Security Expert Questions Albania’s Readiness to Learn from Spy Chief’s Arrest
Security expert Arjan Dyrmishi tells BIRN the “whole system of governance” has been brought into question by the arrest of the head of Albania’s State Intelligence Service. Original post Here
Preza Castle: A Fortress Watching Over Tirana’s Historic Routes
Preza Castle rises on a rocky hill overlooking the Tirana plain. Its position gave the fortress a strategic view of the important economic and military routes that once crossed the area. The castle follows a rectangular plan, measuring about 80 by 50 meters. Four circular towers strengthen its corners, while …
European Commission President von der Leyen: Institutional stability essential for Kosova
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says institutional stability is essential for Kosova. She made the remarks after meetings with Kosova’s state leaders. Von der Leyen says institutional stability provides the main foundation for further progress. She highlights reforms, growth and progress on the European path as key priorities. …
FM Hoxha meets France’s Troccaz: French support strategic for Albania’s European path
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met France’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Rene Troccaz in Przno, Montenegro. The meeting focused on Albania’s European Union membership process. The two officials also discussed developments in the Western Balkans. Regional cooperation, connectivity and security were also on the agenda. …
Clear weather forecast for Friday, temperatures up to 28 degrees Celsius
Clear weather is expected across Albania on Friday, with temperatures reaching up to 28 degrees Celsius. The Military Meteorological Service says stable atmospheric conditions will affect the country. Sunny periods will last throughout the day across Albania. Meanwhile, winds will blow from northwest to southeast at an average speed of …
British media ‘Metro’ highlights Albania as an October travel destination
British newspaper ‘Metro’ highlights Albania among three destinations worth exploring in October. The article points to milder temperatures, lower prices and fewer tourists during the autumn season. It highlights the Albanian Riviera, Berat, Tirana and the Albanian Alps. Metro also cites the British travel association ABTA, which has recorded growing …
PM Rama says ‘Faithful Presence’ meetings will continue across Albania
Prime Minister Edi Rama says the ‘Faithful Presence’ (Prania besnike) meetings will continue across Albania every Friday at 5 p.m. Rama says the initiative forms part of a system designed to make listening to citizens a condition for public representatives to respond. Citizens should know in advance where and when …
Speaker Peleshi welcomes US Ambassador Wendt to Assembly of Albania
Assembly of Albania Speaker Niko Peleshi received United States Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt at the Assembly’s headquarters. Peleshi welcomed Wendt and wished him success in his new post. He highlighted the special friendship and strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. Meanwhile, Peleshi stressed the role of the …
Albania addresses challenges from rapid growth in renewable energy
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi met electricity producers, members of the Assembly of Albania’s Natural Resources Committee and energy sector officials. The meeting focused on new developments and challenges linked to the rapid growth of renewable energy capacity. Karakaçi said Albania’s new energy law brings the country closer to …
German Cultural Week Brings German Art, Music and Traditions to Tirana
Electronic music, contemporary art, exhibitions, German traditions and cuisine will become part of Tirana’s cultural life during the five-day German Cultural Week 2026. The events will run from Oct. 2 to 6. They will offer the Albanian public a diverse program and create opportunities to discover and experience German culture …
Kosovo President Justina Shiroka-Pula met with Albania’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Petrit Malaj, on Monday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation. According to the Kosovo Presidency, Malaj congratulated Shiroka-Pula on her election and expressed hope that the two countries would further deepen their ties during her mandate. Shiroka-Pula stressed …
Albania expects to provisionally close Chapter 20 of its European Union accession negotiations today in Luxembourg. Prime Minister Edi Rama will attend the 10th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU. Rama described the move as another step towards EU membership. The closure would bring Albania’s total to 4 provisionally …
The European Commission’s enlargement strategy, presented on October 6, proposes enhanced rule-of-law monitoring for new EU members for up to 15 years after accession. The plan aims to prevent democratic backsliding and avoid situations like Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Hungary and Poland exposed weaknesses in Article 7 …
Albania will experience relatively unstable weather on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching 22 degrees Celsius, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Until midday, moderate to heavy cloud cover will bring occasional light rain to southern and southeastern areas and the eastern mountain regions. Brief thunderstorms are also possible. After midday, skies …
Albania is strengthening its presence on the international tourism map, with 20 accommodation establishments featured in the Michelin Guide’s selection of hotels. The selected properties span several of the country’s main destinations, including Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Himarë, Berat, Gjirokastër, Korçë and Sarandë. The list covers a wide range of accommodation, …
Albania’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, met with FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Europe Board member Michal Konecny and Albanian Basketball Federation President Avni Ponari at the ministry. The talks focused on increasing support for the national federation and investing in sports infrastructure. The participants highlighted …
Albania marks 95 years since the birth of writer and academic Dritëro Agolli, born on October 13, 1931. He died in Tirana on February 3, 2017. Agolli developed a distinctive literary voice rooted in Albanian language, tradition and folk wisdom. His first poetry collection, “Në rrugë dola” (I Set Out …
Italian travel platform Skyscanner.it has included Dhërmi among 20 destinations recommended for enjoying warmer weather during autumn. Its guide highlights places where visitors can combine sunny days, cultural heritage, traditional cuisine and scenic landscapes beyond the peak summer season. The selection spans European cities, Mediterranean resorts and destinations farther afield. …
The village of Fishtë in Lezhë is expanding its tourism offer with a new cultural initiative that brings artists closer to audiences and creates a lively atmosphere for residents and visitors. “Hambar Teatri” offers an intimate space for music, poetry and artistic storytelling. Local residents launched the initiative through voluntary …
Albania’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Andis Salla, visited Çela Herbal in Bradashesh, near Elbasan, to discuss financial support for business expansion. The family-owned company, run by Aleksandër Çela, has traded medicinal plants for more than 30 years. It works with around 400 farmers nationwide and exports about 400 …