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UEFA Inspects Albania’s Stadiums Ahead of EURO U-21 2027

UEFA representatives continued inspections in Albania as preparations advance for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027, which Albania will co-host. First, UEFA experts visited stadiums over a four-day inspection tour. They assessed technical and operational readiness for the tournament. They focused on lighting systems, backup generators, security measures, and other …

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Housing prices continue to rise as tourism drives property market demand

TIRANA, June 16 – Housing prices in Albania continued to rise during 2025. At the same time, transaction volumes fell in the second half of the year. The Bank of Albania said the trend requires more time and data to determine whether it reflects a slowdown or a correction after …

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Fuel prices cut, diesel at 180 ALL per litre, petrol at 168 ALL per litre

TIRANA, June 16 – The Transparency Board has decided to reduce fuel prices in Albania. It cut diesel by 3 ALL per litre and petrol by 2 ALL per litre. Under the decision, diesel will sell at a maximum retail price of 180 ALL per litre. The board set the …

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Albania U-19 Draw Armenia and Cyprus in Euro 2027 Qualifiers

Albania’s U-19 national team learned its opponents for the second round of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2027 qualifiers. UEFA held the draw in Nyon, Switzerland. It placed Albania U-19 in Group 6 of League B. First, Albania will face Armenia and Cyprus in the group stage. The team will …

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US signals “adjustment of contribution” to KFOR mission

TIRANA, June 16 – The United States is expected to adjust its contribution to NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosova. The move comes as part of a broader review of the Alliance’s military presence in the country. A US European Command (EUCOM) official told Radio Free Europe that the decision follows …

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Speaker Peleshi in Netherlands, support reaffirmed for faster EU negotiation process

TIRANA, June 16 – Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi has paid an official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where he met Speaker of the House of Representatives Thom van Campen, Senate President Mei Li Vos, and members of the European Affairs Committee. The visit comes at …

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PM Rama to attend Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, focus on investment and EU path

TIRANA, June 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will take part in the Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, one of the key platforms for economic and political dialogue between Germany and Eastern European countries. The Media and Information Agency said Rama will also meet members of the committee’s board …

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Israeli photographer captures Vjosa river landscapes in Albania

TIRANA, June 16 – Natural landscapes across Albania continue to attract visitors from around the world. Unspoiled rivers, mountains, and rural scenery are shaping growing interest among photographers who seek less-explored Mediterranean destinations. Iris from Israel is among them. She is a photographer with more than 40 years of professional …

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Lezha and Bra sign twinning agreement

TIRANA, June 16 – The Municipality of Lezha and the Municipality of Bra in Italy signed a twinning agreement that aims to strengthen ties between the two communities and expand cooperation in several areas. Lezha Mayor Pjerin Ndreu and Bra Mayor Giovanni Fogliato signed the agreement in the presence of …

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PM Rama discusses tourism, protests, EU integration in Vanity Fair interview

TIRANA, June 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama gave an interview to Italian magazine Vanity Fair and journalist Nina Verdelli. The discussion covered tourism development in Albania, protests linked to proposed investment projects, European Union integration, foreign policy, and aspects of his personal and political journey. Rama addressed criticism surrounding …

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Finance Minister Petrit Malaj: 30% of 2027 budget allocated to social protection

Albania’s 2027 budget will reach €10 billion for the first time, with 30% allocated to social protection, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said in a television interview. As part of the plan, the government has allocated €250 million to pensions in 2027, including funding for pension indexation. In addition, it plans …

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Vlora port suspends small-vessel departures as weather conditions worsen

The Port of Vlora Harbour Master’s Office has banned departures by small vessels and fishing boats planning to operate outside the Bay of Vlora from November 11 to 14 due to worsening weather conditions. The forecast warns of southerly to southeasterly winds reaching force 7–8 on the Beaufort scale, with …

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Vlora hosts European Film Academy board, opening new cooperation opportunities

The European Film Academy’s Board held its three-day meeting in Albania, bringing leading European producers and filmmakers to Vlora. During their stay, board members met Albanian film professionals and explored the country’s history, culture and filming potential. The visit aimed to create new partnerships and promote Albania as a destination …

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U.S. President Trump nominates Mikhail Bogachek as ambassador to Kosova

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Mikhail Bogachek as the next US ambassador to Kosova, submitting his name to the Senate for confirmation. The White House announced the nomination on November 10. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina remains under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati. Former ambassador Jeff …

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Justice Minister Toni Gogu discusses faster court proceedings with Italian officials

Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu held three meetings in Rome with Italian officials to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of justice. During a visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met Maurizio Gasparri, chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. He thanked Gasparri for ratifying the …

News
Agriculture budget rises 10% in 2027 to support farmers and food safety

Albania’s draft 2027 budget allocates around ALL 18 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, a 10% increase on the initial 2026 budget, Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said. Rural development remains the main priority, with ALL 8.4 billion, including ALL 5.3 billion for the national support scheme, up …

News
Kanina Castle reopens to visitors after restoration works

Restoration and improvement works have finished at Kanina Castle in Vlora. The historic monument is now ready to welcome visitors with improved infrastructure, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced. The project included conservation and structural works, alongside infrastructure upgrades, to protect the castle’s historical and cultural heritage. In …

News
Albania prepare for Finland in Nations League

Albania’s national team continued preparations for their upcoming matches against Finland and Belarus with a training session at the House of Football on Wednesday. The Albanian Football Association said all players trained at full intensity and were available to coach Rolando Maran. The team began the session in the gym …

News
Albanian Football Association President Armand Duka honours Elseid Hysaj for over 100 appearances

Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Association, has honoured Elseid Hysaj for becoming the first Albania player to make over 100 appearances for the national team. At a ceremony on Wednesday, Duka personally presented Hysaj with a medal and a symbolic UEFA cap to mark the milestone. “Congratulations, Elsi! …

News
Albanian folk ensemble to perform in Scotland for first time in 70 years

Albania’s National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble will travel to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time in 70 years to present the country’s cultural heritage to an international audience. The artists will perform “Albania Through Byron’s Eyes”, a production that combines Albanian traditions with the inspiration Albania and its culture …

News

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj: 30% of 2027 budget allocated to social protection

Albania’s 2027 budget will reach €10 billion for the first time, with 30% allocated to social protection, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said in a television interview. As part of the plan, the government has allocated €250 million to pensions in 2027, including funding for pension indexation. In addition, it plans …

News

Vlora port suspends small-vessel departures as weather conditions worsen

The Port of Vlora Harbour Master’s Office has banned departures by small vessels and fishing boats planning to operate outside the Bay of Vlora from November 11 to 14 due to worsening weather conditions. The forecast warns of southerly to southeasterly winds reaching force 7–8 on the Beaufort scale, with …

News

Vlora hosts European Film Academy board, opening new cooperation opportunities

The European Film Academy’s Board held its three-day meeting in Albania, bringing leading European producers and filmmakers to Vlora. During their stay, board members met Albanian film professionals and explored the country’s history, culture and filming potential. The visit aimed to create new partnerships and promote Albania as a destination …

News

U.S. President Trump nominates Mikhail Bogachek as ambassador to Kosova

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Mikhail Bogachek as the next US ambassador to Kosova, submitting his name to the Senate for confirmation. The White House announced the nomination on November 10. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina remains under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati. Former ambassador Jeff …

News

Justice Minister Toni Gogu discusses faster court proceedings with Italian officials

Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu held three meetings in Rome with Italian officials to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of justice. During a visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met Maurizio Gasparri, chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. He thanked Gasparri for ratifying the …

News

Agriculture budget rises 10% in 2027 to support farmers and food safety

Albania’s draft 2027 budget allocates around ALL 18 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, a 10% increase on the initial 2026 budget, Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said. Rural development remains the main priority, with ALL 8.4 billion, including ALL 5.3 billion for the national support scheme, up …

News

Kanina Castle reopens to visitors after restoration works

Restoration and improvement works have finished at Kanina Castle in Vlora. The historic monument is now ready to welcome visitors with improved infrastructure, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced. The project included conservation and structural works, alongside infrastructure upgrades, to protect the castle’s historical and cultural heritage. In …

News

Albania prepare for Finland in Nations League

Albania’s national team continued preparations for their upcoming matches against Finland and Belarus with a training session at the House of Football on Wednesday. The Albanian Football Association said all players trained at full intensity and were available to coach Rolando Maran. The team began the session in the gym …

News

Albanian Football Association President Armand Duka honours Elseid Hysaj for over 100 appearances

Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Association, has honoured Elseid Hysaj for becoming the first Albania player to make over 100 appearances for the national team. At a ceremony on Wednesday, Duka personally presented Hysaj with a medal and a symbolic UEFA cap to mark the milestone. “Congratulations, Elsi! …

News

Albanian folk ensemble to perform in Scotland for first time in 70 years

Albania’s National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble will travel to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time in 70 years to present the country’s cultural heritage to an international audience. The artists will perform “Albania Through Byron’s Eyes”, a production that combines Albanian traditions with the inspiration Albania and its culture …