Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs
While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here
ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases
TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …
Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …
Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht
TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …
Summer Afternoon Draws Crowds of Tourists to Durrës
Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …
Special anti-corruption prosecution chief: Strategy targets 70% cut in case backlog
TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …
PM Rama: Albania develops first artificial intelligence model for public procurement
TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …
Former Kosova President Thaçi sends message to citizens
TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …
Valbona Valley draws global travelers to Albania’s wild north
TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …
Foreign Tourists Visit Gjirokastër, Praise Nature, History and Hospitality
Foreign tourists visiting Gjirokastër continue to share positive impressions of Albania, highlighting the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Mirela Kumbaro shared on social media comments from visitors exploring the UNESCO-listed stone city. Tourists from several European countries expressed admiration for Albania’s landscapes, beaches, and cultural heritage. A …
TIRANA, July 15 – Albania will repeal the law on Strategic Investments and review the law on Protected Areas to align it with European Union standards, Prime Minister Edi Rama said. Rama made the statement during a press conference after the 9th Albania–EU Intergovernmental Conference. The prime minister said Albania …
TIRANA, July 15 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Most of the country will see clear skies. However, northern and eastern mountainous areas may have occasional light to moderate clouds. Meanwhile, the weather will remain mostly clear after midday. Northern and …
TIRANA, July 15 – Albania is gaining international attention as an affordable summer destination, according to an article by Alba Sole Ingla published in the Catalan media outlet “El Nacional”. The article highlights Albania’s crystal-clear beaches, mountain landscapes, historical cities and rich gastronomy as key attractions for visitors seeking alternatives …
TIRANA, July 15 – Albania is on the right path in its European integration process, but the next phase will require intensive work, Socialist Party MP Romina Kuko said. Speaking on RTSH1’s “Trialog” programme hosted by Alba Alishani, Kuko said Albania successfully passed the first stage of negotiations with the …
TIRANA, July 15 – Albania has provisionally closed its first 3 European Union negotiation chapters: Chapter 25 on Science and Research, Chapter 26 on Education and Culture, and Chapter 30 on External Relations. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the 9th Albania–EU Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels and described it …
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports inaugurated the artistic installation “Sounds That Speak” by artist Ergys Krisiko. The artwork previously won a grant from the “Heritage is Our Brand” programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by DMO Albania and the EU Policy Hub/Forum for Integration Policies in …
TIRANA, July 15 – Albania marks the anniversary of the death of patriot Çerçiz Topulli, who was executed by Montenegrin forces in Shkodër on July 15, 1915. Born in Gjirokastër, Topulli completed his early education in his hometown before continuing his studies in Ioannina. He later joined the Secret Committee …
TIRANA, July 15 – Albania collected 93.9 billion Albanian Lek (€939 million) in social security contributions during the first half of 2026, marking a 10.9% increase compared with the same period last year. According to data published by the Agency for Media and Information, several factors supported the growth. These …
TIRANA, July 15 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi hosted a courtesy meeting with German Armed Forces Chief of Defence General Carsten Breuer during his official visit to Tirana. The two officials highlighted the strong relations between Albania and Germany in defence and security. They also praised Germany’s role as a …
TIRANA, July 15 – More than 41,000 farmers have applied for the 2026 National Support Scheme, which includes 12 support measures for the agriculture sector. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla met with farmers from Pogradec and Korça to discuss applications, sector challenges and financial support planned for …