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Albania anti-corruption office reports stronger focus on corruption and financial crime in 2025

TIRANA, April 27 – Albania’s Special Prosecution Office said it intensified its focus on high-level corruption and financial crime during 2025, as part of broader efforts to strengthen rule-of-law enforcement. Head Klodian Braho told the High Council of Prosecution that investigators handled more criminal cases compared with the previous year. …

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Ceramic Workshop in Fishtë Becomes Tourist Attraction

After years in Italy, artisan Vasil Ukaj returned to his hometown of Fishtë to start a ceramics business. He launched the workshop in 2000 in a small family space, which has since grown into a popular stop for visitors. Tourists now visit the studio to watch the production process, try …

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Edi Rama: Government to Offer Easier Credit for Small and Medium Businesses

Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a new financing program called “Double Your Enterprise.” He said the initiative will provide reasonable interest rates for businesses that want to expand. Rama explained the program will be implemented in cooperation with the Bank of Albania and commercial banks, with government guarantees to support …

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‘As 1945 dawned’: Historic Albanian Play Returns to Memory

Teodor Laço crafts Duke gdhirë viti 1945 as a dramatic reflection of a nation in transition. The National Theatre brings the work to the stage in 1976, under the direction of Dhimitër Pecani, transforming the text into a vivid stage experience. The play captures the tense dawn of 1945, when …

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PM Edi Rama convenes government cabinet and SP parliamentary group, focus on EU integration

TIRANA, April 27 – Prime Minister Edi Rama on Monday held a joint meeting with the government cabinet and the ruling Socialist Party parliamentary group, with European Union integration placed at the center of discussions. The meeting took place at the Palace of Brigades in Tirana. Officials said the agenda …

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Reuters: Albania’s hydropower shields electricity market amid regional energy shocks

TIRANA, April 27 – In an article published by Reuters, rising global energy prices linked to the Iran conflict have highlighted major differences in Europe’s energy resilience. Albania stands out due to its strong reliance on hydropower. The Drin River system in northern Albania generates more than 90% of the …

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Famous Albanian ballet dancer Kledi Kadiu launches International Ballet Competition in Tirana

TIRANA, April 27 – Albanian ballet dancer Kledi Kadiu, widely known for his career in Italy, has announced the first edition of the International Ballet Competition Albania in Tirana. The initiative will take place with support from the National Ballet School, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, and the …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: April 27, 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

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Kosova Security Force advance team deploys to Gaza for coordination of deployment activities

TIRANA, April 27 – A Kosova Security Force team deployed to Gaza to conduct reconnaissance before troop deployment. The Kosova Security Force said the visit assessed conditions on the ground. It also coordinated operational preparations for the planned contingent deployment. The unit will operate within the International Stabilization Forces peacekeeping …

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Spring weather draws visitors to Durrës coastline

TIRANA, April 27 – Warm spring weather has increased visitor numbers along the coastline of Durrës, with both domestic and foreign tourists choosing the seaside for leisure. The Prime Minister shared images from recreational areas on the Durrës beaches, where many citizens have spent time during recent warm days. The …

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Albania Records Strong Tourist Growth at Cultural Heritage Sites in April

Albania reports a significant increase in visitors to cultural heritage sites during April 2026. Rozafa Castle attracts around 17,000 visitors in April alone. It reaches more than 33,000 visitors from January to April, making it one of the most visited sites in the country. Gjirokastër Castle welcomes 14,592 visitors in …

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President Begaj on 5 May: Martyrs’ sacrifice guides Albania’s European future

TIRANA, May 5 – On the occasion of 5 May, the Day of the Martyrs, President Bajram Begaj held homage at the National Martyrs’ Cemetery. He laid a wreath at the symbolic monument “Mother Albania”. At the same time, he shared a message on social media in remembrance of the …

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Climate change requires immediate action and regional cooperation

TIRANA, May 5 – Climate change no longer represents a distant threat. It already affects economies, infrastructure, and communities across borders. Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj made the statement during the Regional Climate Conference in Tirana. At the same time, he said Albania is pleased to host the conference. He …

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European Parliament committee adopts report, praises Albania’s commitment to European Union accession

TIRANA, May 5 – The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament has welcomed Albania’s progress in accession talks with the European Union. It also stressed that full implementation of reforms remains essential. In a report adopted with 58 votes in favour, 7 against, and 7 abstentions, Members of …

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Kosovo Opens New Consulate in Texas to Strengthen U.S. Presence

Kosovo has approved a new consular mission in the United States. Acting President Albulena Haxhiu signs a decree to establish a consulate in Texas. The consulate will be based in Houston and will operate as a Consulate General. The new mission aims to strengthen Kosovo’s diplomatic presence in the United …

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“Cave of the Cyclops” in Spile of Himara offers new visitor experience

TIRANA, May 5 – The Spile Cave in Himara is one of the most distinctive coastal sites in Albania. The site has undergone an intervention to improve its year-round tourism appeal. At the same time, the cave links to the myth of the Cyclops described by Homer around 2,700 years …

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TKOB Brings a Full Cultural Program in May, from “Carmen” to National Ensemble Shows

The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania presents a rich cultural program throughout May in Tirana. The month opens with the ballet “Carmen,” staged from May 4 to May 10. The production features the return of Anbeta Toromani in the lead role, alongside Luca Curreli and Alessandro Macario. …

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Cultural Events, Concerts and Tourism Season Opening Mark a Busy Week in Albania

Tirana hosts a full week of cultural and artistic events across theaters, galleries, and music venues. The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania presents performances including “Carmen” and concerts by violinist Tedi Papavrami. Exhibitions continue at several venues. The “S.T.I.L.L” exhibition by Brook Velos runs at Catalyst Institute. …

News
Port of Durrës handles 10 cargo vessels at start of week

TIRANA, May 5 – The start of the week has brought high operational activity at the Port of Durrës. The port has scheduled 10 cargo vessels for handling, mainly carrying raw materials for the construction sector. According to the Port Authority of Durrës, six vessels are currently under processing. Two …

News
SIGMA report on public administration reform says Albania consolidates governance reforms

TIRANA, May 5 – The SIGMA initiative, a joint programme of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union on governance and public administration reform, has assessed Albania positively in its latest report. It said Albania stands out in several key areas with more consolidated practices. …

News

Albania Records Strong Tourist Growth at Cultural Heritage Sites in April

Albania reports a significant increase in visitors to cultural heritage sites during April 2026. Rozafa Castle attracts around 17,000 visitors in April alone. It reaches more than 33,000 visitors from January to April, making it one of the most visited sites in the country. Gjirokastër Castle welcomes 14,592 visitors in …

News

President Begaj on 5 May: Martyrs’ sacrifice guides Albania’s European future

TIRANA, May 5 – On the occasion of 5 May, the Day of the Martyrs, President Bajram Begaj held homage at the National Martyrs’ Cemetery. He laid a wreath at the symbolic monument “Mother Albania”. At the same time, he shared a message on social media in remembrance of the …

News

Climate change requires immediate action and regional cooperation

TIRANA, May 5 – Climate change no longer represents a distant threat. It already affects economies, infrastructure, and communities across borders. Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj made the statement during the Regional Climate Conference in Tirana. At the same time, he said Albania is pleased to host the conference. He …

News

European Parliament committee adopts report, praises Albania’s commitment to European Union accession

TIRANA, May 5 – The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament has welcomed Albania’s progress in accession talks with the European Union. It also stressed that full implementation of reforms remains essential. In a report adopted with 58 votes in favour, 7 against, and 7 abstentions, Members of …

News

Kosovo Opens New Consulate in Texas to Strengthen U.S. Presence

Kosovo has approved a new consular mission in the United States. Acting President Albulena Haxhiu signs a decree to establish a consulate in Texas. The consulate will be based in Houston and will operate as a Consulate General. The new mission aims to strengthen Kosovo’s diplomatic presence in the United …

News

“Cave of the Cyclops” in Spile of Himara offers new visitor experience

TIRANA, May 5 – The Spile Cave in Himara is one of the most distinctive coastal sites in Albania. The site has undergone an intervention to improve its year-round tourism appeal. At the same time, the cave links to the myth of the Cyclops described by Homer around 2,700 years …

News

TKOB Brings a Full Cultural Program in May, from “Carmen” to National Ensemble Shows

The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania presents a rich cultural program throughout May in Tirana. The month opens with the ballet “Carmen,” staged from May 4 to May 10. The production features the return of Anbeta Toromani in the lead role, alongside Luca Curreli and Alessandro Macario. …

News

Cultural Events, Concerts and Tourism Season Opening Mark a Busy Week in Albania

Tirana hosts a full week of cultural and artistic events across theaters, galleries, and music venues. The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania presents performances including “Carmen” and concerts by violinist Tedi Papavrami. Exhibitions continue at several venues. The “S.T.I.L.L” exhibition by Brook Velos runs at Catalyst Institute. …

News

Port of Durrës handles 10 cargo vessels at start of week

TIRANA, May 5 – The start of the week has brought high operational activity at the Port of Durrës. The port has scheduled 10 cargo vessels for handling, mainly carrying raw materials for the construction sector. According to the Port Authority of Durrës, six vessels are currently under processing. Two …

News

SIGMA report on public administration reform says Albania consolidates governance reforms

TIRANA, May 5 – The SIGMA initiative, a joint programme of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union on governance and public administration reform, has assessed Albania positively in its latest report. It said Albania stands out in several key areas with more consolidated practices. …