Kosova Assembly approves first reading of Specialist Chambers law changes
The Assembly of Kosova has approved in the first reading a bill amending the Law on Specialist Chambers. All 91 lawmakers who took part in the vote supported the bill. The legislation now requires a second reading for final approval. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said Kosova needs functioning institutions to …
Kercisht i Sipërm: Byzantine Churches and Dramatic Mountain Views in Dibër
Albania’s northeastern border with North Macedonia runs along the mountain slopes of the Deshat massif, part of the Korab-Koritnik National Park. Below these slopes, Kercisht i Sipërm offers one of the most impressive viewpoints in the Maqellarë area. Locals call the village the “Balcony of Maqellarë.” From here, visitors can …
“Neighbours / from Motherland” receives 10-minute standing ovation at Tirana Dance Festival
The world premiere of “Neighbours / from Motherland” opened the fifth International Dance Festival in Tirana. The performance received a 10-minute standing ovation from the audience. Brigel Gjoka and Rauf “Rubberlegz” Yasi created the contemporary dance work. It brought the Albanian and Kosova Ballet companies together on the same stage …
Albania’s Socialist majority backs plan to cut municipalities from 61 to 46
Socialist Party Parliamentary Group leader Taulant Balla said the majority will vote for its draft plan to change Albania’s administrative-territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities from 61 to 46. Speaking to the media at the Assembly of Albania, Balla said the country needs major reforms to …
Albania Justice Minister Gogu: Penal Procedure Code changes will not weaken fight against corruption
Justice Minister Toni Gogu said proposed changes to Albania’s Penal Procedure Code will not weaken the fight against corruption and organised crime. He said tackling serious criminal offences remains a non-negotiable priority. The review aims to strengthen citizens’ guarantees while preserving mechanisms to investigate and punish serious crime. Meanwhile, Theo …
Eagle Symbol Becomes Lasting Memory for Foreign Tourists Leaving Albania
Albania continues to attract foreign tourists with its coastline, natural landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. Tourism remains one of the country’s most important economic sectors. At the same time, a longer tourism season creates new opportunities for local businesses and supports employment growth. Prime Minister Edi Rama today …
Xhubleta Featured on New Postage Stamp Celebrating Albania’s Cultural Heritage
The xhubleta, one of the most distinctive elements of Albania’s cultural heritage, now features on a new postage stamp. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today that the new philatelic issue by Albanian Post aims to promote the history, values and symbolism of the traditional garment. “The xhubleta, this precious part …
Flamingo Mirror Records Over 127,000 Searches in First 24 Hours
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that the “Flamingo Mirror” platform recorded more than 127,000 searches within its first 24 hours online. He described the platform as marking a new era of transparency. In a social media post, Rama said that “Flamingo Mirror” recorded 3,397 page searches during its first …
Gonxhja: Now Is the Time to Invest in Albania and Build Sustainable Tourism
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today that growing interest from international brands in Albania highlights the country’s tourism potential and investor confidence in the sector’s continued development. Gonxhja referred to the “Future Hospitality Forum,” which took place in Tirana several days ago. He said Albania has …
Albania and EU Coordinate on Digital Customs Systems
A delegation from the Albanian Customs Administration, led by Director General Besmir Beja, held its first coordination meeting in Brussels with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD). The meeting focused on implementing the European Union’s digital customs systems and achieving full interoperability with the EU’s …
Albania will continue to support NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosovo to help maintain security and regional stability, Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces Arben Kingji said on Sunday. Kingji met KFOR Commander Major General Özkan Ulutaş as he prepared to end his term leading the NATO …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Malësia e Madhe and Përmet have transformed over the past decade, emerging as tourist destinations with growing economic potential. Speaking in the fifth episode of the seventh season of his “FLASIM” podcast, Rama recalled that both areas once seemed to offer few opportunities for development. …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has criticized Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić for pledging during an election campaign to “raise the Serbian flag again in Kosovo.” Hoxha described the remarks as provocative and threatening, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could encourage dangerous actions. He cited the 2023 …
Albania is taking steps to align its tax legislation with European Union standards by implementing DAC8, which requires the collection and exchange of information on crypto-asset transactions. The General Directorate of Taxes said the rapid growth of the digital economy makes greater tax transparency and stronger international cooperation increasingly important. …
Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Croatian President Zoran Milanović have congratulated Justina Shiroka-Pula on taking office as Kosovo’s president, expressing support for stronger bilateral ties and Kosovo’s European integration. Mattarella called for deeper cooperation between Italy and Kosovo, reaffirming Italy’s support, including through its participation in NATO’s KFOR mission. He …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, French Ambassador Catherine Suard and EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa attended Rodeo, a performance by the French Grenade dance company, at the “Let’s Stay Together” Community Center in Kombinat, Tirana. Koçiu said the event brought art closer to the community while promoting …
President Bajram Begaj visited Dibër this weekend and attended the closing ceremony of the 32nd edition of the “Oda Dibrane” festival. During his visit, he also met Dibër Mayor Rahim Spahiu to discuss local development projects, challenges, cultural heritage and tourism potential. Begaj described the festival as a symbol of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia on Sunday, including a deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Rama expressed Albania’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people. He also offered condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He stressed …
Albania’s Abissnet Superiore resumed this weekend after the international break for Nations League matches, with Teuta extending their winning streak and Elbasani sharing the points with Vora. Teuta beat Skënderbeu 2-0 at the Niko Dovana Stadium to secure their fifth consecutive victory and maintain top spot in the standings. Kallaku …
Albania and Italy are strengthening cultural cooperation to preserve and digitize their shared film heritage. Albanian Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli visited the Central State Film Archive, where they viewed rare footage documenting the history of relations between the two countries. …