Minister Gogu: IBAR Has Moved from the Working Group to EU Member States’ Ambassadors
Toni Gogu stated that the IBAR process has made significant progress, emphasizing that the report has now moved from the technical level to the group of ambassadors of the European Union member states. In a statement to the media, Gogu announced that COELA has forwarded Albania’s IBAR report to COREPER, …
Next Plenary Session on Thursday, Agenda Released! Opposition Requests Two Interpellations with PM Rama
The next plenary session of the Parliament of Albania will take place on Thursday, May 21, starting at 10:00 AM. The official agenda for the session has also been published. According to the agenda, nine interpellations requested by opposition MPs and Socialist MP Erion Braçe are expected to take place. …
“In the Footsteps of the Berat Codices” Exhibition Draws Visitors to Onufri Museum
The exhibition “In the Footsteps of the Berat Codices” opened today at the Onufri Iconographic Museum as part of the International Museum Day celebrations. The National Museum Center of Berat organized the exhibition in cooperation with the General Directorate of Archives. As a result, the event attracted both local and …
Agricultural University of Tirana–Vienna university cooperation becomes European model
TIRANA, May 19 – The cooperation between the Agricultural University of Tirana and the Vienna University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences has delivered concrete results. It has developed into a key European model in higher education. Meanwhile, the rector of the Vienna university, Eva Schulev-Steindl, assessed the progress of …
Constitutional Court opens doors to students for institutional engagement
TIRANA, May 19 – The Constitutional Court marks its 34th anniversary of activity with the “Open Days” initiative on 18–19 May. It welcomes students from public and private universities. Meanwhile, students gain direct insight into the institutional life of the court and its role and function. On the first day, …
Football federation president Armando Duka sets World Cup 2030 target for Albania
TIRANA, May 19 – The president of the Albanian Football Federation, Armando Duka, said Albania aims to reach the World Cup in 2030 during the presentation of the new national team coach Rolando Maran. Meanwhile, Duka said the national team opens a new cycle with a coach who brings experience …
“Mona Lisa of Berat” displayed after three-month restoration
TIRANA, May 19 – The monumental icon “Saint Mary with Christ in her right arm”, a work by Onufri, returned to public display in Berat. It followed a three-month restoration process at the Conservation and Restoration Laboratory of the Onufri Iconographic Museum. Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi …
Italians Lead Tourist Visits in Albania, Accommodation Up 20.8%
Tourism in Albania continued to grow in March, with a strong increase in visitors staying in accommodation structures. According to INSTAT, total visitors increased by 20.8% compared to March 2025. Foreign visitors rose even more, by 23.7%. Resident visitors increased by 15.9%. Italian tourists led arrivals. They made up 30% …
Radio Tirana in 1947, rare photographs from Albanian Telegraphic Agency archive
TIRANA, May 19 – The archive of the Albanian news agency (ATSH) contains rare photographs of Radio Tirana dated 1947. The images show the radio’s facilities, speakers, technicians and broadcasting equipment. They also feature antennas, an orchestra and singers performing live in front of microphones. Radio Tirana was founded in …
Besëlidhja Crowned Albanian Basketball Champions for Third Consecutive Time
Besëlidhja Basketball Club wins the Albanian Basketball Championship for the 2025–2026 season. They defeat Tirana Basketball Club 103–84 in the third final game. They complete the final series 3–0. Coach Afrim Bilali leads the team. He guides Besëlidhja to a dominant performance throughout the series. The game starts balanced. Besëlidhja …
A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here
Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …
European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged young people to distance themselves from violent protests. He called on them to express their views through peaceful democratic means. In remarks on social media, Rama defended the right to peaceful protest. He said citizens could challenge the government through debate and elections. He …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi has met Colonel Murat Ilhan, Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana. Turkish Ambassador to Albania Bariş Ceyhun Erciyes also attended the meeting. According to the Ministry of Defense, the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey and their shared commitment to closer cooperation in …
Albania recorded around 17.4 million entries by Albanian and foreign citizens from January to September 2026, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Foreign citizens accounted for 10.7 million entries, while Albanian citizens accounted for 6.7 million. Compared with the same period in 2025, foreign arrivals rose by 4.9%, while …
Students continued their protest outside the prime minister’s office in Tirana for an 11th day. University lecturers and other citizens joined them again today. Lecturers and students first gathered outside the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Aleksandër Kovaçi, head of the University Lecturers’ Union, called for greater cooperation among intellectuals in …
The Albanian Water Rescue Federation held the 2026 National Water Rescue Championship with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The competition tested speed, technique and endurance through events that combine sport with life-saving skills. A total of 34 competitors took part. The championship has taken place annually …
Albanian champions Egnatia drew 1-1 away to Denmark’s Aarhus in their second Conference League group-stage match, extending their unbeaten run in European competition. Egnatia took the lead in the 13th minute when Gruda scored after Adjesa’s assist. Aarhus had already lost Kahl to a red card in the third minute …
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation with Italy. Nufi made the statement while recognising Italian Military Attaché Colonel Agostino Piccirillo at the end of his mission in Albania. He praised Piccirillo’s professionalism and contribution to bilateral defence ties. The minister also …