Peleshi Meets Ambassadors of “Friends of the Western Balkans”: Parliamentary Cooperation as a Bridge to the EU
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met with ambassadors and Friendship Groups representing the “Friends of the Western Balkans” countries at the Parliament on Wednesday. The group includes Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Croatia, Slovakia and Slovenia. Peleshi described these countries as important partners for Albania. He also thanked …
Vlora Hyseni placed under house arrest, suspended as State Intelligence Service chief
The Special Court against Corruption and Organised Crime (GJKKO) has ordered the security measure of “house arrest” and suspension from office for the head of the State Intelligence Service (SHISH), Vlora Hyseni. According to information released in connection with the investigation, Hyseni is suspected of the criminal offences of “supporting …
High Costs Prevent 8% of Albanians from Undergoing Necessary Medical Examinations
Eight percent of Albania’s population aged over 16 did not undergo a necessary medical examination during 2024 due to the high cost. The latest Eurostat data on healthcare, based on citizens’ self-reported information, ranks Albania second after Greece among countries where costs prevent the largest share of people from receiving …
220 Emergency Department Visits a Day, Tourists Among Trauma Cases in Shkodra
According to the head of the Emergency Department, Ardian Dajti, the number of visits has increased significantly this season, reaching between 200 and 220 cases a day. He considers this one of the busiest seasons since operations began at the new hospital. “I have been working here for many years, …
Hoxha Meets Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Europe: Continued Coordination with the US on Shared Priorities
During his stay in New York, United States, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western, Central and Southern Europe Daniel Lawton. The meeting focused on opportunities to further strengthen the US-Albania strategic partnership, as well as the importance of continued and close …
European Commission: EU Negotiations with Albania on Track to Close by December 2027
The Commission is expected to formally back Albania’s 2027 accession timeline in a new action plan, which is also expected to include a list of key deliverables that Tirana will need to prioritise in order to complete the process by the end of next year. The European Commission is working …
Tax Authorities Continue Refunding Overpaid Tax, Around 2,200 Beneficiaries
The Tax Administration is continuing the process of refunding overpaid tax to individuals under the Annual Individual Income Declaration (DIVA) for 2025. According to the latest update from the General Directorate of Taxation, the next phase of the process includes 2,192 beneficiaries, with refunds amounting to €360,000. The refunds are …
Foreign Minister at Adriatic Charter Meeting: Kosovo’s Membership Would Strengthen Regional Security and Cooperation
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the meeting of foreign ministers of the Adriatic Charter, held under Croatia’s chairmanship. In his remarks, the minister stressed the need to strengthen this mechanism in the face of new security challenges and to promote more inclusive regional cooperation, …
Protest in Tirana Continues for 116th Day, Rally Outside Parliament Tomorrow
The citizens’ protest in Tirana entered its 116th day on Wednesday. As they have done since the protests began, demonstrators first gathered in Skanderbeg Square at 19:30 before moving to the Prime Minister’s Office, where they continued with their speeches. The protesters then began marching through the streets of Tirana. …
Municipal Spending Increased by Around 18% in 2025
Municipal spending increased sharply during 2025, but most of the funds continued to be used for salaries and day-to-day operations, while only around one-fifth went towards investment. According to the “Local Government in Albania 2025” report by the Institute for Albanian Municipalities, the country’s 61 municipalities spent around 87.1 billion …
Tirana Times, October 2, 2026 – Saudi Arabia has introduced simplified visa procedures for Kosovo citizens, allowing them to apply for an electronic tourist visa or obtain a visa on arrival from October 1, 2026. The measure marks a significant easing of travel requirements for citizens visiting the Kingdom for tourism, family visits …
Security expert Arjan Dyrmishi tells BIRN the “whole system of governance” has been brought into question by the arrest of the head of Albania’s State Intelligence Service. Original post Here
Preza Castle rises on a rocky hill overlooking the Tirana plain. Its position gave the fortress a strategic view of the important economic and military routes that once crossed the area. The castle follows a rectangular plan, measuring about 80 by 50 meters. Four circular towers strengthen its corners, while …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says institutional stability is essential for Kosova. She made the remarks after meetings with Kosova’s state leaders. Von der Leyen says institutional stability provides the main foundation for further progress. She highlights reforms, growth and progress on the European path as key priorities. …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met France’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Rene Troccaz in Przno, Montenegro. The meeting focused on Albania’s European Union membership process. The two officials also discussed developments in the Western Balkans. Regional cooperation, connectivity and security were also on the agenda. …
Clear weather is expected across Albania on Friday, with temperatures reaching up to 28 degrees Celsius. The Military Meteorological Service says stable atmospheric conditions will affect the country. Sunny periods will last throughout the day across Albania. Meanwhile, winds will blow from northwest to southeast at an average speed of …
British newspaper ‘Metro’ highlights Albania among three destinations worth exploring in October. The article points to milder temperatures, lower prices and fewer tourists during the autumn season. It highlights the Albanian Riviera, Berat, Tirana and the Albanian Alps. Metro also cites the British travel association ABTA, which has recorded growing …
Prime Minister Edi Rama says the ‘Faithful Presence’ (Prania besnike) meetings will continue across Albania every Friday at 5 p.m. Rama says the initiative forms part of a system designed to make listening to citizens a condition for public representatives to respond. Citizens should know in advance where and when …
Assembly of Albania Speaker Niko Peleshi received United States Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt at the Assembly’s headquarters. Peleshi welcomed Wendt and wished him success in his new post. He highlighted the special friendship and strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. Meanwhile, Peleshi stressed the role of the …
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi met electricity producers, members of the Assembly of Albania’s Natural Resources Committee and energy sector officials. The meeting focused on new developments and challenges linked to the rapid growth of renewable energy capacity. Karakaçi said Albania’s new energy law brings the country closer to …