Bank of Albania, World Bank step up cooperation on digital payments
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with a World Bank delegation to discuss Albania’s economic performance, EU integration and payment-system modernization. Sejko said the economy continues to perform well, supported by growth, stronger employment and incomes, and financial stability. He also highlighted Albania’s progress toward EU standards. The talks …
Lek strengthens against major foreign currencies on domestic market
The lek strengthened against major foreign currencies in the domestic foreign exchange market on Wednesday, compared with the previous day. According to the official exchange rate published by the Bank of Albania, the euro fell by 0.05 lek, to 92.02 lek, while the US dollar dropped by 0.19 lek, to …
“Balkans meet in Trieste”, FM Hoxha: Enlargement is Europe’s strength
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, was among the keynote speakers at the “Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference. Italy’s ANSA news agency organized the event. The conference took place during the 34th General Assembly of the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE). The Friuli …
FM Hoxha: Kosovo, an independent state and should be recognized; Regional cooperation remains a major priority
Speaking at the “Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference, Hoxha also addressed Albania’s positions on Kosovo, stressing that Albania considers it an independent state that should receive international recognition. “We have fundamental differences with Serbia over Kosovo,” he said. “Kosovo is an independent state and should be recognized.” At the same …
Gjirokastër’s Cold War Museum unveils new exhibition on Albania’s communist past
The Cold War Museum in Gjirokastër has unveiled a new exhibition inside the city’s historic underground bunker. The central hall now features uniforms worn by soldiers, generals and officials during Albania’s communist era. Visitors can also see banned books, newspaper articles from the 1950s to the 1990s, and publications by …
National Energy Plan Sets 100% Electric Vehicle Target for Public Procurement
Albania plans to gradually shift public administration toward electric vehicles. Under the new target, public institutions must procure new light vehicles that are either fully electric or plug-in hybrids. The target forms part of the revised National Energy and Climate Plan 2020–2030. The plan introduces several measures to cut transport …
Kumbaro at PISA ministerial panel: “We want more spaces where children can excel”
The PISA 2025 results show a major improvement in Albanian students’ performance. Scores rose by 65 points in mathematics, 59 points in science and 50 points in reading. As a result, Albania ranks among the Western Balkans’ strongest performers in mathematics and science. The results were presented in Bratislava at …
BBC: ‘Tirana teeth’: Albania hopes to be the new Turkey for dental work
BBC reports on Tirana’s growing dental tourism industry, as Albania seeks to establish itself as a cheaper alternative to Turkey for international patients seeking dental treatment. Anthony Hook is sitting in a dentist’s chair, grinning toothily into a handheld mirror. He has been asked to pose for photos showing off …
US Embassy: Albania to Play a Key Role in the International Stabilization Force Mission
International Stabilization Force (ISF) Commander Major General Jasper Jeffers held talks with Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha and Defence Minister Ermal Nufi. The discussions focused on Albania’s future contributions to the force and its role in supporting the ISF mission. During the meetings, the officials discussed Albania’s …
Mother Teresa Square to Become Pedestrian Zone with Museum and Underground Parking
Tirana plans to transform Mother Teresa Square into a mainly pedestrian public space. The project will move many of the square’s new functions underground. The Albanian Development Fund has launched a tender for the project. It has set a budget limit of 20.8 billion lek, or around €21 million, for …
Surrounded by the green landscapes of northern Albania and waters flowing toward the Adriatic Sea, the Buna River remains one of the country’s most distinctive natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video of the Buna River on social media today, highlighting the natural beauty of one of northern …
Korça has come alive with the sounds of serenades during the third edition of the “Serenights Festival.” The four-day celebration brings one of the city’s best-loved traditions back to its streets, squares and iconic venues. The festival began last night and will run through September 20. It features a music …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa met today with Justice Minister Toni Gogu to discuss justice reform and Albania’s priorities in the European integration process. Moreira de Sousa stressed the importance of strengthening public trust in the justice system. She described it as essential to Albania’s future in …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti traveled to New York today, where he will hold meetings with world leaders, according to his office. The meetings will take place during the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Kurti will promote …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa met with Finance Minister Petrit Malaj to discuss the Finance Ministry’s role in Albania’s European Union accession process. In a social media post, Moreira de Sousa stressed the importance of the ministry’s role in managing EU funds and preparing Albania for the …
September is showing that Albania’s tourist season continues beyond the summer months, with many visitors choosing to explore the country in early autumn. Saranda remains one of the preferred destinations for travelers. Today, the “Seven Seas Navigation” cruise ship arrived at the port with 457 tourists from different countries, who …
Albanian Ambassador to France Dritan Tola met with INTERPOL President Lucas Philippe in Paris to discuss cooperation between Albania and the international police organization. During the meeting, Ambassador Tola congratulated Philippe on the new momentum and dynamism he has brought to the organization since taking office. He also reaffirmed Albania’s …
Ervin Demo has taken office as Minister of Interior after being sworn in at the Presidency. In the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, outgoing Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari formally handed over his duties to Demo. Koçiu shared images on social media from Demo’s first moments as Interior Minister. …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met today in Tirana with the new World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Albania, Dr. Fabio Scano. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Albania and the WHO and advancing reforms in the country’s healthcare sector. Hoxha and Scano discussed the role …
The “DEA OPEN AIR” film festival continues to promote Albanian cinema, create new spaces for film screenings and strengthen connections between filmmakers, their works and audiences. As part of this initiative, the FOCUS CineKO program begins today in Saranda. The program will run for three consecutive nights and will present …