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Eighth Intergovernmental Conference, Minister Hoxha: Albania Is Earning Its Path Toward the EU on Merit

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:323213f4-d293-4f37-a320-4bf0168b8973-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:323213f4-d293-4f37-a320-4bf0168b8973-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, reacted following the Eighth Intergovernmental Conference on the European Union membership process, describing Albania’s progress as the result of reforms and merit. In a post on the social media platform X, …

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Albania Gets Green Light for the Phase of Closing EU Chapters – What Happened in Brussels

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:323213f4-d293-4f37-a320-4bf0168b8973-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:323213f4-d293-4f37-a320-4bf0168b8973-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> On May 26, 2026, the 8th Intergovernmental Conference at ministerial level between the European Union and Albania took place in Brussels, marking a particularly important moment in the country’s path toward European Union membership. The Albanian delegation was led by …

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Worshippers in Pukë Celebrate Eid al-Adha at the Ruins of the Old Kabash Mosque After Nearly 60 Years

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”d55f69e8-673d-4e61-b840-a0f9eb84d695″ data-turn-id-container=”d55f69e8-673d-4e61-b840-a0f9eb84d695″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-11″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> After nearly six decades of interruption, the village of Kabash in Pukë witnessed the return of Eid al-Adha prayers at the ruins of the area’s old mosque, in a symbolic ceremony that gathered residents, worshippers, and emigrants who had returned …

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Farmers in Maliq Are Reducing Crop Planting Due to High Costs

The areas planted with agricultural crops in the Maliq plain, one of the largest agricultural regions in the country, are declining. According to farmers, this situation has been caused by the lack of market demand and prices that remain below production costs for agricultural products. Margel Agolli from the village …

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Bills Are Not Being Paid on Time, Government and Municipal Debts Increase by 1.1 Billion Lek

Outstanding liabilities increased during the first quarter of 2026 after having declined significantly at the end of last year. According to the data, debts reached approximately 6.93 billion lek, which is 1.1 billion lek more compared to the end of 2025. According to the Ministry of Finance, the stock of …

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Eurostat: 72.4 Million EU Citizens at Risk of Poverty, Data Published for Albania as Well

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”07d2e01d-a926-4e9f-bbf2-06eb441cb3c1″ data-turn-id-container=”07d2e01d-a926-4e9f-bbf2-06eb441cb3c1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-15″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Around 72.4 million people in the European Union continue to live at risk of poverty, while Albania remains one of the countries most affected by economic hardship in Europe. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:323213f4-d293-4f37-a320-4bf0168b8973-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:323213f4-d293-4f37-a320-4bf0168b8973-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> According …

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44% of Medium and Large Enterprises Have Engaged in Innovation Activities

Around 44% of enterprises operating in Albania embraced technology and innovation during the 2022–2024 period. The increase in innovative activities has had a positive impact on revenue growth and employment expansion. During 2022–2024, 44% of enterprises with 10 or more employees undertook innovation activities. This category includes businesses that introduced …

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Albania Moves Toward Tourism Record and Digital Transformation

Albania enters a new phase of tourism development and strengthens its position as one of Europe’s most dynamic destinations, according to Travel and Tour World (TTW). After a record of more than 12 million international visitors, the country prepares for another strong tourist season. It expects further growth driven by …

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EU–Albania Conference, Rama: Proud of a More European Albania Every Step of the Way

Prime Minister Edi Rama today shared images from the 8th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the European Union, held in Brussels. He expressed pride in what he described as an increasingly European Albania. During the press conference with EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and Cyprus Deputy Minister for European Affairs …

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Hoxha: Albania Advances Toward the EU Through Merit and Reform

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said today that Albania’s EU integration process is moving forward through merit, reforms, and lasting institutional change. In a post on X, Hoxha referred to progress in Albania’s negotiations with the European Union after the 8th Intergovernmental Conference on IBAR. Hoxha said …

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PM Rama says Zvërnec protests misrepresented by international media

TIRANA, June 7 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said protests against a proposed investment in Zvërnec have been exaggerated by international media, arguing that no approved project currently exists. In a message addressed to international news organizations, including CNN International, Rama said the latest protest drew about 2,000 participants. …

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Kosova votes as citizens elect 120-seat parliament

TIRANA, June 7 – Voters in Kosova headed to the polls on Saturday to elect the 11th legislature of the 120-seat parliament. The Central Election Commission distributed voting materials across all 38 municipalities. A total of 23 political parties and three coalitions are competing, with 917 candidates running for office. …

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Spring Festival names 12 finalists after opening night

TIRANA, June 7 – The Spring Festival returned to the Albanian stage after a 23-year break. It selected 12 finalists on its opening night, in a show marked by nostalgia, live orchestration and competition. The event took place at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. It brought together emerging …

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Lake Shkodër receives UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status

TIRANA, June 6 – Lake Shkodër has received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, gaining international recognition for one of Albania’s most important natural assets. Meanwhile, Shkodër Mayor Benet Beci describes the decision as a source of pride for the city and for communities living around the lake. He says the designation …

News
Spring Festival returns to RTSH as 20 artists compete on opening night

TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to the Albanian Public Radio and Television tonight after a long absence. Twenty artists will take the stage in the opening show, which will feature special guests and a mix of classic and contemporary music. Meanwhile, the festival’s hosts, singer Bleona Qereti …

News
PM Rama: Iran Is Behind Tirana Protests

The prime minister casts the widening unrest as a “hybrid war,” citing antisemitic narratives, claims about resettling Palestinians and AI-manipulated content. Tirana Times, June 6, 2026 — Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused Iran of standing behind the growing protests in Tirana against the proposed Zvërnec tourism project, shifting the …

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Western Balkans – EU summit in Montenegro pushes for faster enlargement and reforms

TIRANA, June 6 – European Union and Western Balkan leaders meet in Tivat for the Western Balkans–EU summit. They focus on speeding up enlargement and advancing reforms across candidate countries. Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa says enlargement remains merit-based, but he adds that the process must become faster and …

News
Nik Xhelilaj and Bleona Qereti host revived RTSH’s Spring Festival

TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to Albania after two decades. It takes place on June 6 and 7 at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana. The event brings together established and emerging artists. Organisers present the festival as a revival of a major cultural …

News
Rama: Sazan Island Remains State Property, Not for Privatization

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Sazan Island will remain property of the Albanian state. He stressed that it will not be privatized. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Vlora, Rama said Sazan is a national asset. Therefore, any development project will be carried out in partnership …

News
EU Leaders: Albania Next in Line After Montenegro for Membership

Albania received strong support from European Union leaders at the summit in Tivat, Montenegro. EU officials said the country is moving in the right direction toward membership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU’s goals are clear. She stated that Montenegro is expected to join the EU …

News

PM Rama says Zvërnec protests misrepresented by international media

TIRANA, June 7 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said protests against a proposed investment in Zvërnec have been exaggerated by international media, arguing that no approved project currently exists. In a message addressed to international news organizations, including CNN International, Rama said the latest protest drew about 2,000 participants. …

News

Kosova votes as citizens elect 120-seat parliament

TIRANA, June 7 – Voters in Kosova headed to the polls on Saturday to elect the 11th legislature of the 120-seat parliament. The Central Election Commission distributed voting materials across all 38 municipalities. A total of 23 political parties and three coalitions are competing, with 917 candidates running for office. …

News

Spring Festival names 12 finalists after opening night

TIRANA, June 7 – The Spring Festival returned to the Albanian stage after a 23-year break. It selected 12 finalists on its opening night, in a show marked by nostalgia, live orchestration and competition. The event took place at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. It brought together emerging …

News

Lake Shkodër receives UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status

TIRANA, June 6 – Lake Shkodër has received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, gaining international recognition for one of Albania’s most important natural assets. Meanwhile, Shkodër Mayor Benet Beci describes the decision as a source of pride for the city and for communities living around the lake. He says the designation …

News

Spring Festival returns to RTSH as 20 artists compete on opening night

TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to the Albanian Public Radio and Television tonight after a long absence. Twenty artists will take the stage in the opening show, which will feature special guests and a mix of classic and contemporary music. Meanwhile, the festival’s hosts, singer Bleona Qereti …

News

PM Rama: Iran Is Behind Tirana Protests

The prime minister casts the widening unrest as a “hybrid war,” citing antisemitic narratives, claims about resettling Palestinians and AI-manipulated content. Tirana Times, June 6, 2026 — Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused Iran of standing behind the growing protests in Tirana against the proposed Zvërnec tourism project, shifting the …

News

Western Balkans – EU summit in Montenegro pushes for faster enlargement and reforms

TIRANA, June 6 – European Union and Western Balkan leaders meet in Tivat for the Western Balkans–EU summit. They focus on speeding up enlargement and advancing reforms across candidate countries. Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa says enlargement remains merit-based, but he adds that the process must become faster and …

News

Nik Xhelilaj and Bleona Qereti host revived RTSH’s Spring Festival

TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to Albania after two decades. It takes place on June 6 and 7 at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana. The event brings together established and emerging artists. Organisers present the festival as a revival of a major cultural …

News

Rama: Sazan Island Remains State Property, Not for Privatization

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Sazan Island will remain property of the Albanian state. He stressed that it will not be privatized. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Vlora, Rama said Sazan is a national asset. Therefore, any development project will be carried out in partnership …

News

EU Leaders: Albania Next in Line After Montenegro for Membership

Albania received strong support from European Union leaders at the summit in Tivat, Montenegro. EU officials said the country is moving in the right direction toward membership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU’s goals are clear. She stated that Montenegro is expected to join the EU …