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EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans: European Commission allocates €158.9 million to Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia

The European Commission has today made available €49 million for Albania, €44.2 million for Montenegro, and €65.7 million for North Macedonia under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. According to the official website of the European Commission, this follows the third payment request and the Commission’s positive …

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Rama in Seoul: Albania was the “North Korea of Europe,” today we are moving toward the EU

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Prime Minister Edi Rama held a press conference in South Korea, where he is on a several-day visit. During the visit, he also met today with his South Korean counterpart, Kim Minseok. In his remarks, Rama stressed that the Korean …

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Under tight security measures, the third stage of the Tour of Albania cycling race concludes in Vlora

The third stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania, following the Elbasan–Vlora route, concluded this Wednesday in the coastal city under strict security measures and temporary traffic restrictions. The tour began on May 18 and lasted for two days. The post Under tight security measures, the third stage of the …

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PM Kurti meets Ambassador Hamilton, focus on deepening cooperation with NATO

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met this Wednesday with NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Partnerships, Ambassador Kevin Hamilton. This marks Hamilton’s first visit to Kosovo. During the meeting, they discussed deepening cooperation with NATO. Prime Minister Kurti spoke about developments in the country, including in the fields of technology …

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Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Albania, Wendt: We will support the country in the fight against corruption and organized crime

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”29ffcb7e-d35b-4b20-b5da-416375ac529e” data-turn-id-container=”29ffcb7e-d35b-4b20-b5da-416375ac529e” data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Eric Wendt, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the position of U.S. Ambassador to Albania, delivered his opening statement before the U.S. Senate, where he focused on his military experience, relations with Albania, and the objectives he hopes to achieve if …

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Trump nominee for U.S. ambassador to Tirana, Eric Wendt, questioned by Senate about Trump family investments in Albania – here is his response

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”af7fec03-0c08-46eb-9dc4-a11509eee1fe” data-turn-id-container=”af7fec03-0c08-46eb-9dc4-a11509eee1fe” data-testid=”conversation-turn-15″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> During today’s Senate hearing on his nomination as U.S. ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt was asked by one of the senators about how he would institutionally respond to investments expected to be made by the Trump family in Albania. *]:pointer-events-auto …

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Wendt speaks in the Senate about Porto Romano: It is an effective location for our forces, I hope it will be developed by 2030

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Eric Wendt spoke before the Senate about NATO’s role in Albania and his perspective as the future ambassador there, if confirmed by the Senate. Wendt specifically highlighted the importance of Porto Romano for NATO. “As for our NATO alliance, an …

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University of Tirana students represent Albania in Venice sports competition

TIRANA, May 20 – Students from the University of Tirana took part in the international sports competition “2nd Lion Explorer in Venice 2026” in Venice. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja described the participation of Albanian students in the event as an important step for university sports. He said …

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Albania supports Italy on illegal migration challenges

TIRANA, May 20 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said Albania continues to support Italy in challenges linked to illegal migration and regional security. During a press conference, Lamallari answered questions about contacts with Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and the latter’s visit to Tirana. He confirmed that Albanian and Italian …

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Slovak cyclist wins second stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania

TIRANA, May 20 – Slovak cyclist Samuel Fedor has won the second stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania, held from Lezha to Elbasan over 149.9 kilometres. Fedor of Dukla Banska Bystrica secured victory after a strong sprint finish and recorded a time of 3 hours, 6 minutes and 26 …

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National Film Archive resumes archival filming after 27 years

TIRANA, May 28 – The Central State Film Archive announced the resumption of archival filming after a 27-year interruption. Archive Director Eljan Tanini described the move as an important step. He said the initiative gives the institution a new opportunity to document Albanian life and preserve the country’s collective memory. …

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Albania rises to 48th place in global tax transparency index

TIRANA, May 28 – Albania improved its position in the Global Tax Expenditures Transparency Index, an international ranking that measures transparency and reporting quality in tax expenditures. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said Albania ranked 48th among 116 countries with 51.73 points out of 100. He said the country previously ranked …

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Farmers receive assistance for 2026 National Support Scheme applications

TIRANA, May 28 – Farmers across Albania receive assistance for applications under the 2026 National Support Scheme. Staff work at offices of the Agricultural and Rural Extension Agency (AREB) and Agropoints and guide farmers through applications on the e-Albania portal. Meanwhile, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla called on …

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Defence Minister Nufi announces three government

TIRANA, May 28 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said today that the Council of Ministers approved three decisions related to the defence sector. Meanwhile, Nufi said the first decision concerns the extension of Albania’s mission in Latvia. He said Albania currently deploys a platoon in Latvia. He added that the …

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State Minister Demo presents “Renewal 2.0” programme with 11 objectives for territorial intervention and regional development

TIRANA, May 28 – Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo presented today the “Renewal 2.0” programme, a package of 11 strategic objectives focused on territorial intervention and sustainable regional development. Meanwhile, Demo said the programme aims to establish a new model of local development by combining cultural identity, …

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Defence Minister Ermal Nufi: 44 civil protection projects approved, 650 million ALL funding allocated

TIRANA, May 28 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said the Council of Ministers approved several decisions covering civil protection, international missions, and military structure. The minister confirmed approval of 44 civil protection projects. He said 26 projects focus on infrastructure works. He added that 18 projects cover equipment and emergency …

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Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha condemns Russia’s warning to diplomats in Kyiv

TIRANA, May 28 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha reacted today to Russia’s warning for diplomats and foreign citizens to leave Kyiv. Meanwhile, Hoxha described the Russian move as completely unacceptable. He wrote on social media that threats against embassies do not represent diplomacy. He said such actions amount to intimidation. …

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Deputy PM Koçiu: European Union recognises Albania’s progress report

TIRANA, May 28 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the European Union recognises Albania’s progress in the integration process. She also called for careful reading of the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report, known as IBAR. Meanwhile, Koçiu spoke after the Council of Ministers meeting. She addressed questions on whether the …

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Prime Minister Edi Rama Responds Again to Reporters Without Borders

Prime Minister Edi Rama continued his exchange with Reporters Without Borders this Thursday. Rama’s latest response came after Reporters Without Borders, through a social media post on Thursday, urged him to focus on media freedom issues rather than on their reports. In his response, Rama emphasized that he had presented …

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Minister Nufi Speaks About Albanian Soldiers in Gaza: We Are Still in the Discussion Phase With Partners

After the government meeting, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi stated during a media communication that the mission of Albanian soldiers in Gaza is still under discussion with international partners and involved parties. According to him, given the delicate situation in Gaza, security measures and the specific duties Albanian soldiers would carry …

News

National Film Archive resumes archival filming after 27 years

TIRANA, May 28 – The Central State Film Archive announced the resumption of archival filming after a 27-year interruption. Archive Director Eljan Tanini described the move as an important step. He said the initiative gives the institution a new opportunity to document Albanian life and preserve the country’s collective memory. …

News

Albania rises to 48th place in global tax transparency index

TIRANA, May 28 – Albania improved its position in the Global Tax Expenditures Transparency Index, an international ranking that measures transparency and reporting quality in tax expenditures. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said Albania ranked 48th among 116 countries with 51.73 points out of 100. He said the country previously ranked …

News

Farmers receive assistance for 2026 National Support Scheme applications

TIRANA, May 28 – Farmers across Albania receive assistance for applications under the 2026 National Support Scheme. Staff work at offices of the Agricultural and Rural Extension Agency (AREB) and Agropoints and guide farmers through applications on the e-Albania portal. Meanwhile, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla called on …

News

Defence Minister Nufi announces three government

TIRANA, May 28 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said today that the Council of Ministers approved three decisions related to the defence sector. Meanwhile, Nufi said the first decision concerns the extension of Albania’s mission in Latvia. He said Albania currently deploys a platoon in Latvia. He added that the …

News

State Minister Demo presents “Renewal 2.0” programme with 11 objectives for territorial intervention and regional development

TIRANA, May 28 – Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo presented today the “Renewal 2.0” programme, a package of 11 strategic objectives focused on territorial intervention and sustainable regional development. Meanwhile, Demo said the programme aims to establish a new model of local development by combining cultural identity, …

News

Defence Minister Ermal Nufi: 44 civil protection projects approved, 650 million ALL funding allocated

TIRANA, May 28 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said the Council of Ministers approved several decisions covering civil protection, international missions, and military structure. The minister confirmed approval of 44 civil protection projects. He said 26 projects focus on infrastructure works. He added that 18 projects cover equipment and emergency …

News

Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha condemns Russia’s warning to diplomats in Kyiv

TIRANA, May 28 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha reacted today to Russia’s warning for diplomats and foreign citizens to leave Kyiv. Meanwhile, Hoxha described the Russian move as completely unacceptable. He wrote on social media that threats against embassies do not represent diplomacy. He said such actions amount to intimidation. …

News

Deputy PM Koçiu: European Union recognises Albania’s progress report

TIRANA, May 28 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the European Union recognises Albania’s progress in the integration process. She also called for careful reading of the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report, known as IBAR. Meanwhile, Koçiu spoke after the Council of Ministers meeting. She addressed questions on whether the …

News

Prime Minister Edi Rama Responds Again to Reporters Without Borders

Prime Minister Edi Rama continued his exchange with Reporters Without Borders this Thursday. Rama’s latest response came after Reporters Without Borders, through a social media post on Thursday, urged him to focus on media freedom issues rather than on their reports. In his response, Rama emphasized that he had presented …

News

Minister Nufi Speaks About Albanian Soldiers in Gaza: We Are Still in the Discussion Phase With Partners

After the government meeting, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi stated during a media communication that the mission of Albanian soldiers in Gaza is still under discussion with international partners and involved parties. According to him, given the delicate situation in Gaza, security measures and the specific duties Albanian soldiers would carry …