Customs meetings focus on declaration accuracy and modernization
TIRANA, May 1 – General Director of Customs Besmir Beja held meetings with customs agency representatives in Tirana and Durrës. The meetings took place within ongoing dialogue with the business community and customs stakeholders. He underlined the role of customs agencies as an intermediary link between economic operators and the …
Back from Syria’s Islamic State Camps, Albanians Struggle to Reintegrate
A young Albanian woman’s return from a camp for Islamic State supporters has delighted her family – but officials warn that the repatriation process for others won’t be easy, particularly if they hold radical beliefs. Original post Here
Rama Highlights Justice Reform as Tirana Prepares Legal Forum
Prime Minister Edi Rama says Tirana hosts a key international event this week focused on the rule of law and the future of justice. Rama announces that an event on May 6–7 in Tirana will serve as a preview of the World Law Congress, which will take place next year …
Kurti Meets Armenian PM, Calls for Alliance of Democracies
Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti met Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a bilateral meeting in Yerevan. Kurti thanked Armenia for its contribution to KFOR through its armed forces and for the growing cooperation between the two countries. He also expressed appreciation for the invitation to the “Yerevan Dialogue” …
Albania Honors Franz Nopcsa on 149th Birth Anniversary
Albania’s Academy of Sciences marked the 149th anniversary of the birth of Franz Nopcsa, a renowned paleontologist, geologist and one of the most important figures in Albanology. Franz Nopcsa was born on 3 May 1877 in Transylvania, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, into an aristocratic family of Romanian origin. …
Begaj Calls for Stronger Road Safety Measures After Durrës Accident
President Bajram Begaj expressed deep shock over the fatal accident in Durrës, where two children died and another was seriously injured. He called on responsible institutions to strengthen road safety measures and conduct a full investigation into the incident. Begaj said he prays for the souls of the victims and …
Rama Mourns Durrës Crash, Sends Condolences to Victims’ Families
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted to the tragic accident in Durrës, where two children died and another was seriously injured. Rama expressed condolences to the families who lost their children and wished a full recovery for the injured child who remains in hospital. He said he learned about the tragedy …
Rama Attends European Political Community Summit in Armenia
Prime Minister Edi Rama attends the 8th European Political Community Summit in Armenia and joins leaders in talks on strengthening European cooperation. Rama joins the welcome dinner hosted by Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. The summit gathers 48 heads of state and government on May 4–5 …
Kurti Travels to Armenia to Join European Political Community Summit
Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti travels to Armenia on an official visit to attend the European Political Community Summit. Kurti participates in the summit in Yerevan and holds high-level meetings with participating state leaders and officials. He joins European leaders in discussions on regional cooperation and strategic issues. Kurti …
Balla Marks World Press Freedom Day and Defends Media Freedom
Taulant Balla marks World Press Freedom Day and highlights the importance of journalists and media workers in democratic life. Balla praises the professionalism and dedication of journalists in informing the public and supporting transparency. He warns that misinformation spreads widely at a global level and says independent journalism faces increasing …
Electricity distribution losses in Albania fell to 15.6% in the first eight months of 2026, according to data from the Electricity Distribution System Operator. The figure marks a continued improvement from 18.93% in 2023, 17.93% in 2024 and 16.96% in 2025. Regional data also show lower losses. Fier recorded the …
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is among the leading candidates in the European Union enlargement process. In an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, she placed Albania and Montenegro at the front of the process, followed by Moldova and Ukraine. Kos said enlargement had achieved more …
Albania U19 secured a second consecutive victory over Lithuania U19, coming from behind to win 2-1 in a friendly match at the Vora Stadium. Lithuania took the lead in the first half, scoring from one of their few chances of the game. However, Albania responded strongly after the break and …
The International Dance Festival Tirana (IDFT) will launch its fifth edition on October 3, bringing a rich program of contemporary dance, international artists and artistic companies to the Albanian capital through October 21. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the festival will feature 17 performances in nine …
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, met today with representatives of the Union of Judges, the National Association of Judges and the Association of Prosecutors of Albania to discuss recent developments in the country’s justice system. According to the OSCE Presence, the discussion focused on …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media today from “Gran Tour Albania,” an event that brought Italian collectors of vintage cars to the historic city of Gjirokastër. “Motoring enthusiasts and tourists added a new color to Gjirokastër in autumn,” Rama wrote alongside photos from the event. Rare vintage …
The National Library in Tirana hosted the presentation of “Usta Josifi and the Saze of Përmet,” a new monographic study by author Niko Mihali dedicated to one of Albania’s richest musical traditions. The book explores the urban folk music tradition of Përmet and focuses on the life and contribution of …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met today with the new U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, and reaffirmed the strong partnership between Albania and the United States in the fields of defense and security. Nufi described the United States as Albania’s indispensable partner in security and defense, while stressing that Albania …
Albanian film “The Delegation” (Le Dernier Prisonnier), directed by Bujar Alimani, was screened in the French city of Reims on Thursday evening. The event took place through cooperation between the European Commission Representation in France and the association “7ème Œil.” Albanian Ambassador to France Dritan Tola, Montenegro’s Ambassador to France …
Women get a raw deal at elections in Bosnia, a spy chief’s arrest raises security questions in Albania and protesters challenge war crimes verdicts in Kosovo – plus much more in our selection of this week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories. Original post Here