Michelin Guide Selects 20 Hotels in Albania, Boosting International Tourism Profile
Twenty hotels in Albania have been selected for the prestigious Michelin Guide’s hotel collection, giving the country greater visibility among international travellers. Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the selection, describing it as an important step in promoting Albanian hospitality worldwide. The selected hotels are located across several …
Albania Signs Agreement to Join International Stabilization Force in Gaza
Albania has signed an official agreement to participate in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, reaffirming its commitment to international peace and security efforts. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at the General Staff Headquarters of the Albanian Armed Forces in Tirana. Albanian Armed Forces Chief of General …
Allied Forces Demonstrate Maritime Readiness Off the Coast of Albania
The maritime, air and amphibious capabilities of Allied forces took centre stage aboard the Turkish ship TCG ANADOLU and along the Albanian coast during Neptune Strike 26-4 on October 19, 2026, demonstrating the cooperation and readiness that underpin NATO’s collective defence. The event was attended by senior officials, including defence …
Technological Development in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Global Debates, Risks and Prospects for Albania
By Denis Jukni Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from an experimental technology to a new infrastructure of the economy and public administration. Generative models, automation, robotics, cloud infrastructure, large-scale data processing and algorithmic systems are changing how companies produce, how institutions deliver services and how citizens receive information. This transformation …
Week in Review: Polls and Storms
A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here
Gjergj Fishta: The Pen That Gave Voice to Albania’s National Soul
Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …
EU and Western Balkans leaders to meet in Brussels on November 25
European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …
PM Rama urges young people to distance themselves from violent protests
Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged young people to distance themselves from violent protests. He called on them to express their views through peaceful democratic means. In remarks on social media, Rama defended the right to peaceful protest. He said citizens could challenge the government through debate and elections. He …
Defense minister meets Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi has met Colonel Murat Ilhan, Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana. Turkish Ambassador to Albania Bariş Ceyhun Erciyes also attended the meeting. According to the Ministry of Defense, the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey and their shared commitment to closer cooperation in …
Institute of Statistics: Albania records 10.7 million foreign arrivals in nine months
Albania recorded around 17.4 million entries by Albanian and foreign citizens from January to September 2026, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Foreign citizens accounted for 10.7 million entries, while Albanian citizens accounted for 6.7 million. Compared with the same period in 2025, foreign arrivals rose by 4.9%, while …
The Bank of Albania has kept its key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%. The Supervisory Council announced the decision on November 3. Governor Gent Sejko also confirmed that the overnight deposit rate will remain at 1.5%. Meanwhile, the overnight lending rate will stay at 3.5%. Sejko said the decision reflects …
Albania will test its aviation emergency response capabilities today through a planned search-and-rescue exercise near Tirana International Airport. The drill, named SAR-2026, will run from 10:30 to 12:00. The National Search and Rescue Centre is organising the exercise with institutions responsible for aviation emergencies. Participants include the Armed Forces, Tirana …
The National Library of Albania and Hungary’s National Szechenyi Library have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen professional, scientific and cultural ties. The signing ceremony brought together Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Lira Pipa and Hungarian Ambassador to Albania Martina Laura Kasnyik. The agreement provides for exchanges …
Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “EU Enlargement: Assessing New Concepts and the Outlook for 2027,” organised by the German Council on Foreign Relations. Hoxha said geopolitical realities had made enlargement a strategic and security necessity for Europe. However, he stressed that this …
Construction has begun on a new pedestrian promenade in Lezha, a project worth ALL 62 million funded by the municipal budget. The development aims to create new recreational spaces for residents and tourists. The municipality expects to complete the project by next summer. Deputy PM Albana Koçiu shared footage of …
The European Commission is expected to publish its 2026 Enlargement Package today at around 13:00, including its annual report on Albania. The report will assess reform progress, accession criteria and the challenges Albania must address on its path towards European Union membership. For the first time, the package is expected …
Interior Minister Ervin Demo has presented the government’s proposed 2027 budget for the Interior Ministry to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates around ALL 40 billion, a 12% increase from 2026 and the ministry’s highest budget allocation to date. It aims to strengthen public security, …
Located on the slopes of a mountain, the historic city of Kruja remains one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations. Just a short distance from Tirana, it attracts local and international visitors with its rich history, cultural traditions and natural beauty. Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared new images of …
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi has announced that the government’s draft budget for 2027 provides full funding for priority infrastructure and energy projects. It includes investment in roads and water supply and sewerage systems across all 12 counties. Key road projects include continued construction of the Elbasan bypass, completion …
The musical “The Lion King” will bring a colourful theatrical experience to children and families in Tirana this November and December. Melsi Qirici, director of the National Centre of Culture for Children, has announced the performance dates. The show will take place on November 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and …