EU Regrets Kosovo Parties Fail to Agree on Consensus President Candidate
The European Union expresses regret after Kosovo’s political parties fail to agree on a unified presidential candidate. An EU spokesperson urges political actors to strengthen dialogue and ensure institutional stability. He warns that Kosovo risks missing key opportunities, including benefits from the Growth Plan. Lawmakers fail to elect a new …
Kanye West to Headline Historic One-Night Show in Tirana
Tirana prepares to host a major international music event on July 11, 2026. Kanye West will perform a one-night-only show in Albania. Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja announces the event and calls it a milestone for the country. He says the concert will place Albania on the global events map. Organizers …
Berat and Gjirokastër Highlight Global Model for Heritage Management
Albania presents Berat and Gjirokastër as international examples of heritage management at a conference in Mostar. Regional heritage directorates showcase an integrated management model for the two historic cities. Both cities belong to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Experts present strategies on funding preservation and sustainable growth. They highlight investments …
Arts University and National Opera Sign Cooperation Agreement
The University of Arts and the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble sign a cooperation agreement in Tirana. Director General Aulon Naçi and Rector Erald Bakalli formalize the partnership. The agreement strengthens institutional cooperation. It creates new opportunities for students to gain professional experience and join artistic productions. …
Gjirokastër Extends Visiting Hours at Cultural Monuments for Tourist Season
The official start of the tourist season in Gjirokastër has led to extended visiting hours at cultural heritage sites for visitors and tourists. According to the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage, from May 1 to October 31, Gjirokastër Castle and the Antigonea Archaeological Park will welcome ticketed visitors under a …
Albanian PM Announces Kanye West Concert Despite Antisemitism Concerns
Controversial US rapper also known as Ye – who has been banned from the UK and Australia – will hold a concert in Tirana on July 11, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Facebook. Original post Here
“Double Your Business” scheme, Finance Minister: sovereign guarantee and negotiations on loan terms
TIRANA, April 30 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj says the new programme “Double Your Business” will be launched soon. He speaks during a press conference on the first-quarter fiscal performance. He says the scheme remains in the preparation phase. The Ministry of Finance negotiates with the Ministry of Economy and …
150,000 euro of confiscated crime assets allocated to 21 non-governmental organisations for social projects
TIRANA, April 30 – Minister of Interior Besfort Lamallari met representatives of 21 civil society organisations (NGOs) selected for funding from a special state fund. The fund comes from assets seized and confiscated from criminal activity. The programme is managed by the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated …
Slovak foreign minister: Western Balkans EU integration a strategic priority, rule of law in focus
TIRANA, April 30 – Slovakia’s Foreign and European Affairs Minister Juraj Blanar said European Union enlargement remains a strategic priority. He spoke at a joint press conference with Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, Austria’s Beate Meinl-Reisinger, and the Czech Republic’s Petr Macinka. Blanár described the meeting as useful and necessary. …
Czech foreign minister: Western Balkans belongs in EU, Albania’s progress impressive
TIRANA, April 30 – Czech Foreign Minister Petr Macinka joined Austrian and Slovak counterparts in Tirana for a joint press conference with Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, where they reaffirmed support for Albania’s European Union path and reviewed progress in accession talks. At the start, Macinka framed the visit as …
By Enrico Letta Delivery as the defining challenge Thank you. I am genuinely pleased to be here, and I will tell you why I rearranged my agenda to make it. When I saw the title of this event — “Proof, Not Promises”, I understood immediately that this is the title …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said energy and transport links play a key role in economic growth and Albania’s integration with the European market. She made the remarks after meeting Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi. Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Albania in …
EU member states have approved an intergovernmental conference with Albania on October 13 in Luxembourg, paving the way for the provisional closure of Chapter 20 on Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) approved the meeting after reviewing Albania’s progress on business development and industrial reforms. Chapter …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has moved closer to its historic goal of joining the European Union after the bloc gave the green light to close negotiations on Chapter 20, which covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. In a social media post, Rama said the latest development strengthens Albania’s prospects …
Albania recorded around 788,000 euro transfers worth €8.7 billion during its first 11 months in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). The system has significantly reduced cross-border payment costs for individuals and businesses since it began operating in Albania on October 7, 2025. Bank of Albania data show that individuals …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met Albanian students studying at Gülhane Faculty of Medicine, part of the University of Health Sciences in Ankara, Türkiye. They discussed student life, their experiences abroad, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and their vision for Albania’s future. Nufi said the students’ presence at the Turkish university …
President Bajram Begaj has awarded US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin the title of Commander of the Supreme Order of the Eagle for their contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt attended the ceremony at the Palace of …
Tirana will host the 11th Golden Age Gym Festival from October 1 to 7, 2028, bringing together more than 2,000 participants from across Europe. The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) announced that its executive board unanimously approved Tirana’s bid, citing Albania’s organisational capacity. The Albanian Gymnastics Federation initiated the bid …
Albania, Greece and North Macedonia have launched preparations for a joint bid to add the Prespa region to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The initiative aims to protect the area’s natural, historical and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and creating new opportunities for local communities. The European Union will provide …
Tirana will host Japanese Cultural Week from October 14 to 18, offering five days of activities that showcase Japan’s traditions, art, architecture, cuisine, cinema and martial arts. The programme will feature traditional tea ceremonies, Japanese food demonstrations, exhibitions, film screenings and judo and karate competitions. On October 16, visitors can …