Ombudsman reports overcrowding and rights concerns after Tirana protests
Ahmet Prençi, commissioner of the Ombudsman’s National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture, presented preliminary findings from monitoring police stations, the Security Block and the University Trauma Hospital on October 19. He said the investigation continued. Police escorted 50 people to stations, including 18 minors. The Security Block held 109 …
Bank of Albania reports higher loan demand and easier terms for small and medium-sized businesses
Demand for loans from businesses and individuals increased in the third quarter of 2026. Banks expect this trend to continue in the final quarter, according to the Bank of Albania’s lending survey. Businesses increased borrowing across all size categories for investment and liquidity needs. Higher investment needs, inventory financing and …
Assembly deputy Speaker, Kushi discusses parliamentary reform with international delegation
Assembly of Albania Deputy Speaker Evis Kushi and Secretary General Genci Gjonçaj met a delegation from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, led by Kevin Casas Zamora. The talks focused on continuing cooperation under the European Union-funded STEP-EU project. The initiative aims to strengthen the Assembly’s legislative, oversight …
OSCE human rights office calls for peaceful protests and independent investigations
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expressed concern over reports of violence during student and high school protests in Albania. It called for immediate and independent investigations into every reported case of unlawful use of force. In a statement published on X, ODIHR urged all sides …
Frontex reports nearly one-third fewer irregular border crossings into the European Union
Irregular border crossings into the European Union fell by almost one-third in the first nine months of 2026, with preliminary data recording just over 91,000 crossings, according to Frontex. The Central Mediterranean route saw the sharpest decline, with detections down 56% year on year. However, the Western Mediterranean route recorded …
Albania and Turkey conduct joint naval exercise in Vlora Bay
As part of NATO’s “Neptune Strike-26” exercise, the Albanian and Turkish Naval Forces conducted a joint military exercise in Vlora Bay and at the Pashaliman Naval Base. The exercise involved the Albanian patrol vessel “Oriku” P-132 and its boarding team, alongside the Turkish naval vessels TCG Anadolu and TCG Gaziantep. …
Supreme Court postpones hearings after court files damaged during protests in Tirana
Albania’s Supreme Court has announced the postponement of court hearings, except for urgent cases, following property damage and damage to judicial files caused by a fire during the protests on October 17. In a public statement issued on October 20, the court said that damage to its premises and infrastructure …
UN Security Council to discuss key issues concerning Kosovo today: What does the new UN report say?
The United Nations Security Council will hold its next meeting on the situation in Kosovo today, with discussions expected to focus on political developments, the security situation, and the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. New York time, corresponding to 9:00 p.m. …
ODIHR on Protests in Albania: Concern Over Violence, Calls for Peace
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has expressed concern over reports of violence during protests in Albania, as demonstrations in Tirana enter their eighth consecutive day. In a public statement, ODIHR called on all parties to maintain peace, stressing that law enforcement authorities must refrain from …
Begaj Meets US Ambassador in Tirana and Several EU Ambassadors: Reason for Meetings Revealed
Albanian President Bajram Begaj met with US Ambassador to Tirana Eric Wendt on Tuesday. The meeting comes at a time when Albania is facing a series of protests, accompanied by clashes between demonstrators and the State Police. The head of state holds regular meetings with representatives of the diplomatic corps …
The Albanian Customs Administration is strengthening regional cooperation to fight cross-border crime. It works with international authorities through the Southeast European Law Enforcement Center (SELEC), sharing information and coordinating operations. The administration also supports joint efforts to improve regional security. As part of this work, it reports information on seizures …
The Lungomare 3 project is transforming Radhimë and expanding Vlora’s potential for quality tourism. The investment has upgraded coastal infrastructure and created modern public spaces for residents and visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared new footage of Radhimë, highlighting the ongoing urban transformation along the Vlora coast. The new promenade …
The Albanian government has approved a new Transport Sector Strategy and action plan through 2030. The Council of Ministers adopted the decision on Tuesday. The strategy and action plan will guide the measures and policies planned for the transport sector over the next four years. Under the decision, the Ministry …
Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and solidarity with those injured in the deadly train crash in Spain. According to the report, 68 people lost their lives and around 50 others suffered serious injuries after two high-speed …
Durana Tech Park is entering a new phase of development. The park has gained international recognition for its innovative business model and is now preparing to build its physical infrastructure in Albania. Currently, the park hosts 88 companies and is evaluating five more. Of the resident companies, 52% have foreign …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the state budget has exceeded €10 billion for the first time in Albania’s history. He made the announcement in a message on economic performance and addressed students as well. The government has submitted the 2027 draft budget to the Assembly for discussion and approval. Rama …
The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination has brought together national stakeholders to explore new opportunities for regional cooperation and financing. The meeting also marked the first thematic workshop under the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region Stakeholders Engagement Point (StEP) project. Representatives of public institutions, development …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced plans to reduce the price of diesel by 32 Albanian Lek (ALL) per litre by removing the circulation tax from fuel. Under the proposed changes, the government would shift the tax to vehicles and collect it through the relevant road transport directorate. The measure …
The European Union has told Serbia’s incoming government, which will be formed following the elections, that it is expected to engage constructively in the dialogue aimed at normalizing relations with Kosovo, including implementing all agreements reached so far. An EU spokesperson made the statement, stressing that the outcome of the …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has reacted to the tragic train crash in Spain, where at least 68 people lost their lives following a collision between two high-speed trains. In a message posted on social media platform X, Begaj expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the Spanish …