Albania expands ALBTraceCo’s role in biometric and digital identity services
The Council of Ministers has approved changes that expand the activity of ALBTraceCo, the company responsible for producing and distributing biometric documents. The new decision adds services and technology systems linked to biometric and digital identity. Under the decision, the company will manage and develop high-security infrastructure and technologies. ALBTraceCo …
Shijak approves 11 new priority zones for mountain economy development
The Council of Ministers has approved changes that add new priority areas for developing the mountain economy in Shijak. The government introduced the changes under Law No. 20/2025, known as the “Mountain Package”. The Minister of State for Local Government proposed the amendments. Under the decision, authorities have revised the …
Hoxha: Russian aggression will not weaken Europe’s resolve, security or unity
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has reacted to the latest attacks in Kyiv and the reported Russian drone incident at Leipzig/Halle Airport in Germany. Hoxha said the incidents will not weaken Europe’s determination to support Ukraine. “Russia has once again shown that it will not stop its …
Rama thanks Sala for her contribution and continued international engagement
Prime Minister Edi Rama has thanked Prof. Evis Sala for her dedication and professionalism during her time as Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Rama praised Sala for her work on the government’s new reform program. He also highlighted her continued contribution through her international engagement. “I warmly thank Professor …
New EU Ambassador Dirk Schuebel begins his mission in Kosovo
Germany’s Dirk Schuebel has started his mandate as the new European Union Ambassador to Kosovo. Schuebel has called for the rapid formation of Kosovo’s institutions. He said functioning institutions would allow the EU to fully engage with Kosovo and provide the support available to the country. “There is an important …
PM Rama: Inspections must pass “Besa” test, no unannounced checks
TIRANA, September 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said inspections must pass the “Besa” test and that authorities should no longer conduct checks without prior notice. Speaking at an extended meeting with inspectors, attended by Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj and General Inspector Dashnor Sula, Rama called for a …
President President Begaj receives new EU Ambassador de Sousa, reaffirms 2030 membership goal
TIRANA, September 2 – President Bajram Begaj received the new European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, who presented her credentials. The president wished de Sousa success in her new role and praised the EU Delegation’s contribution to strengthening relations between Tirana and Brussels and supporting Albania’s European …
Europexplores names Albania Europe’s top travel destination
TIRANA, September 2 – Albania has been highlighted as Europe’s top travel destination by Europexplores in an Instagram post. The travel platform describes Albania as one of the most talked-about destinations for European getaways. It highlights the turquoise beaches of the Albanian Riviera and Ksamil, along with the historic streets …
Gonzato Departs as New EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa Officially Takes Office
A new chapter in the European Union’s diplomatic representation in Albania begins this Wednesday. Sofia Moreira de Sousa officially takes office as the EU Ambassador to Tirana, following the end of Italian diplomat Silvio Gonzato’s mandate. The Portuguese diplomat’s first institutional engagement will be at the Presidency of the Republic, …
Grenell Backs Six LDK MPs Who Rejected Sejdiu’s Candidacy for Kosovo President: “Great Friends of America”
Former U.S. envoy for the Balkans Richard Grenell has reacted to the latest political developments in Kosovo, expressing support for six MPs from the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) who have said they will not vote for Bekim Sejdiu as president. Grenell posted a photo of the six MPs on …
Albania inaugurated its Honorary Consulate in Naples today. Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the ceremony at Villa Doria d’Angri. Honorary Consul Giuseppe Lettieri, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli and Albanian Ambassador to Italy Anila Bitri also attended. Campania Region President Roberto Fico, Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi and Naples Prefect …
Croatian Ambassador to Albania Zlatko Kramarić said today that Kosovo should accept the Special Court’s decision on Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, regardless of how painful it may be. Speaking to the media, Kramarić said a conviction of Thaçi would not help Kosovo’s image. “We need …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said Albania is ready to join European efforts against disinformation and hybrid threats. Hoxha welcomed a resolution adopted today by the European Parliament on the European Democracy Shield. The resolution recognizes the Western Balkans as a key target of foreign information manipulation …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that Albania and Italy share a long history of closeness and alliance. He also described Italy as Albania’s strongest representative of interests within the European Union. “When I said that Italy is Albania’s European alter ego, I meant something sacred: a very long history …
The National Tourism Agency and “Tradita.al” have formalized a partnership to promote Albania’s cultural heritage, traditions, handicrafts, gastronomy and authentic products. National Tourism Agency Director General Jola Hysaj and “Tradita.al” founder Edlira Sulaj signed the Memorandum of Cooperation. The agreement marks a new step toward joint initiatives that promote Albanian …
Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj took part in a regional meeting of chief EU negotiators from the Western Balkans in Skopje. Jaupaj said the meeting focused on the European Union’s new budget for 2028-2034. He said the participants also discussed the EU integration process and the environmental dimension of the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama sent a congratulatory letter to Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti on the start of his new government mandate. The Kosovo Prime Minister’s Office published Rama’s message today. In the letter, Rama reaffirmed the Albanian government’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Kosovo at all levels. “Your new …
Protecting Lake Ohrid and strengthening cross-border environmental cooperation were at the center of a meeting between Albania’s Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj and his North Macedonian counterpart Muamet Hoxha in Skopje. The meeting took place during a regional gathering of chief negotiators and officials responsible for European integration. Jaupaj said the …
Reshat Arbana celebrates his 86th birthday today. He remains one of the most important figures in Albanian cinema and theatre. Arbana was born in Tirana on September 15, 1940. He graduated from the Higher Institute of Arts and began his artistic career in theatre. He later became one of Albania’s …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met today with the new Dutch Ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster. They discussed ways to intensify political dialogue and strengthen bilateral relations. The two sides praised cooperation between Albania and the Netherlands. They also focused on parliamentary ties and exchanges between the Albanian Parliament, the …