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Tirana opens forest access routes to strengthen wildfire response

TIRANA, July 16 – Authorities have started opening forest access routes across Tirana County to improve wildfire response during the summer fire season. The Tirana Prefecture and the Tirana Agency of Parks and Recreation are clearing existing former military tracks to allow fire engines to reach forested areas more quickly. …

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Vllaznia exit European campaign after defeat against Kosova’s Malisheva

TIRANA, July 16 – Vllaznia of Shkodër have ended their UEFA Conference League campaign after losing 5-0 to Malisheva in the second leg of the first qualifying round. The match took place at the “Zahir Pajaziti” Stadium in Podujeva. Malisheva overturned the result from the first leg and secured qualification …

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Wizz Air opens direct Palermo-Tirana route starting in October

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania will gain a new direct air connection with Italy after Wizz Air announced a year-round route between Tirana and Palermo, according to Italian media outlet Italpress. The airline will launch the first flight on October 27. The route will operate 3 times a week, every …

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Albania Achieves 80% Implementation of the EU Growth Plan

Albania has implemented around 80% of the reforms required under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, placing the country among the region’s top performers. The European Commission expects Albania to reach this milestone and ranks it alongside Montenegro as one of the best-performing countries in the Western Balkans. …

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Begaj in Kyiv: Albania reaffirms unwavering support for Ukraine

President Bajram Begaj attended the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Kyiv and the ceremonies marking Ukraine’s Statehood Day, reaffirming Albania’s strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, recovery, and European integration. “Albania has been clear and unwavering in its support for Ukraine. We stand with your independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity …

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Nufi: Defense industry to become a new pillar of economic growth and national security

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi and Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu inspected the construction site of “Guna Tactical”, a major investment in Albania’s defense industry. The officials reviewed the project’s progress and highlighted its strategic role in creating a modern defense sector that will support economic growth, generate jobs, and strengthen …

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Karakaçi presents Albania’s Voluntary National Review on the 2030 Agenda at the UN

Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi presented Albania’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations during the second day of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The report highlights Albania’s progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Karakaçi said Albania presented concrete results, …

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Albanian Ambassadors’ Council condemns Serbian minister’s statement, calls for action at EU and NATO levels

The Albanian Ambassadors’ Council has strongly condemned recent statements by Serbian Government Minister Snezhana Paunović, warning that such rhetoric threatens regional stability and contradicts European values. In a statement, the council said the remarks revive concepts linked to the ethnic cleansing of Albanians and raise concerns about Serbia’s continued distancing …

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Gogu meets justice institutions’ leaders, highlights sustainability of justice reform as key challenge

Justice Minister Toni Gogu gathered the heads of justice institutions to review the progress of Albania’s justice reform and discuss the challenges ahead in the country’s European integration process. Gogu said the next 12 months will be crucial for Albania’s EU accession path. He stressed that the main challenge is …

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French Ambassador Suard: France and Albania share a common ambition for a reunited Europe

French Ambassador to Albania Catherine Suard highlighted the strong ties between France and Albania during a reception in Tirana marking France’s National Day. The event brought together senior Albanian officials, diplomats, media representatives, and civil society members. Suard reaffirmed France’s support for Albania’s EU integration. She said France believes Albania …

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Week in Review: Cocaine Busts, Changing Goals, Tourism Woes

Our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at Washington’s shifting foreign policy priorities in the Balkans, a suspicious drug trawl, surging property prices and more. Original post Here

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Defense company chief hails tactical vehicle milestone

TIRANA, July 31 – Ardi Veliu, chief executive officer of Albania’s state-owned defense company KAYO, said the delivery of the first 40 NATO-standard tactical vehicles produced in Albania marks an important step for the country’s defense industry. The company Timak Defence produced the vehicles, which include 35 light tactical vehicles …

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Gonxhja: Albania Suspends Construction Works in Tourist Areas During Summer Season

Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced that Albania will halt construction works and related activities in tourist areas during the summer season. The Council of Ministers approved the measure to improve visitors’ experiences and protect the quality of the tourist season. The decision will prevent construction activities from …

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PM Rama: Albania aims for fully domestic-made military equipment by 2028

TIRANA, July 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania aims to equip its Armed Forces with military vehicles and capabilities produced in the country by 2028. Rama made the statement during a ceremony where the Armed Forces received the first 40 tactical vehicles produced in Albania by Timak Defence …

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PM Rama: Albania plans to produce super-intelligent drones for air defence

TIRANA, July 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing new defence industry capacities. He said the country plans to produce intelligent drones and advanced military equipment. Rama spoke at the ceremony for the delivery of tactical vehicles from “Timak Defence”. He said Albania would soon present more …

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New administrative reform aims to preserve European Union standards

TIRANA, July 31 – Deputy chair of the Special Commission for Administrative-Territorial Reform, Arbjan Mazniku, said the proposed territorial division aims to consolidate municipalities and improve public services. He added that the reform will preserve the standards achieved through the current system. Presenting the main elements of the draft reform, …

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U.S. Senate clears way for Eric Wendt vote as new ambassador to Albania

TIRANA, July 31 – The US Senate approved a procedural resolution that allows a group vote on 74 nominations from the American administration, including Eric Wendt’s candidacy for ambassador to Albania, according to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website. The resolution passed with 50 votes in favor and 47 against, …

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Himara beaches inspected to protect public spaces

TIRANA, July 31 – Authorities continue inspections along coastal areas to ensure the proper use of public spaces and compliance with beach management standards. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the National Coastline Agency and municipalities are carrying out inspections in Himara to protect public beach areas. Meanwhile, …

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Public Safety Local Council in Elbasan discusses measures against online misinformation and digital violence

TIRANA, July 31 – Online misinformation and digital violence against children were the focus of the latest meeting of the Public Safety Local Council in Elbasan. Local institutions and partners discussed measures under the School Safety Package 2026-2027. They also presented the “Raporto Tani” (Report Now) application, which aims to …

News
Gonxhja: Tirana Becomes Albania’s Tourism Capital as Cross-Border Tourism Gains Importance

Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania is reshaping its tourism policies to improve service quality and extend the tourist season throughout the year. He explained that the country is following the National Tourism Strategy and introducing new measures to strengthen sustainable tourism development. Furthermore, Gonxhja highlighted cultural tourism as a …

News

Week in Review: Cocaine Busts, Changing Goals, Tourism Woes

Our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at Washington’s shifting foreign policy priorities in the Balkans, a suspicious drug trawl, surging property prices and more. Original post Here

News

Defense company chief hails tactical vehicle milestone

TIRANA, July 31 – Ardi Veliu, chief executive officer of Albania’s state-owned defense company KAYO, said the delivery of the first 40 NATO-standard tactical vehicles produced in Albania marks an important step for the country’s defense industry. The company Timak Defence produced the vehicles, which include 35 light tactical vehicles …

News

Gonxhja: Albania Suspends Construction Works in Tourist Areas During Summer Season

Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced that Albania will halt construction works and related activities in tourist areas during the summer season. The Council of Ministers approved the measure to improve visitors’ experiences and protect the quality of the tourist season. The decision will prevent construction activities from …

News

PM Rama: Albania aims for fully domestic-made military equipment by 2028

TIRANA, July 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania aims to equip its Armed Forces with military vehicles and capabilities produced in the country by 2028. Rama made the statement during a ceremony where the Armed Forces received the first 40 tactical vehicles produced in Albania by Timak Defence …

News

PM Rama: Albania plans to produce super-intelligent drones for air defence

TIRANA, July 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing new defence industry capacities. He said the country plans to produce intelligent drones and advanced military equipment. Rama spoke at the ceremony for the delivery of tactical vehicles from “Timak Defence”. He said Albania would soon present more …

News

New administrative reform aims to preserve European Union standards

TIRANA, July 31 – Deputy chair of the Special Commission for Administrative-Territorial Reform, Arbjan Mazniku, said the proposed territorial division aims to consolidate municipalities and improve public services. He added that the reform will preserve the standards achieved through the current system. Presenting the main elements of the draft reform, …

News

U.S. Senate clears way for Eric Wendt vote as new ambassador to Albania

TIRANA, July 31 – The US Senate approved a procedural resolution that allows a group vote on 74 nominations from the American administration, including Eric Wendt’s candidacy for ambassador to Albania, according to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website. The resolution passed with 50 votes in favor and 47 against, …

News

Himara beaches inspected to protect public spaces

TIRANA, July 31 – Authorities continue inspections along coastal areas to ensure the proper use of public spaces and compliance with beach management standards. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the National Coastline Agency and municipalities are carrying out inspections in Himara to protect public beach areas. Meanwhile, …

News

Public Safety Local Council in Elbasan discusses measures against online misinformation and digital violence

TIRANA, July 31 – Online misinformation and digital violence against children were the focus of the latest meeting of the Public Safety Local Council in Elbasan. Local institutions and partners discussed measures under the School Safety Package 2026-2027. They also presented the “Raporto Tani” (Report Now) application, which aims to …

News

Gonxhja: Tirana Becomes Albania’s Tourism Capital as Cross-Border Tourism Gains Importance

Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania is reshaping its tourism policies to improve service quality and extend the tourist season throughout the year. He explained that the country is following the National Tourism Strategy and introducing new measures to strengthen sustainable tourism development. Furthermore, Gonxhja highlighted cultural tourism as a …