Albania Customs Administration publishes new manual to standardize customs valuation practices
Albania’s Customs Administration has published the “Customs Valuation Manual”, a practical guide designed to standardize procedures and ensure the consistent application of rules for determining the value of goods for customs purposes. The manual brings together the relevant legal framework and customs valuation methods. It also addresses issues that customs …
Minister Gogu presents Criminal Procedure Code changes: Pre-trial detention should remain exceptional; Electronic monitoring to start by next spring
Justice Minister Toni Gogu, together with the Council of Europe, presented proposed amendments to Albania’s Criminal Procedure Code today. The initiative launches a public consultation on a broad reform of criminal procedures. The proposals focus on pre-trial detention, alternatives to imprisonment, stronger safeguards and the protection of individual rights. In …
Parliament honors Vendim Kapaj: Albanian traditional sounds featured in Nolan’s “The Odyssey”
On National Cultural Heritage Day, the Albanian Parliament expressed its appreciation for everyone who works to preserve and pass on the country’s cultural heritage from one generation to the next. In a social media post, Parliament highlighted the work of Vendim Kapaj, who holds the title “Grand Master” and has …
Finance Minister Malaj meets IMF mission: Significant improvements in public investment planning and management
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission assessing public investment efficiency (PIMA), led by Ian Hawkesworth. The meeting focused on the IMF’s findings and assessment of Albania’s public investment efficiency. The IMF plans to publish the full report soon. During the meeting, participants highlighted Albania’s …
Rama: No prison detention for offences carrying sentences of less than five years
Prime Minister Edi Rama today presented a draft package of amendments to Albania’s Criminal Procedure Code. Rama focused on the rules for imposing security measures. He also outlined plans to strengthen alternatives to pre-trial detention. During the presentation, Rama referred to an episode involving Professor Rafael Pariso. According to Rama, …
Director-General of the EC Esposito: New Criminal Procedure Code should strengthen justice and protect rights
“Drafting a Criminal Procedure Code ranks among a country’s most important undertakings. It defines how authorities collect evidence, conduct questioning, restrict freedom and enforce criminal penalties,” said Gianluca Esposito, Director General for Human Rights and the Rule of Law at the Council of Europe. Speaking at a meeting in Tirana …
Gonxhja: Objects from Ardenica’s “Mill Room” added to cultural heritage inventory
On National Cultural Heritage Day, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced that the National Institute of Cultural Heritage has registered and catalogued, for the first time, the objects preserved in the “Mill Room” at Ardenica Monastery. The objects will now become part of Albania’s cultural heritage inventory. …
German Cultural Week Brings Oktoberfest, Art and Music to Tirana
German Cultural Week 2026 will bring art, music, gastronomy and traditions to Tirana under the slogan “Culture Connects Us All,” as part of the International Cultural Weeks. From October 2 to 6, the city will celebrate German culture through a diverse program of events. Since the launch of the International …
FM Hoxha welcomes new U.S. ambassador: Stronger strategic partnership, expanded economic and investment opportunities
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, met today with the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt. Hoxha described the United States as one of Albania’s closest and most valued strategic partners. “Our relationship rests on shared democratic values, a strong security partnership within NATO, and …
New US Ambassador Eric Wendt Meets PM Rama
The new United States Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, has begun his first official meetings after taking up his post in Tirana. Wendt met with Prime Minister Edi Rama as part of his initial contacts with the leaders of Albanian institutions. Wendt officially began his diplomatic mission on September 26, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has highlighted Malësia e Madhe and Përmet as examples of Albania’s transformation over the past decade, reflecting on the changing image and potential of these two areas in the latest episode of his “Flasim” podcast. According to Rama, a decade ago, both areas were perceived as …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has revealed one of the wishes he hopes to fulfill after leaving office, admitting that he dreams of putting an end to his constant presence on social media. During the latest episode of his “Flasim” podcast, while speaking with his guests, Rama openly expressed his envy …
Albania has condemned the latest attack by the Houthi group against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which resulted in casualties, expressing solidarity with the Saudi people and authorities. The statement was made by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha in a post on the social media platform X. …
Rama Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia: Tehran and Sponsors of Terror Must Be Held Accountable
Prime Minister Edi Rama has condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. In a statement published on the social media platform X on Sunday, Rama expressed Albania’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people, calling for …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj visited Dibër, where he attended the closing ceremony of the 32nd edition of the “Oda Dibrane” festival. During his speech, the head of state praised the festival’s role in preserving national identity and strengthening ties between Albanians at home and abroad. During his visit, …
The Middle East faces a historic choice: to remain trapped in rivalries that define security through the weakening of adversaries, or to build a regional order based on sovereignty, cooperation and diplomacy. By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, October 09, 2026 – The greatest danger facing the Middle East today …
By Enrico Letta Delivery as the defining challenge Thank you. I am genuinely pleased to be here, and I will tell you why I rearranged my agenda to make it. When I saw the title of this event — “Proof, Not Promises”, I understood immediately that this is the title …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said energy and transport links play a key role in economic growth and Albania’s integration with the European market. She made the remarks after meeting Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi. Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Albania in …
EU member states have approved an intergovernmental conference with Albania on October 13 in Luxembourg, paving the way for the provisional closure of Chapter 20 on Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) approved the meeting after reviewing Albania’s progress on business development and industrial reforms. Chapter …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has moved closer to its historic goal of joining the European Union after the bloc gave the green light to close negotiations on Chapter 20, which covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. In a social media post, Rama said the latest development strengthens Albania’s prospects …