29th Tirana Book Fair Postponed to December, Organizers Cite Tensions in the Capital and Concerns Over Visitor Attendance
The 29th Tirana Book Fair “Tirana 2026” will no longer take place from November 11 to 15, as originally scheduled. The Publishers’ Association and the organizing committee announced on Tuesday that the event has been postponed until December. In their statement, the organizers explained that the decision was made following …
Minister Maqedonci Attends Berlin Security Conference, Russian Threats in Focus
Kosovo’s Minister of Defence, Ejup Maqedonci, is attending the Berlin Security Conference this Tuesday, bringing together senior political, diplomatic, and military representatives to discuss current security and defence challenges in Europe. According to the official announcement, Minister Maqedonci was invited to participate as a panelist in the main high-level discussion …
Rama Meets NATO Chief in Brussels, Mark Rutte Praises Albania
Prime Minister Edi Rama met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the Alliance’s headquarters in Brussels. In a social media post, Rama shared details of the meeting, saying that his discussions with the NATO chief are always special. He described Rutte as someone with extensive knowledge of Europe and …
Kosovo’s Draft 2027 Budget Exceeds €4 Billion: How Is the Money Allocated and Who Gets What?
Kosovo’s total planned budget for 2027 amounts to €3,293,763,000, according to the draft budget tables. The document, obtained by Euronews Albania, also reveals several changes involving the new ministries established by the Kurti 4 government. Of this amount, the largest share, approximately €1.4 billion, has been allocated to subsidies and …
Seven Arrested in International Investment Fraud Crackdown in Balkans
EU justice agency says seven more suspects were arrested and 100 servers were shut down in ongoing international operation against investment fraud involving Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia. Original post Here
Tax revenue rises 11.2% year on year in October
Albania’s Tax Administration reported net tax revenue of ALL 40.1 billion in October 2026, exceeding the monthly target by ALL 200 million, or 0.6%. Revenue increased by ALL 4 billion, or 11.2%, compared with October 2025. The administration reported this growth despite a decline in trade volumes caused by protests. …
Borsh Castle restoration completed on Albania’s Riviera
Albanian Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja announced the completion of restoration work at Borsh Castle, overlooking the Ionian coast on the Albanian Riviera. The project focused on consolidating the fortifications, preserving the monument’s authenticity and highlighting its historical and architectural features, including the Haxhi Bendo Mosque. The …
Greece shortens winter hours at Albania’s southernmost Qafëbota border crossing
Greek authorities have reduced winter operating hours at Qafëbota, Albania’s southernmost border crossing with Greece. From November 1 to March 31, the crossing operates from 07:00 to 21:00 Greek time, cutting daily service by 4 hours. Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue announced the schedule. During summer, Qafëbota operates from …
Central Election Commission head Celibashi calls for electoral code changes ahead of local elections
Albania’s Central Election Commission head, Ilirjan Celibashi, has called for the implementation of recommendations from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s election observers ahead of the May 9 local elections. He said lawmakers must align the Electoral Code with the new territorial division. The changes should address municipal …
Albania plans 4.8% increase in education budget for 2027
Albanian Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro has presented the ministry’s proposed 2027 budget to the Assembly’s Committee on Education, Science and Sport. The ministry is set to receive ALL 67.95 billion, a 4.8% increase on the previous year. Kumbaro said all five budget programmes would receive more funding. Priorities include support …
Albania’s 2027 budget will reach €10 billion for the first time, with 30% allocated to social protection, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said in a television interview. As part of the plan, the government has allocated €250 million to pensions in 2027, including funding for pension indexation. In addition, it plans …
The Port of Vlora Harbour Master’s Office has banned departures by small vessels and fishing boats planning to operate outside the Bay of Vlora from November 11 to 14 due to worsening weather conditions. The forecast warns of southerly to southeasterly winds reaching force 7–8 on the Beaufort scale, with …
The European Film Academy’s Board held its three-day meeting in Albania, bringing leading European producers and filmmakers to Vlora. During their stay, board members met Albanian film professionals and explored the country’s history, culture and filming potential. The visit aimed to create new partnerships and promote Albania as a destination …
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Mikhail Bogachek as the next US ambassador to Kosova, submitting his name to the Senate for confirmation. The White House announced the nomination on November 10. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina remains under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati. Former ambassador Jeff …
Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu held three meetings in Rome with Italian officials to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of justice. During a visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met Maurizio Gasparri, chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. He thanked Gasparri for ratifying the …
Albania’s draft 2027 budget allocates around ALL 18 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, a 10% increase on the initial 2026 budget, Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said. Rural development remains the main priority, with ALL 8.4 billion, including ALL 5.3 billion for the national support scheme, up …
Restoration and improvement works have finished at Kanina Castle in Vlora. The historic monument is now ready to welcome visitors with improved infrastructure, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced. The project included conservation and structural works, alongside infrastructure upgrades, to protect the castle’s historical and cultural heritage. In …
Albania’s national team continued preparations for their upcoming matches against Finland and Belarus with a training session at the House of Football on Wednesday. The Albanian Football Association said all players trained at full intensity and were available to coach Rolando Maran. The team began the session in the gym …
Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Association, has honoured Elseid Hysaj for becoming the first Albania player to make over 100 appearances for the national team. At a ceremony on Wednesday, Duka personally presented Hysaj with a medal and a symbolic UEFA cap to mark the milestone. “Congratulations, Elsi! …
Albania’s National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble will travel to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time in 70 years to present the country’s cultural heritage to an international audience. The artists will perform “Albania Through Byron’s Eyes”, a production that combines Albanian traditions with the inspiration Albania and its culture …