Government Launches 2026 Self-Employment Program to Support Young Entrepreneurs
The Ministry of Economy and Innovation has launched the 2026 call for the Self-Employment Program. The initiative aims to support unemployed jobseekers in starting their own businesses and creating new jobs. Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented the program and highlighted its importance. She said it supports young people, women, and vulnerable …
Sejko Warns Middle East Tensions Threaten Global and Albanian Economy
The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, said that tensions in the Middle East remain a major source of risk for the global and Albanian economy. He stressed that the impact of the conflict depends on its duration and intensity. As a result, inflation risks rise, while economic …
Bank of Albania Keeps Base Interest Rate Unchanged at 2.5%
The Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania has decided to keep the base interest rate unchanged at 2.5%. Governor Gent Sejko announced the decision during a press conference. He also said the Council kept the overnight deposit rate unchanged at 1.5% and the overnight lending rate at 3.5%. The …
VanHorn Praises Albania–US Defense Cooperation at Anniversary Ceremony
The Chargé d’Affaires of the United States in Albania, Nancy VanHorn, attended the 25th anniversary ceremony of the State Partnership Program between the New Jersey National Guard and the Albanian Armed Forces. She said the New Jersey National Guard and the Albanian Armed Forces train together and strengthen each other. …
President Begaj Welcomes AADF Chief Granoff and Discusses “Toka” Initiative
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj met with Michael Granoff, Chairman of the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), along with its executive directors. The discussion focused on the foundation’s latest projects. These projects aim to develop agriculture, tourism, education in artificial intelligence, and stronger links between diaspora researchers and Albanian institutions. …
EU Ambassador Urges Wider Participation in Lawmaking in Albania
A meeting focused on improving lawmaking and increasing transparency took place today in Tirana. Participants included members of Parliament, state institutions, civil society, and international partners. The discussions focused on more inclusive processes. These processes aim to ensure wider participation and faster alignment with EU standards. EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato …
President Begaj Calls US Strategic Partnership Cornerstone of Albania’s Foreign Policy
President Bajram Begaj attended the 25th anniversary ceremony of cooperation between the Albanian Armed Forces and the New Jersey National Guard in Zall-Herr. He said the strategic partnership with the United States is a key pillar of Albania’s foreign policy and security. He described the cooperation as one of the …
Begaj Attends 25th Anniversary of Albania–US Military Cooperation
President Bajram Begaj attended the 25th anniversary ceremony of cooperation between the Albanian Armed Forces and the New Jersey National Guard in Zall-Herr. During the event, officials from Albania and the United States gathered alongside senior defense representatives. In his speech, Begaj stated that the strategic partnership with the United …
Gogu: French Justice Minister Visits Albania, a Signal of Trust in the European Path
The Minister of Justice, Toni Gogu, will welcome French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin in Tirana today. He said this is the first time a French Justice Minister has visited Albania. He described the visit as a strong signal of trust in Albania’s European justice reform path. Gogu said the visit …
Concert Celebrates 80th Birthday of Composer Shpëtim Kushta
The event was organized as part of the project “Nota mbi pentagram,” which was implemented by CEDI with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. During the concert, organizers presented a selection of Kushta’s works, and the program offered audiences an emotional artistic journey. Shpëtim Kushta, born in …
The Albanian Parliament approved today the resolution on Albania’s European Union membership process. Lawmakers passed the resolution with 114 votes in favor and one abstention. The ruling majority and the opposition joined votes to support the resolution. Meanwhile, Democratic Party MP Bujar Leskaj abstained. The resolution calls for broad cooperation …
Alis will represent Albania tonight at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with the song “Nân”. The song delivers an emotional message about motherhood. Albanians living abroad can support Alis by voting with code 13 during the live semifinal televote. Meanwhile, Albanians living in non-participating countries can vote online through esc.vote. …
Ferit Hoxha said today that Albania’s European integration remains a non-negotiable strategic objective. Speaking in Parliament, Hoxha responded to an interpellation requested by Democratic Party MP Tritan Shehu. The discussion focused on a joint article published in a German newspaper by Prime Minister Edi Rama and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …
Bajram Begaj received today the credentials of the Ambassador of Palestine, Rana Abusibaa, in Tirana. He welcomed the ambassador and wished her success in her diplomatic mission in Albania. Furthermore, Begaj said he is confident she will help strengthen friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries. He also said …
Bajram Begaj received today the credentials of the Ambassador of Kuwait, Mohsen Alajmi, in Tirana. He welcomed the ambassador and expressed confidence in strengthening relations between the two countries. Furthermore, Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s solidarity with Kuwait in the face of recent attacks from Iran. He described them as a clear …
Edi Rama attended the Charlemagne Prize ceremony in Aachen, Germany, where Mario Draghi was honored. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Rama described his participation as a special privilege. He praised Draghi as a key European figure in moments of crisis and difficult decision-making. Rama said Draghi represents European courage …
Erjona Ismaili said today in Parliament that European Union integration must remain a national project above political divisions. She called on the opposition to contribute constructively to Albania’s path toward the EU. Furthermore, she said Albania is at a historic moment, aiming to close negotiations by 2027 and achieve full …
Petrit Malaj said today in Parliament that Albania achieved strong macroeconomic progress. He referred to international reports from the U.S. Department of State and the European Commission. Furthermore, Malaj said Albania recorded 4% economic growth in 2024. He added that inflation remained controlled at 2.2%. In addition, he noted that …
Alis performed “Nan” on the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 semifinal. The audience across Europe applauded the performance. The song delivered a strong emotional message about motherhood. The staging included powerful visuals, including references to the Albanian mother figure. Furthermore, the performance attracted attention from international media as …
TIRANA, May 14 – Albania has secured a place in the Grand Final of Eurovision 2026 after Alis qualified from the second semi-final in Vienna with the song “Nân”. Alis delivered an emotional performance that combined Albanian musical elements with a modern stage presentation, earning Albania one of the 10 …