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Albania, Moldova, Ukraine and North Macedonia Sign Agreement to Promote Free Elections

The Central Election Commission of Albania and its counterparts in Moldova, Ukraine, and North Macedonia signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen democratic resilience and European cooperation. First, the agreement was signed during the closing session of the regional conference “Money in Politics 2026.” As a result, the event marked …

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Gogu Meets Bar Association, Stresses Stronger Cooperation in Justice System

Minister of Justice Toni Gogu held his first meeting with the new leadership of the National Bar Association in Tirana. First, both sides focused on strengthening institutional cooperation in the justice sector. They also discussed the implementation of new commitments following Albania’s signing of the Council of Europe Convention on …

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Economy Committee: Bank of Albania Must Maintain a Cautious Approach to Exchange Rate Policy

The Parliamentary Committee on Economy, Employment and Finance reviewed the draft resolution on the annual activity report of the Bank of Albania for 2025. The committee also defined key priorities for the institution’s work in 2026. First, committee rapporteur and chair Milva Ekonomi praised the role of the Bank of …

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Military exercise in Cape Gjuhëz area, navigation banned on June 23–24

The Municipality of Vlora has announced that navigation will be prohibited in the Cape Gjuhëz area on June 23 and 24, 2026, due to a coastal military exercise and live-fire drill conducted by the Albanian Armed Forces. According to an official notice from the Ministry of Defense, Military Unit No. …

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Parliament calls for stronger oversight of bank lending, key issues reviewed

The Albanian Parliament has called on the Bank of Albania to strengthen its supervision of banks with high exposure to large businesses and the real estate sector. This was one of the main points of a draft resolution approved by the Economy Committee. The resolution highlights the need to analyze …

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Macron reacts after meeting with Rama: France reaffirms support for Albania’s EU integration

French President Emmanuel Macron shared a message on social media platform X following his meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama at the Élysée Palace. Macron stated that France “reaffirms its support for Albania’s European integration and for the continuation of the reforms necessary to advance on its European path.” …

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Germany on the protests: A citizens’ right, but an internal matter for Albania

In a public statement, Martin Giese, spokesperson for Germany’s Foreign Ministry, was asked about the ongoing protests taking place in Tirana. Specifically, Giese was asked whether the German government is in contact with the protesters in Albania, whether Berlin is aware of the protesters’ demands, and what it expects from …

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Specialist Chambers: Detainees may visit Kosovo for humanitarian reasons

The legal framework of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers allows detainees to request visits to Kosovo for compelling humanitarian reasons. In a video statement released on Monday, the institution said that the regulations governing such visits were adopted by the judges in accordance with international human rights standards, including Article 5 …

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Day 23 of protests in Tirana, organizers publish five main demands

For the 23rd consecutive day, starting at 7:00 p.m., citizens gathered on the “Dëshmorët e Kombit” boulevard in Tirana to protest against the government of Prime Minister Edi Rama. As on previous days, protesters first assembled in Skanderbeg Square before marching toward the government headquarters. Their chants echoed through the …

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More than 32,000 applications submitted for agricultural support funds, farmers have until June 26 to apply

Around 32,300 farmers have applied so far to benefit from Albania’s 2026 agricultural support schemes, for which a total fund of €52 million has been made available. This year, financial support for livestock and beekeeping has been increased, while the minimum herd size required to qualify for assistance has been …

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Faces of Protest: Meet the Albanians Taking to Tirana’s Streets

Prime Minister Edi Rama claims the daily protests shaking Tirana are misguided or manipulated from outside. BIRN spoke with some of the most dedicated protesters to find out more about their hopes for environmental and democratic changes. Original post Here

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Saudi Ambassador Meets Head of Albania–Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Group

Tirana Times, July 6,2026 – Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Albania, H.E. Turki bin Ibrahim Al-Madi, received Albanian MP Baldi Çomo, Chairman of the Albania–Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Eriol Mile for talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation. According to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Tirana, the …

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Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and OSCE Strengthen Cooperation to Promote Equality

The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and the OSCE Presence in Albania agreed to strengthen their institutional cooperation during a meeting between Commissioner Genta Tafa (Bungo) and OSCE Ambassador Michel Tarran. The two sides discussed joint initiatives to prevent and address hate speech while promoting equality, respect, and non-discrimination. They …

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Albania Launches New Public Administration Reforms to Advance EU Integration

Albania has unveiled a new package of initiatives aimed at modernizing its public administration and strengthening its preparedness for European Union membership. During Public Administration Week, Minister of State for Public Administration Adea Pirdeni emphasized that the government will prioritize investment in human capital, improve institutional performance, and align Albania’s …

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Prime Minister Rama Hosts Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani

Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and his delegation to the Prime Minister’s Office in Tirana. The visit marks Talabani’s first official trip to Albania and reflects efforts to strengthen relations between Albania and the Kurdistan Region. Prime Minister Rama …

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France Praises Albania’s Progress in Democratic Reforms and EU Integration Path

The Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi received Pierre-Alexandre Anglade, Chair of the Committee on European Affairs in the French National Assembly, along with members of the delegation, in Tirana. During the meeting, both sides highlighted the strong relations between Albania and France and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation within …

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Albania Reaffirms Commitment to EU Reforms in Talks with French Parliamentary Delegation

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha received a delegation from the European Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, led by Pierre-Alexandre Anglade, in Tirana. The two sides discussed current developments in the EU enlargement process and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum and credibility in the accession …

News
Rama: Adaptability key for Albania’s garment industry amid EU integration process

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlights the importance of transformation and adaptability for Albania’s fason industry during the presentation of the national program preparing businesses for European Union integration. Rama presents leather-processing entrepreneur Etleva Laro’s company as an example of a business that successfully adapted to new economic challenges. He says …

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Balla and Hoxhaj discuss Kosovo justice, EU integration, and regional security

Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla meets with Kosovo MP and former Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj at the Albanian Parliament to discuss key regional issues. During the meeting, Balla and Hoxhaj address the legal proceedings against former Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK) leaders in The Hague, emphasizing the importance of …

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Medieval Center of Berat: A Journey Through the City’s Ottoman Past

Berat attracts large numbers of tourists, and visitors often outnumber locals in its historic quarters such as Mangalem, Gorica, and the Castle area. First, the article shows how tourism now shapes daily life in the city, while residents themselves continue to rediscover parts of their cultural heritage. Next, the restored …

News

Faces of Protest: Meet the Albanians Taking to Tirana’s Streets

Prime Minister Edi Rama claims the daily protests shaking Tirana are misguided or manipulated from outside. BIRN spoke with some of the most dedicated protesters to find out more about their hopes for environmental and democratic changes. Original post Here

News

Saudi Ambassador Meets Head of Albania–Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Group

Tirana Times, July 6,2026 – Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Albania, H.E. Turki bin Ibrahim Al-Madi, received Albanian MP Baldi Çomo, Chairman of the Albania–Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Eriol Mile for talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation. According to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Tirana, the …

News

Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and OSCE Strengthen Cooperation to Promote Equality

The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and the OSCE Presence in Albania agreed to strengthen their institutional cooperation during a meeting between Commissioner Genta Tafa (Bungo) and OSCE Ambassador Michel Tarran. The two sides discussed joint initiatives to prevent and address hate speech while promoting equality, respect, and non-discrimination. They …

News

Albania Launches New Public Administration Reforms to Advance EU Integration

Albania has unveiled a new package of initiatives aimed at modernizing its public administration and strengthening its preparedness for European Union membership. During Public Administration Week, Minister of State for Public Administration Adea Pirdeni emphasized that the government will prioritize investment in human capital, improve institutional performance, and align Albania’s …

News

Prime Minister Rama Hosts Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani

Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and his delegation to the Prime Minister’s Office in Tirana. The visit marks Talabani’s first official trip to Albania and reflects efforts to strengthen relations between Albania and the Kurdistan Region. Prime Minister Rama …

News

France Praises Albania’s Progress in Democratic Reforms and EU Integration Path

The Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi received Pierre-Alexandre Anglade, Chair of the Committee on European Affairs in the French National Assembly, along with members of the delegation, in Tirana. During the meeting, both sides highlighted the strong relations between Albania and France and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation within …

News

Albania Reaffirms Commitment to EU Reforms in Talks with French Parliamentary Delegation

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha received a delegation from the European Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, led by Pierre-Alexandre Anglade, in Tirana. The two sides discussed current developments in the EU enlargement process and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum and credibility in the accession …

News

Rama: Adaptability key for Albania’s garment industry amid EU integration process

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlights the importance of transformation and adaptability for Albania’s fason industry during the presentation of the national program preparing businesses for European Union integration. Rama presents leather-processing entrepreneur Etleva Laro’s company as an example of a business that successfully adapted to new economic challenges. He says …

News

Balla and Hoxhaj discuss Kosovo justice, EU integration, and regional security

Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla meets with Kosovo MP and former Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj at the Albanian Parliament to discuss key regional issues. During the meeting, Balla and Hoxhaj address the legal proceedings against former Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK) leaders in The Hague, emphasizing the importance of …

News

Medieval Center of Berat: A Journey Through the City’s Ottoman Past

Berat attracts large numbers of tourists, and visitors often outnumber locals in its historic quarters such as Mangalem, Gorica, and the Castle area. First, the article shows how tourism now shapes daily life in the city, while residents themselves continue to rediscover parts of their cultural heritage. Next, the restored …