Day 114: Citizens Protest Outside Prime Minister’s Office, Another Rally Planned Outside Parliament on Thursday
Once again this Monday, numerous citizens and activists took to the streets for the latest protest, which has now entered its 114th day. As they do every afternoon, protesters initially gathered in Skanderbeg Square after 6:30 p.m., chanting slogans including: “Your end has come,” “A new Albania,” “Rama resign,” and …
No More Fake Enlargement
By Genc Pollo Tirana Times, September 21, 2026 – At Thessaloniki in June 2003, the European Union made a promise that sounded historic and irreversible. The heads of state and government declared that the future of the Western Balkans lay within the European Union. The phrase “EU perspective” was Brussels …
Rama: Kosovo’s People Do Not See Themselves in Hague Verdict Against Former KLA Leaders
Prime Minister Edi Rama described the Hague verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders as a painful moment for Kosovo and Albanians. He spoke during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama said he struggled to find the right words. He said the Hague decision felt like …
Rama in Michigan: Diaspora Is a Major Force, Democracy Requires Respect for Disagreement
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the role of the Albanian diaspora and the importance of democratic coexistence during his meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama also addressed calls by some community members to protest during his visit to the United States. He said they have the right to …
Rama in Michigan: Albania to Open Consulate in Detroit, Strengthen Diaspora Links
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted new steps to strengthen Albania’s ties with its diaspora during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. He also announced that Albania will soon open a consulate in Detroit. Rama recalled that Albanians living abroad voted in Albania’s parliamentary elections for the first time …
Kurti Meets US Congressman Lawler, Criticizes Hague Verdict
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with US Congressman Mike Lawler in New York. They discussed developments in Kosovo, focusing on the Kosovo Specialist Chambers’ verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders. Lawler serves on the US House Foreign Affairs Committee and chairs its Subcommittee on the Middle East …
EU Ambassador Meets HJC Head: Judicial Independence and Efficiency at Core of Justice Reform
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa held her first meeting with Ilir Rusi, head of the High Judicial Council (HJC). They discussed the importance of judicial independence and efficiency in Albania’s justice reform. In a social media post, Moreira de Sousa highlighted the HJC’s key role in judicial …
EU Ambassador Meets Braho: SPAK’s Work Essential for Rule of Law
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the European Union’s support for the Special Prosecution Office against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK). She described SPAK’s work as essential to strengthening the rule of law in Albania. Moreira de Sousa held her first meeting with SPAK head Klodjan Braho. …
Foreign Affairs Committee Approves Three Bills on Financial Security and Industrial Property
The Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, chaired by Igli Hasani, held its latest meeting and approved three bills. The committee reviewed the bills in its capacity as a consultative body. The discussions focused first on the bill “On the Prevention of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing.” Deputy Finance Minister …
Nufi: Albanian Armed Forces Fully Interoperable with NATO Allies
The Light Infantry Battalion Group has been certified “Mission Capable” after completing an evaluation during the “Shield of the Arbër-26” military exercise at the Biza training area. President Bajram Begaj, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, commanders, NATO representatives, military attachés and other …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today called on Albania to maintain its focus on reforms. She stressed that the European integration process still requires further work. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, von der Leyen said Albania must continue reforms across all open negotiation …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that the Transparency Dashboard will publish all information about the Zvërnec investment project in the coming days. At a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Rama also provided an update on the project. He said the government now awaits …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Albania’s progress under the Western Balkans Growth Plan. She said Albania has completed more than 80% of the planned reforms and has received more than €213 million in EU funds. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, von der …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said EU enlargement works in both directions. She stressed that candidate countries must prepare for membership, while the EU must also prepare to welcome new members. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, von der Leyen said the European Commission …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that veto power does not benefit the European Union or its member states. At a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Rama said Albania has repeatedly faced the effects of vetoes. He described the mechanism as outdated in today’s …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she will visit Emin Duraku School in Tirana tomorrow with Prime Minister Edi Rama. The EU supported the school’s reconstruction after the 2019 earthquake. At a joint press conference with Rama, von der Leyen recalled the EU’s support for Albania after the …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU continues to work on its new enlargement package. She also said future accession treaties could include safeguards similar to those in previous treaties. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, reporters asked von der Leyen whether the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the courts should handle the case involving former State Intelligence Service (SHISH) chief Vlora Hyseni. Rama also said no security partner has raised concerns about the case. At a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Rama said the European Commission …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the fight against corruption and organized crime remains central to Albania’s EU integration process. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, von der Leyen said investigations into senior officials show that Albania’s justice system is working. “The fight against …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said his political responsibility lies in continuing justice reform and strengthening the fight against corruption. At a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, journalists asked Rama whether he felt politically responsible for government appointments, including that of former SHISH chief Vlora …