OSCE: Electoral reform in Albania is a slow but important process; decision-making belongs to Albanians
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”c95c2a13-72c0-43e1-9252-fe79f8d8e808″ data-turn-id-container=”c95c2a13-72c0-43e1-9252-fe79f8d8e808″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-33″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Presence in Albania has assessed that the work of the Special Commission on Electoral Reform has progressed slowly, but welcomed the resumption of its activity and its focus on important issues such …
Celebrations and historical remembrance: Montenegro marks 20 years of independence
Montenegro this week is marking the 20th anniversary of its independence with concerts and festive activities taking place in the capital, Podgorica, and other cities across the country. On May 21, 2006, Montenegrin citizens voted in a historic referendum on the future of the state, with 55.5% choosing independence after …
Albanian activist leaves Israel on a flight to Turkey
Albanian citizen Baki Goxhaj has departed for Turkey on one of the aircraft provided by the Turkish government for the transport of activists detained by Israel. According to sources from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, he is currently on his way to Istanbul, where he will be received …
SPAK, corruption, elections: IBAR document revealed, what was decided on Albania’s criteria
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”32a4dda1-cf36-4cd4-b698-7534afe718a0″ data-turn-id-container=”32a4dda1-cf36-4cd4-b698-7534afe718a0″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-35″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> This Thursday, Albania passed the draft of the European Union’s common interim position in the COELA working group in Brussels. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-17″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-17″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-36″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Meanwhile, tomorrow the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report, otherwise known as …
Pushing Against Inertia: How Harnex Is Testing the Balkans’ Appetite for Innovation
Tirana loves a good spectacle. Walk through the capital today and you are greeted by sleek new glass towers, vibrant urban spaces, and a relentless political chorus proclaiming Albania as the next big digital hub of the Western Balkans. But scratch beneath the surface of this calculated showmanship, and a …
Transparency Board lowers fuel prices, diesel drops to 197 ALL per litre
TIRANA, May 21 – The Transparency Board set new ceiling prices for fuel trading during its latest meeting. The new prices enter into force today at 13:00. According to the decision, the retail price of SSH EN 590 diesel will not exceed 197 ALL per litre. Meanwhile, the wholesale price …
Lushnja hospital joins national investment programme
TIRANA, May 21 – Health and Social Protection Minister Evis Sala said the Lushnja municipal hospital forms part of the national investment programme for hospital infrastructure. She said services for citizens continue during reconstruction works. Sala said the investment started in 2026. Works officially began on March 4 with the …
Ruling Socialist Party MP Balla: Germany praises Albania on negotiation chapters 23 and 24
TIRANA, Thursday, May 21 – Albania has received positive evaluations on European Union accession chapters 23 and 24, ruling Socialist Party parliamentary group chairman Taulant Balla said on Thursday. Germany views Albania as a model among candidate countries, citing justice reform, vetting, and efforts against corruption and organised crime. Meanwhile, …
Arbëresh Museum Planned in Vuno to Preserve Cultural Heritage
The planned Arbëresh Museum in Vuno aims to preserve historical memory and cultural heritage. The museum will focus on the history of the Arbëresh community and their migration to Italy. The project was presented by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports in cooperation with the Municipality of Himara and …
Stage III of the 83rd Tour of Albania, Swiss rider Guillaume Haldimann wins
TIRANA, May 21 – The third stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania concluded on Wednesday. The stage ran on the Elbasan–Vlora route over 149 kilometres. The average speed reached 48.3 km/h. The stage proved highly competitive. A leading group of five riders reached the finish together. Swiss rider Guillaume …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has highlighted the tourism and economic potential of Gjinar, in the Elbasan region, describing the Mountain Package as a key opportunity to attract investment, create new businesses and increase visitor numbers. Koçiu stressed that Gjinar’s natural beauty provides a strong foundation for tourism. However, local …
Women in Vlora have joined the Pink October campaign, urging women and girls to prioritize breast health and get regular screenings. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared messages from 14 women working in the arts, sports, journalism, local government and other fields. They called for greater awareness and stressed that early …
Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination Genta Tafa met with UN Resident Coordinator in Albania Ingrid Macdonald on Monday to discuss equality, human rights and stronger safeguards against discrimination. The meeting focused on cooperation between institutions to promote equal treatment and prevent discrimination. Both officials exchanged views on shared priorities and …
Albania’s National Investment Scheme is opening new opportunities for farmers, agro-processors and agrotourism businesses by supporting investment and improving efficiency across the agricultural sector. Through grants from the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR), farmers can purchase agricultural machinery to streamline their work and improve productivity. Prime Minister Edi …
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development signed a cooperation agreement today with Aleksandër Xhuvani University in Elbasan. The agreement aims to connect academic knowledge with the needs of agriculture and rural development. Agriculture Minister Andis Salla and university rector Prof. Dr. Elvora Fetahu signed the agreement. Salla said the …
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi announced progress on the Kombinat–Ndroq–Plepa road, a southern alternative route from Tirana towards Durrës and the coast. The Albanian Road Authority has completed the first 5-kilometre section to Peza and formally taken it over. It has also finalised the contract for the next 9 …
Korça welcomes the 13th International Short Film Festival for five nights of screenings at Majestik Cinema and the Digital Arts Gallery. The programme features 100 films from around the world, covering diverse themes and perspectives. It also includes three programmes for children. Festival director Gledis Bica said this year’s new …
The Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence reviewed proposed amendments to the law on managing seized and confiscated assets. Deputy Interior Minister Xhemal Qefalia presented the bill. The amendments would extend management rules to assets seized or confiscated by central and local government bodies, including illegal buildings. They would …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced on Tuesday that he had requested answers from the responsible institutions regarding the murder of Arlinda Zekaj in Peja. Kurti emphasized that he had given the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Justice 54 hours to complete a report aimed at identifying …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has invited representatives of parliamentary groups to consultations on October 30 regarding the date of the 2027 local elections, according to sources from the Presidency. The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for consultations with parliamentary groups before the date of the upcoming …