Recently completed mural in Art Park of Tirana pays tribute to women of Albanian Film Archive
TIRANA, November 4, ATSH/ A new mural dedicated to the women who have worked at the Central State Film Archive over the years has been completed in Tirana’s Art Park. This artwork—a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports and the Central State Film Archive—serves as a …
Bank of Albania keeps key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%
The Bank of Albania has kept its key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%. The Supervisory Council announced the decision on November 3. Governor Gent Sejko also confirmed that the overnight deposit rate will remain at 1.5%. Meanwhile, the overnight lending rate will stay at 3.5%. Sejko said the decision reflects …
Albania strengthens aviation emergency response with search-and-rescue drill
Albania will test its aviation emergency response capabilities today through a planned search-and-rescue exercise near Tirana International Airport. The drill, named SAR-2026, will run from 10:30 to 12:00. The National Search and Rescue Centre is organising the exercise with institutions responsible for aviation emergencies. Participants include the Armed Forces, Tirana …
Albanian and Hungarian national libraries launch cultural cooperation
The National Library of Albania and Hungary’s National Szechenyi Library have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen professional, scientific and cultural ties. The signing ceremony brought together Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Lira Pipa and Hungarian Ambassador to Albania Martina Laura Kasnyik. The agreement provides for exchanges …
FM Hoxha: Albania seeks merit-based European Union membership, not shortcuts
Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “EU Enlargement: Assessing New Concepts and the Outlook for 2027,” organised by the German Council on Foreign Relations. Hoxha said geopolitical realities had made enlargement a strategic and security necessity for Europe. However, he stressed that this …
Lezha begins construction of a new pedestrian zone
Construction has begun on a new pedestrian promenade in Lezha, a project worth ALL 62 million funded by the municipal budget. The development aims to create new recreational spaces for residents and tourists. The municipality expects to complete the project by next summer. Deputy PM Albana Koçiu shared footage of …
European Commission to present Albania’s 2026 progress report in Brussels
The European Commission is expected to publish its 2026 Enlargement Package today at around 13:00, including its annual report on Albania. The report will assess reform progress, accession criteria and the challenges Albania must address on its path towards European Union membership. For the first time, the package is expected …
Government plans higher spending on public security in 2027
Interior Minister Ervin Demo has presented the government’s proposed 2027 budget for the Interior Ministry to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates around ALL 40 billion, a 12% increase from 2026 and the ministry’s highest budget allocation to date. It aims to strengthen public security, …
Kruja: where history, culture and mountain tourism meet
Located on the slopes of a mountain, the historic city of Kruja remains one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations. Just a short distance from Tirana, it attracts local and international visitors with its rich history, cultural traditions and natural beauty. Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared new images of …
Government draft budget for 2027 prioritises infrastructure and energy projects
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi has announced that the government’s draft budget for 2027 provides full funding for priority infrastructure and energy projects. It includes investment in roads and water supply and sewerage systems across all 12 counties. Key road projects include continued construction of the Elbasan bypass, completion …
Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti has asked France to support Kosova’s progress towards European Union membership, including candidate status and the opening of accession negotiations. Kurti made the request during a meeting at the French National Assembly with representatives of its Foreign Affairs and European Affairs committees. He discussed democratic …
Intensive food safety inspections will begin on January 1 to verify product standards and labelling, Agriculture Minister Andis Salla told a parliamentary committee during discussions on the 2027 draft budget. The Ministry of Agriculture will work with the National Food Authority and food safety laboratories to monitor products and check …
Albania’s Constitutional Court will host the Congress of European Constitutional Courts in October 2027, providing a platform for exchanging ideas and initiatives on constitutional justice, Secretary-General Eugen Papandile told a parliamentary committee during discussions on the 2027 draft budget. Papandile said the event would strengthen Albania’s role in European judicial …
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj chaired a meeting of the Investment Council, bringing together business representatives and international partners to discuss ways to improve the investment climate, align businesses with European Union standards and simplify administrative procedures. The meeting presented an analysis by the Investment Council Secretariat, along …
Elbasan marked the 82nd anniversary of its liberation on Wednesday with a ceremony honouring fallen members of the 15th Assault Brigade. Veterans of the National Liberation War, relatives of the fallen, local residents and local government representatives gathered at the monument dedicated to the 23 partisans who gave their lives …
The Transparency Board has set new nationwide price caps for retail and wholesale sales of diesel and petrol. At its meeting on Wednesday, 11 November, the Board set the maximum retail price for diesel at 205 lek per litre and the maximum wholesale price at 193 lek per litre. Petrol …
Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has set a clear condition for Serbia’s next government to recognise Kosovo’s independence. In an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI), Kurti expressed hope that the Student List, which reportedly won Serbia’s 25 October parliamentary elections, would take a new approach to Kosovo and commit …
Anti-government protests continued on Wednesday, marking the 165th day of public mobilisation. A nationwide protest was announced in Tirana, with students and residents from several cities across the country expected to attend. The rally is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. outside the Ministry of Education. Protesters are then expected …
Arianit Shehu, executive director of the American Center for Countering Extremism and Terrorism (ACCET), says the European Commission’s progress report confirms that Albania is moving closer to European Union membership. In an opinion piece, Shehu argues that EU integration should take precedence over party interests. He describes the report, published …
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ Justice Minister Toni Gogu held three meetings in Rome with representatives of Italian institutions, focusing on strengthening cooperation between Albania and Italy in the field of justice. During his visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met with the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, …