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, …
Rama: 10 Years of Justice Reform Brought Down the ‘100-Year Cult of Impunity’
Prime Minister Edi Rama reviewed a decade of justice reform during the presentation of amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure. Rama praised the results of the reform, saying that over the past 10 years, achievements have been made that previously seemed impossible. According to him, the 2016 constitutional amendments …
PM Rama: A Phone Can No Longer Be an ‘Unlimited Licence’ to Access Private Life
Prime Minister Edi Rama has spoken about the proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, focusing on how police and prosecutors will be able to access data stored on phones during an investigation. Rama said that seizing a phone should not automatically give authorities the right to examine all …
Rama: No Pre-Trial Detention for Offences Carrying a Maximum Sentence of Under Five Years
Prime Minister Edi Rama, during the presentation of proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, said that pre-trial detention will no longer be imposed for offences carrying a maximum sentence of less than five years. Under the proposed changes, the security measure of “detention in prison” will no longer …
Demo Meets Senior Western Balkans Official: Albania Continues Work Towards 2027 Target
Interior Minister Ervin Demo met with Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement, with discussions focusing on Albania’s progress in the European Union accession process. During their first meeting, discussions focused on the closing benchmarks for Chapter 24, “Justice, Freedom and Security,” and …
International Cultural Weeks: Pag brings Croatian traditions and heritage to Tirana
The colors, rhythms and traditions of the Croatian town of Pag reached the heart of Tirana today, introducing Albanian audiences to the rich cultural heritage of the Croatian island. At Skanderbeg Square, artists from Pag presented a festive performance featuring traditional music and dances in colorful folk costumes. They then …
European Week of Sport: Gonxhja calls for more sports spaces and activities in neighborhoods
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja took part in the “European Week of Sport – Be Active Live from the Art Park” event. He highlighted the need to create more sports spaces and activities in local neighborhoods. Gonxhja thanked the participants and said the event aims to bring …
Rama: National Council for Children with Disabilities, financial bonus for support teachers
Prime Minister Edi Rama met with a group of parents today to discuss the creation of a National Council for Children with Disabilities and ways to strengthen the support-teacher system. Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro and State Social Service Director Reme Lala …
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 …
Albania recorded around 788,000 euro transfers worth €8.7 billion during its first 11 months in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). The system has significantly reduced cross-border payment costs for individuals and businesses since it began operating in Albania on October 7, 2025. Bank of Albania data show that individuals …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met Albanian students studying at Gülhane Faculty of Medicine, part of the University of Health Sciences in Ankara, Türkiye. They discussed student life, their experiences abroad, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and their vision for Albania’s future. Nufi said the students’ presence at the Turkish university …
President Bajram Begaj has awarded US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin the title of Commander of the Supreme Order of the Eagle for their contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt attended the ceremony at the Palace of …
Tirana will host the 11th Golden Age Gym Festival from October 1 to 7, 2028, bringing together more than 2,000 participants from across Europe. The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) announced that its executive board unanimously approved Tirana’s bid, citing Albania’s organisational capacity. The Albanian Gymnastics Federation initiated the bid …
Albania, Greece and North Macedonia have launched preparations for a joint bid to add the Prespa region to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The initiative aims to protect the area’s natural, historical and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and creating new opportunities for local communities. The European Union will provide …
Tirana will host Japanese Cultural Week from October 14 to 18, offering five days of activities that showcase Japan’s traditions, art, architecture, cuisine, cinema and martial arts. The programme will feature traditional tea ceremonies, Japanese food demonstrations, exhibitions, film screenings and judo and karate competitions. On October 16, visitors can …
Archaeologists have begun excavating the upper city’s defensive walls at Butrint for the first time, seeking new evidence about the ancient city’s fortifications and urban development. The research forms part of the “Urban Topography of Butrint in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages” project, which examines the site’s evolution between …