PM Rama: “EU4Municipalities II” a strategic EU investment in local governance modernisation
TIRANA, May 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended today in Durrës the official launch of the “EU4Municipalities II” programme. The initiative aims to strengthen local government and support Albania’s path toward the European Union. The programme will support municipalities through concrete investments. It also aims to strengthen institutional capacities …
Kosova elections on 7 June; deadline closes at CEC, 22 parties in race and three coalitions registered
TIRANA, May 8 – The deadline for political parties in Kosova to notify the Central Election Commission (CEC) on participation or non-participation in elections and coalition formation closed at midnight. The obligation applied to 53 political parties registered in Kosova. The CEC said it received notifications from 22 parties for …
Health Minister Sala presents national strategy for artificial intelligence in healthcare in Milan
TIRANA, May 8 – Minister of Health and Social Welfare Evis Sala presented Albania’s national strategy for the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare in Milan. The presentation focused on oncology during the First Congress on Artificial Intelligence in Oncology. The event was organised by the European Society for Artificial …
“Pearl of Dibër” awakens in spring, Rama publishes images from Grama Pastures
TIRANA, May 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today images from Grama Pastures in Dibër, where nature wakes up in spring among greenery and mountain calm. Grama is called the pearl of Dibër. It is rich in flat pastures, a beautiful lake, and endless greenery. On the ascent to …
Gonxhja: Archaeological Museum Project Will Meet International Standards
Blendi Gonxhja said the new Archaeological Museum project will meet international standards for preservation, exhibition, and public access. Speaking in Parliament, Gonxhja answered concerns raised by opposition MP Ina Zhupa over plans to relocate the museum collection to an underground space. He said the ministry follows international models that combine …
National tax revenues reach 11.5 billion ALL in first quarter
TIRANA, May 8 – National tax revenues in January–March 2026 reached 11.5 billion ALL. They achieved 97.6% of the planned target for the first quarter, the Ministry of Finance said. The report on fiscal indicators showed revenues from this category stood around 500 million ALL lower than the same period …
Judicial reform enters phase of consolidation of European standards
TIRANA, May 8 – Minister of Justice Toni Gogu reported today to the National Council for European Integration on progress in Chapter 23 “Judiciary and Fundamental Rights”. He said judicial reform is entering a consolidation phase of European standards. He also said Albania fulfilled 14 interim benchmarks during 2025–February 2026. …
French ambassador: Negotiations continue, result is close
TIRANA, May 8 – French Ambassador to Albania Catherine Suard said Albania’s EU accession negotiations continue without interruption in an interview for “Klan News”. Reform momentum remains strong, she said, with judicial reform and the opening of negotiation clusters as key areas. She also underlined the need for reforms across …
“Otello” Premieres at National Theatre with a Strong Cast
Othello will premiere soon at the National Theatre of Albania under the direction of Qëndrim Rijani. The production brings together a well-known cast of Albanian actors, including Arben Derhemi, Viktor Zhusti, Lulzim Zeqja, Linda Jarani, Donald Shehu, Luli Bitri, Artan Imami, and others. The play is based on Shakespeare’s tragedy, …
Fuel prices fall again, diesel down by 3 ALL, petrol by 1 ALL
TIRANA, May 8 – The Transparency Board decided new reductions in fuel prices in the country. Diesel drops by 3 ALL per litre and will be sold at 193 ALL per litre. Petrol falls by 1 ALL per litre and will be sold at 179 ALL per litre. The decision …
Kosovo President Justina Shiroka-Pula met with Albania’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Petrit Malaj, on Monday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation. According to the Kosovo Presidency, Malaj congratulated Shiroka-Pula on her election and expressed hope that the two countries would further deepen their ties during her mandate. Shiroka-Pula stressed …
Albania expects to provisionally close Chapter 20 of its European Union accession negotiations today in Luxembourg. Prime Minister Edi Rama will attend the 10th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU. Rama described the move as another step towards EU membership. The closure would bring Albania’s total to 4 provisionally …
The European Commission’s enlargement strategy, presented on October 6, proposes enhanced rule-of-law monitoring for new EU members for up to 15 years after accession. The plan aims to prevent democratic backsliding and avoid situations like Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Hungary and Poland exposed weaknesses in Article 7 …
Albania will experience relatively unstable weather on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching 22 degrees Celsius, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Until midday, moderate to heavy cloud cover will bring occasional light rain to southern and southeastern areas and the eastern mountain regions. Brief thunderstorms are also possible. After midday, skies …
Albania is strengthening its presence on the international tourism map, with 20 accommodation establishments featured in the Michelin Guide’s selection of hotels. The selected properties span several of the country’s main destinations, including Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Himarë, Berat, Gjirokastër, Korçë and Sarandë. The list covers a wide range of accommodation, …
Albania’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, met with FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Europe Board member Michal Konecny and Albanian Basketball Federation President Avni Ponari at the ministry. The talks focused on increasing support for the national federation and investing in sports infrastructure. The participants highlighted …
Albania marks 95 years since the birth of writer and academic Dritëro Agolli, born on October 13, 1931. He died in Tirana on February 3, 2017. Agolli developed a distinctive literary voice rooted in Albanian language, tradition and folk wisdom. His first poetry collection, “Në rrugë dola” (I Set Out …
Italian travel platform Skyscanner.it has included Dhërmi among 20 destinations recommended for enjoying warmer weather during autumn. Its guide highlights places where visitors can combine sunny days, cultural heritage, traditional cuisine and scenic landscapes beyond the peak summer season. The selection spans European cities, Mediterranean resorts and destinations farther afield. …
The village of Fishtë in Lezhë is expanding its tourism offer with a new cultural initiative that brings artists closer to audiences and creates a lively atmosphere for residents and visitors. “Hambar Teatri” offers an intimate space for music, poetry and artistic storytelling. Local residents launched the initiative through voluntary …
Albania’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Andis Salla, visited Çela Herbal in Bradashesh, near Elbasan, to discuss financial support for business expansion. The family-owned company, run by Aleksandër Çela, has traded medicinal plants for more than 30 years. It works with around 400 farmers nationwide and exports about 400 …