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, …
The Albanian national football team has returned to training after coming back from Finland. The Red and Black squad held its latest session at the House of Football as it prepares for the upcoming match against San Marino. The coaching staff divided the squad into two groups. Players who did …
President Bajram Begaj has called on new magistrates to uphold integrity, responsibility and commitment to justice. He made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2026-2027 academic year at the School of Magistrates. Begaj said the profession requires more than legal knowledge. He stressed the importance of character, professional …
Supreme Court President Sokol Sadushi has stressed the responsibility, independence and integrity expected from future judges and prosecutors. He spoke at the opening ceremony of the 2026-2027 academic year at the School of Magistrates. Addressing the new students, Sadushi said they would assume important responsibilities in Albania’s justice system. He …
Health Minister Klodiana Spahiu has addressed medical students at the start of the 2026-2027 academic year. She said medicine faces rapid changes driven by technology, artificial intelligence, advanced diagnostics and scientific research. Spahiu said future doctors will practise medicine differently from previous generations. She noted that scientific and technological advances …
Albania is attracting growing attention as a more affordable holiday destination at a time when many popular international destinations, particularly island and luxury-focused locations, come with higher costs. According to an article published by the French blog “Horticulture-Abadie-Pyrénées,” Albania ranks among the destinations that can offer an attractive holiday experience …
The Assembly of Kosova has approved in the first reading a bill amending the Law on Specialist Chambers. All 91 lawmakers who took part in the vote supported the bill. The legislation now requires a second reading for final approval. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said Kosova needs functioning institutions to …
Albania’s northeastern border with North Macedonia runs along the mountain slopes of the Deshat massif, part of the Korab-Koritnik National Park. Below these slopes, Kercisht i Sipërm offers one of the most impressive viewpoints in the Maqellarë area. Locals call the village the “Balcony of Maqellarë.” From here, visitors can …
The world premiere of “Neighbours / from Motherland” opened the fifth International Dance Festival in Tirana. The performance received a 10-minute standing ovation from the audience. Brigel Gjoka and Rauf “Rubberlegz” Yasi created the contemporary dance work. It brought the Albanian and Kosova Ballet companies together on the same stage …
Socialist Party Parliamentary Group leader Taulant Balla said the majority will vote for its draft plan to change Albania’s administrative-territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities from 61 to 46. Speaking to the media at the Assembly of Albania, Balla said the country needs major reforms to …
Albania Justice Minister Gogu: Penal Procedure Code changes will not weaken fight against corruption
Justice Minister Toni Gogu said proposed changes to Albania’s Penal Procedure Code will not weaken the fight against corruption and organised crime. He said tackling serious criminal offences remains a non-negotiable priority. The review aims to strengthen citizens’ guarantees while preserving mechanisms to investigate and punish serious crime. Meanwhile, Theo …