Finance minister outlines legal process in Bankers Petroleum tax dispute
TIRANA, June 11 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj responded in parliament to an interpellation requested by Opportunity Party leader Agron Shehaj regarding the collection of a financial penalty of around EUR 120 million from Bankers Petroleum. Malaj reviewed the history of the case and stressed the need to distinguish between …
The Independent: Albania emerges as a top summer destination for 2026
Albania is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after travel destinations for 2026, according to an article by Fran Watts published in the British newspaper The Independent. The report says growing numbers of visitors choose Albania for its clear waters, relaxed coastal towns and competitive prices. It notes that the …
Hoxha: Albania Targets Closing EU Negotiation Chapters by Next Year
Albania aims to close all EU negotiation chapters by next year, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha said Albania’s EU accession process has entered a decisive stage. He also described EU membership as the country’s top national …
Hoxha: Everything that happens in Albania draws EU attention, protests are part of freedom of expression
The European Union follows developments in Albania closely, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. Speaking at a press conference with journalists from EU member states, Hoxha addressed concerns over the proposed project in Zvërnec. He also commented on the European Commission’s reaction and recent protests …
Hoxha: Greece remains a strong supporter of Albania’s EU membership
Greece remains a strong supporter of Albania’s European Union membership, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha described relations between Albania and Greece as stronger than ever. He said both countries are working to address long-standing bilateral issues …
Hoxha: No approved project in Zvërnec yet, full environmental impact assessment will be done
No approved project exists yet for the Zvërnec investment, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. He added that authorities will carry out a full environmental impact assessment before any decision. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha said institutions continue preparatory work. He also …
Hoxha: EU enlargement will be key priority of Irish Presidency in 2026
EU enlargement will be a key priority of the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2026, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha said his recent visit to Ireland focused on Albania’s EU …
TKOB prepares tribute evening for Albanian bass-baritone Lukë Kaçaj
The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB) is preparing a special evening dedicated to the great Albanian bass-baritone Lukë Kaçaj. The event will pay tribute to one of the most powerful voices in Albanian opera. It will also honor his life, marked by artistic achievement and personal hardship. Lukë …
Golem Becomes a Tourism Hotspot, Short-Term Rental Market Records Strong Growth
Golem is emerging as one of Albania’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, recording significant increases in both demand and supply in the short-term rental market. According to data from AirDNA, a platform specializing in short-term rental market analytics for platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, the area recorded the strongest growth in …
Non-Performing Loan Ratio Fell to 3.75% in April
The ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) returned to a downward trend in April. According to statistics from the Bank of Albania, the NPL ratio declined to 3.75%, down from 3.85% recorded in March. The indicator also continued to decrease on an annual basis, compared to 4.03% in April 2025. The …
Arianit Shehu, Executive Director of the American Center for Combating Extremism and Terrorism (ACCET), says the European Commission’s 2026 Progress Report confirms Albania’s progress towards EU membership. In an opinion article, Shehu says European integration must remain above party interests. The report, published on November 4, recognises Albania’s reforms and …
Prime Minister Edi Rama says Albanians remain firmly committed to the European project. Despite political polarisation, internal conflicts and protests, he says EU membership remains the country’s shared goal. Speaking at the discussion “Europe’s Shared Future: Enlargement and the Next Generation”, held during the Paris Peace Forum, Rama linked Albania’s …
Albania plays an important role in European security, Interior Minister Ervin Demo said today. He made the statement while opening the international conference “Regional Security: New Risks, Stronger Cooperation” in Tirana. Regional representatives, EU officials and Italian delegates attended the event. “Albania is not Europe’s backyard. We are part of …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu began a two-day working visit to Rome today. He held talks with senior Italian officials to strengthen cooperation in justice and support Albania’s European integration. During the first day, Gogu met Maurizio Gasparri, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence. He also met …
Albania has recorded the biggest improvement in UEFA’s Fair Play rankings for the 2025/26 season. According to UEFA’s official report, Albania scored 7.789 points, up from 7.503 in the previous season. The increase of 0.286 points places the country first in Europe for progress. Iceland ranks second, with an improvement …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has expressed his condolences to the families affected by a tragic accident in Bulgaria. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident in Bulgaria, which has claimed many lives and left others injured. Our thoughts and sincere condolences go to the victims’ …
Albania has completed the technical preparations to provisionally close five more EU negotiating chapters in 2026, Chief EU Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka announced today. Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on European Affairs and Foreign Policy, Dhuka said Albania continues to follow the EU roadmap, which предусматри the closure of six additional …
Albania’s rich cultural heritage, from north to south, took centre stage at a special event held last night at the Palace of Brigades in Tirana. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports organised the event as part of the 20th Annual Conference of the UNESCO Network of Experts on Intangible …
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about the specific nature of protests in Albania during his participation in the Paris Peace Forum, comparing them with similar movements in Italy and France. During a discussion on European Union enlargement and the future of younger generations, Rama was asked what distinguishes protests in …
Businesses play an important role in Albania’s European integration process and have many opportunities to benefit from it, EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said. During a meeting with business representatives, the ambassador presented the 2026 Albania Report and discussed key issues affecting the business environment, including the …