Albania and Israel sign agreement to expand bilateral cooperation
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, in Tirana and signed a General Cooperation Agreement to strengthen ties between the 2 countries. The talks also covered regional and global security challenges, including Albania’s contribution to the Board of Peace. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation …
Berat’s Gorica Quarter Preserves Centuries of Orthodox Heritage
Berat attracts visitors with its Ottoman architecture, historic streets and rich cultural heritage. In the Gorica quarter, two Orthodox churches offer a closer look at the city’s spiritual history and centuries-old traditions. The Church of St. Spyridon, built in the 19th century, holds a special place in Albania’s religious history. …
Gjirokastër Welcomes Tourists Despite Autumn Rain
Gjirokastër continues to welcome visitors from around the world this autumn, as tourists explore its characteristic stone streets despite the rainy weather. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared social media footage of visitors walking through the historic city and enjoying its distinctive atmosphere. He captioned the post “Autumn in Gjirokastër.” The …
Albania to close fourth EU accession negotiation chapter on Tuesday
Albania expects to close Chapter 20 of its European Union accession negotiations on Tuesday. The chapter covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The intergovernmental conference will follow approval by representatives of EU member states. They approved the decision through the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER). This step will bring Albania’s provisionally …
Saranda Port Handles Nearly 688,000 Passengers as Tourist Ship Arrivals Rise
Saranda Port handled 687,594 passengers in the first nine months of 2026, a slight increase from 686,398 during the same period last year. Tourist ship arrivals also rose, reflecting the port’s continued role in southern Albania’s tourism sector. Hatixhe Ismaili, who oversees ship and ferry operations at the port, told …
Albania increases PhD funding to over 600,000 euros
Albania has opened its 2026 call for doctoral study funding, with a budget exceeding 600,000 euros. The Ministry of Education and the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation are running the programme. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said the scheme had entered its second year with clearer rules and much …
Kolonjë Attracts More Foreign Tourists with Natural Beauty and Improved Access
Kolonjë is attracting growing numbers of visitors throughout the year, thanks to its rich natural landscapes and the warm hospitality of local residents. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared autumn footage of the southeastern Albanian region on social media, showing tourists cycling along scenic roads and enjoying its fresh air and …
Kosova PM Kurti: Council of Europe and Interpol membership would benefit citizens
Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti said greater international integration would benefit citizens, particularly through membership in the Council of Europe and Interpol. Speaking at the opening of the 12th Diplomatic School for young diplomats, Kurti highlighted Kosova’s progress through diplomacy and international cooperation. He said Council of Europe membership would …
Albania launches price comparison platform and discount scheme
Albania has launched two initiatives to help households compare prices and reduce shopping costs. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented the online Price Comparison platform and the “KURSE” (Save On Shopping) discount scheme. The platform lists 238 products across 13 categories. Consumers can check prices at 155 sales outlets …
PM Rama announces fixed prices for over 200 products until January 2027
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced an agreement with five major food retailers to keep prices unchanged on more than 200 products until January 12, 2027. The agreement forms part of Albania’s Price Comparison platform and the “KURSE” (Save on Shopping) initiative. Rama said the initiative aims to protect consumers …
The United Nations Security Council discussed Kosova on Tuesday, focusing on political developments, security and dialogue with Serbia. Peter Due, head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosova (UNMIK), presented the Secretary-General’s report covering March 16 to September 15, 2026. The report described overall security as stable but …
The Albanian Lek strengthened against foreign currencies on the domestic exchange market on Tuesday, according to the Bank of Albania’s official exchange rates. The euro fell by 0.33 ALL to 90.77 ALL, while the US dollar lost 0.38 ALL to trade at 80.90 ALL. The British pound and Swiss franc …
The Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the Order of Psychologists, has made a team of more than 20 psychologists available to support people emotionally affected by recent events. The service targets citizens, young people, minors and school students exposed to various forms of violent language and acts. Psychologists will …
Kosova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca accused Serbia of continuing threats against Kosova at a United Nations Security Council meeting. He described a United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosova (UNMIK) report as selective and influenced by Serbian propaganda. Konjufca said Serbia had killed 12,000 unarmed Albanian …
Albanian film Agia, directed by Lorin Terezi, won Best Film at the Warsaw International Film Festival. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja described the award as major news for Albanian cinema. He highlighted the festival’s status as an A-list international film event. Gonxhja said the achievement brought hope, joy …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has outlined measures against violent protesters, including restrictions on access to European Union countries. He also announced plans for the government to cover 50% of the rent for eligible students. He presented the measures during a meeting with banking sector executives, against the backdrop of recent …
United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosova (UNMIK) chief Peter N. Due urged Kosova and Serbia to engage constructively in European Union-facilitated dialogue. He stressed the importance of implementing existing agreements. Reporting to the United Nations Security Council on developments in Kosova from March 16 to September 15, 2026, Due …
For centuries, people in the mountains of Albania and Kosovo have used their voices to communicate across vast distances. Known as “The voice of the mountains,” Majë Krahu singing preserves the history, bravery and emotions of these regions. This distinctive folk tradition also reflects their cultural identity and shared heritage. …
The National Association of Judges of the Republic of Albania condemned violence during recent protests. It called for immediate measures to protect justice institutions and prevent pressure on judges. The association described attacks on the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal of General Jurisdiction as unacceptable in a democratic …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has stressed the importance of dialogue as a path to solutions instead of violence. She made the remarks in a social media post as youth protests in Tirana continued for a ninth day, accompanied by acts of violence. Koçiu drew a distinction between the two …