OSCE hosts Albania–North Macedonia meeting on preventing violent extremism
TIRANA, April 17 – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe held a cross-border meeting in Pogradec on preventing violent extremism and radicalisation. The discussion focused on online radicalisation and related security risks. The OSCE Presence in Albania and the OSCE Mission to Skopje organised the roundtable. Officials from …
Albania and European Union hold second security and defence dialogue in Brussels
TIRANA, April 17 – Albania and the European Union held their second dialogue on security and defence under a joint partnership framework. The meeting took place as global security challenges continue to grow in complexity. European Union officials and Albanian representatives discussed cooperation in defence and foreign policy alignment. Albania …
FM Hoxha attends Antalya Diplomacy Forum
TIRANA, April 17 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has arrived in Turkey to take part in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The event gathers heads of state, ministers, diplomats and representatives of international organisations for high-level dialogue. This year’s forum runs from April 17 to 19, 2026, …
Summer tourism preparations intensify along Durrës coastline
TIRANA, April 17 – The municipality of Durrës has intensified work ahead of the summer tourism season across the coastal area. Efforts focus on preparing beaches that attract thousands of local and international visitors each year. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing ongoing preparation activities along …
Albania and Kosova launch first phase of joint Albanian language competition
TIRANA, April 17 – Ninth-grade students in Albania and Kosova begin the first phase of a joint Albanian language competition on Friday. The initiative enters its second consecutive year and brings together schools from both countries. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro invited students to take part and test their knowledge of …
Diaspora Summit IV: Albanians abroad say patriotism knows no distance
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs shared messages from Albanians worldwide. They participated in the fourth Diaspora Summit. They expressed strong emotional ties to their homeland. Participants said distance does not weaken their sense of belonging. “Our hearts beat Albanian wherever we are,” they said. Albanians living in Brussels, …
“Publik Galeri” exhibition turns confiscated space from crime symbol into art center
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu and Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari attended the opening of the “Publik Galeri” exhibition. The initiative aims to transform confiscated spaces into art and community centers. Authorities converted the space from a site linked to illegal profits and criminal activity into a public venue. It now …
Transport Strategy 2030 focuses on TEN-T integration, €7.9 billion investments
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy has released the Transport Sector Strategy and Action Plan 2030 for public consultation. The documents set the direction for transport development aligned with national priorities and EU integration. The strategy aims to build a modern, safe, and sustainable transport system. It seeks to improve …
Begaj meets Diaspora Council in Tirana, highlights national identity preservation
TIRANA, April 17 – President Bajram Begaj met the Coordinating Council of Diaspora in Tirana after the fourth diaspora summit. The meeting took place at the Presidential Institution following the closing of the event. Officials focused on diaspora engagement and cultural identity. Begaj praised the contribution of diaspora members across …
Friday weather unsettled with alternating sunshine and cloud
TIRANA, April 17 – Albania’s Military Meteorological Service said the country will face unstable weather conditions on Friday. The day will bring alternating sunshine and cloud cover across most regions. Cloudiness will increase mainly around midday. Forecasters expect light, localised rain in southern and southeastern mountain areas. Rain will develop …
Seizures in Albania of cannabis from Canada suggest the Balkan country – long seen as a source – is also becoming a destination point in a globalised market. Original post Here
The European Mobility Week promotes sustainable transport and active mobility across Europe. The annual European Commission initiative encourages public transport, cycling and walking to improve quality of life. PM Edi Rama shared a video of young people in Shkodër riding bicycles. He said cycling remains a long-standing tradition passed from …
The Dyrrachium International Theater Festival brought a Bulgarian production to the Durrës Amphitheatre. Actor Sevar Ivanov performed the monodrama “The Little Dog Laughed” before an audience at the historic venue. Directed by Ana Bateva, the production uses humour and irony to present contemporary Bulgarian theatre. Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako shared …
The European Week of Sport began on Sept. 20 and will run through Sept. 30. The initiative forms part of the European “BeActive” campaign. It promotes physical activity and healthier lifestyles. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja highlighted the importance of sport. He said sport brings communities together. …
The “Not in My Name” protest continued for an eighth night in Prishtina. Citizens gathered in Skanderbeg Square to oppose the convictions handed down by the Kosova Specialist Chambers in The Hague against former Kosova Liberation Army leaders. Singer Ylli Limani joined the eighth-night protest. Singer Leonora Jakupi and journalist …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu said Albania will discuss the broadest package of Criminal Procedure Code changes since its adoption on September 30. The Justice Ministry and the Council of Europe will present the package at a meeting with justice institutions and other stakeholders. The review follows a Council of Europe …
Albania Under-21 coach Alban Bushi has named 21 players for a friendly against Ukraine Under-21 on October 5. The match will take place at Szentmarjay Tibor Városi Stadion in Eger, Hungary, at 15:30. The squad will begin its training camp in Tirana on September 28. Four players are new to …
Swiss documentary “The Bow and the Brush” (“L’Archet et le Pinceau”) had its world premiere at the Tirana International Film Festival on Tuesday evening. The film was directed by Franco-Swiss filmmaker Raphaëlle Régnier. It is part of the 24th edition of TIFF. The documentary brings Western classical music and traditional …
Albania’s banking sector improved the quality of its loan portfolio in the first half of 2026. The non-performing loan ratio fell to 3.7%, its lowest level in 15 years, according to Bank of Albania data. The improvement covered several segments of the portfolio. Short-term loans, loans issued in ALL and …
Albania has recorded a sharp rise in tourist interest, with the number of visitors doubling over the past decade, Euronews Travel reports. More and more travelers are discovering a country that combines history, beaches, nature and distinctive traditions. According to Euronews Travel, Albania followed a different path from many other …