Albania’s Recurrent Gasification Mirage
Before Albania can have gasification, it will need to have a functioning economy, a population wealthy enough to afford the costs of central heating and cooling, schools, kindergartens and nurseries equipped with air conditioning, and a substantial industrial base capable of consuming a volume of gas large enough to justify …
Kanye West concert plan sparks controversy in Albania
Event raises concerns over antisemitism row, reported €50 million temporary stadium, wider European backlash and criticism from Jewish communities. TIRANA, May 11, 2026 – The planned concert of American rapper and producer Kanye West in Albania on July 11 has triggered growing public debate, with human rights activists and the …
Albania and Netherlands reaffirm partnership in politics, security and European affairs
TIRANA, May 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels. The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations between Albania and the Netherlands. They confirmed a high level of cooperation and expressed …
European Union to disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro, says Kos
TIRANA, May 11 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the European Union will disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro under the Growth Plan. Meanwhile, she stated that implementation of the Growth Plan is progressing well. She confirmed that nearly 200 million euros will be released …
PM Rama: Only 12% of public tenders have single bidders, Albania below EU average
TIRANA, May 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has reached an advanced stage of progress in public procurement and in its position within European Union accession negotiations. Speaking at a joint press conference with Reida Kashta (Shahollari), head of the Public Procurement Agency and negotiator for Chapter 5 …
Upper Grabova: The Hidden “Twin” of Voskopoja in Mount Valamara
Grabova e Sipërme sits hidden in the highlands between Gramsh and Korçë, on the slopes of Mount Valamara. First, the village stands at about 1,250 meters above sea level and preserves a striking natural landscape shaped by mountain waters and deep valleys. Then, its stone houses and traditional architecture reflect …
Tirana International Airport on track for record year, 13.3 million passengers projected
TIRANA, May 11 – Tirana International Airport continued strong growth in 2026, confirming its position as one of the fastest-expanding airports in the region. Airport management data shows around 3.3 million passengers handled in the first four months of the year. This figure marks a 10.4% increase compared to the …
Travel + Leisure: Albania Emerges as Europe’s Hidden Coastal Gem
Travel + Leisure highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive and still underexplored destinations. First, the article describes the Albanian Riviera as a strong alternative to the French Côte d’Azur, thanks to its clear waters, historic villages, and ancient ruins. Then, writer Ada Calhoun shares her one-week journey through …
Public procurement key chapter in EU negotiations, Albania advancing global agreement talks
TIRANA, May 11 – Public Procurement Agency Director General and Chapter 5 negotiator Reida Kashta said public procurement stands as one of the key chapters in Albania’s European Union integration process. She said the EU places it within the new negotiation methodology under the fundamental cluster. Kashta made the remarks …
Eurovision 2026: Alis draws attention at opening ceremony on turquoise carpet parade
TIRANA, May 11 – The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 turquoise carpet turned into a parade of colours, emotions, and international presentations, with 35 countries taking part in the opening event attended by global media and fans. At the same time, Albania joined the ceremony with Alis Kallaçi as this year’s …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama visited Tokyo today after his official trip to South Korea. Tokyo displayed the flags of Albania and Japan along major streets to honor relations between the two countries. Rama shared photos on social media showing the Albanian flag flying beside the Japanese flag in the …
A regional seminar on synthetic drugs and illegal diversion of medical cannabis opened today in Tushemisht. The two-day event focuses on growing drug trafficking threats in Southeast Europe. The seminar is organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania with support from the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the US Department …
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari attended the international “Europa Wachau” forum in Krems today. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and European Commissioner Magnus Brunner invited Lamallari to the event. The forum focused on a new European approach to migration management and security challenges linked to illegal movements across the continent. Lamallari …
Albanian institutions and international partners met today to discuss strengthening the country’s firefighting service and emergency response system. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Interior and focused on funding opportunities through a potential World Bank project. Deputy Interior Minister Xhemal Qefalia welcomed participants, while Arben Cara led the …
Posta Shqiptare and Montenegro’s postal service signed a cooperation memorandum today to modernize postal and financial services between the two countries. Administrator Etjen Xhafaj and his Montenegrin counterpart Josip Djuraskoviç signed the agreement. Xhafaj described the deal as an important step toward modernization and stronger regional cooperation. He said the …
Albania has launched the implementation of the “Green Vjosa” project, a new initiative focused on sustainable development and environmental protection in the Vjosa river basin. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj held the first meeting of the project’s Steering Committee today. The project, titled “Green Vjosa – Green and Inclusive Regional Development …
Governor of the Bank of Albania Gent Sejko held an official meeting today with India’s first ambassador to Albania, Ravindra Prasad Jaiswal. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen economic and financial cooperation between Albania and India. Talks also focused on economic developments and the technological transformation of the banking …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi received a delegation from the National People’s Congress of China today in Tirana. The Chinese delegation was led by senior official Li Hongzhong. Both sides discussed traditional friendly relations between Albania and China. They focused on expanding cooperation in economic, trade, education, cultural and youth …
The 63rd conference of the EPRA is being held in Tirana, bringing together regulators from 42 European countries. The event is hosted by the Audiovisual Media Authority of Albania for the first time in Albania. EPRA Chair Stephanie Comey opened the conference. She stressed the forum’s neutral and non-political role. …
The Tirana Mosaic is becoming an increasingly popular cultural attraction for foreign visitors. Tirana Mosaic is now considered an important educational and cultural destination in the capital. Director of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Kostandin Budurushi, said the site has seen a significant rise in visitors after its restoration. …