Albania’s Political Crisis and Its Resolution Through Constitutional Means
By Përparim Kalo Tirana Times, October 29, 2026 – For the past five months, public debate in Albania has been dominated by two major developments: the so-called Flamingo Revolution and the student protests. While discussions have focused on the causes of the protests, their escalation from peaceful demonstrations into violent …
Albanian Superliga: Vora and Elbasani Win, Skënderbeu and Laçi Draw
Vora and Elbasani claimed important victories on Tuesday as the ninth round of Albania’s Abissnet Superliga got underway. Meanwhile, Skënderbeu and Laçi shared the points after a 1-1 draw. Vora beat Vllaznia 2-1 at home in a closely contested match. Kashari opened the scoring in the 16th minute, while Daka …
Environment ministry offers grants of up to €10,000 for adventure tourism businesses
The Ministry of Environment has opened a public grant call for small and medium-sized enterprises under the ASCEND project. The programme has a total fund of €80,000. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said the initiative aims to support businesses that promote sustainable adventure tourism and showcase natural and protected areas. He …
Social protection to receive 30% of Albania’s 2027 budget spending
Albania plans public investments of ALL 201.5 billion in 2027, equivalent to 6.9% of gross domestic product. Social protection and education will also receive substantial funding under the draft budget. Presenting the 2027 draft budget, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said capital expenditure would average around 6.6% of gross domestic product …
Finance minister presents Albania’s 2027 draft budget to parliamentary leaders
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented Albania’s 2027 draft state budget and fiscal package at the Assembly’s Conference of Chairpersons. The meeting is expected to set the timetable for parliamentary discussions and approval. The Democratic Party did not attend, saying its lawmakers had not received the supporting documents needed to review …
Albania’s 2027 budget doubles pension bonuses and disability payments for children
Albania’s 2027 draft budget will double monthly pension bonuses from January 1, while increasing support for children with disabilities and families in need. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the measures at the Conference of Chairpersons. Pension indexing is scheduled for April 2027, with around ALL 1.35 billion allocated for the …
Equinoxe Europe Brings International Screenwriting Experts to Albania
Durrës has become a meeting point for screenwriters and filmmakers from across Europe, as Albania hosts the international Equinoxe script development programme for the first time. The National Center of Cinematography said the programme has more than 30 years of experience in developing film scripts through professional guidance and collaboration …
Korça attracts autumn tourists as New Year bookings begin
Korça continues to welcome groups of foreign tourists in autumn, with its traditions, local cuisine and hospitality drawing visitors from Albania and abroad. Tourists are visiting the city’s main attractions and exploring its streets. Tour operator Eriketa Koçollari said foreign groups from around the world continued to visit the city …
Qatari-backed partnership targets $2 billion in investments in Albania and Kosova
Strategic Group and Qatar-based Ocean B Holding have signed a strategic cooperation framework targeting up to $2 billion in investments in Kosova and Albania. Under the agreement, Ocean B Holding has authorised Strategic Group to represent its investment interests across the region. The mandate also covers Montenegro, North Macedonia and …
Albania allocates ALL 76.7 billion for defence, 2.35% of gross domestic product
Albania plans to allocate ALL 76.7 billion to the Ministry of Defence in 2027, including ALL 7 billion in additional funding. The allocation will bring defence spending to 2.35% of gross domestic product, reflecting Albania’s commitments as a NATO member. Presenting the 2027 draft budget at the Conference of Chairpersons, …
The team of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has published a message from him on its official Facebook page, marking the sixth anniversary of his transfer to The Hague. “I want to shake each of your hands, embrace you all and assure you that I will emerge completely innocent at …
Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, met Europol Executive Director Jürgen Ebner on Thursday on the sidelines of the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice in Budva, Montenegro. Sveçla said Kosovo remains a reliable partner for Europol, with consistent results under their cooperation agreements. He also highlighted the success …
The Council of Ministers on Thursday approved a decision establishing new categories and requirements for tourist accommodation facilities, introducing stricter rules for resort developments. Under the new rules, tourism facilities must account for at least 60% of a project’s total construction area, while residential units cannot exceed 40%. The calculation …
European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa presented the 2026 Progress Report on Albania to the National Council for European Integration and its two co-chairs, Taulant Balla and Jorida Tabaku. In her remarks, the ambassador stressed the importance of political dialogue and public consultation in Albania’s EU integration …
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted Albania’s progress towards European Union membership on Thursday, describing the 2026 Progress Report as a clear assessment of his government’s performance. Speaking at a joint press conference with EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa, Rama welcomed the report’s findings. However, he argued that disinformation prevents …
The Council of Ministers has approved new rules governing the organisation and operation of the Agency for the Treatment of Concessions and Public-Private Partnerships (ATRAKO), defining its responsibilities, funding, service fees and additional payments for employees involved in feasibility studies. Under the decision, ATRAKO will operate as a public budgetary …
The Tirana International Fair, organised by Klik Ekspo Group, continues to bring Albanian and international businesses together, offering opportunities to showcase products, exchange expertise and establish new partnerships. On the third day of this year’s edition, held at the Palace of Congresses, business representatives, industry associations and experts gathered for …
The European Commission has recognised Albania’s progress in employment, education and vocational training, highlighting developments in several programmes and policies designed to improve skills and expand access to the labour market. Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj shared the findings of the European Commission’s 2026 Albania Report on social …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced the creation of a new communication platform for students and university lecturers, aimed at facilitating direct dialogue on issues and concerns they wish to raise with the government. During a joint press conference with the European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, …
The Transparency Board decided on Thursday to lower fuel prices across the country. Under the new decision, diesel will be sold at a maximum price of 210 Albanian lek per liter at retail outlets, while the wholesale price must not exceed 198 lek per liter. Petrol prices have also been …