Rama from Tokyo: Albania Closer Than Ever to the EU! The Road Ahead Remains Challenging, but We Are Determined
Prime Minister Edi Rama, during his speech at the United Nations University in Tokyo, declared that Albania is closer than ever to the European Union. “Albania is closer than ever to the EU, and we have never seen this prospect so concrete and real in our modern history. We have …
EU Membership: 8th Accession Conference with Albania to Be Held in Brussels on May 26
The Council of the European Union announced that the eighth meeting of the Accession Conference with Albania will take place on May 26, 2026, in Brussels. “This meeting will serve to confirm Albania’s fulfillment of the interim benchmarks, as well as to define the closing benchmarks for Cluster 1 ‘Fundamentals’. …
Fatmir Xhafaj Signs 14 Plans for Oversight of Independent Institutions
Fatmir Xhafaj, chairman of the Special Commission for Citizen Initiatives, Cooperation, and Institutional Oversight, has signed 14 thematic work plans that foresee hearing sessions and parliamentary oversight processes over independent institutions and state agencies, including justice institutions such as SPAK, the High Judicial Council (KLGJ), and the High Prosecutorial Council …
Rama: Balkan Integration Is a Strategic Necessity for Europe Itself
Prime Minister Edi Rama, during his speech in Tokyo, also spoke about the justice reform as one of the deepest and most important reforms for Albania’s path toward EU membership. Rama stressed that the integration of the Balkans is a strategic necessity for Europe itself. According to him, Albania has …
Intergovernmental Conference Albania-EU, Government: We Enter a New Phase of Negotiations
On May 26, the 8th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the European Union will be held in Brussels. The Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States of the European Union (COREPER) approved this Friday the holding of the 8th Albania-European Union Intergovernmental Conference. According to this decision, the fulfillment …
Week in Review: In Search of Direction
A country adrift, critics supressed and an investment project with an explosive side are just some of the highlights of our selection of Premium stories this week. Original post Here
Albanian, Bosnian Pride Marches Urge Solidarity Amid Rise of Extremism
Organisers of LGBTQ+ Pride parades in Tirana and Sarajevo are calling on people to stand together in a time of growing far-right extremism and prejudice. Original post Here
Albania International Guitar Festival Marks 10th Anniversary Edition
The “Albania International Guitar Festival” is celebrating its 10th edition as one of the country’s leading artistic events. The festival will open on May 22 at the “Tonin Harapi” hall in Tirana. German guitarist Goran Krivokapić will perform the opening concert. He is a winner of several major international guitar …
Albania Promoted at Cannes Film Market “Marché du Film”
Albania participated in the “Marché du Film”, one of the most important global events for the film industry. The event took place in Cannes and brought together more than 14,000 professionals from over 140 countries. The Albanian National Cinematography Center joined forces with the Kosovo Cinematography Center to present a …
Gonxhja: Kanye West Concert Offers Major Promotion Opportunity for Albania
Work has started in Kashar on the site where a temporary stadium will host the super show of Kanye West in Albania. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja shared images from the construction site of the temporary stadium. The venue will host a production of global scale and standards …
By Denis Jukni Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from an experimental technology to a new infrastructure of the economy and public administration. Generative models, automation, robotics, cloud infrastructure, large-scale data processing and algorithmic systems are changing how companies produce, how institutions deliver services and how citizens receive information. This transformation …
A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here
Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …
European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged young people to distance themselves from violent protests. He called on them to express their views through peaceful democratic means. In remarks on social media, Rama defended the right to peaceful protest. He said citizens could challenge the government through debate and elections. He …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi has met Colonel Murat Ilhan, Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana. Turkish Ambassador to Albania Bariş Ceyhun Erciyes also attended the meeting. According to the Ministry of Defense, the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey and their shared commitment to closer cooperation in …
Albania recorded around 17.4 million entries by Albanian and foreign citizens from January to September 2026, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Foreign citizens accounted for 10.7 million entries, while Albanian citizens accounted for 6.7 million. Compared with the same period in 2025, foreign arrivals rose by 4.9%, while …
Students continued their protest outside the prime minister’s office in Tirana for an 11th day. University lecturers and other citizens joined them again today. Lecturers and students first gathered outside the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Aleksandër Kovaçi, head of the University Lecturers’ Union, called for greater cooperation among intellectuals in …
The Albanian Water Rescue Federation held the 2026 National Water Rescue Championship with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The competition tested speed, technique and endurance through events that combine sport with life-saving skills. A total of 34 competitors took part. The championship has taken place annually …
Albanian champions Egnatia drew 1-1 away to Denmark’s Aarhus in their second Conference League group-stage match, extending their unbeaten run in European competition. Egnatia took the lead in the 13th minute when Gruda scored after Adjesa’s assist. Aarhus had already lost Kahl to a red card in the third minute …