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Tirana Protest: Four Arrested, Seven Others Under Investigation Following Violent Clashes

Four people have been arrested and seven others are facing criminal proceedings following acts of violence during a protest held in Tirana the previous day. According to police, protesters confronted officers, attacked them with hard objects and pyrotechnic devices, blocked traffic and set waste bins on fire. As part of …

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Serbia Holds National Minority Council Elections, Albanians Urged to Vote

Polling stations opened across Serbia on Sunday for the election of members of national minority councils. The Kosovo government and political representatives of Albanians in Serbia have called on the Albanian community to vote in the elections for the Albanian National Council. Polling stations will remain open from 7:00 a.m. …

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Tourism: 848.5 million Lekë allocated for destination promotion and development in 2027

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Tourism will remain a key priority for Albania’s economic development in 2027, with a focus on increasing competitiveness, diversifying the tourism offering, extending the tourist season and improving the quality of services. For 2027, the “Tourism Development” program is supported by a budget of 848.5 …

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Berisha: Open to compromise, a single opposition candidate in upcoming local elections

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Democratic Party Chairman Sali Berisha confirmed today that the Democratic Party (DP) is open and prepared to reach a compromise with opposition political forces in order to topple the government. During an online discussion with citizens, Berisha emphasized that, “The Democratic Party is sincere, open …

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Tirana International Fair: Expanding horizons for global-local cooperation

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Over 300 Albanian and international enterprises from 12 countries gathered for four consecutive days in Tirana for the 32nd edition of Tirana International Fair. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared highlights today from this significant event—organized by the Klik Ekspo Group—which held its 32nd edition from …

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DP MPs were prevented from approaching protest; Berisha stated they weren’t students, but paid individuals

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Democratic Party Chairman Sali Berisha commented on yesterday’s protest in the capital, stating that there were no incidents involving the students themselves. In a message to citizens via social media, Berisha remarked that the “democratic public” was present at yesterday’s protest and he once again …

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Gjirokastër Castle draws 300,000 visitors in just ten months

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Gjirokastër Castle welcomed 300,000 domestic and international visitors between January and October 2026, marking a 6.5% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Sharing the latest visitor statistics for Gjirokastër Castle, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja highlighted that alongside the rise …

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Spahiu: Providing a monthly allowance for children under five and investing 480 million lekë to expand local social services

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu announced that the 2027 draft budget includes an allocation of 50 million euros to revise the “Baby Bonus” scheme. The initiative aims to transform the bonus into a monthly support payment for children up to the age …

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“Speak with Prime Minister” – Rama: A protest is a knock at door of those in power; authorities must always be ready for dialogue

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – The “Speak with the Prime Minister” platform is a new social space for direct communication with Prime Minister Edi Rama, open to students and any other citizen who wishes to engage in dialogue. Rama describes this as a space for dialogue—accessible via anyone’s phone or …

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Valbona puts on its autumn colors

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – The Valbona Valley remains one of the gems of Albanian mountain tourism, offering a unique experience for visitors seeking tranquility, pristine nature and breathtaking scenery. Autumn colors make this destination even more alluring, transforming it into a living postcard of the Albanian Alps. Prime Minister …

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Inaugural edition of Albanian Music Nights kicks off with world premieres by Albanian composers

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …

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Transport associations oppose VAT hike, warn of higher ticket prices from 2027

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …

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Mateu Boçi wins European championship; PM Rama praises achievement for Albanian chess

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …

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Excitement mounts in Tirana ahead of Albania’s Nations League showdown with Finland

TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …

News
Works to begin tomorrow between former Eagle Square and Limuth Underpass, traffic diversions on Tirana–Durrës motorway

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …

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DP launches candidate selection process for local elections, nominations open until 30 November

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …

News
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, civil protection on alert

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …

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European Political Community Summit: Edi Rama shares a group photo alongside European leaders

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …

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Police step up security measures ahead of Albania–Finland match

TIRANA, Nov 12  /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …

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Tirana Observatory Releases New Issue on EU Enlargement and European Security

The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …

News

Inaugural edition of Albanian Music Nights kicks off with world premieres by Albanian composers

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …

News

Transport associations oppose VAT hike, warn of higher ticket prices from 2027

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …

News

Mateu Boçi wins European championship; PM Rama praises achievement for Albanian chess

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …

News

Excitement mounts in Tirana ahead of Albania’s Nations League showdown with Finland

TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …

News

Works to begin tomorrow between former Eagle Square and Limuth Underpass, traffic diversions on Tirana–Durrës motorway

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …

News

DP launches candidate selection process for local elections, nominations open until 30 November

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …

News

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, civil protection on alert

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …

News

European Political Community Summit: Edi Rama shares a group photo alongside European leaders

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …

News

Police step up security measures ahead of Albania–Finland match

TIRANA, Nov 12  /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …

News

Tirana Observatory Releases New Issue on EU Enlargement and European Security

The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …