National Farm Support Scheme attracts more farmers
TIRANA, August 4 – Albania’s 2026 National Agricultural Support Scheme has expanded its beneficiary base and drawn significantly more applications after lowering minimum funding thresholds and easing eligibility requirements. Ardita Kuçi, Director General of the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR), said the revised scheme has encouraged broader participation …
EU trade chapter signals major changes for Albania
TIRANA, August 4 – Albania’s provisional closure of Chapter 30 – External Relations commits the country to align future trade agreements with European Union rules, including a clause allowing their termination without compensation once Albania joins the bloc. EU affairs expert Geron Kamberi said the chapter focuses on the EU’s …
President Begaj receives Ecuador’s ambassador
TIRANA, August 4 – President Bajram Begaj received Ecuador’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Esteban Assar Moscoso Bohman, at an official credentials ceremony after the diplomat presented his Letters of Credence. Begaj wished the ambassador success in his diplomatic mission and reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ecuador. He …
US Embassy welcomes $302 million defence loan for Albania
TIRANA, August 4 – The US Embassy in Tirana welcomed Albania’s ratification of a $302 million loan agreement under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme, describing it as strong support for the continued modernisation of the Albanian Armed Forces. According to the embassy, the funding will help Albania advance toward …
Drought lowers water level at Fierza hydropower reservoir
TIRANA, August 4 – Prolonged drought and high temperatures continue to reduce the water level at the Fierza reservoir, Albania’s largest hydropower lake, as inflows fall sharply. Water inflows from the rivers feeding the reservoir have dropped to about 80 cubic metres per second. Meanwhile, the lake level has fallen …
US State Department officially announces ratification of $302 million loan agreement for Albania
TIRANA, August 4-The US State Department has officially announced the ratification of a $302 million loan agreement under the Foreign Military Financing, or FMF, program. The agreement aims to strengthen Albania’s defense capabilities and deepen strategic security cooperation with the United States. According to the State Department’s official announcement, the …
Sazan-Karaburun remains a top summer destination
TIRANA, August 4-Albania’s only national marine park, Sazan-Karaburun, continues to attract large numbers of local and foreign tourists this summer. The park’s crystal-clear waters, rich biodiversity, and natural beauty draw hundreds of visitors every day. Many explore the area on tourist boats and other vessels departing from the Port of …
Government boosts support for elite athletes with additional 40 million lek fund
TIRANA, August 4-Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja says the Albanian government continues to strengthen its support for sport. He described funding for elite athletes as one of the government’s key priorities. Under the latest normative act, the government has approved an additional 40 million lek fund. The …
Clear weather with high temperatures across Albania
TIRANA, August 4 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The country will have clear skies throughout the territory. Meanwhile, some temporary clouds may appear over mountainous areas from midday to afternoon. Winds will blow from the southeast to the southwest at …
Fire in Hekal village in Mallakastër fully extinguished
TIRANA, August 4 – The fire that broke out in Hekal village, Mallakastër Municipality, has been fully extinguished, the National Civil Protection Agency said. The agency reported that the blaze affected an area covered with bushes and olive groves. Civil emergency teams and local firefighting services joined the operation. Meanwhile, …
Papers highlight Albania’s transformation since 1990s – with population growth limited to a few urban centres and most municipalities housing shrinking, elderly communities. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania has digitized its visa application process through the e-Visa system. The system allows foreign nationals who need a visa to apply and track their applications online. Besmir Meta, an IT specialist at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, said the National Agency of Information …
TIRANA, August 14 – Banks lowered interest rates on several major lending segments during the second quarter of the year. However, consumer loans and euro-denominated mortgages for individuals followed a different trend. Bank of Albania data show that the average rate on new ALL loans fell to 6.3%, from 6.5% …
TIRANA, August 14 – Startups supported through Albania’s grant scheme in 2024-2025 have increased their activity, employment, revenue and number of clients. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj shared data on the performance of the businesses after receiving grant funding. She said Startup Albania supports Albanian startups through the grant …
TIRANA, August 14 – Major foreign currencies recorded slight movements against the ALL, according to the Bank of Albania’s official exchange rate. The euro fell by 0.09 ALL from the previous day and trades at €1 = 92.92 ALL. Meanwhile, the British pound declined by 0.22 ALL and trades at …
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania has welcomed the signing of the Social Security Agreement between the two countries by Polish President Karol Nawrocki. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said the agreement marks an important step for Albanian citizens. It allows them to have their employment periods recognized and …
TIRANA, August 14 – Butrint hosted the first information session on the Community Grants Scheme, an initiative of the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) and the Butrint Management Foundation (BMF). The scheme supports new initiatives and existing projects that aim to create a positive impact in the local community. Individuals, local …
TIRANA, August 14 – Mother Teresa made her first visit to Albania on August 14-17, 1989. The country still lived under communist rule, while her religious and humanitarian work made her a sensitive figure for the Albanian authorities. Officials classified the visit as private. Marie Goreti, an Albanian-born nun from …
TIRANA, August 14 – The road to Vlora offers more than access to the coast. It also gives visitors the chance to enjoy panoramic views along the journey. At the heights of Kanina, tourists can stop and admire Vlora and its bay. The viewpoint offers a wide panorama stretching from …
TIRANA, August 14 – Saranda has emerged as a positive example of public beach management during the current tourist season. The city has increased public access and introduced approved, balanced fees. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the number of public beach plots and stations has increased …