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Von der Leyen: 63 Schools Rebuilt or Renovated with EU Support

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she will visit Emin Duraku School in Tirana tomorrow with Prime Minister Edi Rama. The EU supported the school’s reconstruction after the 2019 earthquake. At a joint press conference with Rama, von der Leyen recalled the EU’s support for Albania after the …

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Von der Leyen: Accession Commitments Must Continue After EU Membership

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU continues to work on its new enlargement package. She also said future accession treaties could include safeguards similar to those in previous treaties. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, reporters asked von der Leyen whether the …

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Rama: No Security Partner Has Raised Concerns Over SHISH Case

Prime Minister Edi Rama said the courts should handle the case involving former State Intelligence Service (SHISH) chief Vlora Hyseni. Rama also said no security partner has raised concerns about the case. At a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Rama said the European Commission …

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Von der Leyen: Corruption Probes Show Albania’s Justice System Is Working

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the fight against corruption and organized crime remains central to Albania’s EU integration process. At a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, von der Leyen said investigations into senior officials show that Albania’s justice system is working. “The fight against …

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Rama: My Political Responsibility Is to Keep Justice Reform on Track

Prime Minister Edi Rama said his political responsibility lies in continuing justice reform and strengthening the fight against corruption. At a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, journalists asked Rama whether he felt politically responsible for government appointments, including that of former SHISH chief Vlora …

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Von der Leyen in Tirana: Albania among the frontrunners in the accession process

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during her visit to Tirana, held a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, where she praised Albania’s progress in the European integration process. Von der Leyen stressed that Albania is among the frontrunners in the accession process, highlighting the opening of …

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Von der Leyen: Albania has completed 80% of reforms

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised Albania’s progress in implementing the EU Growth Plan, stating that the country has completed 80% of the planned reforms. During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana, she announced that Albania has so far received €213 million, with …

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Von der Leyen: 63 schools rebuilt with EU support

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that 63 schools in Albania have been rebuilt or renovated through the “EU for Schools” programme. During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama, she recalled the European Union’s support following the 2019 earthquake and stressed that the schools programme …

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Rama and Ursula von der Leyen asked about former SHISH chief, Prime Minister responds

Prime Minister Edi Rama and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen were asked during their joint press conference in Tirana about SPAK’s measure against former SHISH Director Vlora Hyseni and whether the issue had been discussed between them. Rama said that what some in Albania portray as regression is …

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Rama meets Wendt, U.S. Embassy: A strong partnership is measured by what two nations achieve together

The U.S. Embassy has issued a statement regarding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s meeting on Wednesday with the new U.S. Ambassador, Eric Wendt. The Embassy shared images from the meeting, stating that a strong partnership is measured by what two nations achieve together. In its post, the Embassy said that Rama …

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Albania and Israel sign agreement to expand bilateral cooperation

Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, in Tirana and signed a General Cooperation Agreement to strengthen ties between the 2 countries. The talks also covered regional and global security challenges, including Albania’s contribution to the Board of Peace. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation …

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Berat’s Gorica Quarter Preserves Centuries of Orthodox Heritage

Berat attracts visitors with its Ottoman architecture, historic streets and rich cultural heritage. In the Gorica quarter, two Orthodox churches offer a closer look at the city’s spiritual history and centuries-old traditions. The Church of St. Spyridon, built in the 19th century, holds a special place in Albania’s religious history. …

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Gjirokastër Welcomes Tourists Despite Autumn Rain

Gjirokastër continues to welcome visitors from around the world this autumn, as tourists explore its characteristic stone streets despite the rainy weather. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared social media footage of visitors walking through the historic city and enjoying its distinctive atmosphere. He captioned the post “Autumn in Gjirokastër.” The …

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Albania to close fourth EU accession negotiation chapter on Tuesday

Albania expects to close Chapter 20 of its European Union accession negotiations on Tuesday. The chapter covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The intergovernmental conference will follow approval by representatives of EU member states. They approved the decision through the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER). This step will bring Albania’s provisionally …

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Saranda Port Handles Nearly 688,000 Passengers as Tourist Ship Arrivals Rise

Saranda Port handled 687,594 passengers in the first nine months of 2026, a slight increase from 686,398 during the same period last year. Tourist ship arrivals also rose, reflecting the port’s continued role in southern Albania’s tourism sector. Hatixhe Ismaili, who oversees ship and ferry operations at the port, told …

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Albania increases PhD funding to over 600,000 euros

Albania has opened its 2026 call for doctoral study funding, with a budget exceeding 600,000 euros. The Ministry of Education and the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation are running the programme. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said the scheme had entered its second year with clearer rules and much …

News
Kolonjë Attracts More Foreign Tourists with Natural Beauty and Improved Access

Kolonjë is attracting growing numbers of visitors throughout the year, thanks to its rich natural landscapes and the warm hospitality of local residents. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared autumn footage of the southeastern Albanian region on social media, showing tourists cycling along scenic roads and enjoying its fresh air and …

News
Kosova PM Kurti: Council of Europe and Interpol membership would benefit citizens

Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti said greater international integration would benefit citizens, particularly through membership in the Council of Europe and Interpol. Speaking at the opening of the 12th Diplomatic School for young diplomats, Kurti highlighted Kosova’s progress through diplomacy and international cooperation. He said Council of Europe membership would …

News
Albania launches price comparison platform and discount scheme

Albania has launched two initiatives to help households compare prices and reduce shopping costs. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented the online Price Comparison platform and the “KURSE” (Save On Shopping) discount scheme. The platform lists 238 products across 13 categories. Consumers can check prices at 155 sales outlets …

News
PM Rama announces fixed prices for over 200 products until January 2027

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced an agreement with five major food retailers to keep prices unchanged on more than 200 products until January 12, 2027. The agreement forms part of Albania’s Price Comparison platform and the “KURSE” (Save on Shopping) initiative. Rama said the initiative aims to protect consumers …

News

Albania and Israel sign agreement to expand bilateral cooperation

Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, in Tirana and signed a General Cooperation Agreement to strengthen ties between the 2 countries. The talks also covered regional and global security challenges, including Albania’s contribution to the Board of Peace. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation …

News

Berat’s Gorica Quarter Preserves Centuries of Orthodox Heritage

Berat attracts visitors with its Ottoman architecture, historic streets and rich cultural heritage. In the Gorica quarter, two Orthodox churches offer a closer look at the city’s spiritual history and centuries-old traditions. The Church of St. Spyridon, built in the 19th century, holds a special place in Albania’s religious history. …

News

Gjirokastër Welcomes Tourists Despite Autumn Rain

Gjirokastër continues to welcome visitors from around the world this autumn, as tourists explore its characteristic stone streets despite the rainy weather. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared social media footage of visitors walking through the historic city and enjoying its distinctive atmosphere. He captioned the post “Autumn in Gjirokastër.” The …

News

Albania to close fourth EU accession negotiation chapter on Tuesday

Albania expects to close Chapter 20 of its European Union accession negotiations on Tuesday. The chapter covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The intergovernmental conference will follow approval by representatives of EU member states. They approved the decision through the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER). This step will bring Albania’s provisionally …

News

Saranda Port Handles Nearly 688,000 Passengers as Tourist Ship Arrivals Rise

Saranda Port handled 687,594 passengers in the first nine months of 2026, a slight increase from 686,398 during the same period last year. Tourist ship arrivals also rose, reflecting the port’s continued role in southern Albania’s tourism sector. Hatixhe Ismaili, who oversees ship and ferry operations at the port, told …

News

Albania increases PhD funding to over 600,000 euros

Albania has opened its 2026 call for doctoral study funding, with a budget exceeding 600,000 euros. The Ministry of Education and the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation are running the programme. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said the scheme had entered its second year with clearer rules and much …

News

Kolonjë Attracts More Foreign Tourists with Natural Beauty and Improved Access

Kolonjë is attracting growing numbers of visitors throughout the year, thanks to its rich natural landscapes and the warm hospitality of local residents. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared autumn footage of the southeastern Albanian region on social media, showing tourists cycling along scenic roads and enjoying its fresh air and …

News

Kosova PM Kurti: Council of Europe and Interpol membership would benefit citizens

Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti said greater international integration would benefit citizens, particularly through membership in the Council of Europe and Interpol. Speaking at the opening of the 12th Diplomatic School for young diplomats, Kurti highlighted Kosova’s progress through diplomacy and international cooperation. He said Council of Europe membership would …

News

Albania launches price comparison platform and discount scheme

Albania has launched two initiatives to help households compare prices and reduce shopping costs. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented the online Price Comparison platform and the “KURSE” (Save On Shopping) discount scheme. The platform lists 238 products across 13 categories. Consumers can check prices at 155 sales outlets …

News

PM Rama announces fixed prices for over 200 products until January 2027

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced an agreement with five major food retailers to keep prices unchanged on more than 200 products until January 12, 2027. The agreement forms part of Albania’s Price Comparison platform and the “KURSE” (Save on Shopping) initiative. Rama said the initiative aims to protect consumers …