Bank of Albania reports higher loan demand and easier terms for small and medium-sized businesses
Demand for loans from businesses and individuals increased in the third quarter of 2026. Banks expect this trend to continue in the final quarter, according to the Bank of Albania’s lending survey. Businesses increased borrowing across all size categories for investment and liquidity needs. Higher investment needs, inventory financing and …
Assembly deputy Speaker, Kushi discusses parliamentary reform with international delegation
Assembly of Albania Deputy Speaker Evis Kushi and Secretary General Genci Gjonçaj met a delegation from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, led by Kevin Casas Zamora. The talks focused on continuing cooperation under the European Union-funded STEP-EU project. The initiative aims to strengthen the Assembly’s legislative, oversight …
OSCE human rights office calls for peaceful protests and independent investigations
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expressed concern over reports of violence during student and high school protests in Albania. It called for immediate and independent investigations into every reported case of unlawful use of force. In a statement published on X, ODIHR urged all sides …
Frontex reports nearly one-third fewer irregular border crossings into the European Union
Irregular border crossings into the European Union fell by almost one-third in the first nine months of 2026, with preliminary data recording just over 91,000 crossings, according to Frontex. The Central Mediterranean route saw the sharpest decline, with detections down 56% year on year. However, the Western Mediterranean route recorded …
Albania and Turkey conduct joint naval exercise in Vlora Bay
As part of NATO’s “Neptune Strike-26” exercise, the Albanian and Turkish Naval Forces conducted a joint military exercise in Vlora Bay and at the Pashaliman Naval Base. The exercise involved the Albanian patrol vessel “Oriku” P-132 and its boarding team, alongside the Turkish naval vessels TCG Anadolu and TCG Gaziantep. …
Supreme Court postpones hearings after court files damaged during protests in Tirana
Albania’s Supreme Court has announced the postponement of court hearings, except for urgent cases, following property damage and damage to judicial files caused by a fire during the protests on October 17. In a public statement issued on October 20, the court said that damage to its premises and infrastructure …
UN Security Council to discuss key issues concerning Kosovo today: What does the new UN report say?
The United Nations Security Council will hold its next meeting on the situation in Kosovo today, with discussions expected to focus on political developments, the security situation, and the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. New York time, corresponding to 9:00 p.m. …
ODIHR on Protests in Albania: Concern Over Violence, Calls for Peace
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) has expressed concern over reports of violence during protests in Albania, as demonstrations in Tirana enter their eighth consecutive day. In a public statement, ODIHR called on all parties to maintain peace, stressing that law enforcement authorities must refrain from …
Begaj Meets US Ambassador in Tirana and Several EU Ambassadors: Reason for Meetings Revealed
Albanian President Bajram Begaj met with US Ambassador to Tirana Eric Wendt on Tuesday. The meeting comes at a time when Albania is facing a series of protests, accompanied by clashes between demonstrators and the State Police. The head of state holds regular meetings with representatives of the diplomatic corps …
PM Rama Responds After Students Reject Dialogue: “I Am Available”
Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded after lecturers and intellectuals who joined the anti-government protests rejected dialogue, reiterating that he is ready to hold talks with anyone willing to engage in discussions. In a video posted on social media, filmed inside the Prime Minister’s Office, Rama highlighted the chants of …
Two separate protests took place in Tirana on Saturday. Students, lecturers and citizens gathered outside the Ministry of Education for the 19th consecutive day, demanding political change, the prime minister’s resignation and better living and education conditions. Meanwhile, the main opposition party held a rally outside the Prime Minister’s Office. …
The US Embassy in Tirana has urged American citizens to avoid protest areas, warning that demonstrations could escalate into violence and disrupt traffic and public services. In an official security alert, the embassy said protests continue in central Tirana and near government institutions. Some demonstrations have turned violent, with reports …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has warned that society risks normalising violence and turning it into a tool for settling disputes with teachers, university lecturers and public institutions. Speaking at a meeting of the National Council for the Rights and Protection of Children on October 30, Rama called for a joint …
Albania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, has called for stronger regional cooperation to help women entrepreneurs grow their businesses and access new markets. She made the statement at the fourth edition of the regional conference “SHE RISES”, held in Pristina, Kosovo. The event brought together women entrepreneurs, government …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has called for a broader approach to addressing violence involving minors, stressing that punishment alone cannot solve the problem. He said authorities must also support vulnerable children and their families and help young people reintegrate into society. Speaking at a meeting of the National Council for …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has called for a national debate on restricting minors’ access to social media, including whether the minimum age should be 16 or 18. Speaking at a meeting of the National Council for the Rights and Protection of Children on October 30, Rama said the growing influence …
Albanian singer Evi Reçi and virtual artist Bora Faira have won the “Best Human–AI Collaboration” award at the World AI Music Festival in Cannes, marking an international achievement for Albanian music. The festival announced the award during its October 2026 edition, recognising the project “Nata Sonte” for bringing together human …
The United States Embassy in Tirana has issued an official statement regarding the ongoing protests in Albania, as well as those expected on Saturday, warning of the risk of escalation into violence. The Embassy emphasized that some demonstrations have turned violent, involving the use of incendiary devices, stone-throwing, and property …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced that the government will begin consultations with parents and teachers on restricting minors’ access to social media. Authorities are considering whether the age limit should be set at 16 or 18, with the aim of preventing children from having individual accounts on these platforms. …
During his speech this afternoon, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that, starting next year, children will remain at school until 5:00 PM. The measure will help working parents, while children will take part in cultural and sports activities that will also contribute to their social development. “Another important task is …