EU Approves Landmark Returns Regulation Inspired by Italy-Albania Model, Meloni Says
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has described the European Parliament’s approval of the new European Union regulation on the return of migrants without legal residence status as a “major success.” In a video shared on social media from Evian, where she is attending the G7 Summit, Meloni said the new …
German Media Highlights Albania as a Rising European Destination for 2026
A German media outlet has described Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive emerging travel destinations for 2026. According to Baden24, Albania is gaining increasing international attention thanks to its turquoise waters, unspoiled coastline, and affordable prices. As a result, many travelers now view the country as an appealing alternative …
Parliament Speaker Peleshi: Vetting subjected justice system to strongest scrutiny
TIRANA, June 17 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi described the justice reform as one of the deepest and most ambitious reforms ever undertaken by the Albanian state during a ceremony marking the conclusion of the Vetting process. In his address, Peleshi said the event closes an important chapter in the …
Edi Rama’s Sculpture Featured at Art Basel 2026
Visitors to Art Basel 2026 will see a public artwork by Albanian Prime Minister and artist Edi Rama. His bronze sculpture, Untitled (2026), is on display in the “Parcours” public art section at the end of Clarastrasse, overlooking the Rhine River. According to The Art Newspaper, Rama presents a new …
Venice Commission: Party finance platform boosts transparency but needs stronger legal safeguards
TIRANA, June 17 – The Venice Commission published its opinion on Albania’s draft law on political party financing. It described the reform as an important step toward modernizing the political finance system. At the same time, it called for further improvements to ensure legal clarity, proportionality, and effective implementation. The …
U.S. Senate confirms Eric Wendt as ambassador to Albania
TIRANA, June 17 – The U.S. Senate confirmed retired Lieutenant General Eric Wendt as the next U.S. ambassador to Albania with 51 votes in favour and 47 against. The full Senate vote followed approval by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where Wendt secured majority support from committee members. Authorities now …
Kosova, European Commission review European Union financial and technical support
TIRANA, June 17 – Kosova and the European Commission held the annual meeting of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Monitoring Committee. Participants reviewed the implementation of European Union financial and technical support for Kosova. They also discussed reforms that support Kosova’s European integration path. The European Union has provided …
Saranda sees tourist surge as foreign visitors praise prices and services
TIRANA, June 17 – Saranda is experiencing a strong influx of tourists in the early summer season. Foreign visitors praise local offers, services, and relatively affordable prices. Beaches along the Ionian coast are already crowded in June. Many travelers choose the destination for its clear waters and natural scenery. Several …
Ibrahimaj: Startups Drive Albania’s Green and Digital Transformation
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj attended the “Green & Digital Innovation” event and highlighted the growing role of startups in transforming Albania’s economy. She said startups are helping drive innovation, technology, and sustainable development across the country. Moreover, Ibrahimaj noted that government support and cooperation with European partners are …
EU4Schools programme rebuilds 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities
TIRANA, June 17 – The European Union, the Albanian government and UNDP held the closing conference of the EU4Schools programme. The initiative repaired and rebuilt 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities affected by the 2019 earthquake. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro thanked all partners who contributed to the programme. She said …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha expressed Albania’s full solidarity with France following devastating cyberattacks on an unprecedented scale. He said an offensive cyber unit linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had carried out the attacks. Hoxha stressed that Albania understands the threat firsthand, as Iranian state …
State Police Director General Skënder Hita is leading a delegation on a working visit to Italy, where Italian Police Chief Prefect Vittorio Pisani welcomed him in Rome. During the meeting, both officials praised the excellent bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership and investigative and operational …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu met with his Italian counterpart, Carlo Nordio, in Rome on Tuesday to discuss strengthening cooperation between Albania and Italy in the field of justice. In a social media post, Gogu thanked Nordio for Italy’s continued support as Albania’s strategic partner on its path towards European integration. …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja attended an expanded meeting of the National Youth Council on Tuesday, stressing the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and greater youth involvement in decision-making. Gonxhja said the meeting highlighted the education, communication skills, critical thinking and social awareness of a generation eager …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha is on an official visit to Budapest, where Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Orbán welcomed him. During their talks on Albania’s European integration, Hoxha praised Hungary’s strong support and its role as an influential voice for the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said it was too early to express optimism about recent political developments in Serbia and their potential impact on the region’s European integration process. Speaking at a discussion in Dublin, Ireland, with European and Balkan experts and diplomats, organised by the Institute of International and European …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania aims to complete its European Union accession negotiations by the end of 2027, describing the target as ambitious but achievable. Speaking in Dublin, Ireland, at an event hosted by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), Rama addressed an audience of European and …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, is on an official visit to Budapest, where he was received by Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Orban. The meeting focused on Albania’s path to EU membership. Hoxha welcomed Hungary’s continued support for Albania’s integration and …
Albania’s State Police Director General, Skënder Hita, was received in Rome by his Italian counterpart, Prefect Vittorio Pisani, Director General of the Italian Police. The official meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in tackling organized crime, illicit trafficking and cybercrime. During the bilateral meeting, the two police …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has criticized Europe’s approach to the war in Ukraine, calling it a major mistake to abandon diplomacy with Russia and focus its efforts on arming Ukraine. Speaking at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) in Dublin, Rama said Europe had traditionally favored diplomacy …