Wendt-Nufi meeting: US Embassy says Albania is a key defence partner
The United States has reaffirmed its role as Albania’s leading defence partner. The US Embassy in Tirana said Ambassador Eric Wendt discussed stronger defence cooperation and enhanced security capabilities during a meeting with Defence Minister Ermal Nufi. The meeting focused on strengthening operational readiness through Albania’s 25-year partnership with the …
Ambassador Wendt meets SPAK chief to discuss fight against transnational crime
The fight against transnational crime, drug trafficking and illegal migration took center stage at a meeting between US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt and SPAK chief Klodian Braho. Wendt also met with Joni Keta, head of the National Bureau of Investigation. The US Embassy in Tirana said the meetings focused …
Rama meets US congressional delegation to discuss strategic partnership and security
Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted a US congressional delegation at the Prime Minister’s Office, where US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt also attended. Rama shared footage from the meeting on social media. Earlier, a delegation from the US House of Representatives, led by Congressman Vern Buchanan, chairman of the Committee …
US Ambassador to Tirana Eric Wendt meets SPAK chief
The United States Ambassador to Tirana, Eric Wendt, met with the leadership of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), with discussions focusing on challenges related to transnational crime, drug trafficking, and illegal migration. In a social media post, the US Embassy in Tirana said these issues are …
26% of businesses sell online, Albania ranks second in the Balkans after Serbia
Albanian businesses are increasingly using the internet as a sales channel, placing Albania second in the Western Balkans. At a time when online trade has declined in most economies across the region, Albania recorded significant growth in 2025. Online trade is gaining ground among Albanian businesses. In 2025, 26% of …
PM Edi Rama meets US Congressional delegation in Tirana
Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted a delegation from the United States Congress at the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, as part of the US delegation’s visit to Tirana. Rama shared a photo from the meeting on social media, showing him alongside the new US Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, and …
Territorial reform: 15 municipalities to merge, six areas to gain city status – what changes under the new map
If the new administrative-territorial reform secures the 84 votes required in Thursday’s plenary session, Albania will go from 61 to 46 municipalities. The draft approved by the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs provides for the merger of 15 existing municipalities into larger ones, while the country’s counties will remain unchanged. …
Energy poverty: 38% of households in Albania unable to keep their homes warm
Nearly four in ten households in Albania are unable to keep their homes adequately warm. These figures place Albania, alongside Kosovo, at the top of the region for “energy poverty.” Albania and Kosovo have the highest shares of households relative to their populations that cannot afford to keep their homes …
Albania police chief Hita assures students of safety at universities
Albania State Police Director General Skënder Hita congratulated students on the start of the new academic year. He said the police will step up its efforts to ensure their safety and provide a calm environment for study. Hita said the State Police will work with students to prevent any activity …
Albania parliamentary affairs minister meets United States House of Representatives delegation
State Minister for Parliamentary Relations Erjona Ismaili met a delegation from the United States House of Representatives on Monday. They discussed ways to modernise Albania’s legislative process and strengthen parliamentary institutions. The talks also covered technology and artificial intelligence. The participants discussed their use to improve transparency and efficiency. They …
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Masked protesters continued to clash with police in Tirana on Thursday. They damaged public spaces and private businesses as unrest spread across the capital. After vandalizing businesses on Elbasan Street, masked youths set a kiosk ablaze on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Flames engulfed the structure and sent thick smoke into …
President Bajram Begaj has called on citizens and all parties involved in the recent protests to reject violence and prioritize dialogue. He stressed that Albania needs calm, responsibility and cooperation. In a message to the public, Begaj said he had followed both the protesters’ demands and the acts of violence …
The OSCE Presence in Albania has welcomed President Bajram Begaj’s call for calm and inclusive dialogue amid the recent unrest. It has also offered to help facilitate talks if the parties request its support. In a statement, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) joined the President’s appeal …
The EU Delegation in Tirana issued a statement on Thursday regarding the student protests, condemning the escalation of violence and damage to property. In its statement, the delegation called on protesters to refrain from violence. According to the EU, constructive dialogue among all parties is the only way forward to …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro has responded following three days of protests by university and high school students, calling on parents, teachers, and the wider community to work together to ensure the safety of young people and prevent the situation from escalating. In a message addressed to parents, pupils, and university …
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reacted to acts of violence and damage to public and private property during protests in the capital, condemning attacks on institutions, banks, shopping centers, and business premises. In its statement, the Chamber emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a …
Student protests continue to escalate in the capital. In the former Blloku area, private businesses have begun taking protective measures, installing security shutters and reinforcing their commercial premises. These security measures follow incidents reported in recent hours, during which some young protesters attacked and damaged private property, as well as …
The General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, said during a press conference at the State Police General Directorate that 71 police officers had been injured in acts of violence over the three days of protests in Tirana. Hita called on parents and teachers not to allow children and …
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has provided the latest update on the condition of those injured during the protests. According to the official statement, a total of 14 injured people were admitted to the University Trauma Hospital, including eight police officers, four protesters and two minors. Four police …