Petrit Malaj: Albania grows economy by 4% and reduces public debt
Petrit Malaj said today in Parliament that Albania achieved strong macroeconomic progress. He referred to international reports from the U.S. Department of State and the European Commission. Furthermore, Malaj said Albania recorded 4% economic growth in 2024. He added that inflation remained controlled at 2.2%. In addition, he noted that …
Alis receives applause for “Nan” at Eurovision Song Contest 2026 as voting opens for final qualification
Alis performed “Nan” on the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 semifinal. The audience across Europe applauded the performance. The song delivered a strong emotional message about motherhood. The staging included powerful visuals, including references to the Albanian mother figure. Furthermore, the performance attracted attention from international media as …
Alis sends Albania to Eurovision 2026 Grand Final
TIRANA, May 14 – Albania has secured a place in the Grand Final of Eurovision 2026 after Alis qualified from the second semi-final in Vienna with the song “Nân”. Alis delivered an emotional performance that combined Albanian musical elements with a modern stage presentation, earning Albania one of the 10 …
OSCE democratic institutions office says political finance draft strengthens transparency
TIRANA, May 14 – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights published an interim urgent opinion on Albania’s draft law on political party financing. The office said the draft creates a detailed framework for regulating political financing, while calling for further clarifications …
Tourism minister looks at preparations in Jala and Dhërmi ahead of summer season
TIRANA, May 14 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja looked at preparations on the beaches of Jala and Dhërmi ahead of the new summer season. He reviewed readiness measures and ongoing work along the coastal areas. Gonxhja said operators and local authorities still need to complete several …
Defense Minister meets NATO Joint Force Command Naples Commander Admiral, focuses on regional security and hybrid threats
TIRANA, May 14 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met today in Tirana with Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples, during an official visit to Albania. Opening the talks, Nufi underlined that the visit reflects the strong partnership between the Albanian Armed Forces and NATO Allies, …
President Begaj meets NATO Joint Force Command Naples Commander Admiral Wikoff, reaffirms defence cooperation and NATO commitment
TIRANA, May 14 – President Bajram Begaj met in Tirana with Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples, praising his leadership in what he described as a complex geopolitical environment. Opening the meeting, Begaj highlighted the key role of the Naples-based command in maintaining security, peace …
Eurovision 2026: PM Rama calls for strong support as Albania prepares for tonight’s performance by Alis
TIRANA, May 14 – Albania turns its attention to Vienna tonight as Eurovision 2026 enters its second semi-final, with artist Alis set to perform the song “Nân”. Prime Minister Edi Rama called on the public and the Albanian diaspora to support the country’s entry. He urged voters to choose number …
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos to visit Prishtina on Friday
TIRANA, May 14 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will visit Prishtina on Friday. The trip marks her first visit to Kosova since she took office in 2024. She arrives on Thursday evening from London, where she holds two meetings earlier in the day. Kos will hold three …
Kosova marks 27th anniversary of Qyshk massacre
TIRANA, May 14 – Kosova on Wednesday marked the 27th anniversary of the Qyshk massacre, one of the crimes committed during the 1998–1999 war. Serbian forces killed 44 Albanian men in the village on May 14, 1999. The attack ranks among the many massacres reported during the conflict in Kosova. …
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry and eight business associations have condemned violence and property damage during recent protests in the capital. They have urged authorities to take concrete measures to protect public order and safety. In a joint statement, the organizations expressed concern over attacks on public institutions, …
Egnatia began its historic UEFA Conference League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Danish side Midtjylland at Elbasan Arena on Thursday. Gruda scored for the Albanian side, which claimed its first point in the competition’s league phase. Egnatia took the lead in the 26th minute when Gruda headed home a …
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Masked protesters continued to clash with police in Tirana on Thursday. They damaged public spaces and private businesses as unrest spread across the capital. After vandalizing businesses on Elbasan Street, masked youths set a kiosk ablaze on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Flames engulfed the structure and sent thick smoke into …
President Bajram Begaj has called on citizens and all parties involved in the recent protests to reject violence and prioritize dialogue. He stressed that Albania needs calm, responsibility and cooperation. In a message to the public, Begaj said he had followed both the protesters’ demands and the acts of violence …
The OSCE Presence in Albania has welcomed President Bajram Begaj’s call for calm and inclusive dialogue amid the recent unrest. It has also offered to help facilitate talks if the parties request its support. In a statement, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) joined the President’s appeal …
The EU Delegation in Tirana issued a statement on Thursday regarding the student protests, condemning the escalation of violence and damage to property. In its statement, the delegation called on protesters to refrain from violence. According to the EU, constructive dialogue among all parties is the only way forward to …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro has responded following three days of protests by university and high school students, calling on parents, teachers, and the wider community to work together to ensure the safety of young people and prevent the situation from escalating. In a message addressed to parents, pupils, and university …
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reacted to acts of violence and damage to public and private property during protests in the capital, condemning attacks on institutions, banks, shopping centers, and business premises. In its statement, the Chamber emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a …
Student protests continue to escalate in the capital. In the former Blloku area, private businesses have begun taking protective measures, installing security shutters and reinforcing their commercial premises. These security measures follow incidents reported in recent hours, during which some young protesters attacked and damaged private property, as well as …