Ursula von der Leyen in Tirana, welcomed by Rama with an official ceremony
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was welcomed by Prime Minister Edi Rama with an official ceremony at midday on Wednesday, as part of her visit to Tirana. Von der Leyen arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office, where she was received by the head of the Albanian government. Her …
U.S. State Department Report on Albania: Foreign Investment Rises, but Corruption and Informality Remain Concerns
The U.S. Department of State has published its 2026 report on Albania’s investment climate, highlighting challenges related to corruption, organized crime, money laundering, property rights and competition. The 40-page report notes that despite the increase in foreign investment, investors continue to face a lack of transparency, informality, difficulties in contract …
Skender Hita Attends European Police Chiefs Convention: Cooperation with International Partners
Director General of the Albanian State Police, Skender Hita, attended the European Police Chiefs Convention (EPCC). Ahead of the conference, Director Hita was received in a separate meeting by Europol’s Acting Executive Director, Jürgen Ebner. Also present at the meeting was the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the …
Will Albania’s Handling of ‘Flamingo’ Protests Affect its EU Accession Progress?
The anti-government protests that rocked Albania this summer will not jeopardise its EU membership prospects – but will feed into a broader assessment of Tirana’s respect for democracy and that rule of law. Original post Here
Demo meets Director for Western Balkans Superti: Chapters 24 and 22 in focus as Albania presses ahead toward its 2027 goal
Interior Minister Ervin Demo met with Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement, to discuss Albania’s progress toward EU membership. Their first meeting focused on the final milestones for Chapter 24, “Justice, Freedom and Security,” and Chapter 22, “Regional Policy and Coordination of …
Albania Customs Administration publishes new manual to standardize customs valuation practices
Albania’s Customs Administration has published the “Customs Valuation Manual”, a practical guide designed to standardize procedures and ensure the consistent application of rules for determining the value of goods for customs purposes. The manual brings together the relevant legal framework and customs valuation methods. It also addresses issues that customs …
Minister Gogu presents Criminal Procedure Code changes: Pre-trial detention should remain exceptional; Electronic monitoring to start by next spring
Justice Minister Toni Gogu, together with the Council of Europe, presented proposed amendments to Albania’s Criminal Procedure Code today. The initiative launches a public consultation on a broad reform of criminal procedures. The proposals focus on pre-trial detention, alternatives to imprisonment, stronger safeguards and the protection of individual rights. In …
Parliament honors Vendim Kapaj: Albanian traditional sounds featured in Nolan’s “The Odyssey”
On National Cultural Heritage Day, the Albanian Parliament expressed its appreciation for everyone who works to preserve and pass on the country’s cultural heritage from one generation to the next. In a social media post, Parliament highlighted the work of Vendim Kapaj, who holds the title “Grand Master” and has …
Finance Minister Malaj meets IMF mission: Significant improvements in public investment planning and management
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission assessing public investment efficiency (PIMA), led by Ian Hawkesworth. The meeting focused on the IMF’s findings and assessment of Albania’s public investment efficiency. The IMF plans to publish the full report soon. During the meeting, participants highlighted Albania’s …
Rama: No prison detention for offences carrying sentences of less than five years
Prime Minister Edi Rama today presented a draft package of amendments to Albania’s Criminal Procedure Code. Rama focused on the rules for imposing security measures. He also outlined plans to strengthen alternatives to pre-trial detention. During the presentation, Rama referred to an episode involving Professor Rafael Pariso. According to Rama, …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, congratulated newly elected Kosova President Justina Shiroka-Pula. He described her election as an important moment for democracy in Kosova and evidence of the maturity of its democratic institutions. Hoxha said the development responds to the need to further strengthen institutions, consolidate …
Gryka e Vanave in Kukës is attracting visitors with its dramatic landscape and pristine nature. Surrounded by mountains, water and rugged terrain, the area offers striking views and a unique experience for tourists and nature lovers. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the area and highlighted its distinctive natural …
Albania’s Transparency and Temporary Price Limitation Board has cut the maximum retail prices for fuel. The new ceiling is ALL 210 per litre for diesel and ALL 190 per litre for petrol. Both prices fell by ALL 3. The Board also set new wholesale price limits. Diesel meeting the SSH …
The annual painting exhibition “Nëntor 29” has opened at the FAB Gallery, bringing together 32 artists. The exhibition will remain open to the public until October 13. The event creates a meeting point for different generations and artistic approaches. Through diverse styles, techniques and creative perspectives, the exhibition presents a …
State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC) Director General Eridana Çano said Albania is strengthening institutional readiness for a new phase of European integration. She said the country is moving from implementing reforms towards delivering measurable results. Çano also serves as National Coordinator for the Reform and Growth …
Cruise tourism in Saranda continues into autumn, with the arrival of the Seabourn Quest carrying 446 passengers from around the world. The cruise ship arrived from Brindisi, Italy, and will leave for Zakynthos, Greece, after scheduled visits in Saranda. The Saranda Port said this was the 27th cruise ship to …
The US dollar is trading at ALL 81.3 on the buying side and ALL 82.3 on the selling side in Albania today, October 7. The latest figures reflect exchange rates available on the domestic market. Meanwhile, the euro is trading at ALL 91.5 for buying and ALL 92.2 for selling. …
The Security Academy has welcomed 390 new students to its Bachelor’s programme in Security and Investigation. State Police Director General Skënder Hita said the new generation will play an important role in the future of the institution. Hita said strong interest in the programme has brought thousands of applicants over …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania expects to start using artificial intelligence in public procurement this autumn. She said the system will increase transparency in the process. Ibrahimaj said the Council of Ministers discussed the need for a more centralised and transparent public procurement system. The government is …
Council of Europe Programme Coordination Director Claus Neukirch said reforms supported by the Horizontal Facility are bringing Albania closer to European standards and the European Union. He made the remarks in an interview with the Albanian news agency (ATSH) in Tirana. Neukirch highlighted support for judicial efficiency, property rights, the …