Tabaku: EC Progress Report highlights need for far-reaching institutional reform in Albania
TIRANA, Nov 4 /ATA/ Democratic Party MP Jorida Tabaku today commented on the European Commission’s annual Progress Report on Albania, stressing that the country needs far-reaching changes in the way its institutions and state function. Tabaku said the report “reveals some sad truths about Albania, showing that, beyond the rhetoric, passing …
National libraries of Albania and Hungary establish scientific and professional cooperation
TIRANA, November 4 /ATSH/ – The National Library of Albania and the National Széchényi Library of Hungary have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening professional, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two institutions. Attending the signing ceremony was Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Lira Pipa and …
Gogu: ALL 250 million earmarked for forensic hospital, construction to begin in early 2027
TIRANA, Nov 4 /ATA/-By Maela Marini/ Justice Minister Toni Gogu announced today that ALL 250 million have been allocated in the 2027 draft budget for the forensic hospital, with construction set to begin early next year. Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs during a presentation of the 2027 draft …
Recently completed mural in Art Park of Tirana pays tribute to women of Albanian Film Archive
TIRANA, November 4, ATSH/ A new mural dedicated to the women who have worked at the Central State Film Archive over the years has been completed in Tirana’s Art Park. This artwork—a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports and the Central State Film Archive—serves as a …
Bank of Albania keeps key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%
The Bank of Albania has kept its key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%. The Supervisory Council announced the decision on November 3. Governor Gent Sejko also confirmed that the overnight deposit rate will remain at 1.5%. Meanwhile, the overnight lending rate will stay at 3.5%. Sejko said the decision reflects …
Albania strengthens aviation emergency response with search-and-rescue drill
Albania will test its aviation emergency response capabilities today through a planned search-and-rescue exercise near Tirana International Airport. The drill, named SAR-2026, will run from 10:30 to 12:00. The National Search and Rescue Centre is organising the exercise with institutions responsible for aviation emergencies. Participants include the Armed Forces, Tirana …
Albanian and Hungarian national libraries launch cultural cooperation
The National Library of Albania and Hungary’s National Szechenyi Library have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen professional, scientific and cultural ties. The signing ceremony brought together Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Lira Pipa and Hungarian Ambassador to Albania Martina Laura Kasnyik. The agreement provides for exchanges …
FM Hoxha: Albania seeks merit-based European Union membership, not shortcuts
Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “EU Enlargement: Assessing New Concepts and the Outlook for 2027,” organised by the German Council on Foreign Relations. Hoxha said geopolitical realities had made enlargement a strategic and security necessity for Europe. However, he stressed that this …
Lezha begins construction of a new pedestrian zone
Construction has begun on a new pedestrian promenade in Lezha, a project worth ALL 62 million funded by the municipal budget. The development aims to create new recreational spaces for residents and tourists. The municipality expects to complete the project by next summer. Deputy PM Albana Koçiu shared footage of …
European Commission to present Albania’s 2026 progress report in Brussels
The European Commission is expected to publish its 2026 Enlargement Package today at around 13:00, including its annual report on Albania. The report will assess reform progress, accession criteria and the challenges Albania must address on its path towards European Union membership. For the first time, the package is expected …
The Benja Thermal Springs in Përmet continue to attract domestic and foreign tourists as autumn brings cooler temperatures to the Langarica Valley. Visitors come to enjoy the natural hot springs and the peaceful surroundings. The springs rank among Përmet’s best-known natural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the …
Albania ranks among the countries that have undergone the most dramatic tourism transformations in Europe, evolving from one of the continent’s most isolated nations into an increasingly popular destination for international visitors, Israeli media outlet Ynet News reports. Journalist Asaf Rosen highlights the country’s opening after the fall of communism, …
Eni Vasili, director-general of Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH), has outlined the institution’s funding needs and technology priorities for 2027. Speaking to the Committee on Human Rights and Public Information, she highlighted digitalisation, infrastructure modernisation and rising operating costs. The state budget allocation for RTSH is projected at ALL 940 …
Eni Vasili, director-general of Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH), has identified modern television infrastructure as a key priority for the public broadcaster. Speaking to the Committee on Human Rights and Public Information, she stressed the need to bring its production studio into operation. RTSH currently produces most of its own …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj has presented a 2027 budget plan allocating ALL 10.5 billion to vocational education, entrepreneurship and innovation. The ministry’s overall budget stands at ALL 42 billion. Vocational education and employment services will receive ALL 8.9 billion. Investment of ALL 1.22 billion will support vocational schools, …
Gjirokastër Castle welcomed 300,000 domestic and foreign visitors between January and October 2026. Visitor numbers rose by 6.5% compared with the same period in 2025. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja shared the latest figures and reported a 10.5% increase in revenue over the same period last year. “Between …
Valbona Valley remains one of Albania’s most treasured mountain destinations, offering a unique experience for visitors seeking tranquillity, unspoilt nature and breathtaking scenery. During autumn, vibrant seasonal colours make the valley even more captivating, turning it into a natural postcard of the Albanian Alps. Prime Minister Edi Rama today shared …
Eni Vasili, director-general of Albanian Radio and Television, has outlined RTSH’s priorities for services aimed at Albanians abroad and foreign-language audiences in 2027. She presented them during a hearing with the Committee on Civic Initiatives as part of discussions on the 2027 budget. The priorities include establishing an international correspondent …
Restoration teams are improving the infrastructure at Rozafa Castle in Shkodër, one of the country’s most important historical and cultural monuments. Work began around two months ago. Crews have completed the Castle Museum’s façade and are now repairing the cobblestone paving in an inner courtyard. “We are currently working on …
Albania’s annual inflation rate reached 3.4% in October 2026, up from 2.3% in the same month last year. Consumer prices also rose by 0.5% compared with September, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation, adding 1.36 percentage points. Transport …