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U.S. invests more than 40 million dollars to strengthen Albania’s defences against cyber threats

TIRANA, Nov. 4 (ATA) – The United States has invested more than 40 million dollars to strengthen Albania’s defences against foreign state-sponsored threats. Speaking at Albania’s National Cybersecurity Conference, Ambassador Eric Wendt highlighted Albania’s progress in building digital resilience and training future experts through partnership with the United States, including …

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PM Rama: Albania receives highest-ever assessment in EU progress report, membership prospects more realistic than ever

TIRANA, Nov. 4 /ATA/ –  Albania has received its highest-ever assessment in the European Commission’s annual progress report, Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Wednesday, describing the country’s prospects of joining the European Union as more realistic than ever. Rama called the assessment another source of pride for Albania’s European …

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Albania making progress on key reforms, continued progress needed to conclude EU accession talks in 2027

BRUSSELS, Nov. 4 /ATA/ – Albania has made progress in implementing key reforms required for EU membership but the country must maintain momentum to meet the target of wrapping up accession negotiations by the end of 2027, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said on Wednesday. Kos was speaking at …

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Ibrahimaj: An additional 24 billion lekë has been allocated for indexation and increase of pensions in 2027

TIRANA, November 4 /ATSH/ – While presenting the 2027 draft budget to the Committee on Health and Social Welfare, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj emphasized that the support for pensioners, improvement of their income and ensuring the sustainability of the social security system is a priority. “This program …

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Cashless Payments, Sejko: Cutting annual transaction costs by over ALL 500 million for consumers and around ALL 1 billion for businesses

  TIRANA, Nov 4 /ATA/ Albania is expected to take a significant step towards modernising its payment infrastructure through the regional TIPS Clone project, which will enable real-time fund transfers, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In his address at the 8th International Conference on Regional Card Schemes and …

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Duka receives “Lega Nazionale Dilettanti” delegation at House of Football

TIRANA, November 4 /ATSH/ – President of the Albanian Football Association Armand Duka hosted a delegation from the “Lega Nazionale Dilettanti” this Wednesday at the House of Football. The delegation was led by Christian Mossino, the organization’s first vice president. In the beginning, the delegation toured the House of Football, …

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Tabaku: EC Progress Report highlights need for far-reaching institutional reform in Albania

TIRANA, Nov 4 /ATA/ Democratic Party MP Jorida Tabaku today commented on the European Commission’s annual Progress Report on Albania, stressing that the country needs far-reaching changes in the way its institutions and state function. Tabaku said the report “reveals some sad truths about Albania, showing that, beyond the rhetoric, passing …

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National libraries of Albania and Hungary establish scientific and professional cooperation

TIRANA, November 4 /ATSH/ – The National Library of Albania and the National Széchényi Library of Hungary have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening professional, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two institutions. Attending the signing ceremony was Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Lira Pipa and …

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Gogu: ALL 250 million earmarked for forensic hospital, construction to begin in early 2027

TIRANA, Nov 4 /ATA/-By Maela Marini/ Justice Minister Toni Gogu announced today that ALL 250 million have been allocated in the 2027 draft budget for the forensic hospital, with construction set to begin early next year. Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs during a presentation of the 2027 draft …

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Recently completed mural in Art Park of Tirana pays tribute to women of Albanian Film Archive

TIRANA, November 4, ATSH/ A new mural dedicated to the women who have worked at the Central State Film Archive over the years has been completed in Tirana’s Art Park. This artwork—a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports and the Central State Film Archive—serves as a …

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Finance Minister Petrit Malaj: 30% of 2027 budget allocated to social protection

Albania’s 2027 budget will reach €10 billion for the first time, with 30% allocated to social protection, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said in a television interview. As part of the plan, the government has allocated €250 million to pensions in 2027, including funding for pension indexation. In addition, it plans …

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Vlora port suspends small-vessel departures as weather conditions worsen

The Port of Vlora Harbour Master’s Office has banned departures by small vessels and fishing boats planning to operate outside the Bay of Vlora from November 11 to 14 due to worsening weather conditions. The forecast warns of southerly to southeasterly winds reaching force 7–8 on the Beaufort scale, with …

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Vlora hosts European Film Academy board, opening new cooperation opportunities

The European Film Academy’s Board held its three-day meeting in Albania, bringing leading European producers and filmmakers to Vlora. During their stay, board members met Albanian film professionals and explored the country’s history, culture and filming potential. The visit aimed to create new partnerships and promote Albania as a destination …

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U.S. President Trump nominates Mikhail Bogachek as ambassador to Kosova

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Mikhail Bogachek as the next US ambassador to Kosova, submitting his name to the Senate for confirmation. The White House announced the nomination on November 10. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina remains under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati. Former ambassador Jeff …

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Justice Minister Toni Gogu discusses faster court proceedings with Italian officials

Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu held three meetings in Rome with Italian officials to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of justice. During a visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met Maurizio Gasparri, chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. He thanked Gasparri for ratifying the …

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Agriculture budget rises 10% in 2027 to support farmers and food safety

Albania’s draft 2027 budget allocates around ALL 18 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, a 10% increase on the initial 2026 budget, Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said. Rural development remains the main priority, with ALL 8.4 billion, including ALL 5.3 billion for the national support scheme, up …

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Kanina Castle reopens to visitors after restoration works

Restoration and improvement works have finished at Kanina Castle in Vlora. The historic monument is now ready to welcome visitors with improved infrastructure, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced. The project included conservation and structural works, alongside infrastructure upgrades, to protect the castle’s historical and cultural heritage. In …

News
Albania prepare for Finland in Nations League

Albania’s national team continued preparations for their upcoming matches against Finland and Belarus with a training session at the House of Football on Wednesday. The Albanian Football Association said all players trained at full intensity and were available to coach Rolando Maran. The team began the session in the gym …

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Albanian Football Association President Armand Duka honours Elseid Hysaj for over 100 appearances

Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Association, has honoured Elseid Hysaj for becoming the first Albania player to make over 100 appearances for the national team. At a ceremony on Wednesday, Duka personally presented Hysaj with a medal and a symbolic UEFA cap to mark the milestone. “Congratulations, Elsi! …

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Albanian folk ensemble to perform in Scotland for first time in 70 years

Albania’s National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble will travel to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time in 70 years to present the country’s cultural heritage to an international audience. The artists will perform “Albania Through Byron’s Eyes”, a production that combines Albanian traditions with the inspiration Albania and its culture …

News

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj: 30% of 2027 budget allocated to social protection

Albania’s 2027 budget will reach €10 billion for the first time, with 30% allocated to social protection, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said in a television interview. As part of the plan, the government has allocated €250 million to pensions in 2027, including funding for pension indexation. In addition, it plans …

News

Vlora port suspends small-vessel departures as weather conditions worsen

The Port of Vlora Harbour Master’s Office has banned departures by small vessels and fishing boats planning to operate outside the Bay of Vlora from November 11 to 14 due to worsening weather conditions. The forecast warns of southerly to southeasterly winds reaching force 7–8 on the Beaufort scale, with …

News

Vlora hosts European Film Academy board, opening new cooperation opportunities

The European Film Academy’s Board held its three-day meeting in Albania, bringing leading European producers and filmmakers to Vlora. During their stay, board members met Albanian film professionals and explored the country’s history, culture and filming potential. The visit aimed to create new partnerships and promote Albania as a destination …

News

U.S. President Trump nominates Mikhail Bogachek as ambassador to Kosova

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Mikhail Bogachek as the next US ambassador to Kosova, submitting his name to the Senate for confirmation. The White House announced the nomination on November 10. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina remains under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati. Former ambassador Jeff …

News

Justice Minister Toni Gogu discusses faster court proceedings with Italian officials

Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu held three meetings in Rome with Italian officials to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of justice. During a visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met Maurizio Gasparri, chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. He thanked Gasparri for ratifying the …

News

Agriculture budget rises 10% in 2027 to support farmers and food safety

Albania’s draft 2027 budget allocates around ALL 18 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, a 10% increase on the initial 2026 budget, Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said. Rural development remains the main priority, with ALL 8.4 billion, including ALL 5.3 billion for the national support scheme, up …

News

Kanina Castle reopens to visitors after restoration works

Restoration and improvement works have finished at Kanina Castle in Vlora. The historic monument is now ready to welcome visitors with improved infrastructure, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced. The project included conservation and structural works, alongside infrastructure upgrades, to protect the castle’s historical and cultural heritage. In …

News

Albania prepare for Finland in Nations League

Albania’s national team continued preparations for their upcoming matches against Finland and Belarus with a training session at the House of Football on Wednesday. The Albanian Football Association said all players trained at full intensity and were available to coach Rolando Maran. The team began the session in the gym …

News

Albanian Football Association President Armand Duka honours Elseid Hysaj for over 100 appearances

Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Association, has honoured Elseid Hysaj for becoming the first Albania player to make over 100 appearances for the national team. At a ceremony on Wednesday, Duka personally presented Hysaj with a medal and a symbolic UEFA cap to mark the milestone. “Congratulations, Elsi! …

News

Albanian folk ensemble to perform in Scotland for first time in 70 years

Albania’s National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble will travel to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time in 70 years to present the country’s cultural heritage to an international audience. The artists will perform “Albania Through Byron’s Eyes”, a production that combines Albanian traditions with the inspiration Albania and its culture …