Summer season: Albania to restrict truck traffic from June 19
TIRANA, June 17 – The State Police announced new traffic restrictions for heavy vehicles during the 2026 summer season. Authorities based the measure on Joint Instruction No. 106 of June 14, 2024, issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy and the Ministry of Interior. The restrictions will remain in …
Albania and Ukraine sign road transport agreement
TIRANA, June 17 – Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi announced the signing of a bilateral agreement between Albania and Ukraine on the international road transport of passengers and goods. Karakaçi signed the agreement with Serhiy Derkach, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development. According to the minister, …
Reform in justice and vetting mark key pillar of Albania’s European path
TIRANA, June 17 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the justice reform and vetting process marked a key pillar in Albania’s European integration path during the closing ceremony of the transitional reassessment of judges and prosecutors. Koçiu said the reform proved Albania can deliver difficult structural changes and confront …
The Blue Eye attracts visitors with crystal waters and scenic nature, tourism grows in southern Albania
TIRANA, June 17 – The Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër) continues to attract a high number of tourists during this period, confirming its position as one of the most popular destinations in southern Albania. The karst spring draws daily visitors from different countries. Tourists say they chose Albania after hearing …
Kosova visitors fill Lezha beaches as summer season gains momentum
TIRANA, June 17 – Sunny weather and high temperatures have increased the number of visitors on the beaches of Lezha during the first weeks of the summer season. Shëngjin has attracted the largest crowds. Most visitors come from Kosova and continue to choose the destination year after year because of …
European Parliament backs Albania EU integration progress with 483 votes
TIRANA, June 17 – The European Parliament adopted its annual resolution on Albania with 483 votes in favor, 103 against and 70 abstentions, expressing broad support for the country’s EU integration process. Lawmakers welcomed Albania’s recent progress and called on authorities to ensure full implementation of adopted legislation. They also …
Finance Ministry: Revenue exceeds plan by 34.3 billion ALL in January-May 2026, public investment rises
TIRANA, June 17 – Albania collected 340.5 billion ALL in total revenue during January-May 2026. The figure exceeded the period plan by 5.3%, according to the Finance Ministry. Revenue rose by 11.2% compared with the same period in 2025. The state budget recorded an additional 34.3 billion ALL. Tax and …
European Commission exclusive to Albanian Radio and Television confirms support for Albania
TIRANA, June 17 – The European Commission confirms its support for Albania’s European Union membership path. It links progress to maintaining the pace of reforms. The 2027 target for closing accession negotiations remains achievable, according to an exclusive response to Albanian Radio and Television. It describes sustained reform momentum as …
Balla: European Parliament Approves Resolution on Albania with 483 Votes in Favor, a Significant Recognition of the Country’s EU Path
The Chairman of the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, has welcomed the adoption of the European Parliament’s annual Resolution on Albania, which was approved with 483 votes in favor. In a public statement, Balla described the decision as a major acknowledgment of Albania’s progress in the European integration process …
Braho: Vetting Is Not Immunity, Judges and Prosecutors Remain Under SPAK Scrutiny
The head of Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK), Klodjan Braho, stated that the vetting process cannot be considered a guarantee or form of “immunity” for judges and prosecutors in the future, emphasizing that any potential acts of corruption will remain subject to criminal investigation. Speaking at the closing ceremony of …
While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here
TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …
TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …
Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …
TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …
TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …
TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …
TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …
Foreign tourists visiting Gjirokastër continue to share positive impressions of Albania, highlighting the country’s natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. Mirela Kumbaro shared on social media comments from visitors exploring the UNESCO-listed stone city. Tourists from several European countries expressed admiration for Albania’s landscapes, beaches, and cultural heritage. A …