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GB News: Himara among most sought-after destinations for British tourists in summer 2026

TIRANA, June 3 – British media outlet GB News reports that Himara is strengthening its position as one of the Mediterranean’s emerging tourism gems. Interest from UK travellers in the Albanian Riviera is rising significantly. Journalist Sarra Gray cites Airbnb data showing a shift among British holidaymakers toward less crowded …

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More than 29,000 visitors tour Rozafa Castle in May

TIRANA, June 3 – More than 29,000 domestic and foreign visitors toured Rozafa Castle during May, according to the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Shkodër. Meanwhile, the institution reported that 62,748 people visited the historic site between January 1 and May 31. The castle remains one of northern Albania’s …

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From Closeness to Strategic Partnership: Fincantieri’s Shipyard Project and a New Vision for the Future of Italy-Albania Relations

by Albert Rakipi, PhD In April 2026, Fincantieri, one of Italy’s industrial and defence champions, signed an agreement with the Albanian company KAYO to produce vessels at the Pashaliman shipyard. Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the project as part of a strategic partnership, noting that the new company would produce ships not only …

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Rama’s Arguments with RSF Draw Attention From Albanian Media’s Problems

Edi Rama’s public exchanges with Reporters Without Borders, RSF, over its latest Freedom Index are part of a familiar pattern of redirecting attention away from real problems in society, experts say. Original post Here

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Letter from London: Close to Boiling Point

The thermometer’s risen sharply, both literally and politically, this spring – but even with so much else to preoccupy Britons, the Balkans hasn’t quite slipped off the radar. Original post Here

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Mario Biondi Delivers Emotional Jazz Performance in Tirana Concert

The concert of Italian soul and jazz artist Mario Biondi took place on Monday evening at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania in Tirana, bringing strong emotions and high energy to the audience. Organizers held the event as part of the 20th anniversary of his hit “This …

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Rama: Independent Justice Is Key to Building a European State

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that justice reform and the independence of judicial institutions remain among the Socialist Party’s most important achievements. Speaking at an event marking the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Tirana, Rama reflected on the period when former Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano was imprisoned. …

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Rama: Socialist Party Has Always Defended Albania’s National Interest

Prime Minister Edi Rama said the ruling Socialist Party has consistently defended Albania’s national interest and urged citizens to support the country’s path toward membership in the European Union. Speaking at an event marking the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Tirana, Rama acknowledged that the party had made …

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Hoxha: Positive IBAR Assessment Reflects Albania’s Reform Progress Toward the EU

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha welcomed EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and European Union officials at Albania’s Mission to the EU in Brussels on Monday. The meeting followed Albania’s positive assessment in the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR), which Hoxha said reflects the country’s transformative efforts on …

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Manastirliu: Tirana Drives Albania’s Journey Toward EU Membership

Ogerta Manastirliu said Tirana has been the driving force behind Albania’s progress toward the European Union, as the Socialist Party celebrated the 35th anniversary of its founding. Speaking at an event attended by party founders, members, supporters and leaders, Manastirliu praised the contribution of those who helped build and strengthen …

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Rama reiterates invitation to protesting students to engage in dialogue

TIRANA, Nov 7 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama today reiterated his invitation to the protesting students to engage in dialogue, expressing the government’s readiness to consider their proposals and address the concerns they have raised. Rama shared footage on social media of the stone table set up outside the Prime …

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Exploring Devoll’s Hidden Gems: Traditional Villages of Arrëz and Sinicë

TIRANA, Nov 7 /ATA/ Despite being part of the “100 Villages” programme, the stone-paved streets of Arrëz and Sinicë, in Upper Devoll, remain largely off the tourist trail, attracting relatively few visitors. The villages are easily accessible, either by road from Bilisht towards Miras or via a hiking trail starting …

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Ibrahimaj: 2027 Budget to boost household incomes and support pensioners, families and businesses

TIRANA, Nov 7 /ATA/ Redistributing the benefits of economic growth among citizens, lowering the cost of essential goods, increasing pensioners’ incomes and supporting households and businesses are among the key priorities of the 2027 Draft Budget and Fiscal Package. In an interview with the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATSH), Minister of …

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Gogu: Fight against corruption, a key test of Albania’s European path

TIRANA, Nov 6  /ATA/ Following positive European Commission assessment, Gogu says Albania will align anti-corruption laws with EU standards and sets out three regional priorities Justice Minister Toni Gogu attended the session entitled “The Judicial Dimension of the Fight Against Corruption” at the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home …

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Ibrahimaj: Pensioners to receive double monthly bonus in 2027, new pension scheme to take effect in 2028

TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ The 2027 budget of the Ministry of Economy and Innovation prioritises increased financial support for pensioners, including doubling the monthly bonus, indexing pensions and preparing a new pension scheme. Speaking in a television interview, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said the ministry’s budget for …

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Constitutional Court President attends ACCF Governing Bureau meeting

TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ President of the Constitutional Court Fiona Papajorgji attended a meeting of the Governing Bureau of the Association of Francophone Constitutional Courts (ACCF), where participants discussed the association’s activities in 2026 and its priorities for 2027–2028. The meeting was followed by a working session entitled “Electoral Legitimacy …

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Albania and Montenegro discuss minority rights and access to justice

Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu met Montenegro’s Minister of Human and Minority Rights, Fatmir Gjeka, in Podgorica to discuss minority rights, representation and access to justice. Their talks also covered legislative changes and efforts to combat discrimination. Gogu stressed the importance of ensuring equal access to justice. He also highlighted …

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Tirana bypass to ease traffic as PM Rama pledges transparent expropriations

Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi, inspected construction work on the 21-kilometre Tirana bypass. The project aims to ease traffic and divert vehicles away from the capital. Rama said work was progressing well and highlighted the road’s strategic role in connecting the Blue Corridor …

News
Albania announce squad for Finland and Belarus, with first call-up for Ismaili

Albania coach Rolando Maran has announced his squad for the national team’s final two Nations League matches against Finland and Belarus. Albania will face Finland at Air Albania Stadium on 12 November before travelling to Hungary to play Belarus behind closed doors on 15 November. The main surprise is the …

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Draft law proposes new rules for cultural heritage and grants for privately owned monuments

Albania is planning new rules for the administration, maintenance and restoration of museums, cultural monuments and other heritage sites. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has opened public consultation on amendments to the law on cultural heritage and museums. The draft aims to strengthen protection and sustainable management while …

News

Rama reiterates invitation to protesting students to engage in dialogue

TIRANA, Nov 7 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama today reiterated his invitation to the protesting students to engage in dialogue, expressing the government’s readiness to consider their proposals and address the concerns they have raised. Rama shared footage on social media of the stone table set up outside the Prime …

News

Exploring Devoll’s Hidden Gems: Traditional Villages of Arrëz and Sinicë

TIRANA, Nov 7 /ATA/ Despite being part of the “100 Villages” programme, the stone-paved streets of Arrëz and Sinicë, in Upper Devoll, remain largely off the tourist trail, attracting relatively few visitors. The villages are easily accessible, either by road from Bilisht towards Miras or via a hiking trail starting …

News

Ibrahimaj: 2027 Budget to boost household incomes and support pensioners, families and businesses

TIRANA, Nov 7 /ATA/ Redistributing the benefits of economic growth among citizens, lowering the cost of essential goods, increasing pensioners’ incomes and supporting households and businesses are among the key priorities of the 2027 Draft Budget and Fiscal Package. In an interview with the Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATSH), Minister of …

News

Gogu: Fight against corruption, a key test of Albania’s European path

TIRANA, Nov 6  /ATA/ Following positive European Commission assessment, Gogu says Albania will align anti-corruption laws with EU standards and sets out three regional priorities Justice Minister Toni Gogu attended the session entitled “The Judicial Dimension of the Fight Against Corruption” at the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home …

News

Ibrahimaj: Pensioners to receive double monthly bonus in 2027, new pension scheme to take effect in 2028

TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ The 2027 budget of the Ministry of Economy and Innovation prioritises increased financial support for pensioners, including doubling the monthly bonus, indexing pensions and preparing a new pension scheme. Speaking in a television interview, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said the ministry’s budget for …

News

Constitutional Court President attends ACCF Governing Bureau meeting

TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ President of the Constitutional Court Fiona Papajorgji attended a meeting of the Governing Bureau of the Association of Francophone Constitutional Courts (ACCF), where participants discussed the association’s activities in 2026 and its priorities for 2027–2028. The meeting was followed by a working session entitled “Electoral Legitimacy …

News

Albania and Montenegro discuss minority rights and access to justice

Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu met Montenegro’s Minister of Human and Minority Rights, Fatmir Gjeka, in Podgorica to discuss minority rights, representation and access to justice. Their talks also covered legislative changes and efforts to combat discrimination. Gogu stressed the importance of ensuring equal access to justice. He also highlighted …

News

Tirana bypass to ease traffic as PM Rama pledges transparent expropriations

Prime Minister Edi Rama, accompanied by Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi, inspected construction work on the 21-kilometre Tirana bypass. The project aims to ease traffic and divert vehicles away from the capital. Rama said work was progressing well and highlighted the road’s strategic role in connecting the Blue Corridor …

News

Albania announce squad for Finland and Belarus, with first call-up for Ismaili

Albania coach Rolando Maran has announced his squad for the national team’s final two Nations League matches against Finland and Belarus. Albania will face Finland at Air Albania Stadium on 12 November before travelling to Hungary to play Belarus behind closed doors on 15 November. The main surprise is the …

News

Draft law proposes new rules for cultural heritage and grants for privately owned monuments

Albania is planning new rules for the administration, maintenance and restoration of museums, cultural monuments and other heritage sites. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport has opened public consultation on amendments to the law on cultural heritage and museums. The draft aims to strengthen protection and sustainable management while …