e-Albania 2.0 improves digital independence and business efficiency
TIRANA, May 29 – Albania advanced its digital transformation with the presentation of Albanian Digital Solution Sh.A. on Thursday. The initiative supports e-government development and expands digital public services. Meanwhile, Agjencia Kombëtare e Shoqërisë së Informacionit Director Igli Tafa said technical teams drive the country’s digital ecosystem. Tafa said specialists …
Strategic Italy: Where Is Albania?
by Albert Rakipi, Ph.D. In April 2026, Fincantieri, one of Italy’s foremost industrial and defense champions, signed an agreement with the Albanian company KAYO to produce vessels at the Pashaliman shipyard. Prime Minister Rama presented the project as part of a strategic partnership, noting that the new company would produce …
President Begaj’s Eid Visit Signals Warmer Albania-Saudi Ties
Albania’s president attended a high-level Eid al-Adha ceremony in Saudi Arabia, in a visit seen as strengthening Tirana’s relations with a key Arab and Muslim world power. Tirana Times, May 29, 2026 – Albanian President Bajram Begaj was received by Saudi Arabia’s leadership during an official Eid al-Adha state ceremony hosted …
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani: Western Balkans EU enlargement is a strategic investment, process must be accelerated
TIRANA, May 29 – Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said European Union enlargement towards the Western Balkans represents a strategic investment and must be accelerated. Meanwhile, Tajani said Italy supports the launch of a process that will bring Ukraine into the European Union. He also said other candidate countries must not …
Rama: Socialist Party Moves Albania Closer to EU on 35th Anniversary
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama joined the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary celebration in Korça on Wednesday. He highlighted Albania’s latest step toward European Union membership after the recent intergovernmental conference with the EU. Rama said the Socialist Party moved Albania one step higher on its path to …
Government Launches “Smart City” Program for Smarter Urban Management
The Albanian government launched the “Smart City” program to support the development of smarter cities across the country. State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo presented the initiative on Wednesday. He said the program will connect different systems already used by municipalities. The goal is to improve urban management and …
Western Balkans Parliamentary Officials Meet in Tirana to Strengthen Regional Cooperation and EU Integration
General secretaries from the parliaments of the Western Balkans, Austria and Slovenia met in Tirana on Wednesday. The forum focused on regional cooperation, parliamentary diplomacy and European Union integration. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Agron Gjekmarkaj and Secretary General Genci Gjonçaj opened the meeting. They stressed the importance of parliamentary cooperation …
Korça Moves Toward Regional Events Hub with New Festival and Creative Industry Center
Korça is moving closer to becoming a regional center for festivals and cultural events. Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the construction site of the new Festival and Creative Industry Center on Wednesday. The project covers 18 hectares and aims to create a modern space for festivals, concerts and artistic events …
Rama Recalls 1996 Election Violence During Socialist Party Anniversary in Korça
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama marked the party’s 35th anniversary in Korça on Wednesday. In his speech, Rama reflected on May 26, 1996, and described it as a difficult moment in Albania’s democratic history. He said Socialist Party members faced violence and brutality during the parliamentary elections …
Police Chief Hita Meets Dutch Ambassador, Highlights Results in Cross-Border Crime Cooperation
Albania’s State Police Director General Skënder Hita met Dutch Ambassador Reinout Vos in Tirana on Wednesday. During the meeting, Hita received a congratulatory letter from Dutch Police Chief Janny Knol. In her message, Knol praised cooperation between Albanian and Dutch police and wished Hita success in his new role. She …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has officially announced a change in of Albania’s Interior Ministry, with Besfort Lamallari leaving the post and Ervin Demo taking over as minister. During a meeting at the Prime Minister’s Office, Rama said the move was part of a reshuffle within the government team. Lamallari will …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced changes to his government, with Ervin Demo taking over as Interior Minister as of Friday. Demo had served as Minister of State for Local Government since September 2025. As part of the latest government changes, the Ministry of State for Local Government will be …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted after the Administrative Court issued a decision unblocking salaries for the Special Court against Corruption and Organized Crime (GJKKO) and the Durrës Court. In a post on X, Rama criticized the speed with which, according to him, the court acted on the issue of judges’ …
Historical narratives, political systems, institutions and economies across the region are being put to the test as old problems collide with new pressures, our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories this week shows. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a change at the helm of the Interior Ministry. Besfort Lamallari will leave the post and move to the Prime Minister’s Office, while Ervin Demo will take over the ministry. Rama announced the move while presenting changes to the government. He said Lamallari would …
The Ministry of Defense reported 40 wildfires across Albania in the past 24 hours. Six remain active, nine are under monitoring and 25 have been fully extinguished. A total of 492 local personnel and 36 firefighting vehicles are supporting operations. The Armed Forces have deployed 133 personnel, one helicopter, two …
Klodiana Spahiu has been sworn in as Minister of Health and Social Welfare at the Presidency. President Bajram Begaj appointed her following Prime Minister Edi Rama’s proposal, after Evis Sala resigned from the post. Spahiu is a cardiologist and holds a medical degree from the University of Tirana. She later …
An exhibition dedicated to one of Albania’s leading 20th-century artists, Ibrahim Kodra, will open in Tirana on September 23. “Ibrahim Kodra – The Sea and Music” will be held at the Bank of Albania and will remain open until November 23. The exhibition features 41 works created between 1947 and …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the launch of a national campaign to register artisans across Albania. The campaign aims to identify, assess and promote traditional crafts and the people who preserve them. Gonxhja said the campaign would give greater visibility to artisans and their work. It will …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj has announced a new National Housing Fund to support not only vulnerable groups, but also professionals, young people and newly formed families. Speaking after a government meeting, Ibrahimaj said the programme will make 7,000 apartments available. Around 2,000 will be offered through interest-free loans …