COMMENT – EU Considers Bringing Albania and Montenegro into EU Institutions Before Membership
Countries such as Albania and Montenegro could send a commissioner to Brussels before formally joining the European Union. The European Commission is considering the idea as part of new plans, Magnus Lund Nielsen and Eddy Wax report, citing Rapporteur. Senior EU officials are considering ways to increase the involvement of …
Hoxha Meets Troccaz: France’s Support Is Strategically Important for Albania’s EU Path
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with France’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, René Troccaz, during his stay in Pržno, Montenegro. The two officials discussed Albania’s European Union accession process, developments in the Western Balkans and the strategic importance of strengthening regional cooperation, connectivity and security. …
“Tirana Fountain Tower”: Mixed-Use Building and Public Space Transformation at Rinia Park
Danish architecture studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has won the international competition for the “Tirana Fountain Tower” project. The project includes a mixed-use building and plans to transform the public space at Rinia Park in the capital. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video presenting the project today. He said …
EU Ambassador: When Albania Joins, It Will Also Make Our Union Stronger
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa praised Albania’s progress toward EU membership after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Tirana. In a social media post, Moreira de Sousa thanked von der Leyen for visiting Albania and thanked the Albanian authorities for their hospitality. “The goal is …
Hoxha Meets Wadephul: Reform Agenda Key to Albania’s European Future
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with German Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul today during the ministerial meeting of the Berlin Process in Pržno, Montenegro. The two ministers held substantive talks focused on Albania’s European path. Hoxha expressed his appreciation for Germany’s clear, consistent and continued support …
Tirana Hosts 40th ACI Europe Regional Airports Forum
Tirana International Airport welcomed representatives of regional airports, aviation organizations and industry partners from across Europe on the first day of the 40th Regional Airports Forum of Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe). One of the main highlights of the event was the presentation of a new publication, “European Regional …
European Commission President von der Leyen to visit Kosova, meet Haxhiu and Kurti
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visits Kosova today for meetings with its institutional leaders. She first meets acting President Albulena Haxhiu at the Presidency. Von der Leyen then meets Prime Minister Albin Kurti at the Government building. Kurti and von der Leyen are to hold a press conference …
Economy Minister Ibrahimaj in Montenegro: Focus remains on closer ties with European market
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj took part in the Berlin Process Economic Ministerial in Cetinje, Montenegro. Ministers from the six Western Balkan countries, European Commission representatives, regional organizations and international financial institutions also attended. Discussions focused on the Regional Common Market action plan, economic cooperation and closer alignment with …
Foreign Minister Hoxha in Montenegro: Enlargement supports a more stable Europe
Foreign Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha takes part in the Berlin Process Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Przno, Montenegro. He reaffirms Albania’s commitment to a safer, more competitive and better-connected Western Balkans. Hoxha says Western Balkan security and European security are inseparable. He describes enlargement as a response …
EU Enlargement Commissioner Kos outlines gradual integration and praises Albania’s progress
European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos says Albania is progressing very well in its European Union integration process. She highlights Albania among the countries leading the current enlargement process. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Kos also says Western Balkan countries will soon receive roaming benefits. Kos discusses the …
Albania will continue to support NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosovo to help maintain security and regional stability, Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces Arben Kingji said on Sunday. Kingji met KFOR Commander Major General Özkan Ulutaş as he prepared to end his term leading the NATO …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Malësia e Madhe and Përmet have transformed over the past decade, emerging as tourist destinations with growing economic potential. Speaking in the fifth episode of the seventh season of his “FLASIM” podcast, Rama recalled that both areas once seemed to offer few opportunities for development. …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has criticized Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić for pledging during an election campaign to “raise the Serbian flag again in Kosovo.” Hoxha described the remarks as provocative and threatening, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could encourage dangerous actions. He cited the 2023 …
Albania is taking steps to align its tax legislation with European Union standards by implementing DAC8, which requires the collection and exchange of information on crypto-asset transactions. The General Directorate of Taxes said the rapid growth of the digital economy makes greater tax transparency and stronger international cooperation increasingly important. …
Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Croatian President Zoran Milanović have congratulated Justina Shiroka-Pula on taking office as Kosovo’s president, expressing support for stronger bilateral ties and Kosovo’s European integration. Mattarella called for deeper cooperation between Italy and Kosovo, reaffirming Italy’s support, including through its participation in NATO’s KFOR mission. He …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, French Ambassador Catherine Suard and EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa attended Rodeo, a performance by the French Grenade dance company, at the “Let’s Stay Together” Community Center in Kombinat, Tirana. Koçiu said the event brought art closer to the community while promoting …
President Bajram Begaj visited Dibër this weekend and attended the closing ceremony of the 32nd edition of the “Oda Dibrane” festival. During his visit, he also met Dibër Mayor Rahim Spahiu to discuss local development projects, challenges, cultural heritage and tourism potential. Begaj described the festival as a symbol of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia on Sunday, including a deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Rama expressed Albania’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people. He also offered condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He stressed …
Albania’s Abissnet Superiore resumed this weekend after the international break for Nations League matches, with Teuta extending their winning streak and Elbasani sharing the points with Vora. Teuta beat Skënderbeu 2-0 at the Niko Dovana Stadium to secure their fifth consecutive victory and maintain top spot in the standings. Kallaku …
Albania and Italy are strengthening cultural cooperation to preserve and digitize their shared film heritage. Albanian Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli visited the Central State Film Archive, where they viewed rare footage documenting the history of relations between the two countries. …