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Document of Ambassadorial Nominee: Eric Wendt on Business Influence and Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

An ethics agreement signed on March 17, 2026, by the nominee for United States Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, outlines the measures he will take to avoid conflicts of interest while carrying out his duties. The document specifies that Wendt will not participate in decision-making processes directly related to his …

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President Haxhiu Signs Decree to Open Kosovo Consulate in Texas

The President of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, signed on Monday a decree for the opening of the Consular Mission of the Republic of Kosovo in Texas. According to a statement from the Presidency, Haxhiu emphasized that this is an important step. She noted that with this mission, Kosovo becomes closer to …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: May 4, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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PM Rama joins leaders’ meetings in Yerevan, appears in family photo and holds talks on security and economic connectivity summit

TIRANA, May 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is attending the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, Armenia. He shared a family photo with the participating leaders. Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed Rama and the Albanian delegation. This reception marked the start of the summit activities. The …

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FM Hoxha meets new Turkish ambassador to Albania

TIRANA, May 4 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha met the newly appointed Turkish ambassador to Albania, Barıs Erciyes, in Tirana. He said later on social media that the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the two countries. He also highlighted excellent relations developed over the years. …

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Albanian weightlifter Samoel Rrasa wins silver at World Youth Championships in Egypt

TIRANA, May 4 – Albanian weightlifting continues to achieve strong international results. Young athlete Samoel Rrasa won the silver medal at the World Youth Championships held in Egypt. The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) said the 18-year-old competed in the 65 kg category. He secured second place in the snatch …

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Tirana Launches First Chocolate and Sweets Festival

Tirana hosts the first Chocolate and Sweets Festival and brings together producers, artisans, and visitors in a celebration of flavor and creativity. The event takes place at “Tirana Moons” and receives support from the Municipality of Tirana, with organizers aiming to turn it into an annual tradition. Tourism director Ketrina …

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20-year government bond auction opens today in Albania

TIRANA, May 4 – The Ministry of Finance published the calendar of government securities auctions for May. It invited citizens and investors to take part in the process. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said participation in government securities auctions offers an attractive investment opportunity. He highlighted competitive interest rates and a …

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Albania wins gold and silver at 2026 European Fitness and Bodybuilding Championships

TIRANA, May 4 – The Albanian national fitness and bodybuilding team won one gold and one silver medal at the 2026 European Championships. The competition took place in Santa Susana, Spain, from April 29 to May 3. The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) confirmed that the team included five athletes. …

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Rama Highlights Kelmendi as Top Tourism Destination in Northern Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama shares images from a meadow in Kelmendi and highlights the area as a major tourism destination in northern Albania. Kelmendi, especially Tamara, stands out as one of the most beautiful regions in the Albanian Alps. The area attracts tourists due to its mountain landscapes and natural …

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Albania plans new affordable housing schemes with subsidised loans and rent support

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania is preparing new affordable housing policies in response to rising property prices, particularly in major cities. Speaking after a meeting with construction and real estate representatives, she said the reform would extend support beyond vulnerable groups to other people facing difficulties with …

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Deputy Interior Minister Qefalia: 19 laws approved from 2021 to 2025, remaining work to be completed by 2026

Deputy Interior Minister Xhemal Qefalia said 19 laws were approved from 2021 to 2025 during a hearing before the Committee on Civic Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight. The laws cover the State Police, state border control, information processing, asset recovery, weapons, construction inspection, the Republican Guard, foreigners, asylum, citizenship, the …

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RTSH launches new season with new identity and diverse programming

RTSH has launched its new season with a new visual identity and a wider range of programmes. The new logo draws inspiration from an earlier TVSH design and retains a link with the visual history of Albania’s public broadcaster. RTSH says the new identity represents movement, broadcasting and continuity. The …

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Trump thanks Albania and Kosovo for supporting Gaza stabilization efforts

US President Donald Trump has thanked countries that, according to him, have committed to helping stabilize the Gaza Strip, including Albania and Kosovo. In his statement, Trump said several countries had agreed to send troops and police forces and provide training as part of efforts to stabilize the situation in …

News
Trump thanks Kosovo at UN for Gaza engagement

US President Donald Trump today thanked Kosovo for its engagement in Gaza. “I also want to thank those who have sent troops to stabilize Gaza, including Kosovo,” the US president said in his speech to the UN General Assembly. On April 17, Kosovo’s Assembly approved a draft law allowing the …

News
EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee: Tourism shows positive growth, accession momentum must be maintained

The co-chairs of the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, Taulant Balla and Marco Tarquinio, issued a joint statement today. They urged Albanian institutions to implement the recommendations of the European Commission and the European Parliament. They also called for continued momentum as Albania moves towards EU membership. The statement …

News
S&P confirms Albania’s ‘BB’ rating, maintains stable outlook

Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings has reaffirmed Albania’s long-term sovereign credit rating at “BB” and maintained a “stable” outlook. In its analytical report published on Sept. 21, the agency said Albania’s per capita income has increased significantly in recent years. At the same time, government debt and overall external debt …

News
Transparency Board Announces New Fuel Prices: Diesel at 213 Lek/Litre and Petrol at 193 Lek/Litre

The Transparency Board announced on Tuesday the new fuel prices in the country, approved at its meeting on September 22, 2026. According to the decision, the retail price of diesel has been set at no more than 213 lek per litre, while the wholesale price has been set at no …

News
U.S. Embassy: When the United States and Albania Stand Together, Communities Are Safer

The U.S. Embassy in Tirana has shared photos and details on social media from the 42nd Retraining Session of the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) European Chapter. The training took place from September 19 to 23, bringing together professionals from the United States, Albania, and across Europe. In its statement, …

News
New Rules for Private Pension Funds Aim to Protect Citizens’ Savings

Greater oversight of private pension funds and more transparency for citizens. This is the aim of the new legal amendments announced for public consultation, which seek to align Albania’s pension fund rules more closely with European Union standards. The Financial Supervisory Authority is at the centre of the changes and …

News

Albania plans new affordable housing schemes with subsidised loans and rent support

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania is preparing new affordable housing policies in response to rising property prices, particularly in major cities. Speaking after a meeting with construction and real estate representatives, she said the reform would extend support beyond vulnerable groups to other people facing difficulties with …

News

Deputy Interior Minister Qefalia: 19 laws approved from 2021 to 2025, remaining work to be completed by 2026

Deputy Interior Minister Xhemal Qefalia said 19 laws were approved from 2021 to 2025 during a hearing before the Committee on Civic Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight. The laws cover the State Police, state border control, information processing, asset recovery, weapons, construction inspection, the Republican Guard, foreigners, asylum, citizenship, the …

News

RTSH launches new season with new identity and diverse programming

RTSH has launched its new season with a new visual identity and a wider range of programmes. The new logo draws inspiration from an earlier TVSH design and retains a link with the visual history of Albania’s public broadcaster. RTSH says the new identity represents movement, broadcasting and continuity. The …

News

Trump thanks Albania and Kosovo for supporting Gaza stabilization efforts

US President Donald Trump has thanked countries that, according to him, have committed to helping stabilize the Gaza Strip, including Albania and Kosovo. In his statement, Trump said several countries had agreed to send troops and police forces and provide training as part of efforts to stabilize the situation in …

News

Trump thanks Kosovo at UN for Gaza engagement

US President Donald Trump today thanked Kosovo for its engagement in Gaza. “I also want to thank those who have sent troops to stabilize Gaza, including Kosovo,” the US president said in his speech to the UN General Assembly. On April 17, Kosovo’s Assembly approved a draft law allowing the …

News

EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee: Tourism shows positive growth, accession momentum must be maintained

The co-chairs of the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, Taulant Balla and Marco Tarquinio, issued a joint statement today. They urged Albanian institutions to implement the recommendations of the European Commission and the European Parliament. They also called for continued momentum as Albania moves towards EU membership. The statement …

News

S&P confirms Albania’s ‘BB’ rating, maintains stable outlook

Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings has reaffirmed Albania’s long-term sovereign credit rating at “BB” and maintained a “stable” outlook. In its analytical report published on Sept. 21, the agency said Albania’s per capita income has increased significantly in recent years. At the same time, government debt and overall external debt …

News

Transparency Board Announces New Fuel Prices: Diesel at 213 Lek/Litre and Petrol at 193 Lek/Litre

The Transparency Board announced on Tuesday the new fuel prices in the country, approved at its meeting on September 22, 2026. According to the decision, the retail price of diesel has been set at no more than 213 lek per litre, while the wholesale price has been set at no …

News

U.S. Embassy: When the United States and Albania Stand Together, Communities Are Safer

The U.S. Embassy in Tirana has shared photos and details on social media from the 42nd Retraining Session of the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) European Chapter. The training took place from September 19 to 23, bringing together professionals from the United States, Albania, and across Europe. In its statement, …

News

New Rules for Private Pension Funds Aim to Protect Citizens’ Savings

Greater oversight of private pension funds and more transparency for citizens. This is the aim of the new legal amendments announced for public consultation, which seek to align Albania’s pension fund rules more closely with European Union standards. The Financial Supervisory Authority is at the centre of the changes and …