From opening negotiations to the 8th Intergovernmental Conference, Albania’s path towards the EU
TIRANA, May 26 – Albania and the European Union hold the eighth Intergovernmental Conference today in Brussels. The agenda focuses on accession negotiations and Cluster 1, “Fundamentals.” At this stage, the conference reviews Albania’s progress on interim benchmarks and sets final benchmarks covering rule of law, justice, and democratic institutions. …
The Head of the Muslim Community of Albania urges peace, solidarity on Eid al-Adha
TIRANA, May 26 – The Head of the Muslim Community of Albania, Bujar Spahiu, extended greetings to believers on Eid al-Adha. He highlighted peace, solidarity, and harmony as core values of the holiday message. The message defined Eid al-Adha as a major Islamic celebration. It also emphasized sacrifice, obedience to …
“Travel Radar” reports Albania as fastest-growing tourism destination in Europe
TIRANA, May 26 – A Travel Radar article says Albania is no longer a secret destination in Europe. Eve Powell writes the piece in Travel Radar. Tourist arrivals doubled over the past five years. More than 12 million visitors entered Albania in 2025, according to official data. INSTAT reports a …
Civil society essential for free elections and Albania’s EU integration
TIRANA, May 26 – At a National Conference on the role of civil society in electoral processes, Cinzia Tarletti, Head of the Good Governance and Rule of Law Sector at the EU Delegation in Tirana, stressed the importance of free, fair and transparent elections for democracy and Albania’s EU integration. …
President Begaj highlights historic value of Albania–Holy See ties, invites Pope Leo XIV to visit
TIRANA, May 26 – President Bajram Begaj said Albania’s relations with the Holy See carry major historical value after meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. He made the remarks in a social media post following the meeting. He also published photos from the encounter. Begaj described the meeting with …
Rama: Albania Set to Complete Opening Phase of EU Membership Talks
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania expects to complete the opening phase of European Union membership negotiations on Tuesday in Brussels. Rama spoke at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Durrës on Monday. He said Albania has opened all negotiation chapters in record time. He added that the country …
Greek Minister Dendias: Greek Minority Builds Friendship Between Albania and Greece
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias visited Tirana on Monday and met Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. The two officials discussed the wider geopolitical situation in the region. Dendias also spoke about Himarë, which he said is linked to his family origins. He said the Greek ethnic minority remains a bridge …
Rama: Albania’s Economy Grows to 27 Billion Euros
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s economic growth reflects the country’s broader transformation. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Durrës, Rama said Albania’s economic output has increased from less than 10 billion euros to 27 billion euros. He said the average salary has reached 912 euros. The …
Rama: Socialist Party Has Always Defended National Interest
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the Socialist Party has never stepped back when it comes to Albania’s national interest. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Durrës, Rama said protecting the national interest has been part of the party’s identity since its founding. He described the Socialist Party …
Rama: Socialist Party Brought Stability and Moved Albania Closer to the EU
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the Socialist Party guaranteed stability and brought Albania closer to the European Union over the past 35 years. Speaking at the anniversary event in Durrës, Rama called the milestone an important moment for reflection and celebration. He thanked party members for their contribution through the …
Albania’s prime minister and Tirana’s imprisoned mayor clash over allegations of political pressure and control of the capital, exposing divisions within the ruling Socialist Party amid widespread anti-government protests. TIRANA, Albania – An unprecedented confrontation has erupted between Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, turning a …
President Bajram Begaj has promulgated the new law on the administrative and territorial division of local government units, paving the way for the revised map to take effect in the local elections on May 9, 2027. The law, numbered 100/2026, establishes a new structure of 46 municipalities. Voters will elect …
Albania’s National Museum “Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg” marks 44 years since its inauguration today. The museum stands inside the historic Castle of Krujë, once the centre of the medieval Albanian state. The castle also witnessed three successive defeats of Ottoman armies in the 15th century. Architects designed the museum as a …
Kosova’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Dimal Basha, met with Arnaud Dauphin, the French Development Agency’s director for the Western Balkans, to discuss railway connections between Kosova and Albania. The talks focused on expanding cooperation on railway projects and advancing a three-way partnership between Kosova, Albania and the agency. The …
Albania will make its debut on the internationally acclaimed television show “The Amazing Race”, bringing Tirana’s culture, energy and hospitality to audiences around the world. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the news in a social media post. He said the production would showcase Albania as a …
Kosova’s Prime Minister and leader of the Self-Determination Movement, Albin Kurti, has denied the movement’s involvement in the protests in Tirana. He said it had never operated anonymously during protests and had always taken an open, leading role. Speaking at the movement’s 64th General Council meeting, Kurti said it now …
The National Cinematography Centre has announced the passing of actor and director Gjergji Mena at the age of 41. The centre paid tribute to the young artist, highlighting his contribution to theatre and screen productions. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja also expressed condolences, describing Mena as a talented …
Renowned Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho serves as an Artist Ambassador for Opera Rara, a London-based opera organisation dedicated to reviving neglected works and bringing rarely performed repertoire to modern audiences. Founded in 1970, Opera Rara specialises in researching, restoring, recording and performing operas that have largely disappeared from the mainstream …
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha says Albania aims to complete the technical phase of European Union accession negotiations by December 2027. The goal is to advance to the political phase and join the bloc within this decade. Presenting the 2027 budget priorities to the parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj says the 2027 draft budget provides for public spending exceeding €10 billion for the first time. The plan prioritises social welfare, fiscal stability, public investment and reforms linked to European Union integration. Revenue is projected at ALL 907.9 billion, or around €9.4 billion. The budget deficit …