President Begaj Sets May 9, 2027, as Date for Local Elections in Albania
President Bajram Begaj has decreed May 9, 2027, as the date for the next local government elections in Albania. In an official statement, the Presidency announced that the decision was made following consultations with representatives of political parties represented in Parliament and the State Election Commissioner. The consultations were attended …
EU Enlargement Draft: Kosovo Makes No Progress in Fundamental Areas
The European Commission is set to adopt and publish its annual EU progress reports on Wednesday, November 4, along with the enlargement package. According to draft versions of these documents, Kosovo is among the countries that have made no progress or have recorded only limited progress in most areas. The …
Pope Leo XIV Welcomes Albanian Bishops and Diocesan Administrators in Rome
Pope Leo XIV welcomes the bishops and diocesan administrators of Albania in a private audience at the Vatican during their Ad Limina Apostolorum visit, a periodic visit made by bishops from each country to the Vatican every five years. During the meeting, which lasted more than an hour, the bishops …
Albania’s 2027 Fiscal Package Sparks Backlash Over Higher Taxes and Investment Risks
The American Chamber of Commerce warns of risks to foreign investment as the government’s 2027 fiscal package faces growing opposition from businesses, lawmakers and economists. by Sidonja Manushi TIRANA, Albania – Albania’s government has unveiled a controversial 2027 fiscal package, proposing significant changes to value-added tax, dividend taxation, personal income …
Migjeni, the Albanian writer who challenged social injustice through literature
Migjeni remains one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Albanian literature. Through his poetry and prose, he challenged social injustice, exposed poverty and gave a voice to people living on the margins of society. Born Millosh Gjergj Nikolla in Shkodër on October 13, 1911, he adopted the pen name …
Religious communities unite to address climate change and environmental protection
Religious leaders, local officials and civil society representatives met in Elbasan to discuss environmental protection and climate change. They called for stronger cooperation between faith communities, public institutions and schools. The meeting took place at the Elbasan Prefecture during Democracy Week. The Woman Center for Development and Culture Albania launched …
International art colony celebrates Albanian painter Vangjush Mio
Korçë has welcomed Albanian and international artists for the 16th edition of the “Days of Mio” International Art Symposium, dedicated to renowned Albanian painter Vangjush Mio. The event opened on October 28 at the Vangjush Mio House Museum. It brings artists together to share ideas, exchange experiences and explore the …
Albania inspects Kanina Castle as conservation work continues
Albania’s National Institute of Cultural Heritage has inspected Kanina Castle to assess the condition of its historic structures and review conservation work completed so far. During the inspection, specialists examined the fortress and focused on protecting its architectural features and historical authenticity. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja stressed …
Former diplomat Bashkim Zeneli passes away
Former Albanian diplomat, politician and publicist Bashkim Zeneli has passed away. Assembly Speaker Niko Peleshi paid tribute to Zeneli, extending condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. He described him as an early intellectual figure in the Socialist Party who devoted much of his life to public service. Peleshi also …
Spille wind farm set to begin construction, with operations planned for 2028
Albania has signed an agreement with Austrian energy company VERBUND to begin construction of the Spille wind farm. The 72.6-megawatt project is ready for construction, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said. Commercial operations are expected to start in the first quarter of 2028. The project marks a major step …
Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu met Montenegro’s Minister of Human and Minority Rights, Fatmir Gjeka, in Podgorica to discuss minority rights, representation and access to justice. Their talks also covered legislative changes and efforts to combat discrimination. Gogu stressed the importance of ensuring equal access to justice. He also highlighted …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi, inspected construction work on the 21-kilometre Tirana bypass. The project aims to ease traffic and divert vehicles away from the capital. Rama said work was progressing well and highlighted the road’s strategic role in connecting the Blue Corridor …
Albania coach Rolando Maran has announced his squad for the national team’s final two Nations League matches against Finland and Belarus. Albania will face Finland at Air Albania Stadium on 12 November before travelling to Hungary to play Belarus behind closed doors on 15 November. The main surprise is the …
Albania is planning new rules for the administration, maintenance and restoration of museums, cultural monuments and other heritage sites. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has opened public consultation on amendments to the law on cultural heritage and museums. The draft aims to strengthen protection and sustainable management while …
An exhibition titled “Kosovo through Kadare’s Eyes” opened on Friday at the National Library of Kosovo “Pjetër Bogdani” in Pristina, marking the 90th anniversary of the birth of renowned Albanian writer Ismail Kadare. The exhibition was organised by the Embassy of Albania in Kosovo, the National Library of Kosovo and …
Albania plans to introduce a new inspection system in 2027 to reduce bureaucracy, simplify procedures and create a more business-friendly environment. Prime Minister Edi Rama has pledged to end unannounced inspections and make the process more transparent. The announcement came during the conference “Invest & Comply in Albania – Inspection …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has called for stronger regional cooperation as a key driver of European integration. Hoxha made the remarks at the ministerial meeting of the Central European Initiative (CEI), held in Bucharest, Romania. He stressed that regional cooperation had become more important than …
Albania’s fight against corruption remains a crucial test of its European integration process, Justice Minister Toni Gogu said, stressing the need to align national legislation with European Union standards and strengthen regional cooperation. Gogu made the remarks during the session on the judicial dimension of the fight against corruption at …
Dutch Ambassador to Albania Marleen Monster has said recent protests reflect growing dissatisfaction and tension in Albanian society, while strongly condemning the violence accompanying the demonstrations. Speaking during a visit to Korçë, where she met with law enforcement representatives to discuss media freedom, Monster stressed that citizens have the right …
The Albanian Academy of Sciences and the Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities have signed a new cooperation agreement to strengthen institutional ties and expand scientific collaboration between the two countries. The agreement followed a two-day official visit by an Israeli delegation led by Academy President David Harel. The President …