Albania honours Queen Geraldine 24 years after her passing
Albania honours Queen Geraldine on October 22, marking 24 years since her passing in 2002. Known as the “White Rose of Hungary,” Geraldine arrived in Albania in December 1937 following an invitation from the sisters of King Zog I. The king had seen her photograph at a ball in Budapest. …
Assembly approves Adea Pirdeni as public administration minister
The Assembly has approved Adea Pirdeni’s appointment as Minister of Public Administration, with 76 votes in favour and none against or abstaining. In a message shared today, Pirdeni stressed the importance of dialogue, respect for the law and institutions, and shared responsibility as Albania moves towards European Union membership. She …
Albania registers nearly 2,000 new businesses in September
Albania registered 1,985 new businesses in September 2026, according to the National Business Centre. Tirana accounted for 1,085 registrations, or 54.7% of the national total. Durrës followed with 212, while Vlora recorded 132. Trade led the sectors attracting new businesses, with 464 registrations. Accommodation and food services followed with 220, …
EU enlargement chief highlights key decisions for Western Balkans
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos says the coming weeks and months will bring decisive moments for Western Balkan countries pursuing European Union membership. Speaking ahead of the Berlin Process summit in Montenegro, Kos highlighted different priorities across the region. Montenegro must complete its accession negotiations, Serbia faces upcoming elections, …
Albanian customs revenue reaches 186 billion ALL in nine months
Albania’s customs administration collected around 185.9 billion ALL in revenue from January to September 2026, an increase of 7.2 billion ALL compared with the same period in 2025. The General Directorate of Customs said the results represented 104% of the revenue target. It described the first nine months of 2026 …
Government plans four-pillar package to support up to 16,000 young people
Albania is preparing a new package to support young people through employment, housing, education and greater transparency, Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani said. The package initially aims to reach 10,000 young people, with the number potentially rising to 16,000. It includes expanding employment support to 5,000 young …
Rama Renews Invitation for Dialogue with Protesters, This Time Placing Invitations on Stone Benches
Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again invited protesters to engage in dialogue. In a video published on Thursday morning, Rama placed the invitations on stone benches, unlike the previous day, when he had placed them on chairs. Alongside the video, the Prime Minister wrote: “Good morning.” A day earlier, …
Opposition Blocks Parliamentary Podium, Peleshi Moves Directly to Voting Amid Tensions
Following tensions in Parliament, where opposition MPs blocked the podium and Flamur Noka removed the microphone from Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla, Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi announced that the session would proceed directly to voting. As the electronic voting system had been damaged, Peleshi said the vote would …
Kos: Coming Months Crucial for Western Balkans’ EU Integration, Albania Must Maintain Reform Momentum
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has praised Montenegro’s progress towards European Union membership, stressing that the coming weeks and months will be decisive for the European future of the Western Balkan countries. Speaking at the Berlin Process Summit in Budva, Montenegro, Kos highlighted that each country in the region …
Rama Compares Number of Injured Police Officers in Tirana with Other Countries Experiencing Protests
Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again commented on the protests that have been taking place in Tirana for more than a week. In a Facebook post, Rama criticised the media, accusing them of failing to report transparently on the number of police officers injured during clashes with protesters. Rama’s …
Vora and Elbasani claimed important victories on Tuesday as the ninth round of Albania’s Abissnet Superliga got underway. Meanwhile, Skënderbeu and Laçi shared the points after a 1-1 draw. Vora beat Vllaznia 2-1 at home in a closely contested match. Kashari opened the scoring in the 16th minute, while Daka …
The Ministry of Environment has opened a public grant call for small and medium-sized enterprises under the ASCEND project. The programme has a total fund of €80,000. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said the initiative aims to support businesses that promote sustainable adventure tourism and showcase natural and protected areas. He …
Albania plans public investments of ALL 201.5 billion in 2027, equivalent to 6.9% of gross domestic product. Social protection and education will also receive substantial funding under the draft budget. Presenting the 2027 draft budget, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said capital expenditure would average around 6.6% of gross domestic product …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented Albania’s 2027 draft state budget and fiscal package at the Assembly’s Conference of Chairpersons. The meeting is expected to set the timetable for parliamentary discussions and approval. The Democratic Party did not attend, saying its lawmakers had not received the supporting documents needed to review …
Albania’s 2027 draft budget will double monthly pension bonuses from January 1, while increasing support for children with disabilities and families in need. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the measures at the Conference of Chairpersons. Pension indexing is scheduled for April 2027, with around ALL 1.35 billion allocated for the …
Durrës has become a meeting point for screenwriters and filmmakers from across Europe, as Albania hosts the international Equinoxe script development programme for the first time. The National Center of Cinematography said the programme has more than 30 years of experience in developing film scripts through professional guidance and collaboration …
Korça continues to welcome groups of foreign tourists in autumn, with its traditions, local cuisine and hospitality drawing visitors from Albania and abroad. Tourists are visiting the city’s main attractions and exploring its streets. Tour operator Eriketa Koçollari said foreign groups from around the world continued to visit the city …
Strategic Group and Qatar-based Ocean B Holding have signed a strategic cooperation framework targeting up to $2 billion in investments in Kosova and Albania. Under the agreement, Ocean B Holding has authorised Strategic Group to represent its investment interests across the region. The mandate also covers Montenegro, North Macedonia and …
Albania plans to allocate ALL 76.7 billion to the Ministry of Defence in 2027, including ALL 7 billion in additional funding. The allocation will bring defence spending to 2.35% of gross domestic product, reflecting Albania’s commitments as a NATO member. Presenting the 2027 draft budget at the Conference of Chairpersons, …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the 2027 fiscal package at the Conference of Chairpersons. He said the proposed changes would have a neutral overall effect. The package aims to redistribute income and protect vulnerable groups and the middle class. The plan rests on 3 principles: income redistribution, greater tax fairness …