Rama Attends Plenary Session as Parliament Approves Penal Amnesty with 84 Votes
Prime Minister Edi Rama joined the resumed plenary session of Parliament on Thursday afternoon, during which lawmakers approved the penal amnesty bill. Before the vote, tensions arose in the chamber, and acting Speaker Niko Peleshi ordered the removal of Opportunity Party MP Agron Shehaj from the session after he repeatedly …
Rama Present in Parliament as Protesters Change Route and March Toward Assembly
Citizens continued their protest this Thursday, marking the 19th consecutive day of demonstrations. Unlike previous days, protesters did not march toward the Prime Minister’s Office. Instead, they changed their route and headed toward the Parliament building, where a plenary session is currently taking place. A few minutes earlier, Prime Minister …
European Parliament Calls for the Use of Albanian in State Exams in North Macedonia
The European Parliament has adopted an amendment calling for a resolution to the issue of using the Albanian language in state examinations in North Macedonia, including the Bar Exam. In the approved text, Members of the European Parliament urge state institutions to address the issue as soon as possible, ensuring …
Sami Frashëri, intellectual who devoted his life to the national cause
TIRANA, June 18 – Sami Frashëri passed away on June 18, 1904, after dedicating his life to the patriotic cause. Frashëri was an intellectual, journalist, lexicographer, playwright, and one of the leading ideologues of the Albanian National Renaissance. He is widely regarded as one of the most prominent thinkers of …
Velipoja opens tourism season with reduced beach equipment fees, public spaces expanded
TIRANA, June 18 – Velipoja opens the summer tourist season. The report comes from the Albanian news agency (ATSH). Marseda Qefalia reports from Velipoja. The municipality introduces reduced tariffs for umbrellas and sunbeds in public beach areas. At the same time, Velipoja stands as the northernmost beach in Albania. It …
Kakavija border crossing to Greece increases capacity ahead of summer travel surge
TIRANA, June, 18 – Authorities at the Kakavija border crossing to Greece increased operational capacity to manage higher traffic during the summer season. Border and customs services also intensified their work to facilitate the movement of travellers. The measures include additional active checkpoints during peak hours. Meanwhile, teams reorganised vehicle …
NATO Defence ministerial meets in Brussels, Albanian Defence Minister highlights defence investment
TIRANA, June 18 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attended the meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels. Participants discussed the Alliance’s key priorities for strengthening security and collective defence across the Euro-Atlantic area. Meanwhile, ministers highlighted the importance of maintaining unity among allies. The meeting also focused on increasing operational …
Finance and Legal Professionals Fuel Money-Laundering in Western Balkans: Report
A new report warns that weak oversight of lawyers, notaries, accountants and auditors helps facilitate money-laundering across the Western Balkans through real estate fraud and complex financial arrangements. Original post Here
Albania attends NATO ministerial in Brussels as alliance focuses on military capability growth
TIRANA, June 18 – The NATO Defence Ministers’ meeting takes place in Brussels at NATO headquarters. Albania takes part in the ministerial. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attends the meeting. At the same time, the agenda focuses on security and strategic developments within the Alliance. It also addresses strengthening military capabilities. …
Private producers surpass Albanian Power Corporation in electricity generation during first four months of 2026
TIRANA, June 18 – Private producers and concessionaires generated more than half of Albania’s electricity output during the first four months of 2026, according to data from the Energy Regulatory Authority (ERE). The figures show that private operators surpassed the Albanian Power Corporation for the first time. Meanwhile, net domestic …
While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here
TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …
TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …
Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …
TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …
TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …
TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …
TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …
Foreign tourists visiting Gjirokastër continue to share positive impressions of Albania, highlighting the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Mirela Kumbaro shared on social media comments from visitors exploring the UNESCO-listed stone city. Tourists from several European countries expressed admiration for Albania’s landscapes, beaches, and cultural heritage. A …