Research funding tripled as Albania aligns reforms with European Union directives
TIRANA, April 29 – Following the Thursday’s government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presented the latest decisions at a press conference. She said European Union integration remains a key priority for Albania. In this context, she announced that the budget for scientific research has tripled. Kumbaro stated that the …
Tax relief, social security deal and record foreign investment highlighted by Finance Minister
TIRANA, April 29 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented three key developments following the government meeting, focusing on fiscal reforms, international agreements, and foreign investment growth. He said the process of debt cancellation and fiscal reconciliation will begin within May. He explained that secondary legislation is in its final stage. …
Government backs “After School” programme, doubles pay for teachers and expands participation
TIRANA, April 29 – Following a government meeting, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro presents new decisions. She focuses on the “After School” programme. She says the initiative has developed in different formats for over a decade. She adds that the programme will now expand further to give students more opportunities. …
Blendi Gonxhja: Durrës Archaeological Museum showcases 3,200 artefacts in renewed exhibition spaces
Blendi Gonxhja highlights transformation of Durrës museum Blendi Gonxhja said the Archaeological Museum of Durrës now displays over 3,200 artefacts. He added that the museum presents Albania’s ancient history in modern, restructured pavillions. Moreover, he said new technologies allow visitors to experience a “journey through time.” In addition, he emphasized …
Vlorë: Spring “postcard” views attract tourists between sea and sky
Vlorë looks like a spring postcard at the end of April. The city combines clear blue skies with calm seas. Although the beach season has not officially started, visitors continue to arrive. They enjoy the sunshine and even swim in the sea. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo from …
Fincantieri–Kayo agreement signed for naval production in Vlora, PM Rama says first two ships will strengthen Albanian Navy
TIRANA, April 29 – A cooperation agreement between Italian company Fincantieri and company KAYO marks a step toward the modernization of the Albanian Armed Forces. The project focuses on the construction of military vessels in the Vlora Bay Naval Base naval base. The agreement establishes a new company that will …
Fire safety inspection plan launched in Tirana after apartment blaze
TIRANA, April 29 – The acting Mayor of Tirana, Anuela Ristani, meets emergency structures, municipal police, and fire service teams. The meeting follows a fire in an apartment building in the “Farmacia 10” area, where 71 apartments burned. Ristani praises the coordinated response of all structures. She says the quick …
Marubi Museum joins Milan-based international photography network
TIRANA, April 29 – The National Museum of Photography “Marubi” joins Rete Fotografia, an international network based in Milan that brings together institutions and organisations active in the field of photography. The museum describes the membership as an important development for Albanian photography. It highlights new opportunities for international visibility …
SASPAC launches new website on development priorities
SASPAC has launched a new online platform. The website is now accessible to the public. The platform brings together all foreign assistance data in Albania. It presents transparent and structured information. Users can find details on EU IPA programmes and funding. The site also lists donors, partners and implementing institutions. …
Aleksandër Lalo, Albanian composer of iconic film scores
TIRANA, April 28 – Albanian composer Aleksandër Lalo (1949–2017), born on 27 April 1949, remains a key figure in the country’s film music tradition. He would have turned 77 years old. His work shaped Albanian cinema across several decades. He developed a distinctive musical language that combined emotional depth with …
Electricity distribution losses in Albania fell to 15.6% in the first eight months of 2026, according to data from the Electricity Distribution System Operator. The figure marks a continued improvement from 18.93% in 2023, 17.93% in 2024 and 16.96% in 2025. Regional data also show lower losses. Fier recorded the …
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is among the leading candidates in the European Union enlargement process. In an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, she placed Albania and Montenegro at the front of the process, followed by Moldova and Ukraine. Kos said enlargement had achieved more …
Albania U19 secured a second consecutive victory over Lithuania U19, coming from behind to win 2-1 in a friendly match at the Vora Stadium. Lithuania took the lead in the first half, scoring from one of their few chances of the game. However, Albania responded strongly after the break and …
The International Dance Festival Tirana (IDFT) will launch its fifth edition on October 3, bringing a rich program of contemporary dance, international artists and artistic companies to the Albanian capital through October 21. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the festival will feature 17 performances in nine …
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, met today with representatives of the Union of Judges, the National Association of Judges and the Association of Prosecutors of Albania to discuss recent developments in the country’s justice system. According to the OSCE Presence, the discussion focused on …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media today from “Gran Tour Albania,” an event that brought Italian collectors of vintage cars to the historic city of Gjirokastër. “Motoring enthusiasts and tourists added a new color to Gjirokastër in autumn,” Rama wrote alongside photos from the event. Rare vintage …
The National Library in Tirana hosted the presentation of “Usta Josifi and the Saze of Përmet,” a new monographic study by author Niko Mihali dedicated to one of Albania’s richest musical traditions. The book explores the urban folk music tradition of Përmet and focuses on the life and contribution of …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met today with the new U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, and reaffirmed the strong partnership between Albania and the United States in the fields of defense and security. Nufi described the United States as Albania’s indispensable partner in security and defense, while stressing that Albania …
Albanian film “The Delegation” (Le Dernier Prisonnier), directed by Bujar Alimani, was screened in the French city of Reims on Thursday evening. The event took place through cooperation between the European Commission Representation in France and the association “7ème Œil.” Albanian Ambassador to France Dritan Tola, Montenegro’s Ambassador to France …
Women get a raw deal at elections in Bosnia, a spy chief’s arrest raises security questions in Albania and protesters challenge war crimes verdicts in Kosovo – plus much more in our selection of this week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories. Original post Here