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Albania Reviews Action Plan for Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MSHMS) held a technical consultation with gender equality officers from central public institutions as part of the review of the Action Plan for the National Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030. The revised Action Plan aims to strengthen measures against gender-based violence, promote women’s economic …

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Rama: European Parliament Amendment Not Related to Zvërnec Project

Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected claims that a recent European Parliament amendment targets the Zvërnec investment project. Rama stated that the amendment does not concern Zvërnec and criticized attempts to connect the two issues. He argued that some groups have misinterpreted the resolution and spread inaccurate information about its purpose. …

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Albania and Montenegro Advance Plans for Joint Border Crossing at Zogaj–Ckla/Skje

Representatives of the Albanian and Montenegrin customs administrations held a coordination meeting today to prepare for the opening of the joint border crossing point at Zogaj–Ckla/Skje. Border police officials, local authorities, and infrastructure representatives also attended the meeting to discuss the next steps in the project. Participants reviewed progress on …

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Pogradec Expands Public Beach Areas for Summer Visitors

The Municipality of Pogradec rejected reports that authorities had reduced public beach areas in favor of private businesses. Instead, municipal officials stated that they have increased public beach space over the past four years and continue to prioritize access for residents and tourists. According to the municipality, authorities have designated …

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Gonzato: Media Plays a Key Role in Informing Citizens About EU Integration

European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato highlighted the crucial role of the media in informing citizens about Albania’s European integration process and the reforms required for EU membership. He delivered his remarks at the closing event of the training programme “Reporting Effectively on the EU Integration Process,” which aimed …

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Balla on European Parliament Amendment Calling for Construction Moratorium in Protected Areas: We Will Do Whatever It Takes to Join the EU

The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, said in a statement to the media outside Parliament that the European Parliament’s amendment regarding protected areas is “nothing more and nothing less” than what Prime Minister Edi Rama has already stated: that no construction will be allowed without a …

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Rama on the Protests: The Problem Is Not the Flamingos, but the Crows and Ravens Trying to Hold the Country Hostage

Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again reacted to the citizen protests that have been taking place in Tirana for the past 18 days. In a lengthy message on social media, Rama said he understands the concerns of citizens who joined the demonstrations over environmental issues. However, he accused political …

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Rama Responds to European Parliament Amendment: It Is Not About Zvërnec but About Nartë–Vjosa

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to the European Parliament amendment, clarifying that it is not related to Zvërnec or the protected Pishë Poro–Nartë landscape, but rather to the protected Nartë–Vjosa area, where, according to him, the government shares the same position as Members of the European Parliament. “The …

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Albanian PM Edi Rama in Berlin: Europe Today Needs Courage for Enlargement

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has given an interview to Euronews.com on the current situation in Europe and the challenges facing the continent. Rama spoke about EU enlargement and the integration process of the Western Balkan countries. Is Europe Ready for Its Next Helmut Kohl Moment? Speaking in Berlin, the …

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Proposal Returns for Higher Property Taxes: Homes and Businesses to Be Taxed Based on Market Value

All real estate properties in Albania, whether residential units or business premises, will be taxed according to their market value under a new draft law proposed by the Ministry of Finance and submitted for public consultation. According to the draft legislation, the taxable base for the property tax will be …

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Deputy PM Koçiu: Children must be kept away from political activities, use in protests is unacceptable

TIRANA, July 2 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu reacted on social media, condemning the involvement of children in political activities. She called for stronger protection of minors from adult political conflicts. Koçiu said recent images circulating in public are concerning. She said they show children exposed to a divisive …

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Saranda sees rising tourist arrivals as visitors embrace Albanian cuisine

TIRANA, July 2 – Saranda has entered the summer season with a higher number of visitors than during the same period last year, according to local tourism businesses. Operators said tourist arrivals have increased steadily from month to month, boosting activity across the hospitality and services sectors. Meanwhile, businesses said …

News
Administrative reform, essential step for EU integration, draft law aims to strengthen autonomy of agencies

TIRANA, July 2 – Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni presented a draft law on the organisation and functioning of the state administration, calling it a key milestone in public sector reform and Albania’s EU integration process. Pirdeni described the initiative as the result of two …

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PM Rama: 50 Million Euro Sovereign Guarantee for Businesses, Double Funding for Youth Startups

TIRANA, July 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government has expanded the sovereign guarantee scheme to 50 million euros, aiming to support small and medium-sized enterprises that want to scale up their operations. Speaking during a discussion with pensioners, Rama stressed that the programme targets small and medium …

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EU Growth Plan: Albania leads Western Balkans as reform reporting enters new phase

TIRANA, July 2 – Western Balkan countries have until July 15 to submit progress reports under the European Union’s Growth Plan after the fourth reporting period ended on June 30. The European Commission will review the reports before approving payments. Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said the Reform and Growth Facility …

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July tourist surge lifts Shkodër and Albanian Alps alongside coast

TIRANA, July 2 – July has opened with a strong influx of visitors across Shkodra County, where tourist activity now extends well beyond Velipoja’s beaches to the city and the Albanian Alps. Travellers from across Europe continue to choose Albania for their summer holidays, turning Shkodra into a key stop …

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Deadly Addiction: Albania Needs Liberating From the Flow of Drug Money

The constant flow of laundered drug money into Albania through organised crime has enriched a tiny minority at the cost of distorting politics and impoverishing the rest of the population. Original post Here

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PM Rama: EU membership process must stay on track, pensioners to receive oil revenue bonus

TIRANA, July 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said any political instability could halt Albania’s European Union accession process and warned that restarting it could take considerable time. Speaking during a meeting with pensioners, Rama said Albania has reached the final stage of its path toward EU membership. He stressed …

News
National Emergency adds 13 new ambulances, Health minister Sala: They function as “mini intensive care units”

TIRANA, July 2 – Albania’s National Emergency Service has added 13 new ambulances to its fleet, aiming to strengthen emergency response and lifesaving care across the country. During the inauguration ceremony, Health and Social Protection Minister Evis Sala said timely first aid remains the most important factor in saving patients’ …

News
XXI Chamber Fest Opens in Durrës with Artists from Eight Countries

The XXI edition of Chamber Fest Durrës 2026 has opened in the coastal city of Durrës. The international chamber music festival brings together artists from Albania, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and the United States. The opening night took place at the National Archaeological Museum. The “Arola” quartet …

News

Deputy PM Koçiu: Children must be kept away from political activities, use in protests is unacceptable

TIRANA, July 2 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu reacted on social media, condemning the involvement of children in political activities. She called for stronger protection of minors from adult political conflicts. Koçiu said recent images circulating in public are concerning. She said they show children exposed to a divisive …

News

Saranda sees rising tourist arrivals as visitors embrace Albanian cuisine

TIRANA, July 2 – Saranda has entered the summer season with a higher number of visitors than during the same period last year, according to local tourism businesses. Operators said tourist arrivals have increased steadily from month to month, boosting activity across the hospitality and services sectors. Meanwhile, businesses said …

News

Administrative reform, essential step for EU integration, draft law aims to strengthen autonomy of agencies

TIRANA, July 2 – Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni presented a draft law on the organisation and functioning of the state administration, calling it a key milestone in public sector reform and Albania’s EU integration process. Pirdeni described the initiative as the result of two …

News

PM Rama: 50 Million Euro Sovereign Guarantee for Businesses, Double Funding for Youth Startups

TIRANA, July 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government has expanded the sovereign guarantee scheme to 50 million euros, aiming to support small and medium-sized enterprises that want to scale up their operations. Speaking during a discussion with pensioners, Rama stressed that the programme targets small and medium …

News

EU Growth Plan: Albania leads Western Balkans as reform reporting enters new phase

TIRANA, July 2 – Western Balkan countries have until July 15 to submit progress reports under the European Union’s Growth Plan after the fourth reporting period ended on June 30. The European Commission will review the reports before approving payments. Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said the Reform and Growth Facility …

News

July tourist surge lifts Shkodër and Albanian Alps alongside coast

TIRANA, July 2 – July has opened with a strong influx of visitors across Shkodra County, where tourist activity now extends well beyond Velipoja’s beaches to the city and the Albanian Alps. Travellers from across Europe continue to choose Albania for their summer holidays, turning Shkodra into a key stop …

News

Deadly Addiction: Albania Needs Liberating From the Flow of Drug Money

The constant flow of laundered drug money into Albania through organised crime has enriched a tiny minority at the cost of distorting politics and impoverishing the rest of the population. Original post Here

News

PM Rama: EU membership process must stay on track, pensioners to receive oil revenue bonus

TIRANA, July 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said any political instability could halt Albania’s European Union accession process and warned that restarting it could take considerable time. Speaking during a meeting with pensioners, Rama said Albania has reached the final stage of its path toward EU membership. He stressed …

News

National Emergency adds 13 new ambulances, Health minister Sala: They function as “mini intensive care units”

TIRANA, July 2 – Albania’s National Emergency Service has added 13 new ambulances to its fleet, aiming to strengthen emergency response and lifesaving care across the country. During the inauguration ceremony, Health and Social Protection Minister Evis Sala said timely first aid remains the most important factor in saving patients’ …

News

XXI Chamber Fest Opens in Durrës with Artists from Eight Countries

The XXI edition of Chamber Fest Durrës 2026 has opened in the coastal city of Durrës. The international chamber music festival brings together artists from Albania, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and the United States. The opening night took place at the National Archaeological Museum. The “Arola” quartet …