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Gonzato: Protecting Refugees Is a Moral Duty and Part of Albania’s EU Journey

Silvio Gonzato took part in an event marking the 75th anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention. UNHCR Albania, Albania’s Ministry of Interior, and other partners organized the event in Tirana. During his remarks, Gonzato stressed that the Refugee Convention remains a cornerstone of international protection for people fleeing persecution, violence, …

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Headline: Gogu: Follow the Money to Fight Organized Crime

Justice Minister Toni Gogu took part in the informal meeting of the Council of Europe’s Justice Ministers. He spoke during a panel on the role of financial intelligence in combating money laundering and financial crime. During his remarks, Gogu stressed that the main challenge today is not collecting financial information. …

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EU Enlargement Commissioner: Albania Takes Important Step Toward EU Membership

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that Albania has recently made significant progress on its path toward European Union membership. According to Kos, Albania met the Interim Benchmarks Assessment Report (IBAR) requirements on the rule of law. As a result, the country can now begin the process of closing …

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European Parliament Reaffirms Support for Albania’s EU Path, Says Schieder

Andreas Schieder said the European Parliament will reaffirm Albania’s strong commitment to the European Union. Speaking during a plenary session of the European Parliament, Schieder praised Albania’s progress in the accession process. He noted that the country opened all negotiation clusters within just 13 months. In addition, Albania recently achieved …

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Kosovo and European Commission Review EU Support and Reform Progress

Kosovo and the European Commission held the annual meeting of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Monitoring Committee. The meeting focused on the implementation of EU financial and technical support for Kosovo. In addition, participants reviewed reforms that support Kosovo’s path toward European integration. Since 2007, the European Union has …

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Germany Reaffirms Strong Support for Albania’s EU Membership

Ferit Hoxha met with Günter Krichbaum during his visit to Luxembourg. The two officials discussed Albania’s path toward European Union membership. They also reviewed the current momentum of the EU enlargement process. Furthermore, Hoxha said they exchanged views on the opportunities created by the renewed focus on enlargement across Europe. …

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The False Civil Society and the Real One

In Albania, real civic society is no longer in donor-funded conference rooms. It is in the streets. By Mrika Temali Tirana Times, June 16, 2026 – Thirty-five years after the fall of communism, Albania offers a bitter paradox. The European Union, Western governments and international foundations have spent millions indeed …

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UEFA Inspects Albania’s Stadiums Ahead of EURO U-21 2027

UEFA representatives continued inspections in Albania as preparations advance for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027, which Albania will co-host. First, UEFA experts visited stadiums over a four-day inspection tour. They assessed technical and operational readiness for the tournament. They focused on lighting systems, backup generators, security measures, and other …

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Housing prices continue to rise as tourism drives property market demand

TIRANA, June 16 – Housing prices in Albania continued to rise during 2025. At the same time, transaction volumes fell in the second half of the year. The Bank of Albania said the trend requires more time and data to determine whether it reflects a slowdown or a correction after …

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Fuel prices cut, diesel at 180 ALL per litre, petrol at 168 ALL per litre

TIRANA, June 16 – The Transparency Board has decided to reduce fuel prices in Albania. It cut diesel by 3 ALL per litre and petrol by 2 ALL per litre. Under the decision, diesel will sell at a maximum retail price of 180 ALL per litre. The board set the …

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National Gallery of Arts transforms

TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ – The National Gallery of Arts is being completely transformed to modernize its spaces and better preserve and showcase its artistic heritage. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in the social media photos from the construction site, where work is underway to completely transform the premises, as …

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Bad weather in Kukës; Baji reports rockfalls on roads and power outages in several villages

TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ — Light rain is falling across the entire Kukës region, and all national highways remain open to traffic. Prefect of Kukës region Dritan Baji stated to ATA today that, ” Heavy rainfall has triggered rockfalls and debris across several sections of the national highway network.” He …

News
Socialist Party National Assembly convenes

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – The Socialist Party Assembly has got underway today in Lalëzi bay, with a focus on preparations for the upcoming local elections. Socialist Party (SP) General Secretary Blendi Klosi opened today’s meeting, which features a key item on its agenda: the launch of the Socialist Party’s …

News
Heavy rain in Shkodër region, but no homes have flooded

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/- Shkodër Regional Prefecture reported that heavy rainfall has not caused any residential flooding in the county so far. In Shalë municipal unit, the crews are working to clear debris and reopen roads blocked by the downpour. Meanwhile, in the village of Kamicë, high water levels in …

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Rama: EC recommends preparations to draft Albania’s EU membership treaty

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – During a meeting of the Socialist Party’s (SP) National Assembly, Prime Minister Edi Rama—who also serves as the leader of the Socialist Party— emphasized this defining moment on the country’s road to the EU. According to the prime minister, this is a moment when politics …

News
Albania showcases tourism in Thessaloniki; Hysaj meets Greek officials to boost cooperation

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – Albania is showcasing its tourism potential at the PHILOXENIA 2026 International Tourism Fair in Thessaloniki from November 13–15. The initiative aims to expand cooperation with international markets and strengthen tourism-related ties with neighboring countries. In this context, General Director of the National Tourism Agency Jola …

News
Koopman on EU candidate status for Kosovo: “We’re not there yet,” Specialist Chambers law “extremely unhelpful”

Gert Jan Koopman, the European Commission’s Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, discussed Kosovo’s prospects of obtaining EU candidate status. The senior EU enlargement official said he “personally believes” that the EU should begin reviewing Kosovo’s membership application, which was submitted in December 2022. “Personally, I believe it is very …

News
Citizens continue protests outside Prime Minister’s Office

TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ Students and citizens staged another protest outside the Prime Minister’s Office this afternoon, marking the 167th consecutive day of demonstrations against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government. Gathered on the boulevard in front of the building, protesters renewed their call for Rama to step down. The protest is …

News
Albanian, Italian police vow to step up cooperation against organised crime and illicit trafficking

TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ – Albanian State Police Director General Skënder Hita met senior Italian police and anti-mafia officials during an official visit to Italy, with talks focusing on strengthening joint efforts against organised crime and criminal networks operating in both countries. Hita and his delegation were received at the …

News
Albanian Development Fund focuses on strategic investments and regional growth

Regional development priorities, support for strategic investments and new opportunities for economic growth were at the centre of the latest meeting of the Albanian Development Fund’s Board of Directors. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the meeting, alongside Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister …

News

National Gallery of Arts transforms

TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ – The National Gallery of Arts is being completely transformed to modernize its spaces and better preserve and showcase its artistic heritage. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in the social media photos from the construction site, where work is underway to completely transform the premises, as …

News

Bad weather in Kukës; Baji reports rockfalls on roads and power outages in several villages

TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ — Light rain is falling across the entire Kukës region, and all national highways remain open to traffic. Prefect of Kukës region Dritan Baji stated to ATA today that, ” Heavy rainfall has triggered rockfalls and debris across several sections of the national highway network.” He …

News

Socialist Party National Assembly convenes

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – The Socialist Party Assembly has got underway today in Lalëzi bay, with a focus on preparations for the upcoming local elections. Socialist Party (SP) General Secretary Blendi Klosi opened today’s meeting, which features a key item on its agenda: the launch of the Socialist Party’s …

News

Heavy rain in Shkodër region, but no homes have flooded

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/- Shkodër Regional Prefecture reported that heavy rainfall has not caused any residential flooding in the county so far. In Shalë municipal unit, the crews are working to clear debris and reopen roads blocked by the downpour. Meanwhile, in the village of Kamicë, high water levels in …

News

Rama: EC recommends preparations to draft Albania’s EU membership treaty

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – During a meeting of the Socialist Party’s (SP) National Assembly, Prime Minister Edi Rama—who also serves as the leader of the Socialist Party— emphasized this defining moment on the country’s road to the EU. According to the prime minister, this is a moment when politics …

News

Albania showcases tourism in Thessaloniki; Hysaj meets Greek officials to boost cooperation

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – Albania is showcasing its tourism potential at the PHILOXENIA 2026 International Tourism Fair in Thessaloniki from November 13–15. The initiative aims to expand cooperation with international markets and strengthen tourism-related ties with neighboring countries. In this context, General Director of the National Tourism Agency Jola …

News

Koopman on EU candidate status for Kosovo: “We’re not there yet,” Specialist Chambers law “extremely unhelpful”

Gert Jan Koopman, the European Commission’s Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, discussed Kosovo’s prospects of obtaining EU candidate status. The senior EU enlargement official said he “personally believes” that the EU should begin reviewing Kosovo’s membership application, which was submitted in December 2022. “Personally, I believe it is very …

News

Citizens continue protests outside Prime Minister’s Office

TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ Students and citizens staged another protest outside the Prime Minister’s Office this afternoon, marking the 167th consecutive day of demonstrations against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government. Gathered on the boulevard in front of the building, protesters renewed their call for Rama to step down. The protest is …

News

Albanian, Italian police vow to step up cooperation against organised crime and illicit trafficking

TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ – Albanian State Police Director General Skënder Hita met senior Italian police and anti-mafia officials during an official visit to Italy, with talks focusing on strengthening joint efforts against organised crime and criminal networks operating in both countries. Hita and his delegation were received at the …

News

Albanian Development Fund focuses on strategic investments and regional growth

Regional development priorities, support for strategic investments and new opportunities for economic growth were at the centre of the latest meeting of the Albanian Development Fund’s Board of Directors. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the meeting, alongside Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister …