Finance Minister Petrit Malaj: 30% of 2027 budget allocated to social protection
Albania’s 2027 budget will reach €10 billion for the first time, with 30% allocated to social protection, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said in a television interview. As part of the plan, the government has allocated €250 million to pensions in 2027, including funding for pension indexation. In addition, it plans …
Vlora port suspends small-vessel departures as weather conditions worsen
The Port of Vlora Harbour Master’s Office has banned departures by small vessels and fishing boats planning to operate outside the Bay of Vlora from November 11 to 14 due to worsening weather conditions. The forecast warns of southerly to southeasterly winds reaching force 7–8 on the Beaufort scale, with …
Vlora hosts European Film Academy board, opening new cooperation opportunities
The European Film Academy’s Board held its three-day meeting in Albania, bringing leading European producers and filmmakers to Vlora. During their stay, board members met Albanian film professionals and explored the country’s history, culture and filming potential. The visit aimed to create new partnerships and promote Albania as a destination …
U.S. President Trump nominates Mikhail Bogachek as ambassador to Kosova
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Mikhail Bogachek as the next US ambassador to Kosova, submitting his name to the Senate for confirmation. The White House announced the nomination on November 10. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina remains under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati. Former ambassador Jeff …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu discusses faster court proceedings with Italian officials
Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu held three meetings in Rome with Italian officials to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of justice. During a visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met Maurizio Gasparri, chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. He thanked Gasparri for ratifying the …
Agriculture budget rises 10% in 2027 to support farmers and food safety
Albania’s draft 2027 budget allocates around ALL 18 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, a 10% increase on the initial 2026 budget, Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said. Rural development remains the main priority, with ALL 8.4 billion, including ALL 5.3 billion for the national support scheme, up …
Kanina Castle reopens to visitors after restoration works
Restoration and improvement works have finished at Kanina Castle in Vlora. The historic monument is now ready to welcome visitors with improved infrastructure, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced. The project included conservation and structural works, alongside infrastructure upgrades, to protect the castle’s historical and cultural heritage. In …
Albania prepare for Finland in Nations League
Albania’s national team continued preparations for their upcoming matches against Finland and Belarus with a training session at the House of Football on Wednesday. The Albanian Football Association said all players trained at full intensity and were available to coach Rolando Maran. The team began the session in the gym …
Albanian Football Association President Armand Duka honours Elseid Hysaj for over 100 appearances
Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Association, has honoured Elseid Hysaj for becoming the first Albania player to make over 100 appearances for the national team. At a ceremony on Wednesday, Duka personally presented Hysaj with a medal and a symbolic UEFA cap to mark the milestone. “Congratulations, Elsi! …
Albanian folk ensemble to perform in Scotland for first time in 70 years
Albania’s National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble will travel to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time in 70 years to present the country’s cultural heritage to an international audience. The artists will perform “Albania Through Byron’s Eyes”, a production that combines Albanian traditions with the inspiration Albania and its culture …
Prime Minister Edi Rama took to Facebook after a meeting of the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, saying the meeting focused on preparations for Albania’s accession to the European Union, which are set to begin in 2027. Citing the recommendation in the EU Enlargement Report, Rama said no “barrage of stones, …
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague will deliver its judgment at 10 a.m. on 17 November in the case against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi and four co-defendants over alleged offences against the administration of justice. The other defendants are Bashkim Smakaj, former head of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency …
Tirana police arrested three people and initiated criminal proceedings against 18 others as part of an investigation into acts of violence during Saturday’s protest in the capital. Police said they arrested a 33-year-old identified by the initials E.K. on suspicion of damaging road dividers and smashing advertising stands on Muhamet …
Luiza Gega won the women’s 42-kilometre race at the 10th edition of the Tirana Marathon. The Albanian athlete crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 35 minutes and 35 seconds, taking first place and a €5,000 prize. This year’s marathon drew around 5,800 participants. Organisers introduced a 5-kilometre race to …
Loris Qose, a student from Cërrik, has added another international medal to his record, winning gold in the History and Geography category at ASEF 2026. It is his 12th medal to date. Qose received the Gold Award for his research project, “The Harmony of the Cosmos: The Spatial Architecture and …
TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The feature-length documentary “I, Vjosa” will be screened tomorrow at 13:15 as part of the activities surrounding the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), at the Albania Pavilion in Antalya, Türkiye. Through an artistic narrative, the documentary explores the history, natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the …
TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The 2027 budget includes new measures to support young couples in purchasing their first home by improving access to financing through subsidised loans and rent assistance for those not yet able to buy a property. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the new social housing package would …
TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama today published a video from the village of Gosnisht, in Përmet, where the Jashari family has established a business dedicated to grape cultivation and the production of alcoholic beverages. Through footage shared on social media, Rama showcases the Jashari family’s business, located …
TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The Tirana Marathon is holding its tenth edition today. In connection with the event, which will take place along the city’s main streets, Tirana Municipality, in cooperation with the State Police, has drawn up a traffic management plan involving road closures and diversions. Restrictions on vehicle …
TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The situation in Shkodër is gradually returning to normal after heavy rainfall, with the Theth–Ndëlysaj road passable for 4×4 and heavy vehicles as debris clearance continues. In Malësi e Madhe Municipality, water levels in the Përroi i Thatë stream near Kamicë village, in the Qendër Administrative …