Hoxha meets Bundestag EU Affairs Committee Chair: Germany supports Albania’s European path
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha received Anton Hofreiter, Chair of the German Bundestag’s Committee on European Union Affairs, in Tirana on Monday morning. The Minister said in a post on X that the discussion provided a valuable opportunity to assess Albania’s progress through its ambitious reform agenda …
Justice institutions reject Rama’s roundtable, Prime Minister’s Office responds
Following the refusal of justice institutions to take part in a roundtable convened by Prime Minister Edi Rama to discuss magistrates’ salaries, the Prime Minister’s Office has issued an official response, expressing its willingness to continue dialogue. The Supreme Court, the Special Court against Corruption and Organised Crime (GJKKO), and …
PM Rama appeals to Europe: Don’t leave the Balkans behind
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about Albania’s European integration process at the Interparliamentary Conference, “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Accession,” where he also addressed the country’s social and political climate. Referring to the “Flamingo Revolution” protests, Rama said they had become an example of rising expectations among Albanian …
Details emerge from National Security Council discussions on Hyseni case; SPAK chief also attends
President Bajram Begaj convened a meeting of the National Security Council on Monday, focusing on recent developments and their impact on the country’s security institutions. In addition to the members designated by law, representatives of the General Prosecutor’s Office and the Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK) were …
EU Ambassador: Democracy is measured not only by elections, but also by Parliament’s role
EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa addressed an Interparliamentary Conference on Monday, attended by representatives of Albanian institutions, the European Parliament and national parliaments from across Europe. She said Albania’s path towards the European Union has transformed the country, but stressed that this transformation must continue. She also noted that …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: September 28, 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
Albanian MPs join regional meeting on parliamentary integrity
A delegation of the Albanian Parliament took part in the Regional Parliamentary Anti-Corruption Clinic in Beciq, Montenegro, on September 24–26. MPs Milva Ekonomi, Antoneta Dhima and Kliti Hoti represented the Parliament. The National Democratic Institute organised the event with the Parliament of Montenegro. The meeting brought together MPs and parliamentary …
Speaker Peleshi: Public support in EU states key to Albania’s accession
Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi said direct engagement with citizens and communities in EU member states is essential for the success of Albania’s EU integration process. He made the remarks at a conference with representatives of Albanian institutions and the European Parliament. Peleshi said enlargement cannot rely only on political …
Health Minister Spahiu: Health structures to be reorganised around citizens’ needs
Health and Social Protection Minister Klodiana Spahiu visited health facilities in Mallakastër to review investments, services and staff work. The visit took place as part of a process to restructure and reorganise health facilities. The process aims to align their capacities with community needs. Spahiu said the reorganisation aims to …
PM Rama: EU must not leave Western Balkans behind again
Prime Minister Edi Rama has called on the European Union not to leave the Western Balkans behind again. He said failure to integrate the region would also be a major failure for Europe. Rama spoke at the Inter-parliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership”. He said Albania …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said energy and transport links play a key role in economic growth and Albania’s integration with the European market. She made the remarks after meeting Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi. Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Albania in …
EU member states have approved an intergovernmental conference with Albania on October 13 in Luxembourg, paving the way for the provisional closure of Chapter 20 on Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) approved the meeting after reviewing Albania’s progress on business development and industrial reforms. Chapter …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has moved closer to its historic goal of joining the European Union after the bloc gave the green light to close negotiations on Chapter 20, which covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. In a social media post, Rama said the latest development strengthens Albania’s prospects …
Albania recorded around 788,000 euro transfers worth €8.7 billion during its first 11 months in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). The system has significantly reduced cross-border payment costs for individuals and businesses since it began operating in Albania on October 7, 2025. Bank of Albania data show that individuals …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met Albanian students studying at Gülhane Faculty of Medicine, part of the University of Health Sciences in Ankara, Türkiye. They discussed student life, their experiences abroad, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and their vision for Albania’s future. Nufi said the students’ presence at the Turkish university …
President Bajram Begaj has awarded US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin the title of Commander of the Supreme Order of the Eagle for their contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt attended the ceremony at the Palace of …
Tirana will host the 11th Golden Age Gym Festival from October 1 to 7, 2028, bringing together more than 2,000 participants from across Europe. The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) announced that its executive board unanimously approved Tirana’s bid, citing Albania’s organisational capacity. The Albanian Gymnastics Federation initiated the bid …
Albania, Greece and North Macedonia have launched preparations for a joint bid to add the Prespa region to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The initiative aims to protect the area’s natural, historical and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and creating new opportunities for local communities. The European Union will provide …
Tirana will host Japanese Cultural Week from October 14 to 18, offering five days of activities that showcase Japan’s traditions, art, architecture, cuisine, cinema and martial arts. The programme will feature traditional tea ceremonies, Japanese food demonstrations, exhibitions, film screenings and judo and karate competitions. On October 16, visitors can …
Archaeologists have begun excavating the upper city’s defensive walls at Butrint for the first time, seeking new evidence about the ancient city’s fortifications and urban development. The research forms part of the “Urban Topography of Butrint in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages” project, which examines the site’s evolution between …