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 …
Albanian Medicinal Plants Attract Tourists in Gjirokastër, Demand for Traditional Products Rises
Medicinal plants and traditional Albanian products are attracting growing interest from tourists in Gjirokastër, particularly foreign visitors seeking natural and authentic products from the region. Mountain tea, lavender, spices, and endemic plants are among the most sought-after products in the city’s historic bazaar, becoming an important part of its tourism …
Activists and Citizens Begin March Toward the Prime Minister’s Office
Although in smaller numbers than on previous days, activists and citizens once again gathered this Thursday, marking the 12th day of protests. After assembling in Skanderbeg Square at around 6:00 p.m., demonstrators began marching toward the Prime Minister’s Office, chanting slogans such as “Rama to prison, Berisha to prison” and …
Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti has asked France to support Kosova’s progress towards European Union membership, including candidate status and the opening of accession negotiations. Kurti made the request during a meeting at the French National Assembly with representatives of its Foreign Affairs and European Affairs committees. He discussed democratic …
Intensive food safety inspections will begin on January 1 to verify product standards and labelling, Agriculture Minister Andis Salla told a parliamentary committee during discussions on the 2027 draft budget. The Ministry of Agriculture will work with the National Food Authority and food safety laboratories to monitor products and check …
Albania’s Constitutional Court will host the Congress of European Constitutional Courts in October 2027, providing a platform for exchanging ideas and initiatives on constitutional justice, Secretary-General Eugen Papandile told a parliamentary committee during discussions on the 2027 draft budget. Papandile said the event would strengthen Albania’s role in European judicial …
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj chaired a meeting of the Investment Council, bringing together business representatives and international partners to discuss ways to improve the investment climate, align businesses with European Union standards and simplify administrative procedures. The meeting presented an analysis by the Investment Council Secretariat, along …
Elbasan marked the 82nd anniversary of its liberation on Wednesday with a ceremony honouring fallen members of the 15th Assault Brigade. Veterans of the National Liberation War, relatives of the fallen, local residents and local government representatives gathered at the monument dedicated to the 23 partisans who gave their lives …
The Transparency Board has set new nationwide price caps for retail and wholesale sales of diesel and petrol. At its meeting on Wednesday, 11 November, the Board set the maximum retail price for diesel at 205 lek per litre and the maximum wholesale price at 193 lek per litre. Petrol …
Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has set a clear condition for Serbia’s next government to recognise Kosovo’s independence. In an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI), Kurti expressed hope that the Student List, which reportedly won Serbia’s 25 October parliamentary elections, would take a new approach to Kosovo and commit …
Anti-government protests continued on Wednesday, marking the 165th day of public mobilisation. A nationwide protest was announced in Tirana, with students and residents from several cities across the country expected to attend. The rally is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. outside the Ministry of Education. Protesters are then expected …
Arianit Shehu, executive director of the American Center for Countering Extremism and Terrorism (ACCET), says the European Commission’s progress report confirms that Albania is moving closer to European Union membership. In an opinion piece, Shehu argues that EU integration should take precedence over party interests. He describes the report, published …
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ Justice Minister Toni Gogu held three meetings in Rome with representatives of Italian institutions, focusing on strengthening cooperation between Albania and Italy in the field of justice. During his visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met with the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee, …