Albania to close fourth EU accession negotiation chapter on Tuesday
Albania expects to close Chapter 20 of its European Union accession negotiations on Tuesday. The chapter covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The intergovernmental conference will follow approval by representatives of EU member states. They approved the decision through the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER). This step will bring Albania’s provisionally …
Saranda Port Handles Nearly 688,000 Passengers as Tourist Ship Arrivals Rise
Saranda Port handled 687,594 passengers in the first nine months of 2026, a slight increase from 686,398 during the same period last year. Tourist ship arrivals also rose, reflecting the port’s continued role in southern Albania’s tourism sector. Hatixhe Ismaili, who oversees ship and ferry operations at the port, told …
Albania increases PhD funding to over 600,000 euros
Albania has opened its 2026 call for doctoral study funding, with a budget exceeding 600,000 euros. The Ministry of Education and the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation are running the programme. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said the scheme had entered its second year with clearer rules and much …
Kolonjë Attracts More Foreign Tourists with Natural Beauty and Improved Access
Kolonjë is attracting growing numbers of visitors throughout the year, thanks to its rich natural landscapes and the warm hospitality of local residents. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared autumn footage of the southeastern Albanian region on social media, showing tourists cycling along scenic roads and enjoying its fresh air and …
Kosova PM Kurti: Council of Europe and Interpol membership would benefit citizens
Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti said greater international integration would benefit citizens, particularly through membership in the Council of Europe and Interpol. Speaking at the opening of the 12th Diplomatic School for young diplomats, Kurti highlighted Kosova’s progress through diplomacy and international cooperation. He said Council of Europe membership would …
Albania launches price comparison platform and discount scheme
Albania has launched two initiatives to help households compare prices and reduce shopping costs. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented the online Price Comparison platform and the “KURSE” (Save On Shopping) discount scheme. The platform lists 238 products across 13 categories. Consumers can check prices at 155 sales outlets …
PM Rama announces fixed prices for over 200 products until January 2027
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced an agreement with five major food retailers to keep prices unchanged on more than 200 products until January 12, 2027. The agreement forms part of Albania’s Price Comparison platform and the “KURSE” (Save on Shopping) initiative. Rama said the initiative aims to protect consumers …
Albania in the EU Enlargement Process – Marta Kos: Membership Requires Strategic Alignment
Albania is among four countries for which the European Union plans to hold intergovernmental conferences, in a development that Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos described as evidence that the European integration process is moving forward. In her statement from Brussels, Kos mentioned Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine, stressing that countries making …
Albania and Israel Sign General Cooperation Agreement, Hoxha Hosts Israeli Counterpart Sa’ar
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha welcomed his Israeli counterpart, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, on an official visit to Tirana on Monday morning. The meeting focused on further strengthening bilateral relations between Albania and Israel, as well as exchanging views on regional and global security challenges, including Albania’s …
“Kuq e Zi”: New Children’s Book Combines Poetry, History and Games
Albanian children’s author Rovena Rrozhani has released “Kuq e Zi,” a new book that introduces young readers to Albania’s Independence, the Albanian language and the role of Albanian-language schools in preserving national identity. The book pays tribute to Ismail Qemali and the patriots who fought for Albania’s independence. It also …
Albanian and Turkish naval forces held a joint exercise in the Bay of Vlora and the naval base in it. The activity took place under NATO’s Neptune Strike 26-4 programme. The exercise involved Turkish warships TCG Anadolu and TCG Gaziantep, aircraft and the Albanian Boarding Team. According to the Ministry …
Kosova remains at Tier 2 in the US State Department’s 2025 report on human trafficking. The report notes more funding for victim assistance and more convictions, but highlights gaps in law enforcement, identifying children forced to beg and providing long-term support. Police investigated four trafficking cases in 2025, down from …
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 …
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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. …