More than 200 artists to perform during 10-day VjosArt festival in Albania
TIRANA, May 7 – More than 200 artists from Albania and across the region will perform during the 2026 edition of the VjosArt festival. The 10-day event combines art, tourism and environmental awareness along the Vjosa River. The festival will take place from May 21 to May 31 across several …
Albania, Kosovo Strengthen Defense Cooperation
Ermal Nufi met with Gegë Lleshi on Wednesday to discuss closer cooperation in defense and security. During the meeting, both sides highlighted their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in military education, joint training, and exercises. In addition, they discussed cooperation in civil protection and emergency management. Nufi stressed that Kosovo …
Demo Meets Austrian Delegation on EU Integration Cooperation
Ervin Demo welcomed Monika Zach and an Austrian delegation in Tirana on Wednesday. The delegation included 14 mayors and around 60 senior local government representatives. The group was led by Johannes Pressl. During the meeting, both sides discussed the role of local government in the European integration process. In addition, …
EU Calls for Quick Government Formation in Kosovo
Eva Palatova called for the rapid formation of a new government in Kosovo following the June 7 elections. Speaking during Europe Day activities in Prishtina, Palatova also urged political parties to reach a compromise on electing the country’s president. She stressed that the future government should have a strong parliamentary …
Prison System Modernization Discussed in US Embassy Meeting
Adriatik Kupi welcomed a delegation from the United States Embassy in Tirana during an introductory meeting held at the General Directorate of Prisons. During the meeting, the US representatives praised the cooperative approach of the prison administration. They also highlighted the importance of continued institutional cooperation in support of reforms …
Albania, EU Discuss Security and Defense Partnership
Ermal Nufi welcomed Cosmin Dobran in Tirana on Thursday. The meeting focused on the Security and Defense Partnership between Albania and the European Union. Both sides described the partnership as an important platform for structured cooperation. Albania reaffirmed its commitment to continuing dialogue and achieving concrete results. Meanwhile, Nufi stressed …
French minister praises Albania’s reforms, says rule of law key to EU integration
TIRANA, May 7 – Albania and France are deepening cooperation in the justice sector. Talks in Tirana focus on judicial reform, criminal legislation and the fight against organised crime during a visit by French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin. The issue featured in a joint press appearance with Albanian Justice Minister …
Jaupaj: Albania Launches 10-Year Plan for Climate and Air Quality
Sofjan Jaupaj presented a national climate plan for 2026–2036 in Tirana on Wednesday. He said the plan includes 66 priority measures. It targets climate impacts such as fires, floods, and droughts. Jaupaj explained that the measures fall into soft interventions, green actions, and infrastructure investments. He added that the total …
Malaj: Fuel Excise Cut Costs 37 Million Lek, Measures Remain Manageable
Petrit Malaj presented in Parliament a new emergency ordinance on excise tax changes for fuel. He said the government approved the measure to soften the impact of international fuel price fluctuations and to protect consumers. Malaj explained that the decision responds to global market shocks linked to the conflict in …
SHBA: Kosovo to Be Included in Regional Energy Corridors
Joshua Volz said the United States is increasing its engagement in the Western Balkans to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on Russian supplies. In an interview, he stressed that energy is a matter of national security. He linked it directly to economic growth, investment, and political stability in the …
Taulant Balla supports Albanian students protesting in North Macedonia. He posts on social media. He backs their demand. Students want the bar exam in Albanian. Balla says the request is legitimate. He says the constitution already recognizes this right. Yet, it is not applied in practice. He calls for action. …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met today Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. They first met in Tirana. Later, they continued talks in Durrës. Both sides confirmed strong relations. They also confirmed mutual trust and a strong partnership. Hoxha said both …
Opposition MPs Ina Zhupa and Ivi Kaso meet today with Scott Bates. They discuss with the National Democratic Institute director for Europe. Zhupa leads the discussion. She focuses on transparency. She pushes for inclusion. She demands stronger Parliament oversight. The MPs raise concerns. They highlight challenges facing the opposition. They …
The Embassy of the United States in Albania honors 13 Albanian employees who retire after more than 25 years of service. The embassy holds a ceremony. It invites colleagues and family members. It recognizes long service and dedication. Nancy VanHorn presents U.S. flags to the retirees. She thanks them for …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi meets today with Scott Bates. They discuss cooperation between the Assembly of Albania and the National Democratic Institute. Peleshi focuses on transparency. He emphasizes accountability. He pushes for modernization of parliamentary processes. Both sides highlight long-term cooperation. They strengthen the Parliamentary Institute as a success …
Prime Minister Edi Rama is on an official visit to the Republic of South Korea (May 17–21). His wife, Linda Rama, and an official delegation accompany him. The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries. It also seeks to expand partnership in development, technology, and innovation. Rama arrives …
President Bajram Begaj met today with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi. They discussed relations between Albania and Qatar. Begaj praised strong ties between the two countries. He highlighted good cooperation and called for stronger political and economic relations. He also supported increased Qatari …
The European Union supports Albania and Kosovo in improving plant production and plant health monitoring through the “EU4Trade” project. As part of the initiative, inspectors from the General Directorate of Plant Protection and regional veterinary and plant protection authorities from both countries met in Prizren over the weekend. They attend …
President Bajram Begaj meets today participants of the High Course on Security and Defence at the Albanian Armed Forces College. Representatives from security institutions and allied countries attend the meeting. These include Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, Kosovo, Poland, and Jordan. Begaj praises the course. He highlights cooperation among …
Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu supports Albanian students protesting in North Macedonia. He praises the protest. He calls it peaceful and civic. He describes it as a European example. Vengu says students defend the Albanian language in professional exams. He says they show strong civic energy. He states that the …