Albania Moves to Steer Investment Toward a Greener Economy
Albania has taken a step toward expanding green finance and directing investment into sustainable activities. The Bank of Albania presented the final draft of the National Green Activities Classification with support from the European Investment Bank. Second Deputy Governor Natasha Ahmetaj said the framework will influence how banks and investors …
Rudolph: Kosovo Can Renew Its European Agenda After Institutional Crisis
German Ambassador to Kosovo Rainer Rudolph said Kosovo can now pursue its European agenda more actively after resolving its institutional crisis. He spoke at a reception marking German Unity Day. Rudolph said stable institutions will allow Kosovo to renew its focus on European integration. He warned that the process will …
European Commissioner After Meeting with Rama: Albania Belongs in the EU, Maintain the Pace of Reforms
European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, has stated that Albania is one of the frontrunners in the European Union accession process. In a social media post following his meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama, McGrath stressed that Albania “belongs in the EU”, …
Osman Taka Dance Added to Albania’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List
The Osman Taka Dance has been included in Albania’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja, while Prime Minister Edi Rama also commented on the decision, describing the dance as one of the expressions of Cham identity and tradition. …
Manufacturing Sector in Decline: 25,000 Jobs Lost, 150 Garment Factories Shut Down
Albania’s garment manufacturing industry is facing increasingly serious difficulties. From around 65,000 employees previously working in the manufacturing sector, the workforce has now fallen to approximately 40,000, while nearly 150 garment factories have shut down in recent years. The alarm was raised in Elbasan during a meeting between the Albanian …
Kosovo’s New President Ends Political Deadlock, Opens a New Chapter
The election of respected academic Justina Shiroka-Pula averts another political crisis and highlights Kosovo’s tradition of female leadership and religious coexistence, while offering new prospects for political stability and international engagement. Tirana Times, October 08, 2026 — The election of Justina Shiroka-Pula as Kosovo’s new president has brought an end …
OSCE ambassador and justice inspector discuss stronger judicial accountability
OSCE Presence in Albania Ambassador Michel Tarran met High Inspector of Justice Artur Metani to discuss recent developments in the judicial system and issues related to the inspector’s mandate. According to the OSCE Presence, the talks focused on the role of the High Inspector of Justice in ensuring accountability in …
Ten winners announced in Tish Daija Music Creativity Competition
The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble announced the 10 winners of the Tish Daija Music Creativity Competition in the “Chamber Music” and “A Cappella Choir” categories. The competition marks the 100th anniversary of composer Tish Daija’s birth. With support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, …
Health minister Spahiu in Kurbin calls for stronger coordination between primary and hospital care
Health and Social Welfare Minister Klodiana Spahiu visited the Laç Health Centre in Kurbin. She called for stronger coordination between primary healthcare and hospital services to provide faster care closer to residents. Spahiu said better coordination between health structures would improve patient referrals. She also stressed the importance of direct …
German electronic music artist Sam Shure, Albanian artists bring Berlin energy to Tirana
German Cultural Week 2026 brought music, contemporary art, exhibitions, traditions and German gastronomy to Tirana from October 2 to 6. The five-day programme offered audiences in the Albanian capital opportunities to experience different aspects of German culture. The activities also created spaces for cultural exchange between the two countries. Meanwhile, …
At the opening of the Berlin Process summit in Montenegro on Thursday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that Montenegro could join the EU by 2028, and he urged regional cooperation. Original post Here
Jobseekers from specific groups will receive financial support to attend vocational training courses. The scheme will also cover transport costs. Under a Council of Ministers decision proposed by the Minister of Economy and Innovation, trainees will receive 50% of the minimum wage for each lesson hour attended. Those living more …
The government has approved new rules for business registration and data publication through the National Business Centre. Businesses must obtain an NVE certificate from the National Economic Chamber. The certificate identifies the type of economic activity a business carries out. New businesses must submit it through the e-Albania portal within …
Albania’s National Institute of Cultural Heritage (IKTK), in cooperation with the Faculty of Geology and Mining at the Polytechnic University of Tirana, has conducted geophysical surveys in Trojas village, near Belsh, to investigate potential archaeological remains. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja said the surveys build on earlier …
The United Kingdom has announced up to £5 million in new support to help Western Balkan countries strengthen cooperation against migrant smuggling and organised immigration crime. The funding will provide British training and expertise to improve regional information sharing and combat the exploitation of migrant workers. UK Minister for Europe …
Albania honours Queen Geraldine on October 22, marking 24 years since her passing in 2002. Known as the “White Rose of Hungary,” Geraldine arrived in Albania in December 1937 following an invitation from the sisters of King Zog I. The king had seen her photograph at a ball in Budapest. …
The Assembly has approved Adea Pirdeni’s appointment as Minister of Public Administration, with 76 votes in favour and none against or abstaining. In a message shared today, Pirdeni stressed the importance of dialogue, respect for the law and institutions, and shared responsibility as Albania moves towards European Union membership. She …
Albania registered 1,985 new businesses in September 2026, according to the National Business Centre. Tirana accounted for 1,085 registrations, or 54.7% of the national total. Durrës followed with 212, while Vlora recorded 132. Trade led the sectors attracting new businesses, with 464 registrations. Accommodation and food services followed with 220, …
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos says the coming weeks and months will bring decisive moments for Western Balkan countries pursuing European Union membership. Speaking ahead of the Berlin Process summit in Montenegro, Kos highlighted different priorities across the region. Montenegro must complete its accession negotiations, Serbia faces upcoming elections, …
Albania’s customs administration collected around 185.9 billion ALL in revenue from January to September 2026, an increase of 7.2 billion ALL compared with the same period in 2025. The General Directorate of Customs said the results represented 104% of the revenue target. It described the first nine months of 2026 …