Albanian Parliament Opens Third Session of 11th Legislature, Peleshi: EU Membership Is the Number One Priority
The Albanian Parliament opened the third session of its 11th Legislature today, resuming parliamentary activity following the recess. At the first plenary sitting of the new session, Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing Parliament’s responsibility to continue working in the interests of citizens and the country. …
Hita Meets Police Officials in Four Regions, Focuses on Public and School Safety
Director General, Senior Director Skender Hita has continued his meetings with local and border police structures as part of intensified measures to strengthen the rule of law across the country. During meetings in Vlorë, Gjirokastër, Shkodër and Lezhë, Director Hita focused on the crime situation, particularly serious crimes, as well …
New EU Ambassador to Albania After Meeting Rama: Good Discussion on the Country’s European Future
The new EU Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, posted on X about her meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama earlier today. Alongside a photo from the meeting, the Ambassador wrote that the discussion focused on Albania’s European future, expressing optimism about it. Full statement: “Today I had my …
New Parliamentary Session Begins, Balla: EU Integration by 2030 Is a National Mission
The head of the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, stated at the opening of the new parliamentary session that Albania has entered a decisive phase in the process of negotiations for membership in the European Union. During his speech, Balla said that the Socialist parliamentary group would organize its …
Inflation at 3.2% in August, Transport and Food Drive Price Increases
Inflation in Albania rose to 3.2% in August 2026, marking a significant acceleration compared with the same month last year, when the rate stood at 2.3%. Compared with July, consumer prices increased by 0.1%. Data from INSTAT show that the annual increase in prices was driven primarily by food and …
Evis Kushi Elected Deputy Speaker of Parliament with 79 Votes as Opposition Boycotts Vote
During today’s plenary session, Evis Kushi was elected Deputy Speaker of Parliament with 79 votes in favor. At the time of the vote, the opposition boycotted the process and walked out of the chamber. Also today, Parliament voted on the President’s decree appointing Klodiana Spahiu as the new Minister of …
Honors for Ratko Mladić in Serbia, Minister Hoxha: Glorifying War Criminals Goes Against European Values
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha reacted in a post on X to the honoring of the convicted war criminal. Hoxha said that Albania condemns the glorification of Mladić and joins the European Union and other countries that have condemned the way he was honored in Serbia. He …
Court Presidents Call for Salaries to Be Unblocked: Constitutional Court Ruling Must Be Implemented
The presidents of Albania’s courts have called for the immediate unblocking of salaries for judges and judicial administration staff, as well as the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the matter. At a meeting held today, they discussed the situation created by the failure to process salaries and the …
Kosovo Records 27.8% Rise in Hotel Visitors
Kosovo recorded a significant increase in hotel visitors in July 2026, according to the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS). Hotels welcomed 99,053 visitors during the month. Domestic visitors accounted for 32,098, while foreign visitors reached 66,954. Compared with July 2025, when hotels recorded 77,481 visitors, the total number increased by …
Gonxhja: Northern Towers Set for Restoration and Revitalization, Investments to Start by 2027
Albania is preparing to restore and revitalize its traditional northern towers. The government plans to start concrete investments by 2027. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the plan. He said the ministry is finalizing the national program with GIS and the State Cadastre Agency (ASHK). “Our goal is …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj attended the farewell ceremony for King Harald V of Norway in Oslo, joining monarchs and world leaders in paying tribute to the late Norwegian king. The ceremony took place at Oslo Cathedral following a solemn procession from the Royal Palace. Representatives from several countries attended the …
A high-level NATO delegation visited the Port of Durres on Wednesday to assess its port capacities and strategic role in regional security and logistics. The delegation was led by the Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples. Representatives of the Albanian Armed Forces and Naval Force Commander Rear Admiral …
Albanian citizens can now rate consular services online as part of a new initiative aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of services. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced the new evaluation system on Wednesday. Starting today, citizens can scan a QR code at any location where …
The Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has approved a new Country Programme for Albania for 2027–2031. The five-year programme will support Albania’s development. It will also accelerate reforms and advance the country’s European Union integration process. The programme has three main priorities. First, it will promote …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” on Wednesday. The Italian news agency ANSA and the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies (ABNA) organized the conference. The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Central European Initiative (CEI) also supported the event. …
Tirana Times, September 09, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has uncovered new evidence in its widening investigation of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, increasing pressure on one of the most powerful figures of the governing Socialist Party. SPAK said Wednesday that a special …
The Institute of GeoSciences (IGJEO) warns of a high fire risk this afternoon and tomorrow in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier counties. Meanwhile, other parts of the country will face a moderate risk. However, the high-risk level will affect only localised areas in some counties. These include northeastern Lezhë, northeastern Tirana …
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Michel Tarran, said in Pogradec that the territorial reform remains under discussion and that no final decision has been made so far. Asked about the consultation process, Tarran stressed that the OSCE does not impose a specific model for territorial organization. He …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with a World Bank delegation to discuss Albania’s economic performance, EU integration and payment-system modernization. Sejko said the economy continues to perform well, supported by growth, stronger employment and incomes, and financial stability. He also highlighted Albania’s progress toward EU standards. The talks …
The lek strengthened against major foreign currencies in the domestic foreign exchange market on Wednesday, compared with the previous day. According to the official exchange rate published by the Bank of Albania, the euro fell by 0.05 lek, to 92.02 lek, while the US dollar dropped by 0.19 lek, to …