World Bank forecasts faster Western Balkans growth as trade costs threaten jobs
The World Bank expects economic growth across the Western Balkans to accelerate in 2026 and strengthen further in 2027. Consumption and investment will support this growth. The region’s economies have remained resilient to shocks and continue to converge with the European Union. However, businesses need more efficient trade rules to …
Albanian MP in Serbia Shaip Kamberi urges Student List to accept Kosova’s independence
Shaip Kamberi, an elected Albanian member of Serbia’s parliament, questioned whether the Student List would change its position on Kosova after the new government takes office. He said Serbian politicians continue to use the Kosova issue for political gain. He also argued that nationalist voters play a key role in …
Fidel Ylli Attends European City of Sport Gala at Italian Olympic Committee
Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) President Fidel Ylli attended the “European City of Sport” Gala as a special guest, representing ACES Europe in his capacity as honorary president for the Balkans. The ceremony took place at the Hall of Honour of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). In his address, …
Justice Ministry outlines proposed amendments on protest violence and legal aid for minors
Deputy Justice Minister Elona Hoxha outlined six proposed legal instruments to prevent violence during protests, property damage and threats to public order. Speaking to Vizion Plus, she said the package aims to protect citizens and institutions while safeguarding the right to peaceful protest. The proposed Criminal Code amendments would penalise …
Albania and Italy extend driving licence agreement for a further five years
Albania and Italy have extended their agreement on the mutual recognition and conversion of driving licences for another five years. Albania’s Council of Ministers has approved the amendment, which continues the arrangement through an exchange of notes. The agreement allows Albanian citizens living in Italy and Italian citizens living in …
Albania proposes EU-aligned rules for cross-border company mergers and restructuring
Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Enkelejd Musabelliu presented a bill on cross-border transformations, mergers and divisions of companies to the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. The bill aims to align Albanian legislation with European Union rules under Chapter 6 on company law. The proposal transposes EU Directive 2019/2121 …
New Bahçallëk Bridge brings modern infrastructure to Shkodër entrance
Construction of the new Bahçallëk Bridge continues at a rapid pace at the entrance to Shkodër. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the works today, highlighting the investment in modern infrastructure. The project aims to improve road safety and ease traffic entering and leaving the city. It will also …
Roza Anagnosti, a distinguished figure of Albanian theatre and cinema
Roza Anagnosti is one of Albania’s most respected theatre and film actresses. Her career spans more than six decades, with performances that have contributed to the country’s artistic heritage. Born Roza Xhuxha in Shkodër on 27 October 1943, she began her artistic career at the Migjeni Theatre. She made her …
Rama Continues Calls for Dialogue as Students Demand His Resignation
Prime Minister Edi Rama continued his calls for dialogue with students on Tuesday, as anti-government protests entered their 15th day. In a social media post, the prime minister shared images of chairs placed outside the Prime Minister’s Office, reiterating his invitation to sit down for talks. Rama’s invitation comes at …
Albanian Manufacturers Oppose 2027 Fiscal Package: Tax Increases Threaten Investment and Competitiveness
The Union of Albanian Manufacturers has expressed opposition to the expected changes in the 2027 fiscal package, calling for consultations with the business community before any decisions affecting enterprises are made. In a statement to the media, the association raised concerns over preliminary proposals that would increase corporate income tax …
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has praised Albania’s progress towards European Union membership. She ranked Albania among the four most advanced candidate countries, alongside Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine. Speaking at the presentation of the European Commission’s 2026 Enlargement Report, Kallas highlighted Albania’s rapid progress. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania had received its strongest assessment yet in the European Commission’s annual Progress Report. He described the report as another source of pride for the country and an encouraging step towards its historic goal of joining the European Union. “Another meaningful and encouraging report card …
Albania is taking an important step towards modernising its payment system through the regional TIPS Clone project. The new system will allow people and businesses to transfer money instantly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko announced that the system is expected to …
Design and innovation take centre stage at Tirana International Fair, with over 70 Italian companies
Design, innovation and business cooperation are in the spotlight at the 32nd Tirana International Fair. More than 70 Italian companies are presenting their products, services and projects, while exploring new opportunities in the Albanian market. The panel “Tradition as a Living Project” brought together Italian companies and design professionals to …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, met with German MP Peter Beyer in Berlin to discuss bilateral relations and Germany’s role in the Western Balkans. Beyer is a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which leads Germany’s governing coalition. He also serves on the Bundestag’s Foreign …
Albania’s Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has called for stronger cooperation among NATO member states to counter hybrid threats, disinformation and malicious online campaigns. In an interview with POLITICO Europe, Nufi warned that these threats aim to undermine public trust, fuel divisions and weaken the resilience of democratic societies. He also …
The European Commission has recognised Albania’s progress in aligning its monetary policy legislation with European Union standards, particularly in safeguarding the independence of the Bank of Albania. In its latest Progress Report on Albania, the Commission notes that the country has achieved a high level of alignment with EU legislation, …
The European Commission today approved its annual Expansion Package, evaluating candidate countries’ achievements over the past year and setting key reform priorities for the future. Expansion remains one of the European Union’s most strategic policies to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity across the continent. Furthermore, this year’s report demonstrates that …
From a family-owned business established in 1999, Besniku Shpk has grown over the years into one of the well-known names in Albania’s agribusiness sector. Operating in both the agricultural and livestock sectors, the company is entering a new phase of growth, marked by business expansion and ambitions to reach new …
TIRANA, November 4 /ATSH/ – A group of young people and citizens gathered again this afternoon in front of the Prime Minister’s Office on “Martyrs of Nation” boulevard, continuing the protests seen over the last few days. Tensions flared in front of the Prime Minister’s Office when police detained two …