Blog
News

Draft of Socialist Party’s new territorial map unveiled, 15 municipalities to be merged

*]: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=”cee5a88d-6281-44ee-ba72-d3f2c804bb59″ data-turn-id-container=”cee5a88d-6281-44ee-ba72-d3f2c804bb59″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s Socialist Party has submitted a draft law for a new territorial reform, proposing a major reorganization of local government and reducing the number of municipalities from 61 to 46. *]: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:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-12″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-12″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-turn=”assistant”> Under the …

Read More
News

Socialist Party responds to plan to merge 15 municipalities

*]: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:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-16″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-16″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania’s Socialist Party (SP) has responded to concerns over its proposed territorial reform, which includes the merger of 15 municipalities, stressing that the territorial consolidation will not result in the “elimination” of any municipality or city. According to the SP, the …

Read More
News

Why do you still want to stay in power? Rama responds live to citizens: The mission continues until…

*]: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:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-13″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-13″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-turn=”assistant”> Socialist Party leader and Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed comments and calls from citizens demanding his resignation during a meeting with the party’s political leaders and the chairs of parliamentary committees. He said his mission would continue until the Albanian flag …

Read More
News

Rama: I’m not stepping down, I want to take Albania into the EU! Without this mission, I would have already left as prime minister and Socialist Party leader

*]: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=”d98e4bd0-d1a6-4fed-ac16-c12c58c1f792″ data-turn-id-container=”d98e4bd0-d1a6-4fed-ac16-c12c58c1f792″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-11″ data-turn=”user”> Prime Minister Edi Rama has declared that he will not step down and will continue his political mission until Albania achieves membership in the European Union. He made the remarks during a meeting at the Palace of Brigades with the Socialist …

Read More
News

Jola Hysa appointed head of Albania’s National Tourism Agency

*]: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=”49480e36-fada-4c60-9601-2fab20f3b3a8″ data-turn-id-container=”49480e36-fada-4c60-9601-2fab20f3b3a8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-21″ data-turn=”user”> Former Democratic Party (PD) Secretary for Public Relations Jola Hysa has been appointed as the new Director General of Albania’s National Tourism Agency (AKT). *]: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:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-19″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:21890c5b-bf80-4946-afed-b471d10fb5b4-19″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-22″ data-turn=”assistant”> Hysa replaces Zana Çela in the position. She …

Read More
News

Residents protest Socialist Party plan to merge Maliq municipality with Korçë

*]: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=”caed1a7e-83e0-4d9a-ae91-0aa01efa6071″ data-turn-id-container=”caed1a7e-83e0-4d9a-ae91-0aa01efa6071″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-19″ data-turn=”user”> Residents of the Municipality of Maliq announced on Thursday that they will hold a protest against Albania’s proposed new territorial map, which would merge 15 municipalities. Under the Socialist Party’s proposal, Maliq would be merged with the Municipality of Korçë. *]:pointer-events-auto …

Read More
News

Ura e Vashës: A Hidden Gem of Albania’s Cultural Heritage

Ura e Vashës stands as a valuable symbol of Albania’s history and traditional architecture. The stone bridge lies between the villages of Klos and Guri i Bardhë, where it connects the two sides of the Mat River. Built around 300 years ago, the bridge once served as the main connection …

Read More
News

Vlora Bay naval base facility to produce vessels up to 82 meters

TIRANA, July 30 – The government approved a project act to close the old shipyard at the Vlora Bay naval base and make the facility available to Fincantieri. The Italian company will use the site through a joint venture with KAYO. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said the decision opens the …

Read More
News

Tirana Welcomes Growing Number of Tourists at the End of July

Thousands of tourists are exploring Tirana this July, filling the city’s main squares, streets and landmarks with energy and activity. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of visitors walking along “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, where they captured photos of key attractions and discovered more about Albanian culture. Tourists continue to …

Read More
News

Rare 1655 Map at National Library Traces the Journey of Ulysses

The National Library of Albania preserves a rare 1655 map of the Mediterranean that reflects how 17th-century scholars connected ancient myths with real geography. The map shows the coasts of Europe and Asia Minor and highlights locations such as Troy and Ithaca, known in the map as “Val Compare”. These …

Read More
News
PM Rama responds to Belgrade over Ibër: Rivers follow geography, not diplomatic points

TIRANA, August 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to the dispute between Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric over Serbia’s intention to change the course of the Ibër River. Rama described the exchange as an interesting summer debate. He said Albania has no …

News
Hot weather to push temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius

TIRANA, August 11 – Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Clear skies will prevail across the country. Passing clouds will develop over mountainous areas from midday through the afternoon. Local rain may accompany the clouds in the high mountains of southern Albania. …

News
25 wildfires reported in 24 hours, 5 remain active

TIRANA, August 11 – Authorities reported 25 wildfires across Albania over the past 24 hours. Firefighters have extinguished most of the blazes. Five remain active and 1 area remains under monitoring. The Ministry of Defence said 37 firefighting vehicles and 365 operational personnel joined the response. The Armed Forces provided …

News
Tourism grows in Dropull as natural beauty and cultural heritage attract visitors

TIRANA, August 11 – Dropull and its surrounding areas are emerging as an increasingly attractive tourist destination in Gjirokastër Municipality. Local tourism officials report a steady rise in visitor numbers each year. Foreign tourists have visited sites including the Adrianople amphitheatre in Sofratika, the Church of Lower Peshkëpi and Sotir …

News
New tourist information office to promote Shkodër destinations and local offers

TIRANA, August 11 – Shkodër Municipality is setting up a new tourist information office in the city centre. The facility will guide visitors and provide information about local destinations, activities and tourism services. The office will have dedicated staff and digital services. Visitors will receive free information throughout the day. …

News
FM Hoxha responds to Serbian counterpart over Ibër: Using water as punishment poisons peaceful coexistence

TIRANA, August 11 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has responded to Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric over the dispute surrounding the Ibër River. Duric said Albania had no hydrological basis to comment on Serbia’s management of its water resources. Hoxha said Albania would react if someone threatened Serbia’s water supply. …

News
Albania’s Justice minister Gogu: Justice is not certified by one ruling, but proven every day

TIRANA, August 11 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu has highlighted the balance between judicial independence and executive responsibility. He said the minister must not interfere in specific court cases. “Where judges and prosecutors act, the executive stays silent,” Gogu wrote in the first of 3 notes he plans to publish …

News
218 more births than deaths in Albania in second quarter, Tirana records highest natural increase

TIRANA, August 11 – Albania recorded a positive natural population increase in the second quarter of 2026. The country registered 218 more births than deaths, according to preliminary data from the Institute of Statistics. Between April and June, authorities recorded 5,083 births, down 3% from the same period in 2025. …

News
Customs revenue reaches ALL 23.5 billion in July

TIRANA, August 11 – Customs revenue reached ALL 23.5 billion in July 2026. The figure increased by around ALL 223 million from the same month in 2025. According to data from the General Directorate of Customs, several major revenue items drove the increase. Value-added tax provided the largest contribution, with …

News
Civil emergency budget rises more than 13-fold in seven years

TIRANA, August 11 – Albania has increased funding for civil emergencies more than 13-fold over the past seven years. The budget rose from ALL 430 million in 2020 to ALL 5.79 billion in 2026, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said on Monday. Malaj said the higher funding will strengthen capacity to …

News

PM Rama responds to Belgrade over Ibër: Rivers follow geography, not diplomatic points

TIRANA, August 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to the dispute between Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric over Serbia’s intention to change the course of the Ibër River. Rama described the exchange as an interesting summer debate. He said Albania has no …

News

Hot weather to push temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius

TIRANA, August 11 – Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Clear skies will prevail across the country. Passing clouds will develop over mountainous areas from midday through the afternoon. Local rain may accompany the clouds in the high mountains of southern Albania. …

News

25 wildfires reported in 24 hours, 5 remain active

TIRANA, August 11 – Authorities reported 25 wildfires across Albania over the past 24 hours. Firefighters have extinguished most of the blazes. Five remain active and 1 area remains under monitoring. The Ministry of Defence said 37 firefighting vehicles and 365 operational personnel joined the response. The Armed Forces provided …

News

Tourism grows in Dropull as natural beauty and cultural heritage attract visitors

TIRANA, August 11 – Dropull and its surrounding areas are emerging as an increasingly attractive tourist destination in Gjirokastër Municipality. Local tourism officials report a steady rise in visitor numbers each year. Foreign tourists have visited sites including the Adrianople amphitheatre in Sofratika, the Church of Lower Peshkëpi and Sotir …

News

New tourist information office to promote Shkodër destinations and local offers

TIRANA, August 11 – Shkodër Municipality is setting up a new tourist information office in the city centre. The facility will guide visitors and provide information about local destinations, activities and tourism services. The office will have dedicated staff and digital services. Visitors will receive free information throughout the day. …

News

FM Hoxha responds to Serbian counterpart over Ibër: Using water as punishment poisons peaceful coexistence

TIRANA, August 11 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has responded to Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric over the dispute surrounding the Ibër River. Duric said Albania had no hydrological basis to comment on Serbia’s management of its water resources. Hoxha said Albania would react if someone threatened Serbia’s water supply. …

News

Albania’s Justice minister Gogu: Justice is not certified by one ruling, but proven every day

TIRANA, August 11 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu has highlighted the balance between judicial independence and executive responsibility. He said the minister must not interfere in specific court cases. “Where judges and prosecutors act, the executive stays silent,” Gogu wrote in the first of 3 notes he plans to publish …

News

218 more births than deaths in Albania in second quarter, Tirana records highest natural increase

TIRANA, August 11 – Albania recorded a positive natural population increase in the second quarter of 2026. The country registered 218 more births than deaths, according to preliminary data from the Institute of Statistics. Between April and June, authorities recorded 5,083 births, down 3% from the same period in 2025. …

News

Customs revenue reaches ALL 23.5 billion in July

TIRANA, August 11 – Customs revenue reached ALL 23.5 billion in July 2026. The figure increased by around ALL 223 million from the same month in 2025. According to data from the General Directorate of Customs, several major revenue items drove the increase. Value-added tax provided the largest contribution, with …

News

Civil emergency budget rises more than 13-fold in seven years

TIRANA, August 11 – Albania has increased funding for civil emergencies more than 13-fold over the past seven years. The budget rose from ALL 430 million in 2020 to ALL 5.79 billion in 2026, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said on Monday. Malaj said the higher funding will strengthen capacity to …