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Kosova and Albania discuss railway links with French development agency

Kosova’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Dimal Basha, met with Arnaud Dauphin, the French Development Agency’s director for the Western Balkans, to discuss railway connections between Kosova and Albania. The talks focused on expanding cooperation on railway projects and advancing a three-way partnership between Kosova, Albania and the agency. The …

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Tirana Takes the Global Stage as “The Amazing Race” Arrives in Albania

Albania will make its debut on the internationally acclaimed television show “The Amazing Race”, bringing Tirana’s culture, energy and hospitality to audiences around the world. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the news in a social media post. He said the production would showcase Albania as a …

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Kosova’s PM and leader of the Self-Determination Movement, Kurti denies his movement involvement in Tirana protests

Kosova’s Prime Minister and leader of the Self-Determination Movement, Albin Kurti, has denied the movement’s involvement in the protests in Tirana. He said it had never operated anonymously during protests and had always taken an open, leading role. Speaking at the movement’s 64th General Council meeting, Kurti said it now …

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Actor and director Gjergji Mena passes away at 41

The National Cinematography Centre has announced the passing of actor and director Gjergji Mena at the age of 41. The centre paid tribute to the young artist, highlighting his contribution to theatre and screen productions. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja also expressed condolences, describing Mena as a talented …

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Ermonela Jaho serves as Opera Rara Artist Ambassador

Renowned Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho serves as an Artist Ambassador for Opera Rara, a London-based opera organisation dedicated to reviving neglected works and bringing rarely performed repertoire to modern audiences. Founded in 1970, Opera Rara specialises in researching, restoring, recording and performing operas that have largely disappeared from the mainstream …

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Albania targets completion of technical EU accession talks by December 2027

Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha says Albania aims to complete the technical phase of European Union accession negotiations by December 2027. The goal is to advance to the political phase and join the bloc within this decade. Presenting the 2027 budget priorities to the parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, …

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Albania’s 2027 budget exceeds €10 billion in planned public spending

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj says the 2027 draft budget provides for public spending exceeding €10 billion for the first time. The plan prioritises social welfare, fiscal stability, public investment and reforms linked to European Union integration. Revenue is projected at ALL 907.9 billion, or around €9.4 billion. The budget deficit …

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Bank of Albania Deputy Governor Ahmetaj says 2027 draft budget supports fiscal stability amid economic risks

Bank of Albania Deputy Governor Natasha Ahmetaj says the 2027 draft budget maintains fiscal consolidation. She told Parliament’s Economy, Employment and Finance Committee that the plan supports public finances and creates room for investment. Ahmetaj said economic activity, private-sector employment and wages have grown in recent years. Inflation remains low …

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Albania’s 2027 Budget Hits €10 Billion, with Higher Pensions and New Family Benefits

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj has presented the draft 2027 budget to the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, with spending projected to reach around €10 billion for the first time. The main priorities will be supporting pensioners, children with disabilities, and families with young children. During his presentation, Malaj announced that …

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Albania Allocates €40 Million to Foreign Ministry in 2027, Minister Hoxha Says EU Negotiations Remain Top Priority

The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs will have a budget of 3.9 billion lek, approximately €40 million, for 2027, marking a 6% increase compared to the previous year. The draft budget was presented by Minister Ferit Hoxha to the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. Of the total …

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Albania’s 2027 Tax Plan Raises Concerns Over Foreign Investment and Business Climate

TIRANA, Albania — Albania’s proposed fiscal package for 2027 has triggered unusually broad opposition from domestic and foreign business organizations, with American, German and Italian investors warning that higher taxes and sudden changes in fiscal policy could undermine the country’s competitiveness and discourage future investment. The objections come as Prime …

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Albania’s 2027 Fiscal Package and the Risks to Investment

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Albania’s 2027 Fiscal Package and the Risks to Investment appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here

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Finance Minister Petrit Malaj: 30% of 2027 budget allocated to social protection

Albania’s 2027 budget will reach €10 billion for the first time, with 30% allocated to social protection, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said in a television interview. As part of the plan, the government has allocated €250 million to pensions in 2027, including funding for pension indexation. In addition, it plans …

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Vlora port suspends small-vessel departures as weather conditions worsen

The Port of Vlora Harbour Master’s Office has banned departures by small vessels and fishing boats planning to operate outside the Bay of Vlora from November 11 to 14 due to worsening weather conditions. The forecast warns of southerly to southeasterly winds reaching force 7–8 on the Beaufort scale, with …

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Vlora hosts European Film Academy board, opening new cooperation opportunities

The European Film Academy’s Board held its three-day meeting in Albania, bringing leading European producers and filmmakers to Vlora. During their stay, board members met Albanian film professionals and explored the country’s history, culture and filming potential. The visit aimed to create new partnerships and promote Albania as a destination …

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U.S. President Trump nominates Mikhail Bogachek as ambassador to Kosova

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Mikhail Bogachek as the next US ambassador to Kosova, submitting his name to the Senate for confirmation. The White House announced the nomination on November 10. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina remains under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati. Former ambassador Jeff …

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Justice Minister Toni Gogu discusses faster court proceedings with Italian officials

Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu held three meetings in Rome with Italian officials to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of justice. During a visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met Maurizio Gasparri, chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. He thanked Gasparri for ratifying the …

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Agriculture budget rises 10% in 2027 to support farmers and food safety

Albania’s draft 2027 budget allocates around ALL 18 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, a 10% increase on the initial 2026 budget, Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said. Rural development remains the main priority, with ALL 8.4 billion, including ALL 5.3 billion for the national support scheme, up …

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Kanina Castle reopens to visitors after restoration works

Restoration and improvement works have finished at Kanina Castle in Vlora. The historic monument is now ready to welcome visitors with improved infrastructure, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced. The project included conservation and structural works, alongside infrastructure upgrades, to protect the castle’s historical and cultural heritage. In …

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Albania prepare for Finland in Nations League

Albania’s national team continued preparations for their upcoming matches against Finland and Belarus with a training session at the House of Football on Wednesday. The Albanian Football Association said all players trained at full intensity and were available to coach Rolando Maran. The team began the session in the gym …

News

Albania’s 2027 Tax Plan Raises Concerns Over Foreign Investment and Business Climate

TIRANA, Albania — Albania’s proposed fiscal package for 2027 has triggered unusually broad opposition from domestic and foreign business organizations, with American, German and Italian investors warning that higher taxes and sudden changes in fiscal policy could undermine the country’s competitiveness and discourage future investment. The objections come as Prime …

News

Albania’s 2027 Fiscal Package and the Risks to Investment

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Albania’s 2027 Fiscal Package and the Risks to Investment appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here

News

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj: 30% of 2027 budget allocated to social protection

Albania’s 2027 budget will reach €10 billion for the first time, with 30% allocated to social protection, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said in a television interview. As part of the plan, the government has allocated €250 million to pensions in 2027, including funding for pension indexation. In addition, it plans …

News

Vlora port suspends small-vessel departures as weather conditions worsen

The Port of Vlora Harbour Master’s Office has banned departures by small vessels and fishing boats planning to operate outside the Bay of Vlora from November 11 to 14 due to worsening weather conditions. The forecast warns of southerly to southeasterly winds reaching force 7–8 on the Beaufort scale, with …

News

Vlora hosts European Film Academy board, opening new cooperation opportunities

The European Film Academy’s Board held its three-day meeting in Albania, bringing leading European producers and filmmakers to Vlora. During their stay, board members met Albanian film professionals and explored the country’s history, culture and filming potential. The visit aimed to create new partnerships and promote Albania as a destination …

News

U.S. President Trump nominates Mikhail Bogachek as ambassador to Kosova

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Mikhail Bogachek as the next US ambassador to Kosova, submitting his name to the Senate for confirmation. The White House announced the nomination on November 10. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina remains under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati. Former ambassador Jeff …

News

Justice Minister Toni Gogu discusses faster court proceedings with Italian officials

Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu held three meetings in Rome with Italian officials to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of justice. During a visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met Maurizio Gasparri, chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. He thanked Gasparri for ratifying the …

News

Agriculture budget rises 10% in 2027 to support farmers and food safety

Albania’s draft 2027 budget allocates around ALL 18 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, a 10% increase on the initial 2026 budget, Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said. Rural development remains the main priority, with ALL 8.4 billion, including ALL 5.3 billion for the national support scheme, up …

News

Kanina Castle reopens to visitors after restoration works

Restoration and improvement works have finished at Kanina Castle in Vlora. The historic monument is now ready to welcome visitors with improved infrastructure, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced. The project included conservation and structural works, alongside infrastructure upgrades, to protect the castle’s historical and cultural heritage. In …

News

Albania prepare for Finland in Nations League

Albania’s national team continued preparations for their upcoming matches against Finland and Belarus with a training session at the House of Football on Wednesday. The Albanian Football Association said all players trained at full intensity and were available to coach Rolando Maran. The team began the session in the gym …