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Rama in Luxembourg to Attend the 10th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference

Prime Minister Edi Rama will attend the 10th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference in Luxembourg on Tuesday. In a Facebook post, Rama said that Albania is marking another important step towards European Union membership. He added that the formal closure of negotiations on Chapter 20, “Enterprise and Industrial Policy,” is expected to …

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Montenegro Closes Three More EU Chapters, Kos: Today, We Will Close One Chapter with Albania

The European Union and Montenegro have provisionally closed accession negotiations on economic and monetary policy, Chapter 17; statistics, Chapter 18; and social policy and employment, Chapter 19. European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that reforms under the three provisionally closed chapters would bring tangible benefits to Montenegro. Kos also …

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Transparency Board Announces New Fuel Prices, Diesel and Petrol Prices Rise

The Transparency Board has announced new fuel prices. Starting Tuesday, the retail price of diesel fuel meeting the SSH EN 590 standard will be capped at 219 lek per litre, while the wholesale price must not exceed 207 lek per litre. Meanwhile, the retail price of petrol meeting the SSH …

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Shiroka-Pula Calls for Stronger Albania-Kosovo Coordination on Foreign Policy

Kosovo President Justina Shiroka-Pula met with Albania’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Petrit Malaj, on Monday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation. According to the Kosovo Presidency, Malaj congratulated Shiroka-Pula on her election and expressed hope that the two countries would further deepen their ties during her mandate. Shiroka-Pula stressed …

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Albania to close fourth EU accession chapter today

Albania expects to provisionally close Chapter 20 of its European Union accession negotiations today in Luxembourg. Prime Minister Edi Rama will attend the 10th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU. Rama described the move as another step towards EU membership. The closure would bring Albania’s total to 4 provisionally …

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EU proposes 15-year rule-of-law oversight for future members

The European Commission’s enlargement strategy, presented on October 6, proposes enhanced rule-of-law monitoring for new EU members for up to 15 years after accession. The plan aims to prevent democratic backsliding and avoid situations like Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Hungary and Poland exposed weaknesses in Article 7 …

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Cloudy weather, brief thunderstorms and afternoon sunshine, with temperatures up to 22 degrees Celsius

Albania will experience relatively unstable weather on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching 22 degrees Celsius, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Until midday, moderate to heavy cloud cover will bring occasional light rain to southern and southeastern areas and the eastern mountain regions. Brief thunderstorms are also possible. After midday, skies …

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Michelin Guide Selects 20 Hotels Across Albania, from Tirana to the Riviera

Albania is strengthening its presence on the international tourism map, with 20 accommodation establishments featured in the Michelin Guide’s selection of hotels. The selected properties span several of the country’s main destinations, including Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Himarë, Berat, Gjirokastër, Korçë and Sarandë. The list covers a wide range of accommodation, …

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Albanian sports minister and FIBA leaders discuss basketball development

Albania’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, met with FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Europe Board member Michal Konecny and Albanian Basketball Federation President Avni Ponari at the ministry. The talks focused on increasing support for the national federation and investing in sports infrastructure. The participants highlighted …

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Albania marks 95th birth anniversary of author Dritëro Agolli

Albania marks 95 years since the birth of writer and academic Dritëro Agolli, born on October 13, 1931. He died in Tirana on February 3, 2017. Agolli developed a distinctive literary voice rooted in Albanian language, tradition and folk wisdom. His first poetry collection, “Në rrugë dola” (I Set Out …

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Allied Forces Demonstrate Maritime Readiness Off the Coast of Albania

The maritime, air and amphibious capabilities of Allied forces took centre stage aboard the Turkish ship TCG ANADOLU and along the Albanian coast during Neptune Strike 26-4 on October 19, 2026, demonstrating the cooperation and readiness that underpin NATO’s collective defence. The event was attended by senior officials, including defence …

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Technological Development in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Global Debates, Risks and Prospects for Albania

By Denis Jukni Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from an experimental technology to a new infrastructure of the economy and public administration. Generative models, automation, robotics, cloud infrastructure, large-scale data processing and algorithmic systems are changing how companies produce, how institutions deliver services and how citizens receive information. This transformation …

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Week in Review: Polls and Storms

A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here

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Gjergj Fishta: The Pen That Gave Voice to Albania’s National Soul

Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …

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EU and Western Balkans leaders to meet in Brussels on November 25

European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …

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PM Rama urges young people to distance themselves from violent protests

Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged young people to distance themselves from violent protests. He called on them to express their views through peaceful democratic means. In remarks on social media, Rama defended the right to peaceful protest. He said citizens could challenge the government through debate and elections. He …

News
Defense minister meets Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi has met Colonel Murat Ilhan, Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana. Turkish Ambassador to Albania Bariş Ceyhun Erciyes also attended the meeting. According to the Ministry of Defense, the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey and their shared commitment to closer cooperation in …

News
Institute of Statistics: Albania records 10.7 million foreign arrivals in nine months

Albania recorded around 17.4 million entries by Albanian and foreign citizens from January to September 2026, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Foreign citizens accounted for 10.7 million entries, while Albanian citizens accounted for 6.7 million. Compared with the same period in 2025, foreign arrivals rose by 4.9%, while …

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Students continue protest outside prime minister’s office

Students continued their protest outside the prime minister’s office in Tirana for an 11th day. University lecturers and other citizens joined them again today. Lecturers and students first gathered outside the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Aleksandër Kovaçi, head of the University Lecturers’ Union, called for greater cooperation among intellectuals in …

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Albania holds 2026 National Water Rescue Championship

The Albanian Water Rescue Federation held the 2026 National Water Rescue Championship with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The competition tested speed, technique and endurance through events that combine sport with life-saving skills. A total of 34 competitors took part. The championship has taken place annually …

News

Allied Forces Demonstrate Maritime Readiness Off the Coast of Albania

The maritime, air and amphibious capabilities of Allied forces took centre stage aboard the Turkish ship TCG ANADOLU and along the Albanian coast during Neptune Strike 26-4 on October 19, 2026, demonstrating the cooperation and readiness that underpin NATO’s collective defence. The event was attended by senior officials, including defence …

News

Technological Development in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Global Debates, Risks and Prospects for Albania

By Denis Jukni Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from an experimental technology to a new infrastructure of the economy and public administration. Generative models, automation, robotics, cloud infrastructure, large-scale data processing and algorithmic systems are changing how companies produce, how institutions deliver services and how citizens receive information. This transformation …

News

Week in Review: Polls and Storms

A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here

News

Gjergj Fishta: The Pen That Gave Voice to Albania’s National Soul

Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …

News

EU and Western Balkans leaders to meet in Brussels on November 25

European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …

News

PM Rama urges young people to distance themselves from violent protests

Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged young people to distance themselves from violent protests. He called on them to express their views through peaceful democratic means. In remarks on social media, Rama defended the right to peaceful protest. He said citizens could challenge the government through debate and elections. He …

News

Defense minister meets Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi has met Colonel Murat Ilhan, Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana. Turkish Ambassador to Albania Bariş Ceyhun Erciyes also attended the meeting. According to the Ministry of Defense, the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey and their shared commitment to closer cooperation in …

News

Institute of Statistics: Albania records 10.7 million foreign arrivals in nine months

Albania recorded around 17.4 million entries by Albanian and foreign citizens from January to September 2026, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Foreign citizens accounted for 10.7 million entries, while Albanian citizens accounted for 6.7 million. Compared with the same period in 2025, foreign arrivals rose by 4.9%, while …

News

Students continue protest outside prime minister’s office

Students continued their protest outside the prime minister’s office in Tirana for an 11th day. University lecturers and other citizens joined them again today. Lecturers and students first gathered outside the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Aleksandër Kovaçi, head of the University Lecturers’ Union, called for greater cooperation among intellectuals in …

News

Albania holds 2026 National Water Rescue Championship

The Albanian Water Rescue Federation held the 2026 National Water Rescue Championship with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The competition tested speed, technique and endurance through events that combine sport with life-saving skills. A total of 34 competitors took part. The championship has taken place annually …