Rama announces new inspection framework for 2027, unannounced checks to be phased out
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ The 32nd Tirana International Fair (TIF32) featured a conference with the participation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and Economy Minister Delina Ibrahimaj, providing foreign businesses and prospective investors with guidance on Albania’s legal requirements, regulatory standards and inspection procedures. The conference featured three thematic panels focusing …
Dutch Ambassador: Protests reflect social tensions, violence is unacceptable
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ Dutch Ambassador Marleen Monster said Albania’s protests reflect public discontent and social tensions, stressing that while citizens have the right to demonstrate, violence is unacceptable. During a visit to Korçë, where she met with law enforcement representatives to discuss media freedom, Monster stressed that citizens have …
Gonxhja holds talks with World Bank Director on Sustainable Tourism Development
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja today held a meeting with Xiaoqing Yu, the World Bank’s Country Director for the Western Balkans, and other representatives of the institution. Gonxhja said the discussions focused on the progress of reforms and projects aimed at increasing tourism’s economic …
Albania and India explore new avenues for tourism cooperation
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ On the sidelines of the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026 international tourism fair, National Tourism Agency Director-General Jola Hysaj held a meeting with India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The talks focused on strengthening tourism relations and cooperation between Albania and India through …
US ambassador Eric Wendt outlines priorities for Albania: defence, investment and security
United States Ambassador Eric Wendt has outlined his priorities in a video message posted on X. He identified defence, economic prosperity and security as the main areas for cooperation. He also thanked President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their trust, along with the Albanian people for …
Albania and Kosova hold joint mountain search and rescue exercise
Personnel from Albania’s Civil Emergencies Support Base and the Kosova Security Force held a joint mountain search and rescue exercise in Prevalla, near Prizren. According to Defence Minister Ermal Nufi, the exercise took place from 2 to 5 November. Participants exchanged experience, tested new equipment and practised rescue techniques in …
Gonxhja: ALL 2.08 BILLION LEK ALLOCATED TO CULTURAL HERITAGE AND MUSEUMS IN 2027
Albania will allocate 2.08 billion lek to the Cultural Heritage and Museums programme in 2027, marking an 80% increase compared with 2026, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced on Thursday. Presenting the draft budget to the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Gonxhja said the increased …
FM Hoxha and Romanian counterpart reaffirm support for Albania’s European integration
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Romania’s new Foreign Minister, Dan Neculaescu, in Bucharest to discuss bilateral ties and regional security. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation, with a particular focus on expanding economic and trade relations and making full use of their potential. Hoxha …
Albania and India seek closer tourism cooperation
Albania and India are exploring ways to strengthen tourism ties following a meeting at the World Travel Market London 2026. Jola Hysaj, director general of the National Tourism Agency, met India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during the international travel fair. The two officials discussed exchanging experience …
Albania Allocates ALL 3.37 Billion to Arts and Culture in 2027, with ALL 1.5 Billion for Investment
Albania’s Arts and Culture programme will receive a budget of 3.37 billion lek in 2027, with around 1.5 billion lek, or 45% of the total, earmarked for public investment, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced. The draft budget also allocates 495.9 million lek to artistic projects, marking …
Albania will experience unsettled weather on Friday, with cloud cover, rain and strong winds, mainly along the coast and in valleys. The Military Meteorological Service forecasts moderate to dense cloud cover, with occasional sunny intervals. Rain will begin in the early hours across most of the country, with light intensity …
The Ministry of Finance has opened public consultation on a draft law to strengthen financial supervision and consumer protection. The proposal would replace the banking law adopted in 2006 and align legislation with European Union standards. Under the draft, credit institutions must respond to customer complaints within 15 working days, …
Chestnut Hill, nestled among Tropoja’s chestnut trees, has become one of the area’s leading agritourism businesses. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the venture on social media, describing its views above the clouds as magical. The guesthouse has 12 rooms and welcomes visitors from Europe, America, Singapore and Australia. …
Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti met his British counterpart, Andy Burnham, at the conclusion of the European Political Community (EPC) meeting. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Kurti described the United Kingdom as a special partner and ally of the Republic of Kosova. Kurti expressed gratitude for Britain’s continued and …
Albanian State Police Director General Skender Hita met senior Italian police officials in Rome to strengthen cooperation against criminal groups operating in both countries. He met Raffaele Grassi, Deputy Director General of Public Security and Central Director of Criminal Police, and General Nicola Massimo Masciulli, head of Italy’s Anti-Mafia Investigation …
The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Korçë and the Ethnographic Museum of Elbasan have organised an exhibition to raise awareness about the illegal trafficking of cultural property. The exhibition, titled “Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future – Heritage Belongs Where It Is”, opened ahead of the International Day against …
Tirana will host the 10th edition of the Tirana Marathon on Sunday, November 15. The event will restrict traffic on several main roads. The Tirana Municipality and State Police have prepared a joint plan to close some roads and divert vehicles. The restrictions will apply from 08:00 to 16:00 on …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj has inspected the new electronic sealing system at Porto Romano. The system will apply to all tankers transporting hydrocarbons in Albania, covering the entire transport chain from entry points to exit points and enabling electronic monitoring of tanker movements. According to Malaj, the system will simplify …
Autumn has brought a new atmosphere to Tirana. Its vibrant colours have added to the experience of visitors exploring the Albanian capital during the mild November days. Tourists can enjoy walks along the city’s main streets, visit cultural monuments and discover its museums. These activities make Tirana an attractive destination …
Spiro Shaka, 28, is turning his family’s leatherworking tradition into a business in Korça. Raised in a family that has practised the craft for more than 20 years, he now runs a shop selling mainly leather bags, belts, wallets and a small collection of shoes. Through his business, Shaka aims …