Hoxha: Belgium’s New Embassy in Tirana Will Boost Bilateral Cooperation
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha welcomed Belgium’s decision to open an embassy in Tirana, describing it as an important step that will strengthen relations between the two countries. During an official visit to Brussels, Hoxha met with Maxime Prévot. The two officials reaffirmed the strong partnership between …
Rama: Supporting Socialist Party Means Supporting Albania’s Path to the EU
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that supporting the Socialist Party means supporting Albania’s integration into the European Union, while warning that there are political forces opposing this process. Speaking at a party event in Tirana, Rama said the Socialist Party’s mission is to bring Albania into the “crown of Europe,” …
Ahmeti Responds to Kurti: Ohr Agreement Was Also the Cornerstone of the Ahtisaari Plan for Kosovo
The leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), Ali Ahmeti, has responded to acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti following criticism directed at the Democratic Union for Integration during its time in government. Kurti had suggested that DUI governed alongside a VMRO administration that was more hostile toward Albanians. Ahmeti …
Transparency Board Sets New Fuel Prices, Diesel and Gasoline Increase
The Transparency Board has decided to raise the fuel price caps in the country. According to the decision taken during its meeting on June 2, 2026, the maximum retail price of diesel fuel must not exceed 191 lek per liter, an increase of 6 lek compared to the Board’s previous …
Italian Vintage Car Exhibition Draws Attention in Gjirokastër
The historic bazaar of Gjirokastër became a unique attraction as 30 vintage cars were displayed in the city’s museum district. The classic vehicles traveled from Italy as part of a tour across Albania, making a stop in the UNESCO-listed “Stone City.” The retro automobiles captured the attention of numerous tourists, …
Rama at Joint Press Conference with Costa: We Are 100% Aligned with the EU, Our Focus Is on Implementing Reforms
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking at a joint press conference with European Council President Antonio Costa, thanked the latter for his direct engagement in Albania’s European integration journey since the launch of the country’s EU accession negotiations. Rama stressed that Albania has no disagreements with the European Union, only common …
Zvërnec Resort Under SPAK Investigation, Rama: Probe into Property Ownership Is Welcome, Project Will Continue
Prime Minister Edi Rama said he welcomes the investigation launched by SPAK (the Special Anti-Corruption Structure) into the ownership history of the property on which a resort is planned to be built in the Zvërnec area. Rama stressed that the project will continue regardless of the investigation, adding that the …
“Enlargement Is a Necessity”: Antonio Costa Says Rule of Law and Judicial Independence Are Essential for EU Membership
European Council President Antonio Costa was in Tirana on Tuesday, where he held a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama. Costa stated that EU member states have viewed Albania’s progress in the accession process positively. He also emphasized that Albania must intensify its efforts in the fight against …
Trump Nominates New Ambassadors for Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated several candidates for ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to a number of Western Balkan countries. Michael Young of Utah has been nominated to serve as the United States Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Serbia. Ronald Johnson of Massachusetts has been nominated as Ambassador to Bosnia …
Albania Lost 28,500 Residents in 2025 as Average Age Reaches 45
Albania has entered a new phase of its demographic crisis. The latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) show that the country’s population fell to 2.33 million as of January 1, 2026, losing more than 28,000 residents in just one year. Although births continue to outnumber deaths, emigration is …
The Bank of Albania has kept its key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%. The Supervisory Council announced the decision on November 3. Governor Gent Sejko also confirmed that the overnight deposit rate will remain at 1.5%. Meanwhile, the overnight lending rate will stay at 3.5%. Sejko said the decision reflects …
Albania will test its aviation emergency response capabilities today through a planned search-and-rescue exercise near Tirana International Airport. The drill, named SAR-2026, will run from 10:30 to 12:00. The National Search and Rescue Centre is organising the exercise with institutions responsible for aviation emergencies. Participants include the Armed Forces, Tirana …
The National Library of Albania and Hungary’s National Szechenyi Library have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen professional, scientific and cultural ties. The signing ceremony brought together Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Lira Pipa and Hungarian Ambassador to Albania Martina Laura Kasnyik. The agreement provides for exchanges …
Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “EU Enlargement: Assessing New Concepts and the Outlook for 2027,” organised by the German Council on Foreign Relations. Hoxha said geopolitical realities had made enlargement a strategic and security necessity for Europe. However, he stressed that this …
Construction has begun on a new pedestrian promenade in Lezha, a project worth ALL 62 million funded by the municipal budget. The development aims to create new recreational spaces for residents and tourists. The municipality expects to complete the project by next summer. Deputy PM Albana Koçiu shared footage of …
The European Commission is expected to publish its 2026 Enlargement Package today at around 13:00, including its annual report on Albania. The report will assess reform progress, accession criteria and the challenges Albania must address on its path towards European Union membership. For the first time, the package is expected …
Interior Minister Ervin Demo has presented the government’s proposed 2027 budget for the Interior Ministry to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates around ALL 40 billion, a 12% increase from 2026 and the ministry’s highest budget allocation to date. It aims to strengthen public security, …
Located on the slopes of a mountain, the historic city of Kruja remains one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations. Just a short distance from Tirana, it attracts local and international visitors with its rich history, cultural traditions and natural beauty. Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared new images of …
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi has announced that the government’s draft budget for 2027 provides full funding for priority infrastructure and energy projects. It includes investment in roads and water supply and sewerage systems across all 12 counties. Key road projects include continued construction of the Elbasan bypass, completion …
The musical “The Lion King” will bring a colourful theatrical experience to children and families in Tirana this November and December. Melsi Qirici, director of the National Centre of Culture for Children, has announced the performance dates. The show will take place on November 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and …