Tirana to Reduce Urban Bus Services Starting September 1
Starting September 1, urban bus lines in Tirana will operate with a reduced fleet. Transport associations have announced that they will put 20 to 30% fewer buses into service due to rising fuel costs. According to operators, high diesel prices have made it increasingly difficult to cover operating costs, forcing …
Wildfires Across the Country / Defense Ministry: Five Active Fires, Most Challenging Situation in Dibër
The Ministry of Defense has provided an update on the wildfire situation across the country. According to the official statement, which includes complete data as of August 31 at 2:00 p.m., a total of 10 wildfires have been reported across the country. Of these, five remain active, four are under …
Haxhiu: Today’s Agreement on the President Is a Step Toward Making Institutions Fully Functional
Kosovo’s Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, has welcomed the agreement reached between the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) on the presidential candidate. In a Facebook post, she wrote that today’s agreement represents an important step toward overcoming the deadlock and ensuring the full functioning of the …
Funds for Farmers: Deadline for Support Scheme Extended Until September 11
Farmers who were declared successful in the first phase of the National Agricultural Support Scheme have until September 11 to submit the required documentation. The Agricultural and Rural Development Agency has extended the deadline for applicants, giving them more time to complete their documents and verify that they meet the …
Mountain Tourism / Brataj Proposes Shelters in Forests for Tourists in Emergencies
Following incidents that have occurred during trips into remote mountainous areas, the Director of the National Emergency Service, Skënder Brataj, has proposed building shelters in forests where tourists could seek refuge in emergency situations. “Unfortunately, every year there have been fatalities. More people are visiting these areas now, but the …
Over 17,000 textbooks for children in the diaspora
TIRANA, August 31 – Albania plans to provide more than 5,700 learning packages for children in the diaspora during the 2026–2027 school year. The packages contain around 17,000 textbooks. They will reach 15 European countries, the United States and Canada. The materials include the joint textbooks “Albanian Language” and “Albanian …
President Begaj receives new Dutch ambassador, EU integration in focus
TIRANA, August 31 – President Bajram Begaj received the new Dutch ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster, on Monday. The ambassador presented her credentials during the meeting. Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to stronger relations with the Netherlands. He described the country as an important European partner and a trusted NATO ally. …
Finance Minister Malaj: Fight tax evasion with fairness and transparency
TIRANA, August 31 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met regional leaders of the tax and customs administrations to discuss priorities for the coming period. The talks also focused on improving services for citizens and businesses. Malaj met the general directors of the Tax Administration and Customs Administration. They discussed efforts …
Kosova: Acting PM Kurti pledges stronger cooperation with municipalities on minority rights
TIRANA, August 31 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has called for stronger cooperation between central institutions and municipalities to address the needs of minority communities in Kosova. Kurti made the call at a meeting with heads of municipal offices for communities and return. Kurti said challenges vary among communities …
High fire risk in Lezha, Tirana and Fier
TIRANA, August 31 – The Institute of GeoSciences has warned of a high fire risk in several Albanian counties this afternoon and on Tuesday, September 1. The institute expects high risk levels in Lezha, Tirana and Fier. Other counties will face moderate risk. Some areas in Shkodra, Kukës, Dibra, Durres, …
The Institute of GeoSciences (IGJEO) warns of a high fire risk this afternoon and tomorrow in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier counties. Meanwhile, other parts of the country will face a moderate risk. However, the high-risk level will affect only localised areas in some counties. These include northeastern Lezhë, northeastern Tirana …
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Michel Tarran, said in Pogradec that the territorial reform remains under discussion and that no final decision has been made so far. Asked about the consultation process, Tarran stressed that the OSCE does not impose a specific model for territorial organization. He …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with a World Bank delegation to discuss Albania’s economic performance, EU integration and payment-system modernization. Sejko said the economy continues to perform well, supported by growth, stronger employment and incomes, and financial stability. He also highlighted Albania’s progress toward EU standards. The talks …
The lek strengthened against major foreign currencies in the domestic foreign exchange market on Wednesday, compared with the previous day. According to the official exchange rate published by the Bank of Albania, the euro fell by 0.05 lek, to 92.02 lek, while the US dollar dropped by 0.19 lek, to …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, was among the keynote speakers at the “Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference. Italy’s ANSA news agency organized the event. The conference took place during the 34th General Assembly of the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE). The Friuli …
Speaking at the “Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference, Hoxha also addressed Albania’s positions on Kosovo, stressing that Albania considers it an independent state that should receive international recognition. “We have fundamental differences with Serbia over Kosovo,” he said. “Kosovo is an independent state and should be recognized.” At the same …
The Cold War Museum in Gjirokastër has unveiled a new exhibition inside the city’s historic underground bunker. The central hall now features uniforms worn by soldiers, generals and officials during Albania’s communist era. Visitors can also see banned books, newspaper articles from the 1950s to the 1990s, and publications by …
Albania plans to gradually shift public administration toward electric vehicles. Under the new target, public institutions must procure new light vehicles that are either fully electric or plug-in hybrids. The target forms part of the revised National Energy and Climate Plan 2020–2030. The plan introduces several measures to cut transport …
The PISA 2025 results show a major improvement in Albanian students’ performance. Scores rose by 65 points in mathematics, 59 points in science and 50 points in reading. As a result, Albania ranks among the Western Balkans’ strongest performers in mathematics and science. The results were presented in Bratislava at …
BBC reports on Tirana’s growing dental tourism industry, as Albania seeks to establish itself as a cheaper alternative to Turkey for international patients seeking dental treatment. Anthony Hook is sitting in a dentist’s chair, grinning toothily into a handheld mirror. He has been asked to pose for photos showing off …