Albania, Kosovo Strengthen Defense Cooperation
Ermal Nufi met with Gegë Lleshi on Wednesday to discuss closer cooperation in defense and security. During the meeting, both sides highlighted their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in military education, joint training, and exercises. In addition, they discussed cooperation in civil protection and emergency management. Nufi stressed that Kosovo …
Demo Meets Austrian Delegation on EU Integration Cooperation
Ervin Demo welcomed Monika Zach and an Austrian delegation in Tirana on Wednesday. The delegation included 14 mayors and around 60 senior local government representatives. The group was led by Johannes Pressl. During the meeting, both sides discussed the role of local government in the European integration process. In addition, …
EU Calls for Quick Government Formation in Kosovo
Eva Palatova called for the rapid formation of a new government in Kosovo following the June 7 elections. Speaking during Europe Day activities in Prishtina, Palatova also urged political parties to reach a compromise on electing the country’s president. She stressed that the future government should have a strong parliamentary …
Prison System Modernization Discussed in US Embassy Meeting
Adriatik Kupi welcomed a delegation from the United States Embassy in Tirana during an introductory meeting held at the General Directorate of Prisons. During the meeting, the US representatives praised the cooperative approach of the prison administration. They also highlighted the importance of continued institutional cooperation in support of reforms …
Albania, EU Discuss Security and Defense Partnership
Ermal Nufi welcomed Cosmin Dobran in Tirana on Thursday. The meeting focused on the Security and Defense Partnership between Albania and the European Union. Both sides described the partnership as an important platform for structured cooperation. Albania reaffirmed its commitment to continuing dialogue and achieving concrete results. Meanwhile, Nufi stressed …
French minister praises Albania’s reforms, says rule of law key to EU integration
TIRANA, May 7 – Albania and France are deepening cooperation in the justice sector. Talks in Tirana focus on judicial reform, criminal legislation and the fight against organised crime during a visit by French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin. The issue featured in a joint press appearance with Albanian Justice Minister …
Jaupaj: Albania Launches 10-Year Plan for Climate and Air Quality
Sofjan Jaupaj presented a national climate plan for 2026–2036 in Tirana on Wednesday. He said the plan includes 66 priority measures. It targets climate impacts such as fires, floods, and droughts. Jaupaj explained that the measures fall into soft interventions, green actions, and infrastructure investments. He added that the total …
Malaj: Fuel Excise Cut Costs 37 Million Lek, Measures Remain Manageable
Petrit Malaj presented in Parliament a new emergency ordinance on excise tax changes for fuel. He said the government approved the measure to soften the impact of international fuel price fluctuations and to protect consumers. Malaj explained that the decision responds to global market shocks linked to the conflict in …
SHBA: Kosovo to Be Included in Regional Energy Corridors
Joshua Volz said the United States is increasing its engagement in the Western Balkans to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on Russian supplies. In an interview, he stressed that energy is a matter of national security. He linked it directly to economic growth, investment, and political stability in the …
90 Years Since the Birth of Vath Koreshi
Vath Koreshi is being commemorated today, marking 90 years since his birth in Lushnjë on May 7, 1936. Koreshi became one of the most influential figures in Albanian literature and cinema. He wrote novels and film scripts that shaped modern Albanian cultural identity. He studied Albanian language and literature at …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said energy and transport links play a key role in economic growth and Albania’s integration with the European market. She made the remarks after meeting Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi. Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Albania in …
EU member states have approved an intergovernmental conference with Albania on October 13 in Luxembourg, paving the way for the provisional closure of Chapter 20 on Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) approved the meeting after reviewing Albania’s progress on business development and industrial reforms. Chapter …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has moved closer to its historic goal of joining the European Union after the bloc gave the green light to close negotiations on Chapter 20, which covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. In a social media post, Rama said the latest development strengthens Albania’s prospects …
Albania recorded around 788,000 euro transfers worth €8.7 billion during its first 11 months in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). The system has significantly reduced cross-border payment costs for individuals and businesses since it began operating in Albania on October 7, 2025. Bank of Albania data show that individuals …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met Albanian students studying at Gülhane Faculty of Medicine, part of the University of Health Sciences in Ankara, Türkiye. They discussed student life, their experiences abroad, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and their vision for Albania’s future. Nufi said the students’ presence at the Turkish university …
President Bajram Begaj has awarded US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin the title of Commander of the Supreme Order of the Eagle for their contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt attended the ceremony at the Palace of …
Tirana will host the 11th Golden Age Gym Festival from October 1 to 7, 2028, bringing together more than 2,000 participants from across Europe. The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) announced that its executive board unanimously approved Tirana’s bid, citing Albania’s organisational capacity. The Albanian Gymnastics Federation initiated the bid …
Albania, Greece and North Macedonia have launched preparations for a joint bid to add the Prespa region to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The initiative aims to protect the area’s natural, historical and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and creating new opportunities for local communities. The European Union will provide …
Tirana will host Japanese Cultural Week from October 14 to 18, offering five days of activities that showcase Japan’s traditions, art, architecture, cuisine, cinema and martial arts. The programme will feature traditional tea ceremonies, Japanese food demonstrations, exhibitions, film screenings and judo and karate competitions. On October 16, visitors can …
Archaeologists have begun excavating the upper city’s defensive walls at Butrint for the first time, seeking new evidence about the ancient city’s fortifications and urban development. The research forms part of the “Urban Topography of Butrint in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages” project, which examines the site’s evolution between …