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Gonxhja Invites Italian Fans to Attend Ye Concert in Tirana After Event Cancellation in Italy

Blendi Gonxhja invited Italian fans to attend rapper Ye’s concert in Tirana on July 11. Italian media reported that organizers canceled the Reggio Emilia concert due to security concerns. The event also involved Travis Scott. Furthermore, Gonxhja said the Albanian government guarantees all tickets. He encouraged fans to choose Tirana …

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Albania prepares systems for integration with European employment and social security networks

TIRANA, June 3 – Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Olta Manjani said Albania is continuing preparations under Chapter 2, “Freedom of Movement for Workers.” The chapter forms part of the country’s European Union accession negotiations. Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on European Affairs and Foreign Affairs, she outlined progress in …

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Albania’s Coastline Highlighted as One of Europe’s Hidden Summer Gems

The Wom presents Albania as one of Europe’s last hidden summer destinations, praising its coastline for crystal-clear waters, natural beauty, and affordable travel options. The magazine describes Albania as an emerging Mediterranean hotspot. It compares its beaches to the “Caribbean of Europe” because of their turquoise waters and untouched landscapes. …

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GB News: Himara among most sought-after destinations for British tourists in summer 2026

TIRANA, June 3 – British media outlet GB News reports that Himara is strengthening its position as one of the Mediterranean’s emerging tourism gems. Interest from UK travellers in the Albanian Riviera is rising significantly. Journalist Sarra Gray cites Airbnb data showing a shift among British holidaymakers toward less crowded …

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More than 29,000 visitors tour Rozafa Castle in May

TIRANA, June 3 – More than 29,000 domestic and foreign visitors toured Rozafa Castle during May, according to the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Shkodër. Meanwhile, the institution reported that 62,748 people visited the historic site between January 1 and May 31. The castle remains one of northern Albania’s …

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From Closeness to Strategic Partnership: Fincantieri’s Shipyard Project and a New Vision for the Future of Italy-Albania Relations

by Albert Rakipi, PhD In April 2026, Fincantieri, one of Italy’s industrial and defence champions, signed an agreement with the Albanian company KAYO to produce vessels at the Pashaliman shipyard. Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the project as part of a strategic partnership, noting that the new company would produce ships not only …

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Rama’s Arguments with RSF Draw Attention From Albanian Media’s Problems

Edi Rama’s public exchanges with Reporters Without Borders, RSF, over its latest Freedom Index are part of a familiar pattern of redirecting attention away from real problems in society, experts say. Original post Here

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Letter from London: Close to Boiling Point

The thermometer’s risen sharply, both literally and politically, this spring – but even with so much else to preoccupy Britons, the Balkans hasn’t quite slipped off the radar. Original post Here

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Mario Biondi Delivers Emotional Jazz Performance in Tirana Concert

The concert of Italian soul and jazz artist Mario Biondi took place on Monday evening at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania in Tirana, bringing strong emotions and high energy to the audience. Organizers held the event as part of the 20th anniversary of his hit “This …

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Rama: Independent Justice Is Key to Building a European State

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that justice reform and the independence of judicial institutions remain among the Socialist Party’s most important achievements. Speaking at an event marking the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Tirana, Rama reflected on the period when former Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano was imprisoned. …

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Rama-Veliaj Rift Erupts Into Open Political Confrontation

Albania’s prime minister and Tirana’s imprisoned mayor clash over allegations of political pressure and control of the capital, exposing divisions within the ruling Socialist Party amid widespread anti-government protests. TIRANA, Albania – An unprecedented confrontation has erupted between Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, turning a …

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President Begaj signs territorial reform into law ahead of 2027 local elections

President Bajram Begaj has promulgated the new law on the administrative and territorial division of local government units, paving the way for the revised map to take effect in the local elections on May 9, 2027. The law, numbered 100/2026, establishes a new structure of 46 municipalities. Voters will elect …

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Krujë’s “Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg” Museum Marks 44 Years Since Inauguration

Albania’s National Museum “Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg” marks 44 years since its inauguration today. The museum stands inside the historic Castle of Krujë, once the centre of the medieval Albanian state. The castle also witnessed three successive defeats of Ottoman armies in the 15th century. Architects designed the museum as a …

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Kosova and Albania discuss railway links with French development agency

Kosova’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Dimal Basha, met with Arnaud Dauphin, the French Development Agency’s director for the Western Balkans, to discuss railway connections between Kosova and Albania. The talks focused on expanding cooperation on railway projects and advancing a three-way partnership between Kosova, Albania and the agency. The …

News
Tirana Takes the Global Stage as “The Amazing Race” Arrives in Albania

Albania will make its debut on the internationally acclaimed television show “The Amazing Race”, bringing Tirana’s culture, energy and hospitality to audiences around the world. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the news in a social media post. He said the production would showcase Albania as a …

News
Kosova’s PM and leader of the Self-Determination Movement, Kurti denies his movement involvement in Tirana protests

Kosova’s Prime Minister and leader of the Self-Determination Movement, Albin Kurti, has denied the movement’s involvement in the protests in Tirana. He said it had never operated anonymously during protests and had always taken an open, leading role. Speaking at the movement’s 64th General Council meeting, Kurti said it now …

News
Actor and director Gjergji Mena passes away at 41

The National Cinematography Centre has announced the passing of actor and director Gjergji Mena at the age of 41. The centre paid tribute to the young artist, highlighting his contribution to theatre and screen productions. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja also expressed condolences, describing Mena as a talented …

News
Ermonela Jaho serves as Opera Rara Artist Ambassador

Renowned Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho serves as an Artist Ambassador for Opera Rara, a London-based opera organisation dedicated to reviving neglected works and bringing rarely performed repertoire to modern audiences. Founded in 1970, Opera Rara specialises in researching, restoring, recording and performing operas that have largely disappeared from the mainstream …

News
Albania targets completion of technical EU accession talks by December 2027

Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha says Albania aims to complete the technical phase of European Union accession negotiations by December 2027. The goal is to advance to the political phase and join the bloc within this decade. Presenting the 2027 budget priorities to the parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, …

News
Albania’s 2027 budget exceeds €10 billion in planned public spending

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj says the 2027 draft budget provides for public spending exceeding €10 billion for the first time. The plan prioritises social welfare, fiscal stability, public investment and reforms linked to European Union integration. Revenue is projected at ALL 907.9 billion, or around €9.4 billion. The budget deficit …

News

Rama-Veliaj Rift Erupts Into Open Political Confrontation

Albania’s prime minister and Tirana’s imprisoned mayor clash over allegations of political pressure and control of the capital, exposing divisions within the ruling Socialist Party amid widespread anti-government protests. TIRANA, Albania – An unprecedented confrontation has erupted between Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, turning a …

News

President Begaj signs territorial reform into law ahead of 2027 local elections

President Bajram Begaj has promulgated the new law on the administrative and territorial division of local government units, paving the way for the revised map to take effect in the local elections on May 9, 2027. The law, numbered 100/2026, establishes a new structure of 46 municipalities. Voters will elect …

News

Krujë’s “Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg” Museum Marks 44 Years Since Inauguration

Albania’s National Museum “Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg” marks 44 years since its inauguration today. The museum stands inside the historic Castle of Krujë, once the centre of the medieval Albanian state. The castle also witnessed three successive defeats of Ottoman armies in the 15th century. Architects designed the museum as a …

News

Kosova and Albania discuss railway links with French development agency

Kosova’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Dimal Basha, met with Arnaud Dauphin, the French Development Agency’s director for the Western Balkans, to discuss railway connections between Kosova and Albania. The talks focused on expanding cooperation on railway projects and advancing a three-way partnership between Kosova, Albania and the agency. The …

News

Tirana Takes the Global Stage as “The Amazing Race” Arrives in Albania

Albania will make its debut on the internationally acclaimed television show “The Amazing Race”, bringing Tirana’s culture, energy and hospitality to audiences around the world. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the news in a social media post. He said the production would showcase Albania as a …

News

Kosova’s PM and leader of the Self-Determination Movement, Kurti denies his movement involvement in Tirana protests

Kosova’s Prime Minister and leader of the Self-Determination Movement, Albin Kurti, has denied the movement’s involvement in the protests in Tirana. He said it had never operated anonymously during protests and had always taken an open, leading role. Speaking at the movement’s 64th General Council meeting, Kurti said it now …

News

Actor and director Gjergji Mena passes away at 41

The National Cinematography Centre has announced the passing of actor and director Gjergji Mena at the age of 41. The centre paid tribute to the young artist, highlighting his contribution to theatre and screen productions. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja also expressed condolences, describing Mena as a talented …

News

Ermonela Jaho serves as Opera Rara Artist Ambassador

Renowned Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho serves as an Artist Ambassador for Opera Rara, a London-based opera organisation dedicated to reviving neglected works and bringing rarely performed repertoire to modern audiences. Founded in 1970, Opera Rara specialises in researching, restoring, recording and performing operas that have largely disappeared from the mainstream …

News

Albania targets completion of technical EU accession talks by December 2027

Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha says Albania aims to complete the technical phase of European Union accession negotiations by December 2027. The goal is to advance to the political phase and join the bloc within this decade. Presenting the 2027 budget priorities to the parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, …

News

Albania’s 2027 budget exceeds €10 billion in planned public spending

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj says the 2027 draft budget provides for public spending exceeding €10 billion for the first time. The plan prioritises social welfare, fiscal stability, public investment and reforms linked to European Union integration. Revenue is projected at ALL 907.9 billion, or around €9.4 billion. The budget deficit …