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1,500 Families Await Approval of Subsidized Loans, Veliaj Calls for Municipal Council Decision on October 29

Around 1,500 families in Tirana are one step away from moving forward with the procedures to obtain subsidized housing loans. Following the publication of the list of selected beneficiaries, Mayor Erion Veliaj has called on the Municipal Council to approve the entire list at its October 29 meeting. In an …

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Medical Students Begin Gathering for Protest Outside Ministry of Education

Medical students have begun gathering again this Tuesday and have continued their march toward the Ministry of Education. Today’s protest follows an announcement made by the students yesterday, stating that they would gather outside the Ministry of Education, with their non-negotiable demand remaining the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. …

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From Bilateral Cooperation to Regional Security: An Interview with Pakistan’s Ambassador Ali Javed

In an interview with Tirana Times, Pakistan’s Ambassador Ali Javed discusses bilateral relations with Albania, opportunities for closer cooperation, and Pakistan’s foreign policy and regional security priorities.  How would you assess relations between Pakistan and Albania, and where is the greatest potential? Thank you very much for this opportunity! I shall be …

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Foreign Ministry congratulates Presheva Valley Albanians on election results in Serbia

The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs congratulated the Albanian Coalition and ethnic Albanians in the Presheva Valley on their results in Serbia’s parliamentary elections held the previous day. The ministry said the results highlighted the importance of civic engagement and free voting as expressions of democratic will. Preliminary projections …

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Mostly clear skies with light mountain showers and temperatures up to 20°C

Albania will experience mostly stable weather today, with generally clear skies. By midday, temporary patches of cloud will develop over the eastern mountain areas. According to the Military Meteorological Service, isolated light rain is expected in these areas, with light snowfall on mountain peaks. Winds will blow from the north-northeast …

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British outlet Rest Less ranks Albania among Europe’s most affordable holiday destinations

British media outlet Rest Less, in an article by Selene Nelson, has included Albania among 14 of Europe’s most affordable destinations for travellers on a budget. The article highlights the Albanian Riviera, with its attractive beaches and clear blue waters. It names Dhërmi and Ksamil among the country’s popular coastal …

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KO Film Fest Brings 100 Short Films from 40 Countries to Korçë

Korçë has become a meeting point for international cinema as the 13th edition of KO Film Fest opens, bringing 100 short films from 40 countries to the southeastern Albanian city over six days. The festival will screen films at Majestik Cinema and the Digital Arts Gallery (GAD), bringing together diverse …

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Tropoja chestnut festival supports local businesses and exports

Tropoja’s Chestnut Festival brings together growers and processors to promote local production and expand access to foreign markets. Traditional music and performances by the Dardania ensemble mark the start of the event, which continues into the evening. The festival showcases fresh chestnuts and related products, including honey and traditional dishes …

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Rama: Durrës Overhauls Its Main Gateway

Durrës’ main entrance has undergone a major transformation following the reconstruction of Adria Street, improving access and creating more space for pedestrians and cyclists. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the renovated road on social media. The project features new sidewalks, bicycle lanes, modern lighting, road signs and green …

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Rama Tells Kathimerini He Won’t Resign, Accuses Minority of “Setting the Country on Fire”

Prime Minister Edi Rama has ruled out resigning despite weeks of protests in Tirana, telling Greek newspaper Kathimerini that governments change through elections, not violence. Rama acknowledged young people’s concerns about education, corruption and the cost of living. He said these issues demand concrete solutions and pledged additional measures for …

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US ambassador Eric Wendt outlines priorities for Albania: defence, investment and security

United States Ambassador Eric Wendt has outlined his priorities in a video message posted on X. He identified defence, economic prosperity and security as the main areas for cooperation. He also thanked President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their trust, along with the Albanian people for …

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Albania and Kosova hold joint mountain search and rescue exercise

Personnel from Albania’s Civil Emergencies Support Base and the Kosova Security Force held a joint mountain search and rescue exercise in Prevalla, near Prizren. According to Defence Minister Ermal Nufi, the exercise took place from 2 to 5 November. Participants exchanged experience, tested new equipment and practised rescue techniques in …

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Gonxhja: ALL 2.08 BILLION LEK ALLOCATED TO CULTURAL HERITAGE AND MUSEUMS IN 2027

Albania will allocate 2.08 billion lek to the Cultural Heritage and Museums programme in 2027, marking an 80% increase compared with 2026, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced on Thursday. Presenting the draft budget to the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Gonxhja said the increased …

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FM Hoxha and Romanian counterpart reaffirm support for Albania’s European integration

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Romania’s new Foreign Minister, Dan Neculaescu, in Bucharest to discuss bilateral ties and regional security. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation, with a particular focus on expanding economic and trade relations and making full use of their potential. Hoxha …

News
Albania and India seek closer tourism cooperation

Albania and India are exploring ways to strengthen tourism ties following a meeting at the World Travel Market London 2026. Jola Hysaj, director general of the National Tourism Agency, met India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during the international travel fair. The two officials discussed exchanging experience …

News
Albania Allocates ALL 3.37 Billion to Arts and Culture in 2027, with ALL 1.5 Billion for Investment

Albania’s Arts and Culture programme will receive a budget of 3.37 billion lek in 2027, with around 1.5 billion lek, or 45% of the total, earmarked for public investment, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced. The draft budget also allocates 495.9 million lek to artistic projects, marking …

News
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 …

News
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 …

News
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 …

News
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. …

News

US ambassador Eric Wendt outlines priorities for Albania: defence, investment and security

United States Ambassador Eric Wendt has outlined his priorities in a video message posted on X. He identified defence, economic prosperity and security as the main areas for cooperation. He also thanked President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their trust, along with the Albanian people for …

News

Albania and Kosova hold joint mountain search and rescue exercise

Personnel from Albania’s Civil Emergencies Support Base and the Kosova Security Force held a joint mountain search and rescue exercise in Prevalla, near Prizren. According to Defence Minister Ermal Nufi, the exercise took place from 2 to 5 November. Participants exchanged experience, tested new equipment and practised rescue techniques in …

News

Gonxhja: ALL 2.08 BILLION LEK ALLOCATED TO CULTURAL HERITAGE AND MUSEUMS IN 2027

Albania will allocate 2.08 billion lek to the Cultural Heritage and Museums programme in 2027, marking an 80% increase compared with 2026, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced on Thursday. Presenting the draft budget to the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Gonxhja said the increased …

News

FM Hoxha and Romanian counterpart reaffirm support for Albania’s European integration

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Romania’s new Foreign Minister, Dan Neculaescu, in Bucharest to discuss bilateral ties and regional security. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation, with a particular focus on expanding economic and trade relations and making full use of their potential. Hoxha …

News

Albania and India seek closer tourism cooperation

Albania and India are exploring ways to strengthen tourism ties following a meeting at the World Travel Market London 2026. Jola Hysaj, director general of the National Tourism Agency, met India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during the international travel fair. The two officials discussed exchanging experience …

News

Albania Allocates ALL 3.37 Billion to Arts and Culture in 2027, with ALL 1.5 Billion for Investment

Albania’s Arts and Culture programme will receive a budget of 3.37 billion lek in 2027, with around 1.5 billion lek, or 45% of the total, earmarked for public investment, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced. The draft budget also allocates 495.9 million lek to artistic projects, marking …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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. …