Albania hosts NATO Steadfast Dart 27 preparations, delegation reviews port capabilities
TIRANA, April 24 – The Port of Durrës received a NATO delegation of 60 representatives during preparations for the Steadfast Dart 27 exercise. Officials held briefings at the “Hysni Aruçi” conference hall in Durrës. NATO representatives reviewed Albania’s infrastructure and support capacities for allied operations. Inspection teams then visited the …
Over 1,000 Austrian tourists visit Kruja museum in April
The Skanderbeg Museum in Kruja has become an important stop for foreign tourists visiting Albania. The museum attracts large groups from countries such as Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and others. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that more than 1,000 Austrian tourists visited the museum in April alone. The museum “Gjergj …
Albania increases elite athlete payments with 30%–200% boosts and higher daily allowances
TIRANA, April 24 – The Albanian government has approved new measures increasing financial rewards for elite athletes and their coaches, with implementation expected in April 2026. The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Blendi Gonxhja, said the revised scheme introduces higher and more structured support for athletes across multiple disciplines. …
Foreign tourist arrivals in Albania rise 11% in March amid shifting travel patterns
TIRANA, April 24 – Albania recorded a 10.8% rise in foreign tourist arrivals in March, as more than 600,000 foreign nationals visited the country, official data showed. The national statistics agency reported that the increase followed a slower start to the year. Travel activity recovered during March, with stronger flows …
Reform aims to strengthen Albanian municipalities through territorial reform
TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s special parliamentary committee on administrative-territorial reform continued nationwide consultations, focusing on concerns over municipal competencies. In Lezha, local hearings highlighted concerns raised by municipal leaders regarding the scope of local government powers. During the discussion, the Minister of State for Local Governance, Ervin Demo, addressed …
Justice or Realpolitik? Two Prime Ministers, Two Futures for the Balkans
Kosovo’s Albin Kurti and Albania’s Edi Rama have distinct and divergent approaches to governing, each with its own set of risks and rewards. Original post Here
Hoxha meets Greek business leaders at Delphi Forum
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met representatives of the Greek Businessmen’s Union at the Delphi Economic Forum. The meeting focused on economic diplomacy and Albania’s potential for foreign investment. Hoxha said Albania offers an open market and a dynamic economy that is increasingly friendly to foreign investors. …
Himara to open tourist season on May 1–3
Himara will open the tourist season on May 1–3. The coastal city will welcome local and foreign visitors. The three-day event will create a festive atmosphere in the southern destination. The program will promote the area’s history, cultural heritage, pristine beaches, traditions, and rich Albanian cuisine. Minister of Tourism, Culture, …
Traffic resumes in Llogara Tunnel after accident
Traffic has resumed in the Llogara Tunnel after a temporary closure caused by a collision between two vehicles. The Albanian Road Authority said police, ambulance, and firefighters arrived quickly and managed the situation. Authorities reopened the tunnel shortly after clearing the scene. The Llogara Tunnel includes a main tunnel and …
Marta Kos notes progress for Albania toward EU membership
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos reported positive developments for Albania and Montenegro on their path to EU membership. She met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens. They discussed EU enlargement and the Western Balkans. Mitsotakis said enlargement had not made the expected progress but noted a new momentum. He …
The University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” has put its new Cardiac Surgery Hospital into operation. The new facility has modern premises and services and aims to provide patients with higher standards of care. During an inspection of the new facilities, Prime Minister Edi Rama and Health and Social Welfare Minister …
Danish architecture studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has won the “Tirana Fountain Plaza” project in an international competition that presented architectural visions for Tirana 2030 from five international studios. The jury described the winning project as ambitious and distinctive. It said the proposal offers a strategy not only for the …
Countries such as Albania and Montenegro could send a commissioner to Brussels before formally joining the European Union. The European Commission is considering the idea as part of new plans, Magnus Lund Nielsen and Eddy Wax report, citing Rapporteur. Senior EU officials are considering ways to increase the involvement of …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with France’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, René Troccaz, during his stay in Pržno, Montenegro. The two officials discussed Albania’s European Union accession process, developments in the Western Balkans and the strategic importance of strengthening regional cooperation, connectivity and security. …
Danish architecture studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has won the international competition for the “Tirana Fountain Tower” project. The project includes a mixed-use building and plans to transform the public space at Rinia Park in the capital. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video presenting the project today. He said …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa praised Albania’s progress toward EU membership after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Tirana. In a social media post, Moreira de Sousa thanked von der Leyen for visiting Albania and thanked the Albanian authorities for their hospitality. “The goal is …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with German Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul today during the ministerial meeting of the Berlin Process in Pržno, Montenegro. The two ministers held substantive talks focused on Albania’s European path. Hoxha expressed his appreciation for Germany’s clear, consistent and continued support …
Tirana International Airport welcomed representatives of regional airports, aviation organizations and industry partners from across Europe on the first day of the 40th Regional Airports Forum of Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe). One of the main highlights of the event was the presentation of a new publication, “European Regional …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visits Kosova today for meetings with its institutional leaders. She first meets acting President Albulena Haxhiu at the Presidency. Von der Leyen then meets Prime Minister Albin Kurti at the Government building. Kurti and von der Leyen are to hold a press conference …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj took part in the Berlin Process Economic Ministerial in Cetinje, Montenegro. Ministers from the six Western Balkan countries, European Commission representatives, regional organizations and international financial institutions also attended. Discussions focused on the Regional Common Market action plan, economic cooperation and closer alignment with …