Albania and Kosova hold joint mountain search and rescue exercise
Personnel from Albania’s Civil Emergencies Support Base and the Kosova Security Force held a joint mountain search and rescue exercise in Prevalla, near Prizren. According to Defence Minister Ermal Nufi, the exercise took place from 2 to 5 November. Participants exchanged experience, tested new equipment and practised rescue techniques in …
Gonxhja: ALL 2.08 BILLION LEK ALLOCATED TO CULTURAL HERITAGE AND MUSEUMS IN 2027
Albania will allocate 2.08 billion lek to the Cultural Heritage and Museums programme in 2027, marking an 80% increase compared with 2026, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced on Thursday. Presenting the draft budget to the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Gonxhja said the increased …
FM Hoxha and Romanian counterpart reaffirm support for Albania’s European integration
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Romania’s new Foreign Minister, Dan Neculaescu, in Bucharest to discuss bilateral ties and regional security. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation, with a particular focus on expanding economic and trade relations and making full use of their potential. Hoxha …
Albania and India seek closer tourism cooperation
Albania and India are exploring ways to strengthen tourism ties following a meeting at the World Travel Market London 2026. Jola Hysaj, director general of the National Tourism Agency, met India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during the international travel fair. The two officials discussed exchanging experience …
Albania Allocates ALL 3.37 Billion to Arts and Culture in 2027, with ALL 1.5 Billion for Investment
Albania’s Arts and Culture programme will receive a budget of 3.37 billion lek in 2027, with around 1.5 billion lek, or 45% of the total, earmarked for public investment, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced. The draft budget also allocates 495.9 million lek to artistic projects, marking …
European Commission praises progress on Bank of Albania legislation
The European Commission’s 2026 report highlights Albania’s new law on the Bank of Albania and progress in central bank independence, payment systems and banking stability. The report notes that the new legislation aligns with European Union rules on central bank independence and the prohibition of monetary financing for the public …
PM Rama says businesses must drive economic development
Prime Minister Edi Rama has stressed the need for an inspection system that supports businesses and promotes economic growth without creating unnecessary barriers. Speaking at a conference organised by the General Inspectorate on investment and compliance with legal requirements, he said inspections should serve a practical purpose rather than burden …
Justice minister Gogu says anti-corruption is key to Albania’s European path
Justice Minister Toni Gogu has pledged to align Albania’s anti-corruption legislation with European Union standards. He also proposed three priorities for stronger regional cooperation at the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs in Budva, Montenegro, on 5–6 November. Speaking at a session on the judicial dimension of …
Albania allocates ALL 76.284 billion (approximately $943 million) for defence in 2027
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi presented the 2027 draft budget to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates ALL 76.284 billion, a 10% increase on 2026, equivalent to 2.6% of gross domestic product. Capital spending accounts for ALL 43.6 billion, while current expenditure totals ALL 32.6 billion. …
Tirana to Host Second EU–Western Balkans Investment Conference, with Focus on Investment Opportunities
Tirana will host the Second EU–Western Balkans Investment Conference on November 25 and 26, 2026, an event aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and encouraging new investments between the European Union and countries in the region. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that the forum will bring together high-level government representatives, international …
The proposed amendments to Albania’s sponsorship law aim to encourage businesses to fund sports, arts and cultural activities through tax incentives, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today. Under the proposed scheme, businesses could deduct up to 30% of their corporate income tax through sponsorships of activities …
The Albanian government today approved amendments to its agreement with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), which supports the country’s EU accession negotiations. The Council of Ministers approved Amendment No. 1 to the implementation agreement between the Ministry of Economy and Innovation and GIZ. The agreement forms part of …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi today expressed his condolences following the deaths of four members of the Turkish Armed Forces in an S-70 helicopter crash in Malatya, Turkey. In a message posted on social media, Nufi expressed his sorrow over the tragic accident and extended his deepest sympathies to the victims’ …
Prime Minister Edi Rama today shared a photo on social media from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing a group of European leaders and senior representatives walking down an escalator together. At the centre of the photo, Rama appears alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The European Political Community …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has called for a stronger focus on economic diplomacy, highlighting its role in the country’s development and European Union integration. Hoxha made the remarks during a discussion at Ludovika University of Public Service in Budapest, where he presented Albania’s vision for …
Albania’s Interior Minister Ervin Demo met his Italian counterpart, Matteo Piantedosi, in Rome. They discussed stronger security cooperation and easier access to public services for Albanians living in Italy. The talks focused on three main issues. First, the two ministers discussed developing Albania’s Security Academy with support from Italian expertise. …
Albania’s government has approved changes to the composition and responsibilities of the country’s negotiating team for European Union membership. The Council of Ministers adopted the decision today. It amends the previous decision of May 6, 2020, by redistributing responsibilities across several negotiation chapters and appointing new members to the team. …
Albania beat Finland 2-0 at Air Albania Stadium in Tirana in the fifth round of UEFA Nations League Group C1. The victory lifted Albania to 12 points and first place in the group. Ernest Muçi opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a fine long-range strike. Rey Manaj doubled …
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attended the 2026 Future of the North Atlantic Forum in Oslo, Norway. The forum is organised by the British and Norwegian governments and brings together senior political and military officials and defence industry representatives from allied countries. Speaking aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince …
Albanian Interior Minister Ervin Demo met his Italian counterpart, Matteo Piantedosi, to discuss drawing on Italy’s experience to develop Albania’s Security Academy, finalising bilateral security agreements and securing automatic recognition in Italy of birth certificates issued through e-Albania. The ministers paid particular attention to the future of the Security Academy …