Unemployed trainees to receive half the minimum wage and transport allowance
Jobseekers from specific groups will receive financial support to attend vocational training courses. The scheme will also cover transport costs. Under a Council of Ministers decision proposed by the Minister of Economy and Innovation, trainees will receive 50% of the minimum wage for each lesson hour attended. Those living more …
Businesses to obtain economic activity classification certificates
The government has approved new rules for business registration and data publication through the National Business Centre. Businesses must obtain an NVE certificate from the National Economic Chamber. The certificate identifies the type of economic activity a business carries out. New businesses must submit it through the e-Albania portal within …
Geophysical Surveys Seek Archaeological Traces in Trojas, Belsh
Albania’s National Institute of Cultural Heritage (IKTK), in cooperation with the Faculty of Geology and Mining at the Polytechnic University of Tirana, has conducted geophysical surveys in Trojas village, near Belsh, to investigate potential archaeological remains. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja said the surveys build on earlier …
United Kingdom announces £5 million support for Western Balkans migration cooperation
The United Kingdom has announced up to £5 million in new support to help Western Balkan countries strengthen cooperation against migrant smuggling and organised immigration crime. The funding will provide British training and expertise to improve regional information sharing and combat the exploitation of migrant workers. UK Minister for Europe …
Albania honours Queen Geraldine 24 years after her passing
Albania honours Queen Geraldine on October 22, marking 24 years since her passing in 2002. Known as the “White Rose of Hungary,” Geraldine arrived in Albania in December 1937 following an invitation from the sisters of King Zog I. The king had seen her photograph at a ball in Budapest. …
Assembly approves Adea Pirdeni as public administration minister
The Assembly has approved Adea Pirdeni’s appointment as Minister of Public Administration, with 76 votes in favour and none against or abstaining. In a message shared today, Pirdeni stressed the importance of dialogue, respect for the law and institutions, and shared responsibility as Albania moves towards European Union membership. She …
Albania registers nearly 2,000 new businesses in September
Albania registered 1,985 new businesses in September 2026, according to the National Business Centre. Tirana accounted for 1,085 registrations, or 54.7% of the national total. Durrës followed with 212, while Vlora recorded 132. Trade led the sectors attracting new businesses, with 464 registrations. Accommodation and food services followed with 220, …
EU enlargement chief highlights key decisions for Western Balkans
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos says the coming weeks and months will bring decisive moments for Western Balkan countries pursuing European Union membership. Speaking ahead of the Berlin Process summit in Montenegro, Kos highlighted different priorities across the region. Montenegro must complete its accession negotiations, Serbia faces upcoming elections, …
Albanian customs revenue reaches 186 billion ALL in nine months
Albania’s customs administration collected around 185.9 billion ALL in revenue from January to September 2026, an increase of 7.2 billion ALL compared with the same period in 2025. The General Directorate of Customs said the results represented 104% of the revenue target. It described the first nine months of 2026 …
Government plans four-pillar package to support up to 16,000 young people
Albania is preparing a new package to support young people through employment, housing, education and greater transparency, Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani said. The package initially aims to reach 10,000 young people, with the number potentially rising to 16,000. It includes expanding employment support to 5,000 young …
President Bajram Begaj has promulgated the new law on the administrative and territorial division of local government units, paving the way for the revised map to take effect in the local elections on May 9, 2027. The law, numbered 100/2026, establishes a new structure of 46 municipalities. Voters will elect …
Albania’s National Museum “Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg” marks 44 years since its inauguration today. The museum stands inside the historic Castle of Krujë, once the centre of the medieval Albanian state. The castle also witnessed three successive defeats of Ottoman armies in the 15th century. Architects designed the museum as a …
Kosova’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Dimal Basha, met with Arnaud Dauphin, the French Development Agency’s director for the Western Balkans, to discuss railway connections between Kosova and Albania. The talks focused on expanding cooperation on railway projects and advancing a three-way partnership between Kosova, Albania and the agency. The …
Albania will make its debut on the internationally acclaimed television show “The Amazing Race”, bringing Tirana’s culture, energy and hospitality to audiences around the world. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the news in a social media post. He said the production would showcase Albania as a …
Kosova’s Prime Minister and leader of the Self-Determination Movement, Albin Kurti, has denied the movement’s involvement in the protests in Tirana. He said it had never operated anonymously during protests and had always taken an open, leading role. Speaking at the movement’s 64th General Council meeting, Kurti said it now …
The National Cinematography Centre has announced the passing of actor and director Gjergji Mena at the age of 41. The centre paid tribute to the young artist, highlighting his contribution to theatre and screen productions. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja also expressed condolences, describing Mena as a talented …
Renowned Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho serves as an Artist Ambassador for Opera Rara, a London-based opera organisation dedicated to reviving neglected works and bringing rarely performed repertoire to modern audiences. Founded in 1970, Opera Rara specialises in researching, restoring, recording and performing operas that have largely disappeared from the mainstream …
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha says Albania aims to complete the technical phase of European Union accession negotiations by December 2027. The goal is to advance to the political phase and join the bloc within this decade. Presenting the 2027 budget priorities to the parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj says the 2027 draft budget provides for public spending exceeding €10 billion for the first time. The plan prioritises social welfare, fiscal stability, public investment and reforms linked to European Union integration. Revenue is projected at ALL 907.9 billion, or around €9.4 billion. The budget deficit …
Bank of Albania Deputy Governor Natasha Ahmetaj says the 2027 draft budget maintains fiscal consolidation. She told Parliament’s Economy, Employment and Finance Committee that the plan supports public finances and creates room for investment. Ahmetaj said economic activity, private-sector employment and wages have grown in recent years. Inflation remains low …