President Begaj at the 70th Anniversary of Cardinal Ernest Simoni’s Ordination: A Testament to Human Dignity
President Bajram Begaj attended the 70th anniversary of the priestly ordination of His Eminence, Cardinal Ernest Simoni. At the ceremony held at the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence, President Begaj praised Cardinal Simoni as a symbol of resilience, faith, and sacrifice—a “living martyr.” “Your story is living proof …
Economic Confidence Falls: Citizens Cut Spending, Uncertainty in Some Sectors
Confidence in the economy declined in April. According to the latest survey by the Bank of Albania, the Economic Sentiment Indicator dropped by 1.5 points, marking a reversal after several months of optimism. Consumers, along with sectors such as services and trade, contributed to the decline in the monthly survey …
Hoxha: No Blockage in Negotiations, Rama–Vučić Article Is Not Against the EU
The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, reported this Monday to the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee during a hearing session, where he spoke extensively about the progress of Albania’s European integration process and the latest developments in negotiations with the European Union. The minister rejected claims of any …
Document of Ambassadorial Nominee: Eric Wendt on Business Influence and Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
An ethics agreement signed on March 17, 2026, by the nominee for United States Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, outlines the measures he will take to avoid conflicts of interest while carrying out his duties. The document specifies that Wendt will not participate in decision-making processes directly related to his …
President Haxhiu Signs Decree to Open Kosovo Consulate in Texas
The President of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, signed on Monday a decree for the opening of the Consular Mission of the Republic of Kosovo in Texas. According to a statement from the Presidency, Haxhiu emphasized that this is an important step. She noted that with this mission, Kosovo becomes closer to …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: May 4, 2026
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
PM Rama joins leaders’ meetings in Yerevan, appears in family photo and holds talks on security and economic connectivity summit
TIRANA, May 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is attending the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, Armenia. He shared a family photo with the participating leaders. Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed Rama and the Albanian delegation. This reception marked the start of the summit activities. The …
FM Hoxha meets new Turkish ambassador to Albania
TIRANA, May 4 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha met the newly appointed Turkish ambassador to Albania, Barıs Erciyes, in Tirana. He said later on social media that the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the two countries. He also highlighted excellent relations developed over the years. …
Albanian weightlifter Samoel Rrasa wins silver at World Youth Championships in Egypt
TIRANA, May 4 – Albanian weightlifting continues to achieve strong international results. Young athlete Samoel Rrasa won the silver medal at the World Youth Championships held in Egypt. The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) said the 18-year-old competed in the 65 kg category. He secured second place in the snatch …
Tirana Launches First Chocolate and Sweets Festival
Tirana hosts the first Chocolate and Sweets Festival and brings together producers, artisans, and visitors in a celebration of flavor and creativity. The event takes place at “Tirana Moons” and receives support from the Municipality of Tirana, with organizers aiming to turn it into an annual tradition. Tourism director Ketrina …
A delegation from Albania’s Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR) joined the 65th edition of the Panta Rhei Conference in Dublin. The conference brought together technology, innovation and public administration experts from EU paying agencies, member states and candidate countries. During the event, the Albanian delegation explored the latest …
Prime Minister Edi Rama awarded renowned violinist and musician Tedi Papavrami with the “Star of the Officer of the Supreme Order of the Eagle” on behalf of the President of the Republic. The ceremony took place at Eden Park inside the Prime Minister’s Office. Rama described Papavrami as “a shining …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, met with Andreas Schieder during his visit to Brussels. Hoxha praised Schieder’s work and continued commitment following the recent resolution on Albania adopted by the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET). He said the report sends a strong and encouraging …
Renowned violinist Tedi Papavrami said he has never lost his connection with Albania, despite the difficult and contradictory chapters of his life linked to the country. Papavrami spoke during a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tirana, where Prime Minister Edi Rama presented him with the “Star of the …
TIRANA, May 11 – BBC has published an extensive guide to the 35 competing songs in Eurovision Song Contest 2026 and has given special attention to Albania’s entry “Nan” by Alis. The British broadcaster placed Albania in its category of songs with culturally rich lyrics and described “Nan” as one …
Albania’s Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo held an official meeting with Greece’s ambassador to Albania, Lambrini Komini. During the talks, Demo highlighted the strong good-neighbourly relations between Albania and Greece. He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of shared interest. He said the partnership …
Delina Ibrahimaj attends the Western Balkans employment conference in Berlin under the Berlin Process. She joins ministers and international partners. Germany’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs organizes the event. The conference launches the Joint Action Plan for Employment and Social Policies for the Western Balkans. The plan strengthens …
Representatives from Albania, Italy, and Portugal gather in Tirana and discuss inclusive governance in rural and mountain areas. They exchange experiences and share best practices on civic engagement and democratic participation. The conference “Mountain Voices for Engaged and Sustainable Democracy” (MOVES) takes place in Tirana and brings together local and …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha meets Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard in Brussels. The meeting takes place during the EU Foreign Affairs Council session. First, Hoxha confirms excellent relations between Albania and Sweden. He also highlights their partnership as NATO allies. In addition, both sides exchange views …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj attends the “Strengthening Internal Audit” conference in Tirana. The Institute of Internal Auditors Albania organizes the event. Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko and IIA Global President Anthony Pugliese also attend. Malaj says internal audit is a key pillar of good governance, transparency, and financial integrity. …