Wendt-Nufi meeting: US Embassy says Albania is a key defence partner
The United States has reaffirmed its role as Albania’s leading defence partner. The US Embassy in Tirana said Ambassador Eric Wendt discussed stronger defence cooperation and enhanced security capabilities during a meeting with Defence Minister Ermal Nufi. The meeting focused on strengthening operational readiness through Albania’s 25-year partnership with the …
Ambassador Wendt meets SPAK chief to discuss fight against transnational crime
The fight against transnational crime, drug trafficking and illegal migration took center stage at a meeting between US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt and SPAK chief Klodian Braho. Wendt also met with Joni Keta, head of the National Bureau of Investigation. The US Embassy in Tirana said the meetings focused …
Rama meets US congressional delegation to discuss strategic partnership and security
Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted a US congressional delegation at the Prime Minister’s Office, where US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt also attended. Rama shared footage from the meeting on social media. Earlier, a delegation from the US House of Representatives, led by Congressman Vern Buchanan, chairman of the Committee …
US Ambassador to Tirana Eric Wendt meets SPAK chief
The United States Ambassador to Tirana, Eric Wendt, met with the leadership of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), with discussions focusing on challenges related to transnational crime, drug trafficking, and illegal migration. In a social media post, the US Embassy in Tirana said these issues are …
26% of businesses sell online, Albania ranks second in the Balkans after Serbia
Albanian businesses are increasingly using the internet as a sales channel, placing Albania second in the Western Balkans. At a time when online trade has declined in most economies across the region, Albania recorded significant growth in 2025. Online trade is gaining ground among Albanian businesses. In 2025, 26% of …
PM Edi Rama meets US Congressional delegation in Tirana
Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted a delegation from the United States Congress at the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, as part of the US delegation’s visit to Tirana. Rama shared a photo from the meeting on social media, showing him alongside the new US Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, and …
Territorial reform: 15 municipalities to merge, six areas to gain city status – what changes under the new map
If the new administrative-territorial reform secures the 84 votes required in Thursday’s plenary session, Albania will go from 61 to 46 municipalities. The draft approved by the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs provides for the merger of 15 existing municipalities into larger ones, while the country’s counties will remain unchanged. …
Energy poverty: 38% of households in Albania unable to keep their homes warm
Nearly four in ten households in Albania are unable to keep their homes adequately warm. These figures place Albania, alongside Kosovo, at the top of the region for “energy poverty.” Albania and Kosovo have the highest shares of households relative to their populations that cannot afford to keep their homes …
Albania police chief Hita assures students of safety at universities
Albania State Police Director General Skënder Hita congratulated students on the start of the new academic year. He said the police will step up its efforts to ensure their safety and provide a calm environment for study. Hita said the State Police will work with students to prevent any activity …
Albania parliamentary affairs minister meets United States House of Representatives delegation
State Minister for Parliamentary Relations Erjona Ismaili met a delegation from the United States House of Representatives on Monday. They discussed ways to modernise Albania’s legislative process and strengthen parliamentary institutions. The talks also covered technology and artificial intelligence. The participants discussed their use to improve transparency and efficiency. They …
Kosovo President Justina Shiroka-Pula met with Albania’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Petrit Malaj, on Monday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation. According to the Kosovo Presidency, Malaj congratulated Shiroka-Pula on her election and expressed hope that the two countries would further deepen their ties during her mandate. Shiroka-Pula stressed …
Albania expects to provisionally close Chapter 20 of its European Union accession negotiations today in Luxembourg. Prime Minister Edi Rama will attend the 10th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU. Rama described the move as another step towards EU membership. The closure would bring Albania’s total to 4 provisionally …
The European Commission’s enlargement strategy, presented on October 6, proposes enhanced rule-of-law monitoring for new EU members for up to 15 years after accession. The plan aims to prevent democratic backsliding and avoid situations like Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Hungary and Poland exposed weaknesses in Article 7 …
Albania will experience relatively unstable weather on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching 22 degrees Celsius, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Until midday, moderate to heavy cloud cover will bring occasional light rain to southern and southeastern areas and the eastern mountain regions. Brief thunderstorms are also possible. After midday, skies …
Albania is strengthening its presence on the international tourism map, with 20 accommodation establishments featured in the Michelin Guide’s selection of hotels. The selected properties span several of the country’s main destinations, including Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Himarë, Berat, Gjirokastër, Korçë and Sarandë. The list covers a wide range of accommodation, …
Albania’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, met with FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Europe Board member Michal Konecny and Albanian Basketball Federation President Avni Ponari at the ministry. The talks focused on increasing support for the national federation and investing in sports infrastructure. The participants highlighted …
Albania marks 95 years since the birth of writer and academic Dritëro Agolli, born on October 13, 1931. He died in Tirana on February 3, 2017. Agolli developed a distinctive literary voice rooted in Albanian language, tradition and folk wisdom. His first poetry collection, “Në rrugë dola” (I Set Out …
Italian travel platform Skyscanner.it has included Dhërmi among 20 destinations recommended for enjoying warmer weather during autumn. Its guide highlights places where visitors can combine sunny days, cultural heritage, traditional cuisine and scenic landscapes beyond the peak summer season. The selection spans European cities, Mediterranean resorts and destinations farther afield. …
The village of Fishtë in Lezhë is expanding its tourism offer with a new cultural initiative that brings artists closer to audiences and creates a lively atmosphere for residents and visitors. “Hambar Teatri” offers an intimate space for music, poetry and artistic storytelling. Local residents launched the initiative through voluntary …
Albania’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Andis Salla, visited Çela Herbal in Bradashesh, near Elbasan, to discuss financial support for business expansion. The family-owned company, run by Aleksandër Çela, has traded medicinal plants for more than 30 years. It works with around 400 farmers nationwide and exports about 400 …