Rama: We must move from red to green in public procurement! We are not yet within a solid progress framework
Prime Minister Edi Rama has stated that by 2027, Albania should have achieved concrete results in order to join the European Union. Among other things, he said that significant progress has been made in public procurement, but added that the country is still not within a solid framework of good …
“Revenues have reached historic levels,” says Minister Malaj: We forecast an additional €1 billion in 2026
The Minister of Finance, Petrit Malaj, held a press conference today where he presented an overview of the country’s economic growth. Increasing revenues, improving digital services, and developing systems through Artificial Intelligence are strategic objectives aimed at meeting European standards. During his remarks, Minister Malaj stated that the Albanian economy …
Rama: The EU integration process is historic; it transforms the Albanian state
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking during a conference with negotiators on Albania’s path toward the European Union, stated that the process carries significant weight. According to him, it is historic and transformative for the Albanian state. “This process substantially increases the institutional capacities of the state. It brings extraordinary benefits …
Presidential election, Kurti: We will begin meetings with the opposition
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, announced that he will invite leaders of opposition parties to meetings in an effort to secure the necessary votes for the election of the country’s new president. He stated that so far he has not had enough time to conduct internal consultations regarding …
Appointment of CEC members, Constitutional Court declares Osmani’s request inadmissible
The Constitutional Court has declared inadmissible the request of the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, regarding the appointment of members of the Central Election Commission (CEC). Osmani had requested an assessment of a “conflict between constitutional competencies under Article 113” of the Constitution—specifically between herself and “parliamentary groups as bodies …
AIIS Honors Ilir Ikonomi with “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize
Tirana Times, March 26 , 2026 – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has awarded its prestigious annual “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize for 2025 to historian and translator Ilir Ikonomi, recognizing his outstanding contribution to bringing major works of international scholarship to the Albanian audience. Ilir Ikonomi received the award …
Week in Review: Alignment, Collision and Scandal
From a political spying scandal to MAGA alignment and a brewing collision with the law, selection of BIRN Premium stories this week makes for an exciting read. Original post Here
Iran-Linked Hackers Target Albanian Post in Latest Attack
The now-notorious hacker group Homeland Justice claimed that it had breached the computer defences of Albania’s postal service following its attack on parliament’s systems earlier this month. Original post Here
In Albania, Leveraging Celebrity Exposure to Stay out of Jail
Charged with corruption, money laundering and concealment of wealth, ex-politician Monika Kryemadhi is rebranding herself as a showbiz celebrity on the Big Brother reality show, but can it keep her out of prison? Original post Here
Albanian Ex-Mayor Convicted in Second Abuse of Office Case
An appeals court upheld the verdict jailing the former Socialist Party mayor of Himara, Jorgo Goro, who was at the centre of a political storm during a controversial election in 2023. Original post Here
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania is exploring new opportunities for cooperation in the film industry with artists and filmmakers from the United States and Canada. Gonxhja and Jonid Jorgji, head of the National Center of Cinematography, met with the group to discuss potential areas of collaboration. …
The streets of Shkodër, along with destinations such as Lake Koman and the Albanian Alps, continue to attract foreign visitors. Many tourists choose to spend several days exploring Albania’s nature and culture. “I come from the United States, and this is my first time in Albania. I really like it …
“Bregu i Lofatave,” an olive grove in Risili, Vlora, produces premium extra virgin olive oil for domestic and international markets. The farm now exports its products to several European countries and the United States. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video of the olive grove on social media. He highlighted …
Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has continued his visit to the United States with a meeting with the Albanian-American community in Texas. The meeting focused on discussions with Albanian-Americans who live and work in the state. Berisha also praised the community for its warm welcome and strong participation. In a …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, took part in the “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference. The Italian news agency ANSA organized the conference during the 34th General Assembly of the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE). The event brought together senior representatives from …
Tirana International Airport has made the shortlist for the “Airport of the Year 2026” award. The recognition reflects the airport’s development and ongoing investments in infrastructure and services. According to TIA, several key performance indicators helped secure its place among the finalists. These include operational efficiency, passenger experience, innovation and …
Technology and artificial intelligence are playing a growing role in the relationship between citizens and public administration. Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration discussed the issue while reviewing a bill to ratify the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of …
Shkodra’s Old Bazaar, one of the city’s historic landmarks, will soon return to life through virtual reality (VR). The project will recreate the 19th-century bazaar. In addition, it will create a new tourist attraction for Shkodra. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the project on Wednesday. According …
The Academy of Sciences today commemorated Zef Krispi, also known as Giuseppe Crispi, on the anniversary of his death. He was a bishop, Hellenist and professor at the University of Palermo, and one of the 19th-century Arbëresh scholars who devoted their work to Albanian language, history and culture. Born in …
The Tirana Mosaic has become one of the capital’s most important tourist attractions. It preserves valuable traces of Albania’s ancient history. After a full restoration and reconstruction, the site now attracts more local and foreign visitors. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the mosaic now connects cultural …