Hoxha Meets UK Special Envoy: Support for a Safer and More European Western Balkans
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Dame Karen Pierce, the United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, in New York, USA. During the meeting, the two officials discussed current developments and dynamics across the Western Balkans. They also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and …
Karakaçi at Transport Forum in China: Albania a Strategic Hub for Two European Corridors
Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi attended the Global Sustainable Transport Forum in China, one of the world’s major events dedicated to transport. Speaking at the forum, Karakaçi called for stronger international cooperation in transport. He also highlighted Albania’s role in major European transport networks. Karakaçi described Albania as …
Peleshi Meets Ambassadors of “Friends of the Western Balkans”: Parliamentary Cooperation as a Bridge to the EU
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met with ambassadors and Friendship Groups representing the “Friends of the Western Balkans” countries at the Parliament on Wednesday. The group includes Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Croatia, Slovakia and Slovenia. Peleshi described these countries as important partners for Albania. He also thanked …
Vlora Hyseni placed under house arrest, suspended as State Intelligence Service chief
The Special Court against Corruption and Organised Crime (GJKKO) has ordered the security measure of “house arrest” and suspension from office for the head of the State Intelligence Service (SHISH), Vlora Hyseni. According to information released in connection with the investigation, Hyseni is suspected of the criminal offences of “supporting …
High Costs Prevent 8% of Albanians from Undergoing Necessary Medical Examinations
Eight percent of Albania’s population aged over 16 did not undergo a necessary medical examination during 2024 due to the high cost. The latest Eurostat data on healthcare, based on citizens’ self-reported information, ranks Albania second after Greece among countries where costs prevent the largest share of people from receiving …
220 Emergency Department Visits a Day, Tourists Among Trauma Cases in Shkodra
According to the head of the Emergency Department, Ardian Dajti, the number of visits has increased significantly this season, reaching between 200 and 220 cases a day. He considers this one of the busiest seasons since operations began at the new hospital. “I have been working here for many years, …
Hoxha Meets Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western Europe: Continued Coordination with the US on Shared Priorities
During his stay in New York, United States, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Western, Central and Southern Europe Daniel Lawton. The meeting focused on opportunities to further strengthen the US-Albania strategic partnership, as well as the importance of continued and close …
European Commission: EU Negotiations with Albania on Track to Close by December 2027
The Commission is expected to formally back Albania’s 2027 accession timeline in a new action plan, which is also expected to include a list of key deliverables that Tirana will need to prioritise in order to complete the process by the end of next year. The European Commission is working …
Tax Authorities Continue Refunding Overpaid Tax, Around 2,200 Beneficiaries
The Tax Administration is continuing the process of refunding overpaid tax to individuals under the Annual Individual Income Declaration (DIVA) for 2025. According to the latest update from the General Directorate of Taxation, the next phase of the process includes 2,192 beneficiaries, with refunds amounting to €360,000. The refunds are …
Foreign Minister at Adriatic Charter Meeting: Kosovo’s Membership Would Strengthen Regional Security and Cooperation
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the meeting of foreign ministers of the Adriatic Charter, held under Croatia’s chairmanship. In his remarks, the minister stressed the need to strengthen this mechanism in the face of new security challenges and to promote more inclusive regional cooperation, …
Stronger ties among Western Balkan countries are essential to the region’s future in the European Union, while also strengthening security and resilience, the European Union Delegation in Tirana said today. The statement came during the 12th Tirana Forum on Regional Connectivity, organized by the Institute for Cooperation and Development. The …
The European Commission has unveiled its “Pre-Enlargement Policy Reviews”, setting out reforms to EU institutions, governance and safeguards ahead of the next enlargement wave. The review confirms that EU internal reforms and candidate countries’ progress will move forward in parallel. It also foresees a specific roadmap for Albania’s membership in …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha welcomed European Commissioner Marta Kos’ remarks on the European Union’s preparations for future enlargement. In a post on X, Hoxha said Albania is ready to continue its reforms and work closely with EU member states and the European Commission on an ambitious …
The government has reacted after the European Commission today formally presented its “Pre-Enlargement Policy Reviews”, setting out the framework for internal institutional and governance reforms, as well as safeguard mechanisms that will accompany the European Union’s next wave of enlargement. In its response, the government stressed that this strategic document …
Archbishop Joan of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania has attended the International Scientific Conference organised by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania shared details and images from the conference, noting that its theme is “The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church (2016–2026): Assessments and Perspectives”. …
Numerous citizens and activists took to the streets again this Tuesday as the ongoing protest entered its 129th day. As they do every afternoon, protesters gathered in Skanderbeg Square, chanting slogans including: “Your time is up”, “A new Albania”, “Rama resign”, and “Rama in prison, Berisha in prison”. After gathering …
George Orwell’s literary classic “1984” will be staged at the Kujtim Spahivogli National Experimental Theatre in a co-production with the Shkodër’s Migjeni Theatre. Directed by Dino Mustafic and adapted for the stage by Jeton Neziraj, the production will run on October 16, 17, 18 and 22, 23, 24 and 25. …
Kosova’s acting President Albulena Haxhiu has asked the Constitutional Court to clarify who can exercise presidential powers after her six-month mandate expires if the Assembly fails to elect a new president. The Office of the President confirmed the request to Radio Free Europe on October 6, the deadline for electing …
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said the Tirana-Durrës-Rinas Airport (TIA) rail project forms part of a broader railway modernisation programme. He spoke during a consultation with major international companies on the Public Service Contract for passenger rail transport on the corridor. The project includes rehabilitation of the existing line. …
Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj said proposed changes to Albania’s banking and payment laws will further align the country’s financial framework with European Union rules. Presenting the changes to the parliamentarian Economy Committee, he said the measures support Albania’s European integration process. They also address closing benchmarks for Chapter 4 …