Lamallari Meets Austrian Counterpart, Pledges Stronger Security Cooperation
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari met with Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner during the “Europa Forum Wachau”. The two ministers discussed stronger cooperation between Albania and Austria in security, border management, and the fight against organized crime. They also focused on coordination against common European challenges. In a social media post, …
Qafë Bari Revolt Remains Symbol of Anti-Communist Resistance
On May 22, 1984, the Qafë Bari Prison became the scene of one of the most important acts of anti-communist resistance in Albania. The notorious prison, isolated in the mountains of Puka, held around 500 political prisoners. They served harsh sentences in inhumane conditions, facing systematic violence, hunger, isolation, and …
Rama: Albania-EU Conference on May 26 Opens Final Phase of Membership Talks
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted this morning to the completion of the technical phase of the IBAR report, responding to opposition claims that Albania’s EU negotiations had stalled. Rama said the Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels on May 26 will successfully conclude the opening phase and launch the final phase …
Hoxha: Baki Goxhaj Returning Home After Diplomatic Efforts
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said today that Albanian citizen Baki Goxhaj is now on his way home. In a social media post, Hoxha said Albanian diplomatic structures acted immediately after receiving the first alert. They coordinated with other Albanian institutions and maintained continuous communication with Israeli authorities. At the same …
Balla: IBAR Approval in Brussels Marks Important Moment for Albania
Socialist Party parliamentary group chairman Taulant Balla met with Austrian personalities who have served over the years as ministers, MPs, and members of the European Parliament. They are considered long-time supporters of Albania. During the meeting, participants also held a video call with Andreas Schieder. In his remarks, Balla praised …
Artan Lame’s Book “Shqipni e Harrume” Presented on First Anniversary of His Passing
A commemorative ceremony marked the presentation of “Shqipni e harrume,” the book by the late Albanian public figure Artan Lame, on the first anniversary of his death. Family members, friends and colleagues gathered to honor his life and work in Tirana. The book reflects Lame’s strong passion for Albanian history, …
Tokyo Welcomes Rama With Albanian Flags During Japan Visit
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama visited Tokyo today after his official trip to South Korea. Tokyo displayed the flags of Albania and Japan along major streets to honor relations between the two countries. Rama shared photos on social media showing the Albanian flag flying beside the Japanese flag in the …
OSCE Strengthens Regional Cooperation Against Drug Trafficking
A regional seminar on synthetic drugs and illegal diversion of medical cannabis opened today in Tushemisht. The two-day event focuses on growing drug trafficking threats in Southeast Europe. The seminar is organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania with support from the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the US Department …
Lamallari: Albania Remains a Trusted European Partner on Security and Migration
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari attended the international “Europa Wachau” forum in Krems today. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and European Commissioner Magnus Brunner invited Lamallari to the event. The forum focused on a new European approach to migration management and security challenges linked to illegal movements across the continent. Lamallari …
Interior Ministry Discusses Stronger Firefighting Capacities in Albania
Albanian institutions and international partners met today to discuss strengthening the country’s firefighting service and emergency response system. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Interior and focused on funding opportunities through a potential World Bank project. Deputy Interior Minister Xhemal Qefalia welcomed participants, while Arben Cara led the …
The unexplained transfer of Tirana’s mayor to Fier prison has triggered tensions within the ruling Socialist Party and an immediate response from Tirana’s Municipal Council, raising serious concerns about administrative arbitrariness and the rule of law. Tirana Times, October 29, 2026 – The sudden transfer of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja has highlighted 3 young athletes who are challenging gender stereotypes in sport. Their dedication and daily sacrifices show that talent and success have no gender, he said. Gonxhja shared the stories of footballer Amarda Xhebrahimi, sport shooter Sindi Sula and wrestler Albina Drazhi …
The American Chamber of Commerce in Albania has urged the government to reconsider tax increases proposed in the 2027 fiscal package. It warned that the changes could raise business costs, discourage investment and weaken the country’s competitiveness. The chamber said higher dividend tax, standard value-added tax and some reduced rates, …
The 2027 draft budget allocates ALL 75.4 billion to infrastructure and energy, equivalent to 2.5% of gross domestic product. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the figures at the Conference of Chairpersons. The funding will support transport, railway and port projects, as well as drinking water and sewage systems. Planned water …
The Transparency Board has announced new maximum prices for diesel and petrol. The limits took effect at 15:00 on October 29. Retailers may charge no more than ALL 212 per litre for diesel. The wholesale cap stands at ALL 200 per litre. For petrol, the retail ceiling is ALL 181 …
Kosova President Justina Shiroka Pula met United States chargé d’affaires Anu Prattipati in Prishtina. Prattipati congratulated the president on taking office. Shiroka Pula thanked her for the message. She reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening relations and the strategic partnership between Kosova and the United States. The president also stressed the …
The Albanian Parliament has approved amendments to the Law on the Bank of Albania with 84 votes in favor. The changes provide special legal protections for the governor, restricting the possibility of taking measures against the governor without parliamentary authorization. Under the amendments adopted during Thursday’s plenary session, the governor …
The Albanian Parliament’s plenary session resumed amid tensions after opposition MPs lit flares inside the chamber, blocked the parliamentary rostrum and blew whistles. Following the disruption, Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi decided to expel four opposition MPs from the plenary session: Xhelal Mziu, Bledi Himçi, Ivi Kaso and Bledion Nallbati. …
Students have begun marching from Parliament towards the Ministry of Education, continuing their protests for the 17th consecutive day as they demand the unconditional resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. A day earlier, students had announced a demonstration outside Parliament to coincide with the start of the plenary session. However, …
The Kosovo Security Force (KSF) has received 12 new Mercedes-Benz Unimog 5T military trucks, adding to its military fleet alongside eight Rheinmetall KX 8×8 trucks that arrived several days earlier. In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced that the total number of trucks in these two categories has …