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 Epic Legend “Muji and Halili” Set for Big-Screen Debut
“Muji and Halili,” one of the best-known tales of Albanian epic folklore, will soon reach the big screen in a film directed by Turjan Hysko. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared footage from the film on social media, highlighting its retelling of a legendary story passed down …
Justice Minister Gogu meets Turkish and Georgian counterparts in Istanbul
Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu met his Turkish counterpart, Akın Gurlek, and Georgia’s Justice Minister, Paata Salia, during the International Justice Summit in Istanbul. The meetings covered judicial cooperation and ways to deepen institutional partnerships. Meanwhile, Gogu highlighted the importance of friendly and constructive relations in strengthening cooperation between the …
Himara’s Castle Offers Autumn Visitors Stunning Ionian Views
Himara continues to attract visitors in autumn with its coastal scenery, historic landmarks and spectacular sunsets over the Ionian Sea. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared footage from Himara Castle, where visitors stop to admire the coastline and enjoy the peaceful autumn atmosphere. He encouraged people to …
EU Enlargement Commissioner Kos calls Kosova court law changes unacceptable
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said amendments to the law governing the Kosovo Specialist Chambers violate Kosovo’s fundamental obligations towards the European Union (EU). She called the changes unacceptable on October 12 in Luxembourg. Kos criticised lawmakers for changing legal rules while judicial proceedings remain underway. She warned that …
Albanian skier Lara Colturi is preparing for her next challenge as the new Ski World Cup season gets underway in Sölden, Austria. Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja shared footage of Colturi during training and wished her success in the upcoming competition. “Lara Colturi is ready for her next …
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met with Major General Roberto Vergori, the new commander of NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR), in Tirana on October 20. They discussed KFOR’s role in ensuring security and stability in Kosovo and maintaining peace across the region. During the meeting, Nufi highlighted the importance of KFOR …
Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has reaffirmed the government’s readiness to hold talks with students and citizens, while ruling out dialogue with those who damage public and private property. In an interview with Klan News on October 20, Koçiu condemned the violence during recent protests in Tirana. She said …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has invited protesting students and university lecturers to talks, saying he and his government are ready to meet anyone willing to engage in dialogue. In a video posted on social media on October 20, Rama said he remained available for discussions. To underline his offer, …
Albania will be represented by 12-year-old singer Eslin Kurti at the 2026 Junior Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place in Ta’ Qali, Malta, on October 24. Kurti will perform “Kërce me mua” (“Dance with Me”), a song that aims to bring energy, rhythm and a message of unity through …
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has responded to protests in Albania, Belgium, France, Italy and Portugal. Türk condemned all acts of violence during the demonstrations and called on all parties involved to immediately ease tensions and prevent further escalation. According to the senior UN official, the best …
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 …