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“Spain in Democracy 1975–2000” – Koçiu: Healing divisions is essential for democracy

TIRANA, November 9 /ATSH/ – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended today the promotion event of the book “Spain in Democracy 1975–2000” by author Charles Powell. Koçiu participated in a discussion regarding Spain’s democratic transition, alongside author Charles Powell and translator Kita Sallabanda. The deputy prime minister emphasized that dialogue, …

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A new school project is underway in Saranda

TIRANA, November 9 /ATSH/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media today of the design for a new 9-year school to be built in Saranda. Rama announced that this investment is part of 39 new educational projects to be implemented across the country, through a collaboration between …

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State Police warns of SMS scams, urges public not to share banking details

TIRANA, Nov 9 /ATA/ – State Police has warned citizens about new SMS phishing campaigns, known as “smishing”, in which scammers impersonate public institutions and service providers to steal personal and banking information. The Cybercrime Investigation Directorate has identified fraudulent messages falsely claiming to come from Tirana Municipality and its …

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U.S. Ambassador Outlines Three Priorities for Albania 

Defense cooperation, economic ties and the fight against transnational crime take center stage in Eric Wendt’s agenda, signaling a more pragmatic approach to U.S.-Albanian relations. TIRANA, Albania – U.S. Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt has identified defense cooperation, increased trade and investment, and the fight against transnational crime as Washington’s …

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Albania’s $6 Billion Gas Deal: Who Will Pay the Bill?

By Zef Preçi TIRANA, Albania – At the end of April, in the presence of Albania’s prime minister and U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, the state-owned company Albgaz signed a 20-year agreement with Greece’s Aktor LNG USA for the supply of American liquefied natural gas (LNG). The government presented …

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Albania’s Former Spy Chief Faces New Corruption and Money Laundering Investigation

Prosecutors are considering organized crime charges against Vlora Hyseni as the expanding investigation raises questions about national security and Prime Minister Edi Rama’s decision to appoint her. TIRANA, Albania — Albania’s former intelligence chief, Vlora Hyseni, already under house arrest on suspicion of disclosing classified information and assisting a businessman …

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Agriculture minister Andis Salla outlines priorities for ALL 18 billion budget

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla has presented a budget of around ALL 18 billion for 2027, a 10% increase on the initial 2026 allocation. The plan prioritises farmer support, agricultural competitiveness, food safety and preparations for European Union integration. Rural development remains the main funding priority, with ALL …

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National Gallery of Arts presents works by 16 Albanian artists

The National Gallery of Arts has opened In the Present – Creativity Fund 2026 at HangArt-Kinostudio. The exhibition brings together new works by 16 Albanian artists. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport launched the open call for the first time in 2026. The gallery selected 10 established artists and …

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EU ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa hands 2026 progress report to FM Ferit Hoxha

European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa has handed Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha a copy of the 2026 Progress Report on Albania during a meeting at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Hoxha described the report as the most comprehensive annual assessment of Albania’s progress towards European …

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Albanian President Bajram Begaj and Italian President Sergio Mattarella meet Arbëreshë mayors

Albanian President Bajram Begaj and Italian President Sergio Mattarella received the mayors of all Arbëreshë municipalities in Italy at the Quirinal Palace in Rome. The meeting highlighted the community’s enduring role in Albanian-Italian relations and its contribution to their shared European heritage. Begaj described the Arbëreshë as the foundation of …

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Inaugural edition of Albanian Music Nights kicks off with world premieres by Albanian composers

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …

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Transport associations oppose VAT hike, warn of higher ticket prices from 2027

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …

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Mateu Boçi wins European championship; PM Rama praises achievement for Albanian chess

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …

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Excitement mounts in Tirana ahead of Albania’s Nations League showdown with Finland

TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …

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Works to begin tomorrow between former Eagle Square and Limuth Underpass, traffic diversions on Tirana–Durrës motorway

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …

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DP launches candidate selection process for local elections, nominations open until 30 November

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …

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Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, civil protection on alert

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …

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European Political Community Summit: Edi Rama shares a group photo alongside European leaders

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …

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Police step up security measures ahead of Albania–Finland match

TIRANA, Nov 12  /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …

News
Tirana Observatory Releases New Issue on EU Enlargement and European Security

The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …

News

Inaugural edition of Albanian Music Nights kicks off with world premieres by Albanian composers

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …

News

Transport associations oppose VAT hike, warn of higher ticket prices from 2027

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …

News

Mateu Boçi wins European championship; PM Rama praises achievement for Albanian chess

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …

News

Excitement mounts in Tirana ahead of Albania’s Nations League showdown with Finland

TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …

News

Works to begin tomorrow between former Eagle Square and Limuth Underpass, traffic diversions on Tirana–Durrës motorway

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …

News

DP launches candidate selection process for local elections, nominations open until 30 November

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …

News

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, civil protection on alert

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …

News

European Political Community Summit: Edi Rama shares a group photo alongside European leaders

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …

News

Police step up security measures ahead of Albania–Finland match

TIRANA, Nov 12  /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …

News

Tirana Observatory Releases New Issue on EU Enlargement and European Security

The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …