Ahmetaj Calls for Stronger Transparency and Consumer Protection in Microfinance
Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Albania, Natasha Ahmetaj, called for stronger transparency and consumer protection in the microfinance sector. She spoke during the 28th Annual Conference of the Microfinance Centre. The event focused on the future of microfinance and its social mission. Ahmetaj said microfinance must remain an …
Council of Europe Report: Albania Among Countries with Highest Pre-Trial Detention Rates
Council of Europe reports that Albania is among European countries with the highest incarceration and pre-trial detention rates. The findings come from the annual SPACE I report for 2025. The data shows 192 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants in Albania. At the same time, prison occupancy remains relatively low. Albania records …
Peace Board calls UN Security Council to pressure Hamas to disarm
TIRANA, May 20 – The Peace Board, created to oversee the Gaza ceasefire, will ask the United Nations Security Council to pressure Hamas to disarm, according to AP. Albania is a member of the Peace Board. A report scheduled for discussion at the Security Council says Hamas’ refusal to surrender …
Green light for “Gateway to the Alps” as economy committee approves European Investment Bank funding for northern infrastructure
TIRANA, May 20 – The Committee on Economy, Employment and Finance has approved a draft law that opens the way for financing one of the most important infrastructure projects in northern Albania, known as “Gateway to the Alps”. The committee, led by chair Milva Ekonomi, reviewed the financial agreement between …
Clear weather across the country with light cloud cover
TIRANA, May 20 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. The weather will be clear across the territory. Light and temporary cloud cover will appear in mountainous areas in the east from midday to the afternoon. Wind will blow from the northwest to …
PM Rama meets South Korean counterpart Kim Min-seok in Seoul to boost trade, investment and artificial intelligence cooperation
TIRANA, May 20 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok during his visit to South Korea. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen relations between the two countries. Rama said South Korea serves as an inspiration for Albania in national development. He added that both …
Mazniku: New Territorial Reform Must Close Development Gap Between Municipalities
Albania aims to reduce development gaps between municipalities through a new territorial reform. Administrative-Territorial Reform Co-Chair Arbjan Mazniku spoke during a public hearing in Durrës. He said balanced territorial development remains a major challenge for local government. Mazniku said the 2014 reform brought positive results. He noted better services and …
Tax Authorities and IMF Discuss Implementation of Fiscal Peace Measures
Albania’s tax administration met experts from the International Monetary Fund to discuss the implementation of the “Fiscal Peace” package. General Tax Director Ilir Binaj led the meeting in Tirana. The sides reviewed progress on tax reforms. They also discussed the EU Growth Plan, TADAT standards and debt management measures. Officials …
Albania to Host Socca European Championship Starting Tomorrow
Albania will officially launch the Socca European Championship tomorrow at the House of Football. Organizers built a modern mini stadium for the event. The venue will host matches from 28 national teams over five days. The tournament will begin at 09:00 with the match between Bulgaria and Ireland. Group stage …
Lamallari: Coastal Security and Territorial Control Key Priorities for Tourist Season
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said security and territorial control along Albania’s coastline remain key priorities for the tourist season. Lamallari spoke during a meeting in Sarandë with State Police officials, territorial inspectors and local institutions. He referred to recent events in the coastal city, where authorities detained four police officers …
Edi Rama accuses opposition of trying to ‘pull Albania down’ after a second night of violence saw government buildings and businesses attacked and set on fire amid clashes between student protesters and police. Original post Here
French media outlet Notre Temps has highlighted Albania as an attractive destination for summer 2027, offering visitors a mix of cultural heritage, mountain scenery and Mediterranean beaches. The coverage comes as Transavia opens bookings for its summer 2027 flights. The airline plans to launch a new route between Marseille and …
Albania is taking new steps to promote the cultural and natural heritage of Theth through specially designed tourist routes. In Shkodër, around 20 representatives from cultural heritage institutions, local government, civil society, academia and local guides from Theth took part in a knowledge-sharing session under the project “From Mountainscapes to …
The Agolli House Studio hosted a cultural evening to mark the 95th anniversary of the birth of renowned Albanian writer Dritëro Agolli. The event took place in the house where he wrote many of his works and coincided with the second anniversary of the museum’s opening to the public. For …
“Wonders of Arbëria” brought Albanian folklore, traditions and cultural heritage to the stage of the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble in a vibrant celebration of the country’s cultural identity. Artists from the National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble joined the Gurra e Kurbin Ensemble for an evening …
Protests by pupils and students continued today, with tensions escalating in Tirana. Demonstrators threw stones at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. Pupils and students have boycotted classes and taken to the streets in Tirana, Shkodra, Korça and Durrës. They are calling for change and marching through …
On the third day of protests, the State Police has urged pupils and parents to stay away from violence. It warned against involvement in situations that could endanger life and health. In a public message, police called on young people to leave areas where clashes are taking place. Parents were …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has told Reuters he will not resign over student-led protests that entered their third consecutive day. Police used water cannons to disperse demonstrators who smashed windows and damaged property in the capital. The unrest also forced parliament to cancel its plenary session. Students are protesting …
Albania’s average monthly disposable income per capita reached 56,487 lek in 2025, up 10.5% from the previous year. Meanwhile, indicators measuring poverty risk and material and social deprivation showed improvement, according to the country’s statistics agency. The 2025 Income and Living Conditions Survey, published by the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), …
More than 110 new and modernization projects worth over €15 billion will feature at Balkan Summit 2026. The event will take place in Pristina on October 19–20. The projects cover Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia. Organizers aim to unite the three markets and attract international investors, financiers and development institutions, …