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EU Ambassador: Democracy is measured not only by elections, but also by Parliament’s role

EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa addressed an Interparliamentary Conference on Monday, attended by representatives of Albanian institutions, the European Parliament and national parliaments from across Europe. She said Albania’s path towards the European Union has transformed the country, but stressed that this transformation must continue. She also noted that …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: September 28, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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Albanian MPs join regional meeting on parliamentary integrity

A delegation of the Albanian Parliament took part in the Regional Parliamentary Anti-Corruption Clinic in Beciq, Montenegro, on September 24–26. MPs Milva Ekonomi, Antoneta Dhima and Kliti Hoti represented the Parliament. The National Democratic Institute organised the event with the Parliament of Montenegro. The meeting brought together MPs and parliamentary …

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Speaker Peleshi: Public support in EU states key to Albania’s accession

Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi said direct engagement with citizens and communities in EU member states is essential for the success of Albania’s EU integration process. He made the remarks at a conference with representatives of Albanian institutions and the European Parliament. Peleshi said enlargement cannot rely only on political …

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Health Minister Spahiu: Health structures to be reorganised around citizens’ needs

Health and Social Protection Minister Klodiana Spahiu visited health facilities in Mallakastër to review investments, services and staff work. The visit took place as part of a process to restructure and reorganise health facilities. The process aims to align their capacities with community needs. Spahiu said the reorganisation aims to …

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PM Rama: EU must not leave Western Balkans behind again

Prime Minister Edi Rama has called on the European Union not to leave the Western Balkans behind again. He said failure to integrate the region would also be a major failure for Europe. Rama spoke at the Inter-parliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership”. He said Albania …

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EU Enlargement Commissioner Kos says Albania is on track for membership

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is on the right track toward European Union membership in an interview with France 24. She included Albania among four countries currently making the most progress in the accession process. Kos described 2026 as a high-paced year for EU enlargement. She said …

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European Parliament Albania rapporteur Schieder: Albania can join EU within decade

Andreas Schieder, the European Parliament rapporteur for Albania, said the country has entered the final phase of its EU membership negotiations. He said Albania can close the remaining chapters within the set deadlines. Schieder spoke at the Interparliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership” in Tirana. He …

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EU ambassador Moreira de Sousa: Albania advances, but reforms must be implemented

European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said Albania has entered a new phase of its EU membership process. She noted that the country has opened all six negotiating clusters and provisionally closed three. Moreira de Sousa spoke at a conference with representatives of Albanian institutions and the …

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European Parliament foreign affairs chief McAllister: EU should advance talks as Albania reforms

European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman David McAllister said the European Union should advance membership negotiations whenever countries meet reform conditions. He spoke at the Interparliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership” in Tirana. McAllister said Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has increased the strategic importance of EU …

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Kosova Assembly elects Justina Shiroka Pula as president

The Kosova Assembly elected Justina Shiroka Pula as president on October 6, ending a political crisis in a 13-minute vote. The vote took place in the final hour of the constitutional deadline. The Democratic Party of Kosova (PDK) accepted Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s proposal to nominate Shiroka Pula. She secured …

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PM Rama congratulates new Kosova president on election

Prime Minister Edi Rama has congratulated Justina Shiroka Pula on her election as president of Kosova. In a post on X, he described her election as a challenging moment for Kosova, the region and Europe. “Warm congratulations to renowned academic Justina Shiroka Pula on your election as President of the …

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President Begaj congratulates new Kosova president

Albanian President Bajram Begaj has congratulated Justina Shiroka Pula on her election as president of Kosova. In a message on social media, Begaj said Albania and Kosova would stand together in facing challenges and on their path towards a European future. “Warm congratulations, Justina Shiroka Pula, on your election as …

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Gonxhja: British-Ukrainian Cultural Week starts today

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced that the 2026 British-Ukrainian Cultural Week starts today and will run through October 12. For the first time, the two Cultural Weeks are taking place together. The joint program brings British and Ukrainian culture together. It also sends a strong message …

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Gonxhja: Ravel’s “Unseen” and “Boléro” bring contemporary dance to TKOB stage

The music of Maurice Ravel will meet contemporary dance on the stage of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB) through “Unseen” and “Boléro,” two works by choreographer Andonis Foniadakis, as part of the fifth edition of the International Dance Festival of Tirana (IDFT). Minister of Tourism, Culture and …

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Clear skies and clouds expected, temperatures up to 28 degrees Celsius

Albania will have stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with periods of moderate and locally dense clouds. Cloud cover will be more pronounced in mountainous areas. Meanwhile, southwest to southeast winds will reach average speeds of 8 metres per …

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PM Rama: 2027 budget exceeds 10 billion euros

Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s 2027 draft budget will exceed 10 billion euros. He highlighted the redistribution of more revenue from sustained economic growth. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the main priorities. The government plans to double payments for children with disabilities. It will also recognise social security and …

News
President Begaj decrees law on Albania’s military participation in Gaza

President Bajram Begaj has decreed Law No. 98/2026 on the participation of Albania’s Armed Forces in the military operation of the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. The Assembly approved the initiative following a proposal from the Council of Ministers. The law sets the maximum number of Albanian personnel at 40. …

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Albania beat San Marino 2-1 to take top spot in Nations League group

Albania beat San Marino 2-1 at Air Albania Stadium in the fourth match of the UEFA Nations League. The win moved Albania to the top of Group 1 in League C with nine points. Albania dominated the first half and created several chances. Kristjan Asllani opened the scoring in the …

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Canadian travel media Milesopedia highlights Albania as Balkan secret

Canadian travel media Milesopedia presents Albania as an attractive destination for travellers seeking good value for money. In an article by Marie-Eve Leclerc, the outlet highlights the Albanian Riviera, World Heritage sites, natural landscapes and local hospitality. Leclerc spent a week working remotely in Tirana before returning to explore more …

News

Kosova Assembly elects Justina Shiroka Pula as president

The Kosova Assembly elected Justina Shiroka Pula as president on October 6, ending a political crisis in a 13-minute vote. The vote took place in the final hour of the constitutional deadline. The Democratic Party of Kosova (PDK) accepted Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s proposal to nominate Shiroka Pula. She secured …

News

PM Rama congratulates new Kosova president on election

Prime Minister Edi Rama has congratulated Justina Shiroka Pula on her election as president of Kosova. In a post on X, he described her election as a challenging moment for Kosova, the region and Europe. “Warm congratulations to renowned academic Justina Shiroka Pula on your election as President of the …

News

President Begaj congratulates new Kosova president

Albanian President Bajram Begaj has congratulated Justina Shiroka Pula on her election as president of Kosova. In a message on social media, Begaj said Albania and Kosova would stand together in facing challenges and on their path towards a European future. “Warm congratulations, Justina Shiroka Pula, on your election as …

News

Gonxhja: British-Ukrainian Cultural Week starts today

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced that the 2026 British-Ukrainian Cultural Week starts today and will run through October 12. For the first time, the two Cultural Weeks are taking place together. The joint program brings British and Ukrainian culture together. It also sends a strong message …

News

Gonxhja: Ravel’s “Unseen” and “Boléro” bring contemporary dance to TKOB stage

The music of Maurice Ravel will meet contemporary dance on the stage of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB) through “Unseen” and “Boléro,” two works by choreographer Andonis Foniadakis, as part of the fifth edition of the International Dance Festival of Tirana (IDFT). Minister of Tourism, Culture and …

News

Clear skies and clouds expected, temperatures up to 28 degrees Celsius

Albania will have stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with periods of moderate and locally dense clouds. Cloud cover will be more pronounced in mountainous areas. Meanwhile, southwest to southeast winds will reach average speeds of 8 metres per …

News

PM Rama: 2027 budget exceeds 10 billion euros

Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s 2027 draft budget will exceed 10 billion euros. He highlighted the redistribution of more revenue from sustained economic growth. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the main priorities. The government plans to double payments for children with disabilities. It will also recognise social security and …

News

President Begaj decrees law on Albania’s military participation in Gaza

President Bajram Begaj has decreed Law No. 98/2026 on the participation of Albania’s Armed Forces in the military operation of the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. The Assembly approved the initiative following a proposal from the Council of Ministers. The law sets the maximum number of Albanian personnel at 40. …

News

Albania beat San Marino 2-1 to take top spot in Nations League group

Albania beat San Marino 2-1 at Air Albania Stadium in the fourth match of the UEFA Nations League. The win moved Albania to the top of Group 1 in League C with nine points. Albania dominated the first half and created several chances. Kristjan Asllani opened the scoring in the …

News

Canadian travel media Milesopedia highlights Albania as Balkan secret

Canadian travel media Milesopedia presents Albania as an attractive destination for travellers seeking good value for money. In an article by Marie-Eve Leclerc, the outlet highlights the Albanian Riviera, World Heritage sites, natural landscapes and local hospitality. Leclerc spent a week working remotely in Tirana before returning to explore more …