Shkodër’s Rozafa Castle undergoes restoration and visitor upgrades
Rozafa Castle in Shkodër is undergoing restoration and redevelopment as part of a project to strengthen the tourism and cultural potential of the Shkodër Archaeological Park. Work has started at the lower section of the castle, where workers are building a parking area to address a long-standing issue for visitors. …
US Coast Guard visits Durrës Port to review security measures
Representatives of the United States Coast Guard visited Durrës Port under the International Port Security Program to review measures and procedures for port security. The delegation received a briefing on the port’s security situation, the implementation of standards under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and cooperation among …
Albania police chief Hita seeks stronger cooperation with international partners
Albania’s State Police Director General Skënder Hita held a series of meetings with senior law enforcement officials from partner countries during the European Police Chiefs Convention. The talks focused on strengthening police cooperation, information sharing and operational coordination. Hita met the directors general of the state police forces of Italy, …
Environment Minister Jaupaj calls for concrete water projects
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj took part in the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in Rome, Italy. He presented Albania’s priorities for a more sustainable water future in Europe and the Mediterranean together with representatives of the European Commission and the Union for the Mediterranean. At the panel on a new European vision …
Vuno village declared historic centre in Himara
Vuno village on the Albanian Riviera has officially been declared a Historic Centre by a decision of Albania’s Council of Ministers. The decision strengthens institutional protection for the village’s architectural and historical heritage while creating new opportunities for tourism and the local economy. Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo described the decision …
Future Hospitality Forum to showcase 100 Albanian hotel projects
More than 100 Albanian hotel projects will go before international investors and hotel operators on October 2 in Tirana. The Albanian Investment Development Agency will host the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 for the first time. The event will take place at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The forum …
PM Rama: Five projects to compete for redevelopment in Rinia Park
Prime Minister Edi Rama said five architectural proposals would compete in an international competition for the redevelopment of the “Taiwan” building in Tirana’s Rinia Park. He made the statement while presenting the Tirana Fountain Tower project. Rama said the capital now has different needs and ambitions from those of previous …
Albania welcomes joint Albanian list in Presheva Valley for Serbia elections
Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs welcomed the agreement among Albanian political parties and entities in the Presheva Valley to run on a joint list in Serbia’s October 25, 2026 parliamentary elections. The ministry congratulated the Albanian political actors in the Presheva Valley for what it described as responsibility, …
Saint Quiricus and Julitta Monastery in Dropull, Gjirokastër Region, undergoes restoration
The Saint Quiricus and Julitta Monastery in Dhuvjan, Dropull, Gjirokastër Region, is undergoing restoration with support from the World Monuments Fund. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja inspected the current phase of the project. The project also includes trail signs linking the area’s monuments. Gonxhja said the work will …
Irish referees appointed for Finland-Albania match
UEFA has appointed an Irish refereeing team for Saturday’s Finland-Albania match. Rob Hennessy will serve as the referee. The 35-year-old Hennessy has held international status since 2017. In addition to officiating matches in the Irish league, he has refereed two UEFA Conference League games this season. Saturday’s match will be …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said energy and transport links play a key role in economic growth and Albania’s integration with the European market. She made the remarks after meeting Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi. Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Albania in …
EU member states have approved an intergovernmental conference with Albania on October 13 in Luxembourg, paving the way for the provisional closure of Chapter 20 on Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) approved the meeting after reviewing Albania’s progress on business development and industrial reforms. Chapter …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has moved closer to its historic goal of joining the European Union after the bloc gave the green light to close negotiations on Chapter 20, which covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. In a social media post, Rama said the latest development strengthens Albania’s prospects …
Albania recorded around 788,000 euro transfers worth €8.7 billion during its first 11 months in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). The system has significantly reduced cross-border payment costs for individuals and businesses since it began operating in Albania on October 7, 2025. Bank of Albania data show that individuals …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met Albanian students studying at Gülhane Faculty of Medicine, part of the University of Health Sciences in Ankara, Türkiye. They discussed student life, their experiences abroad, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and their vision for Albania’s future. Nufi said the students’ presence at the Turkish university …
President Bajram Begaj has awarded US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin the title of Commander of the Supreme Order of the Eagle for their contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt attended the ceremony at the Palace of …
Tirana will host the 11th Golden Age Gym Festival from October 1 to 7, 2028, bringing together more than 2,000 participants from across Europe. The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) announced that its executive board unanimously approved Tirana’s bid, citing Albania’s organisational capacity. The Albanian Gymnastics Federation initiated the bid …
Albania, Greece and North Macedonia have launched preparations for a joint bid to add the Prespa region to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The initiative aims to protect the area’s natural, historical and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and creating new opportunities for local communities. The European Union will provide …
Tirana will host Japanese Cultural Week from October 14 to 18, offering five days of activities that showcase Japan’s traditions, art, architecture, cuisine, cinema and martial arts. The programme will feature traditional tea ceremonies, Japanese food demonstrations, exhibitions, film screenings and judo and karate competitions. On October 16, visitors can …
Archaeologists have begun excavating the upper city’s defensive walls at Butrint for the first time, seeking new evidence about the ancient city’s fortifications and urban development. The research forms part of the “Urban Topography of Butrint in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages” project, which examines the site’s evolution between …