Average interest rate on new ALL loans falls to 6.3%
TIRANA, August 14 – Banks lowered interest rates on several major lending segments during the second quarter of the year. However, consumer loans and euro-denominated mortgages for individuals followed a different trend. Bank of Albania data show that the average rate on new ALL loans fell to 6.3%, from 6.5% …
Grant-funded startups report growth in jobs, revenue and clients
TIRANA, August 14 – Startups supported through Albania’s grant scheme in 2024-2025 have increased their activity, employment, revenue and number of clients. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj shared data on the performance of the businesses after receiving grant funding. She said Startup Albania supports Albanian startups through the grant …
Euro and British pound continue to weaken against ALL
TIRANA, August 14 – Major foreign currencies recorded slight movements against the ALL, according to the Bank of Albania’s official exchange rate. The euro fell by 0.09 ALL from the previous day and trades at €1 = 92.92 ALL. Meanwhile, the British pound declined by 0.22 ALL and trades at …
Albania and Poland sign social security agreement
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania has welcomed the signing of the Social Security Agreement between the two countries by Polish President Karol Nawrocki. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said the agreement marks an important step for Albanian citizens. It allows them to have their employment periods recognized and …
Butrint community grants scheme opens applications
TIRANA, August 14 – Butrint hosted the first information session on the Community Grants Scheme, an initiative of the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) and the Butrint Management Foundation (BMF). The scheme supports new initiatives and existing projects that aim to create a positive impact in the local community. Individuals, local …
Mother Teresa’s first visit to Albania
TIRANA, August 14 – Mother Teresa made her first visit to Albania on August 14-17, 1989. The country still lived under communist rule, while her religious and humanitarian work made her a sensitive figure for the Albanian authorities. Officials classified the visit as private. Marie Goreti, an Albanian-born nun from …
Kanina offers a scenic stop on the road to southern Albania
TIRANA, August 14 – The road to Vlora offers more than access to the coast. It also gives visitors the chance to enjoy panoramic views along the journey. At the heights of Kanina, tourists can stop and admire Vlora and its bay. The viewpoint offers a wide panorama stretching from …
Saranda cited as example of public beach management
TIRANA, August 14 – Saranda has emerged as a positive example of public beach management during the current tourist season. The city has increased public access and introduced approved, balanced fees. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the number of public beach plots and stations has increased …
Private sector loan portfolio grows by around 14%
TIRANA, August 14 – The private sector loan portfolio grew by around 14% in the second quarter from a year earlier. The increase reflects stronger bank financing for businesses and individuals. According to Bank of Albania data, lending expanded across most categories. Businesses continue to show strong demand for loans, …
BIRN Reality Check: What Has Albania’s AI ‘Minister’ Achieved So Far?
Nearly a year after Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced an AI chatbot as a ‘virtual minister’ in his cabinet to tackle corruption, has the technology been a success? Original post Here
Egnatia earned an important 3-1 away victory over Vora in the second week of the Albanian Super League. The defending champions faced strong pressure from the hosts in the first half. Coach Nevil Dede rested several regular starters after the team’s Europa League clash with Lillestrøm last week. Vora created …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger during his participation in the European Forum Alpbach in Austria. Hoxha thanked his Austrian counterpart for Austria’s continued support for Albania’s path toward EU membership. The two ministers highlighted Austria’s strong role in promoting the …
The “Startup Albania” program continues to support new and innovative businesses across Albania. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu highlighted a new success story. For the first time, a startup from Kukës County has won the program’s grant. Jurgenti, founder of North Venture, won the 2026 Grant through “Startup Albania”. His …
Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi, who also leads the Socialist Party in Lezhë County, met today with the county’s MPs, mayors and local party leaders. The meeting focused on putting citizens at the center of every decision and responsibility. Nufi said officials must listen to citizens and address their concerns …
More than 17,000 textbooks will be distributed to Albanian children in the Diaspora during the new 2026–2027 school year. The announcement was made by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha through a video message. According to the minister, more than 5,700 educational packages have been planned for students …
After a prolonged political crisis and three repeated election processes, Vetëvendosje (VV) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) have reached an agreement to unblock the process of electing the President of Kosovo. The two parties have agreed to put forward a joint candidate, proposing former ambassador Bekim Sejdiu for …
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Monday that 20 schools in Tirana have been equipped with smart cameras, linking the initiative to a pledge he made following the tragic killing of 14-year-old Martin Cani near his school. In a social media post, Rama recalled the serious incident that shocked the …
Starting September 1, urban bus lines in Tirana will operate with a reduced fleet. Transport associations have announced that they will put 20 to 30% fewer buses into service due to rising fuel costs. According to operators, high diesel prices have made it increasingly difficult to cover operating costs, forcing …
The Ministry of Defense has provided an update on the wildfire situation across the country. According to the official statement, which includes complete data as of August 31 at 2:00 p.m., a total of 10 wildfires have been reported across the country. Of these, five remain active, four are under …
Kosovo’s Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, has welcomed the agreement reached between the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) on the presidential candidate. In a Facebook post, she wrote that today’s agreement represents an important step toward overcoming the deadlock and ensuring the full functioning of the …