolla in Shkodër on October 13, 1911, he adopted the pen name …
Religious communities unite to address climate change and environmental protection
Religious leaders, local officials and civil society representatives met in Elbasan to discuss environmental protection and climate change. They called for stronger cooperation between faith communities, public institutions and schools. The meeting took place at the Elbasan Prefecture during Democracy Week. The Woman Center for Development and Culture Albania launched …
International art colony celebrates Albanian painter Vangjush Mio
Korçë has welcomed Albanian and international artists for the 16th edition of the “Days of Mio” International Art Symposium, dedicated to renowned Albanian painter Vangjush Mio. The event opened on October 28 at the Vangjush Mio House Museum. It brings artists together to share ideas, exchange experiences and explore the …
Albania inspects Kanina Castle as conservation work continues
Albania’s National Institute of Cultural Heritage has inspected Kanina Castle to assess the condition of its historic structures and review conservation work completed so far. During the inspection, specialists examined the fortress and focused on protecting its architectural features and historical authenticity. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja stressed …
Former diplomat Bashkim Zeneli passes away
Former Albanian diplomat, politician and publicist Bashkim Zeneli has passed away. Assembly Speaker Niko Peleshi paid tribute to Zeneli, extending condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. He described him as an early intellectual figure in the Socialist Party who devoted much of his life to public service. Peleshi also …
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
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …