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President Begaj convenes National Security Council, urges stronger public trust

President Bajram Begaj convened the National Security Council to discuss current issues and their impact on security institutions. The meeting also included representatives of the General Prosecution Office and the Special Prosecution Office, alongside the council’s legal members, the Presidency said. The council discussed measures to strengthen cooperation among institutions …

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National Security Council meeting concludes

The National Security Council, convened by President Bajram Begaj, concluded its meeting held on Monday at the Palace of Brigades. The meeting began at 08:30 and was also attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, along with the heads of the country’s main security institutions and other senior state officials. The …

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Hoxha meets Bundestag EU Affairs Committee Chair: Germany supports Albania’s European path

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha received Anton Hofreiter, Chair of the German Bundestag’s Committee on European Union Affairs, in Tirana on Monday morning. The Minister said in a post on X that the discussion provided a valuable opportunity to assess Albania’s progress through its ambitious reform agenda …

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Justice institutions reject Rama’s roundtable, Prime Minister’s Office responds

Following the refusal of justice institutions to take part in a roundtable convened by Prime Minister Edi Rama to discuss magistrates’ salaries, the Prime Minister’s Office has issued an official response, expressing its willingness to continue dialogue. The Supreme Court, the Special Court against Corruption and Organised Crime (GJKKO), and …

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PM Rama appeals to Europe: Don’t leave the Balkans behind

Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about Albania’s European integration process at the Interparliamentary Conference, “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Accession,” where he also addressed the country’s social and political climate. Referring to the “Flamingo Revolution” protests, Rama said they had become an example of rising expectations among Albanian …

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Details emerge from National Security Council discussions on Hyseni case; SPAK chief also attends

President Bajram Begaj convened a meeting of the National Security Council on Monday, focusing on recent developments and their impact on the country’s security institutions. In addition to the members designated by law, representatives of the General Prosecutor’s Office and the Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK) were …

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EU Ambassador: Democracy is measured not only by elections, but also by Parliament’s role

EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa addressed an Interparliamentary Conference on Monday, attended by representatives of Albanian institutions, the European Parliament and national parliaments from across Europe. She said Albania’s path towards the European Union has transformed the country, but stressed that this transformation must continue. She also noted that …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: September 28, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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Albanian MPs join regional meeting on parliamentary integrity

A delegation of the Albanian Parliament took part in the Regional Parliamentary Anti-Corruption Clinic in Beciq, Montenegro, on September 24–26. MPs Milva Ekonomi, Antoneta Dhima and Kliti Hoti represented the Parliament. The National Democratic Institute organised the event with the Parliament of Montenegro. The meeting brought together MPs and parliamentary …

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Speaker Peleshi: Public support in EU states key to Albania’s accession

Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi said direct engagement with citizens and communities in EU member states is essential for the success of Albania’s EU integration process. He made the remarks at a conference with representatives of Albanian institutions and the European Parliament. Peleshi said enlargement cannot rely only on political …

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Foreign Minister Hoxha congratulates new Kosova president

Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, congratulated newly elected Kosova President Justina Shiroka-Pula. He described her election as an important moment for democracy in Kosova and evidence of the maturity of its democratic institutions. Hoxha said the development responds to the need to further strengthen institutions, consolidate …

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Gryka e Vanave: Kukës’ dramatic mountain landscape draws nature lovers

Gryka e Vanave in Kukës is attracting visitors with its dramatic landscape and pristine nature. Surrounded by mountains, water and rugged terrain, the area offers striking views and a unique experience for tourists and nature lovers. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the area and highlighted its distinctive natural …

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Albania cuts maximum retail prices for diesel and petrol

Albania’s Transparency and Temporary Price Limitation Board has cut the maximum retail prices for fuel. The new ceiling is ALL 210 per litre for diesel and ALL 190 per litre for petrol. Both prices fell by ALL 3. The Board also set new wholesale price limits. Diesel meeting the SSH …

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32 artists take part in “Nëntor 29” exhibition at FAB

The annual painting exhibition “Nëntor 29” has opened at the FAB Gallery, bringing together 32 artists. The exhibition will remain open to the public until October 13. The event creates a meeting point for different generations and artistic approaches. Through diverse styles, techniques and creative perspectives, the exhibition presents a …

News
Albania shifts from reform implementation to measurable results

State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC) Director General Eridana Çano said Albania is strengthening institutional readiness for a new phase of European integration. She said the country is moving from implementing reforms towards delivering measurable results. Çano also serves as National Coordinator for the Reform and Growth …

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Cruise tourism continues into autumn with 446 visitors arriving in Saranda

Cruise tourism in Saranda continues into autumn, with the arrival of the Seabourn Quest carrying 446 passengers from around the world. The cruise ship arrived from Brindisi, Italy, and will leave for Zakynthos, Greece, after scheduled visits in Saranda. The Saranda Port said this was the 27th cruise ship to …

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US dollar trades at ALL 81.3, euro at ALL 91.5 in Albania

The US dollar is trading at ALL 81.3 on the buying side and ALL 82.3 on the selling side in Albania today, October 7. The latest figures reflect exchange rates available on the domestic market. Meanwhile, the euro is trading at ALL 91.5 for buying and ALL 92.2 for selling. …

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Security Academy welcomes 390 new students

The Security Academy has welcomed 390 new students to its Bachelor’s programme in Security and Investigation. State Police Director General Skënder Hita said the new generation will play an important role in the future of the institution. Hita said strong interest in the programme has brought thousands of applicants over …

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AI to enter Albania’s public procurement system this autumn

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania expects to start using artificial intelligence in public procurement this autumn. She said the system will increase transparency in the process. Ibrahimaj said the Council of Ministers discussed the need for a more centralised and transparent public procurement system. The government is …

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Council of Europe official Neukirch: Reforms bring Albania closer to EU standards

Council of Europe Programme Coordination Director Claus Neukirch said reforms supported by the Horizontal Facility are bringing Albania closer to European standards and the European Union. He made the remarks in an interview with the Albanian news agency (ATSH) in Tirana. Neukirch highlighted support for judicial efficiency, property rights, the …

News

Foreign Minister Hoxha congratulates new Kosova president

Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, congratulated newly elected Kosova President Justina Shiroka-Pula. He described her election as an important moment for democracy in Kosova and evidence of the maturity of its democratic institutions. Hoxha said the development responds to the need to further strengthen institutions, consolidate …

News

Gryka e Vanave: Kukës’ dramatic mountain landscape draws nature lovers

Gryka e Vanave in Kukës is attracting visitors with its dramatic landscape and pristine nature. Surrounded by mountains, water and rugged terrain, the area offers striking views and a unique experience for tourists and nature lovers. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the area and highlighted its distinctive natural …

News

Albania cuts maximum retail prices for diesel and petrol

Albania’s Transparency and Temporary Price Limitation Board has cut the maximum retail prices for fuel. The new ceiling is ALL 210 per litre for diesel and ALL 190 per litre for petrol. Both prices fell by ALL 3. The Board also set new wholesale price limits. Diesel meeting the SSH …

News

32 artists take part in “Nëntor 29” exhibition at FAB

The annual painting exhibition “Nëntor 29” has opened at the FAB Gallery, bringing together 32 artists. The exhibition will remain open to the public until October 13. The event creates a meeting point for different generations and artistic approaches. Through diverse styles, techniques and creative perspectives, the exhibition presents a …

News

Albania shifts from reform implementation to measurable results

State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC) Director General Eridana Çano said Albania is strengthening institutional readiness for a new phase of European integration. She said the country is moving from implementing reforms towards delivering measurable results. Çano also serves as National Coordinator for the Reform and Growth …

News

Cruise tourism continues into autumn with 446 visitors arriving in Saranda

Cruise tourism in Saranda continues into autumn, with the arrival of the Seabourn Quest carrying 446 passengers from around the world. The cruise ship arrived from Brindisi, Italy, and will leave for Zakynthos, Greece, after scheduled visits in Saranda. The Saranda Port said this was the 27th cruise ship to …

News

US dollar trades at ALL 81.3, euro at ALL 91.5 in Albania

The US dollar is trading at ALL 81.3 on the buying side and ALL 82.3 on the selling side in Albania today, October 7. The latest figures reflect exchange rates available on the domestic market. Meanwhile, the euro is trading at ALL 91.5 for buying and ALL 92.2 for selling. …

News

Security Academy welcomes 390 new students

The Security Academy has welcomed 390 new students to its Bachelor’s programme in Security and Investigation. State Police Director General Skënder Hita said the new generation will play an important role in the future of the institution. Hita said strong interest in the programme has brought thousands of applicants over …

News

AI to enter Albania’s public procurement system this autumn

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania expects to start using artificial intelligence in public procurement this autumn. She said the system will increase transparency in the process. Ibrahimaj said the Council of Ministers discussed the need for a more centralised and transparent public procurement system. The government is …

News

Council of Europe official Neukirch: Reforms bring Albania closer to EU standards

Council of Europe Programme Coordination Director Claus Neukirch said reforms supported by the Horizontal Facility are bringing Albania closer to European standards and the European Union. He made the remarks in an interview with the Albanian news agency (ATSH) in Tirana. Neukirch highlighted support for judicial efficiency, property rights, the …