EU Pressure Mounts Over Albania’s Environment Laws, But MPs Block Repeal Efforts
The European Commission this week urged Albania’s premier to repeal controversial amendments to environmental and investment legislation in order to conserve nature and wildlife – but in parliament, the ruling majority is blocking opposition initiatives to achieve this. Original post Here
Karakaçi: Albania joins Europe’s new civil aviation governance structure
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi presented a bill to ratify the Convention on the Bureau of the European Civil Aviation Conference. He said the agreement will allow Albania to join a new European civil aviation governance structure. The convention will strengthen Albania’s representation in international aviation forums. It will …
Rama: Albanian iso-polyphony and çifteli flute sounds inspire “The Odyssey” soundtrack
Albanian musical traditions have inspired the soundtrack of one of Hollywood’s most anticipated films, “The Odyssey,” directed by Christopher Nolan. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video about the film and said Oscar-winning composer Ludwig Göransson visited southern Albania. During his visit, Göransson explored Albanian iso-polyphony and the traditional sounds …
Rama: New Saranda Welcome Center improves mobility and services for tourists
Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the new Saranda Welcome Center at the Port of SarandaThe new facility aims to improve the visitor experience and make movement around the city easier. It serves as a modern gateway for passengers and tourists. The center offers parking for cars and tourist buses. It …
EU Commissioner Kos condemns Serbian minister’s remarks on Kosovo
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has again condemned remarks by Serbian Minister Snezhana Paunović about the “ethnic cleansing” of Kosovo. Kos said she was shocked that Paunović remains in office after making such a statement. She also warned politicians in EU candidate countries that their words carry weight. The …
Minister: Albania targets full electrification of Tirana-Durrës-airport rail link by end-2027
Albania plans to fully electrify the Tirana-Durrës railway line and its branch to Tirana International Airport by the end of 2027, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said on Thursday. Presenting a bill to Parliament to ratify a loan agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Karakaçi …
Serbian Minister’s Ethnic Cleansing Remarks ‘Irresponsible and Outrageous,’ Balla Tells Parliament
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”cba226ae-38ab-42b4-ac79-6fba2d1b4852″ data-turn-id-container=”cba226ae-38ab-42b4-ac79-6fba2d1b4852″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-3″ data-turn=”user”> The head of the Socialist Party’s parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, described recent remarks by Serbian Minister Snezhana Paunović as “irresponsible and outrageous” during a debate in Parliament with MP Redi Muçi, who questioned why Balla had not publicly responded to the …
Spiropali Publishes Motion Submitted to Socialist Assembly, Calls for Reform of Socialist Party and Electoral System
Socialist Party MP Elisa Spiropali has made public the motion she submitted to the Socialist Party’s General Assembly, proposing the launch of a national dialogue on a “New Agreement for Albania.” Spiropali said the document is not a personal initiative but an open proposal for discussion among all members of …
Berisha Congratulates New Democratic Party Leadership: Free Vote Is the Foundation of Our Party
Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has congratulated the newly elected members of the party’s leadership, emphasizing that the selection process was based on the free vote of the National Council. Berisha said the new leadership represents a renewal of the party, with several new figures taking on key positions. Speaking …
Tirana-Durrës Railway Line Set for Electrification, Karakaçi: Service to Be Operational by End of 2027
Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Enea Karakaçi told Parliament on Thursday that the government has submitted a bill to ratify an agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which will finance the full electrification of the Tirana-Durrës railway line and the Rinas railway station. The minister said …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja called for stronger municipalities and improved local governance, stressing that effective local administration is essential for tourism development. In a television interview, Gonxhja said tourism depends heavily on how well municipalities manage public services and local infrastructure. “Tourism is directly affected by the …
Former Defence Minister and Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu said the loan agreement with the United States marks the largest defence financing package in Albania’s history. The agreement will finance the purchase of US-made military systems, equipment and weapons. Speaking in a television interview, Vengu said the agreement provides $302 …
Italy launched its 2026–2027 Presidency of the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) with a focus on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the European integration of the Western Balkans. During the opening meeting in Rome, participants highlighted the strategic importance of the Adriatic-Ionian region in addressing …
Pogradec commemorated the 114th anniversary of the Albanian flag raising at Guri i Kamjes, a historic event for the regions of Gorë, Mokër and Opar. On July 28, 1912, Kapedan Kajo Babeni led hundreds of fighters from Mokër and Opar in their fight against Ottoman rule. Shahin Matraku and other …
Albania continues to face cyberattacks from state-backed actors, including Iran and Russia, according to the latest security report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) of the US Department of State. The report says Albania has also experienced ransomware attacks carried out by cybercriminal groups. In 2026, Iran launched attacks …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:bf07789e-c33b-4efe-873c-9eadd6ea0ed5-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:bf07789e-c33b-4efe-873c-9eadd6ea0ed5-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> “Let’s Break the Barriers” is the theme of World Hepatitis Day 2026. Health experts are urging people to get tested and take preventive measures against hepatitis, commonly known as jaundice. They warn that viral hepatitis remains a major public health challenge …
A man in his 20s has died after a crane collapsed at a construction site in Pristina. Another person was injured and is receiving treatment at the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo (QKUK). The fatality was confirmed by Enis Pllana, spokesperson for the Kosovo Police in the Pristina region. “As …
TIRANA, July 28 – The General Director of Taxes, Ilir Binaj, said farmers are using the 10% VAT refund scheme without major problems. He expects applications to increase as the tax administration expands information campaigns and training sessions across the country. At a joint press conference with Finance Minister Petrit …
TIRANA, July 28 – President Bajram Begaj met with Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic-Radman to discuss relations between Albania and Croatia. The two officials focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the countries. During the meeting, they highlighted Croatia’s continued support for Albania’s European integration. They …
TIRANA, July 28 – Kosova Acting President Albulena Haxhiu met Admiral George Wikoff, commander of the NATO Allied Joint Force Command Naples. The officials discussed the security situation in Kosova, cooperation with the Kosova Force, and coordination with NATO. According to a social media statement, Haxhiu thanked Admiral Wikoff for …