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“A typical day” in the stone city of Gjirokastër attracts year-round tourism

TIRANA, June 11 – The stone city of Gjirokastër remains one of Albania’s most sought-after destinations. The city also forms part of the country’s year-round tourism offer. Domestic and international visitors explore Gjirokastër for its history and cultural heritage. The destination also offers attractions suited to different age groups and …

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Korça Archaeological Museum building restored and ready for visitors

TIRANA, June 11 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja and Korça Mayor Sotiraq Filo visited the Korça Archaeological Museum following the completion of restoration works. The building is now ready to welcome visitors. The Korça Archaeological Museum operates in the historic residence of Fani Pjasto. The property …

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Weapons and Technology Reserve Established for the Armed Forces

The Council of Ministers has approved a new decision to create a reserve of weapons and technological equipment for the Armed Forces. First, the reserve will be supplied by licensed companies operating in the production and trade of arms and military technology. Then, the proposal was submitted by the Minister …

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Government Approves 870 Million ALL Compensation for Property Owners Affected by Legalized Buildings

The Council of Ministers has approved a financial compensation fund for owners of immovable property affected by legalized constructions across several regions of Albania. First, the decision was taken under the law on the completion of transitional property processes. It was proposed by the Prime Minister. The total compensation amount …

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Public Administration Reform advances, minister reports progress to parliament

TIRANA, June 10 – State Minister for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni reported to the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on the 2025 annual performance report of the Department of Public Administration. Pirdeni said the report comes shortly after the European Union’s 27 member states approved …

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A founding personality of Albanian Academy of Sciences scholar, Luan Omari turns 101

TIRANA, June 10 – Academician Luan Omari, one of the founders of the Academy of Sciences of Albania, celebrated his 101st birthday on Tuesday. Omari was born on June 10, 1925, in Gjirokastër. He completed his early education in Bari and graduated from the Italian high school in Tirana. Later, …

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Albania and EU Review Progress on Reforms and Investments

The European Union and the Albanian government reviewed progress on reforms and investments during annual monitoring meetings in Tirana. Officials assessed achievements. They discussed challenges. They also set priorities for the coming year. The meetings focused on the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF) and the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). …

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Foreign Direct Investment Reaches €404 Million in First Quarter

Foreign direct investment in Albania reached €404 million in the first quarter of 2026. The figure marks an 11.6% increase compared with the same period last year. According to the Bank of Albania balance of payments report, real estate remained the leading destination for foreign investment. The sector attracted €174 …

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Begaj in Sofia: Regional Cooperation Key to Europe’s Shared Future

President Bajram Begaj attended the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit in Sofia on Tuesday. The summit marked the 30th anniversary of SEECP. Leaders gathered to discuss regional unity, security, and sustainable development. During the meeting, Begaj emphasized the importance of EU integration for the Western Balkans. He also called …

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Rama: Albania Must Stay Open to Large Foreign Investments

Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted on social media about foreign investments and tourism development. He shared a Greek media article. The article reported new luxury hotel investments in Mykonos by major international brands. First, Rama linked the topic to ongoing debates in Albania over large-scale investments, including the project in …

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Inaugural edition of Albanian Music Nights kicks off with world premieres by Albanian composers

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …

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Transport associations oppose VAT hike, warn of higher ticket prices from 2027

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …

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Mateu Boçi wins European championship; PM Rama praises achievement for Albanian chess

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …

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Excitement mounts in Tirana ahead of Albania’s Nations League showdown with Finland

TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …

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Works to begin tomorrow between former Eagle Square and Limuth Underpass, traffic diversions on Tirana–Durrës motorway

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …

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DP launches candidate selection process for local elections, nominations open until 30 November

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …

News
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, civil protection on alert

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …

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European Political Community Summit: Edi Rama shares a group photo alongside European leaders

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …

News
Police step up security measures ahead of Albania–Finland match

TIRANA, Nov 12  /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …

News
Tirana Observatory Releases New Issue on EU Enlargement and European Security

The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …

News

Inaugural edition of Albanian Music Nights kicks off with world premieres by Albanian composers

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …

News

Transport associations oppose VAT hike, warn of higher ticket prices from 2027

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …

News

Mateu Boçi wins European championship; PM Rama praises achievement for Albanian chess

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …

News

Excitement mounts in Tirana ahead of Albania’s Nations League showdown with Finland

TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …

News

Works to begin tomorrow between former Eagle Square and Limuth Underpass, traffic diversions on Tirana–Durrës motorway

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …

News

DP launches candidate selection process for local elections, nominations open until 30 November

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …

News

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, civil protection on alert

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …

News

European Political Community Summit: Edi Rama shares a group photo alongside European leaders

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …

News

Police step up security measures ahead of Albania–Finland match

TIRANA, Nov 12  /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …

News

Tirana Observatory Releases New Issue on EU Enlargement and European Security

The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …