Former Intelligence Chief Accused of Blackmailing Leading Investigative Journalist
Vlora Hyseni’s public accusation against Klodiana Lala has triggered an unusually broad reaction from journalists’ organizations and opposition politicians, while raising a deeper question: was Albania’s intelligence service collecting information on investigative journalists, and could such information have been used to intimidate them? Tirana Times, September 24, 2026 – Klodiana …
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development raises Albania growth forecast to 3.5%
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has raised its forecast for Albania’s economic growth in 2026 to 3.5%, from 3.4% in June. The bank linked the revision to reforms and investment related to European Union accession. Albania’s economy grew by 3.8% in 2025 and by 3.7% in the first …
Archaeological research resumes at Paleolithic settlement in Gajtan near Shkodër
Archaeological research has resumed for a second consecutive year in Gajtan village, east of Shkodër, near the Gajtan Cave. The work forms part of the Gajtan Paleolithic Archaeological Research in Albania project. Archaeologist Rudens Ruka leads the project, which brings together Albania’s Institute of Archaeology and several French research institutions. …
FM Hoxha meets EU vice-president Kallas, reaffirms Albania’s commitment to regional cooperation
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended a lunch hosted by European Commission Vice-President and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. Western Balkan leaders and foreign ministers also attended. The discussions focused on current developments in the Western Balkans, regional challenges and closer …
Excellence and internship programmes offer entry to Albania’s public administration
The Excellence Programme and the National Internship Programme are government initiatives that help young graduates enter Albania’s public administration. The two programmes differ in the type and duration of the opportunity they offer. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared the experiences of two young women who have joined the public …
Albania collects record 164.9 billion ALL in customs revenue
Albania’s Customs Administration collected a record 164.9 billion ALL in revenue during the first eight months of 2026. The figure is 6.8 billion ALL higher than in the same period last year. According to the General Directorate of Customs, the result reflects stronger import activity, improved administration and tighter controls. …
President Begaj meets Albania’s top security officials
President Bajram Begaj met with Interior Minister Ervin Demo, General Director of the State Police Skënder Hita and acting State Intelligence Service director Elvis Lila on September 24. The Presidency said Begaj discussed current issues with the three officials. The meetings came after the Special Prosecution Office investigated former State …
Tirana-Durres railway and airport link targeted for 2027
Albania aims to improve its railway network in the coming years. Major projects will strengthen links between Tirana, Durrës, the airport and regional transport corridors. Deputy Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enkelejda Muçaj said the Tirana-Durrës railway and its connection to Tirana International Airport should become operational by that date. She …
Durrës Port handles more than 2.78 million tonnes of goods in eight months
Durrës Port handled more than 2.78 million tonnes of goods and 1,432 vessels during the first eight months of the year. The figures cover the January-August period. The port reported a high level of activity during the period. Durrës Port remains one of Albania’s main hubs for maritime transport and …
China: Development, Openness and Cooperation
By H.E. Ms. Pang Chunxue, Ambassador of the Republic of China to the Republic of Albania Seventy-seven years ago, Chairman Mao Zedong proudly declared to the world: “The Chinese people have stood up!” Through reform and opening-up, China has become prosperous and has developed into the world’s second-largest economy. Today, …
Albania continues to attract foreign tourists with its coastline, natural landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. Tourism remains one of the country’s most important economic sectors. At the same time, a longer tourism season creates new opportunities for local businesses and supports employment growth. Prime Minister Edi Rama today …
The xhubleta, one of the most distinctive elements of Albania’s cultural heritage, now features on a new postage stamp. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today that the new philatelic issue by Albanian Post aims to promote the history, values and symbolism of the traditional garment. “The xhubleta, this precious part …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that the “Flamingo Mirror” platform recorded more than 127,000 searches within its first 24 hours online. He described the platform as marking a new era of transparency. In a social media post, Rama said that “Flamingo Mirror” recorded 3,397 page searches during its first …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today that growing interest from international brands in Albania highlights the country’s tourism potential and investor confidence in the sector’s continued development. Gonxhja referred to the “Future Hospitality Forum,” which took place in Tirana several days ago. He said Albania has …
A delegation from the Albanian Customs Administration, led by Director General Besmir Beja, held its first coordination meeting in Brussels with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD). The meeting focused on implementing the European Union’s digital customs systems and achieving full interoperability with the EU’s …
Albanian emigrants from different parts of Germany gathered outside the German Parliament in Berlin on Sunday for a protest under the slogan “Not in My Name.” The rally was organized to express opposition to the guilty verdicts handed down by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers against former leaders of the Kosovo …
Parliament will hold a series of parliamentary committee meetings on October 5, ahead of the plenary session scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. At the center of attention is the draft law “On the Administrative-Territorial Division of Local Government Units in the Republic of Albania,” which will be discussed and …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Sunday that more than 127,000 searches were recorded within 24 hours of the launch of the “Flamingo Mirror” platform, which he described as marking a new era of transparency. In a Facebook post, Rama said that in its first 24 hours, “Flamingo Mirror” recorded …
The parliamentary group of the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV) submitted a request on Sunday for the Kosovo Assembly to hold a plenary session on Monday at 9:00 a.m. The requested session is also expected to consider amendments to the Law on the Specialist Chambers, commonly known as the Law on the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced the creation of a National Council for children with disabilities, aimed at introducing a new approach to relations between institutions, children and their families. The announcement was made during the “Flasim” podcast, where part of the discussion focused on support for children on the …