European Commission praises progress on Bank of Albania legislation
The European Commission’s 2026 report highlights Albania’s new law on the Bank of Albania and progress in central bank independence, payment systems and banking stability. The report notes that the new legislation aligns with European Union rules on central bank independence and the prohibition of monetary financing for the public …
PM Rama says businesses must drive economic development
Prime Minister Edi Rama has stressed the need for an inspection system that supports businesses and promotes economic growth without creating unnecessary barriers. Speaking at a conference organised by the General Inspectorate on investment and compliance with legal requirements, he said inspections should serve a practical purpose rather than burden …
Justice minister Gogu says anti-corruption is key to Albania’s European path
Justice Minister Toni Gogu has pledged to align Albania’s anti-corruption legislation with European Union standards. He also proposed three priorities for stronger regional cooperation at the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs in Budva, Montenegro, on 5–6 November. Speaking at a session on the judicial dimension of …
Albania allocates ALL 76.284 billion (approximately $943 million) for defence in 2027
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi presented the 2027 draft budget to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates ALL 76.284 billion, a 10% increase on 2026, equivalent to 2.6% of gross domestic product. Capital spending accounts for ALL 43.6 billion, while current expenditure totals ALL 32.6 billion. …
Tirana to Host Second EU–Western Balkans Investment Conference, with Focus on Investment Opportunities
Tirana will host the Second EU–Western Balkans Investment Conference on November 25 and 26, 2026, an event aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and encouraging new investments between the European Union and countries in the region. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that the forum will bring together high-level government representatives, international …
PM Rama and Minister Karakaçi Inspect Tirana Bypass: Project to Ease Traffic Congestion in the Capital
Prime Minister Edi Rama, together with Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi and Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH) Director Ami Kozeli, inspected the construction site of the Tirana Bypass. They emphasized that work on the project is progressing rapidly. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi stated that more than …
Dutch Ambassador to Albania: Media Freedom Requires Attention, Violence at Protests Has Shocked Us
The Dutch Ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster, has expressed concern over acts of violence during protests in Albania, stating that they have shocked and surprised the Dutch side. Speaking to the media in Korça following a meeting with representatives of law enforcement institutions, which focused on media freedom, Monster commented …
“Talk to the Prime Minister”: PM Rama Introduces New Platform for Dialogue with Citizens
Prime Minister Edi Rama on Friday introduced a new platform aimed at facilitating communication and dialogue with citizens, particularly students, regarding their demands and complaints. According to Rama, the platform, called “Talk to the Prime Minister,” will serve as a 24-hour communication channel, with a dedicated team ensuring the exchange …
Police Chief Hita in Lezhë: Two Serious Crimes Prevented, Calls for Stronger School Security
The General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, visited the Lezhë Local Police Directorate, where he thanked and praised police officers for their work, dedication, and achievements in preventing and combating criminal activities. During the meeting, Hita particularly commended the investigative and operational work of police units, which helped …
EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum, Gogu: Fight Against Corruption a Key Test of Albania’s European Path
Minister of Justice Toni Gogu attended the session titled “The Judicial Dimension of the Fight Against Corruption” during the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs, held in Budva, Montenegro, on November 5–6. The forum is organized annually and was chaired this year by the Irish Presidency of …
Amid fresh starts and problems old and new, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week suggests that many countries in the region are at a crossroads. Which way will they go? Original post Here
Heavy rainfall and rising water levels have caused flooding in Theth, a tourist destination in northern Albania. Overflowing streams have sent water towards several tourist businesses, reaching areas around guesthouses and disrupting their activities. Meanwhile, the area has been without electricity for around 24 hours due to the conditions. Continuous …
Kosova’s Assembly is expected to vote again on the law governing the Specialist Chambers in The Hague. The vote concerns the same text approved on October 6 and returned for reconsideration by President Justina Shiroka Pula on October 22. If at least 61 lawmakers vote in favour, the assembly will …
Albania’s National Library hosted Polish writer Malgorzata Rejmer on Thursday as part of “READ FOR REAL – European Authors Day 2026”. The European literary initiative promotes authors, reading and cultural dialogue between countries. This marks Albania’s first participation in the initiative, joining the European network of countries hosting literary events. …
The Academy of Sciences of Albania has organised the two-day international scientific conference “AI Horizon – A New Space for Creativity and Innovation”. The conference focuses on developments in artificial intelligence and the opportunities it offers across different fields. It began on November 12. The Academy’s Section of Technical and …
The Butrint Management Foundation is preparing to launch an emergency conservation project covering seven monuments at Butrint National Park. Experts identified the sites as priorities after documenting and assessing their condition. The project will focus on the Western Gate, the fresco near the Western Gate, the Northern Gate, the Lake …
Albania is preparing a more comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptoasset markets to support new digital financial services, clarify operators’ responsibilities and strengthen consumer protection. Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Martin Kajo presented the draft law to the Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development. He said technological advances …
The Agency for Media and Information (MIA) said the decision to host the next NATO summit in Tirana remains unchanged. In a social media post, MIA clarified that Prime Minister Edi Rama’s statement a day earlier concerned only the summit’s timing, not the cancellation or reversal of the decision to …
Albania’s 2–0 win over Finland caught the attention of Prime Minister Edi Rama, who shared a story from a dinner he attended during the European Political Community summit. Rama said he was seated at the same table as Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the prime minister of Finland, the …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met with Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset on the sidelines of the European Political Community (EPC) summit. Kurti announced the meeting in a Facebook post, saying the talks focused on Kosovo’s accession to the Council of Europe. The prime minister said membership would …