Fiscal Council establishment marks key step in strengthening fiscal discipline, minister says
TIRANA, June 18 – The government is taking a new step to strengthen transparency and accountability in public finance management through the establishment of a Fiscal Council. The institution will operate independently and report to Parliament. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj announced that the draft law on the Fiscal Council …
Lezha marks Olympic Day 2026, sport and education bring young people together
TIRANA, June 18 – Lezha celebrated Olympic Day 2026 under the global motto “Let’s Move”. The main square turned into a space dedicated to sport, education, and Olympic values. According to the Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH), 10 city schools took part in the activity. Students presented creative works dedicated …
After US Lifts Graft Sanctions, is Albania’s Berisha Really ‘Back’?
Five years after the US declared him persona non grata, Donald Trump has given Sali Berisha a ‘waiver’. But how much does it really change for the opposition party Berisha leads? Original post Here
Albania Elected to UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage
Albania has won election to the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Ferit Hoxha announced the news and described the decision as recognition of Albania’s active contribution within UNESCO. Hoxha said the election recognizes Albania’s long-standing commitment to protecting, promoting, and passing on its rich …
STRASBOURG – European Parliament Approves Amendment on the Albanian Language in North Macedonia’s Bar Exam
The European Parliament approved the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) report on North Macedonia, prepared by permanent rapporteur Thomas Waitz. The report assessed the findings of the European Commission. It highlighted the lack of progress in judicial reforms and anti-corruption efforts. In addition, it urged the country to implement constitutional amendments …
Nufi Meets Senior Pentagon Official: Strong Commitment to Peace, Stability, and Collective Defense
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met senior Pentagon official Elbridge A. Colby in Washington today. During the meeting, the two officials exchanged views on the strategic challenges shaping the Euro-Atlantic security environment. Nufi emphasized that the partnership between Albania and the United States is built on shared values, mutual trust, and …
New Property Tax Bill Proposes Market-Value Assessment with Rates of 0.1%–0.2% for Homes
The Ministry of Finance of Albania has opened a new draft law on property tax for public consultation. The reform aims to fundamentally change Albania’s property taxation system by introducing a market-value-based model and increasing local government revenues. Under the proposed legislation, revenue from property tax will remain a local …
Meloni: EU Approves Historic Return Regulation, Albanian Model Sets the Example
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the European Parliament’s approval of the new EU return regulation as a major achievement for Italy and Europe. Speaking in a video message from the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, Meloni said the regulation marks a historic decision. She added that the measure largely reflects …
Business-Customs Forum Focuses on Transparency, Efficiency, and Trade Facilitation
The General Directorate of Customs and the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania held the Business-Customs Forum today. Participants focused on European integration, digital transformation of customs services, and measures to simplify procedures for businesses. The forum brought together customs officials and business representatives. They discussed customs procedures, the investment …
New Air Route Links Albania and Romania as TAROM Launches Flights to Tirana
Tirana International Airport expanded its international network as it welcomed the inaugural flight of TAROM today. The airline launched operations in Tirana and opened a new weekly route. It will operate one flight every Wednesday during the summer season. The new connection strengthens air links between Albania and Romania. It …
Albania will experience unsettled weather on Friday, with cloud cover, rain and strong winds, mainly along the coast and in valleys. The Military Meteorological Service forecasts moderate to dense cloud cover, with occasional sunny intervals. Rain will begin in the early hours across most of the country, with light intensity …
The Ministry of Finance has opened public consultation on a draft law to strengthen financial supervision and consumer protection. The proposal would replace the banking law adopted in 2006 and align legislation with European Union standards. Under the draft, credit institutions must respond to customer complaints within 15 working days, …
Chestnut Hill, nestled among Tropoja’s chestnut trees, has become one of the area’s leading agritourism businesses. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the venture on social media, describing its views above the clouds as magical. The guesthouse has 12 rooms and welcomes visitors from Europe, America, Singapore and Australia. …
Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti met his British counterpart, Andy Burnham, at the conclusion of the European Political Community (EPC) meeting. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Kurti described the United Kingdom as a special partner and ally of the Republic of Kosova. Kurti expressed gratitude for Britain’s continued and …
Albanian State Police Director General Skender Hita met senior Italian police officials in Rome to strengthen cooperation against criminal groups operating in both countries. He met Raffaele Grassi, Deputy Director General of Public Security and Central Director of Criminal Police, and General Nicola Massimo Masciulli, head of Italy’s Anti-Mafia Investigation …
The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Korçë and the Ethnographic Museum of Elbasan have organised an exhibition to raise awareness about the illegal trafficking of cultural property. The exhibition, titled “Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future – Heritage Belongs Where It Is”, opened ahead of the International Day against …
Tirana will host the 10th edition of the Tirana Marathon on Sunday, November 15. The event will restrict traffic on several main roads. The Tirana Municipality and State Police have prepared a joint plan to close some roads and divert vehicles. The restrictions will apply from 08:00 to 16:00 on …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj has inspected the new electronic sealing system at Porto Romano. The system will apply to all tankers transporting hydrocarbons in Albania, covering the entire transport chain from entry points to exit points and enabling electronic monitoring of tanker movements. According to Malaj, the system will simplify …
Autumn has brought a new atmosphere to Tirana. Its vibrant colours have added to the experience of visitors exploring the Albanian capital during the mild November days. Tourists can enjoy walks along the city’s main streets, visit cultural monuments and discover its museums. These activities make Tirana an attractive destination …
Spiro Shaka, 28, is turning his family’s leatherworking tradition into a business in Korça. Raised in a family that has practised the craft for more than 20 years, he now runs a shop selling mainly leather bags, belts, wallets and a small collection of shoes. Through his business, Shaka aims …