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“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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Rama’s Collision With Justice Shatters Illusions About Albania’s Democracy

The prime minister’s moves to shield his deputy from arrest feel like the beginning of the end of an era for Albanians’ hopes that the powerful would finally be held accountable. Original post Here

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German Ambassador Bergner: Justice Reform a Key Factor in Albania’s Advancement Toward the EU

Germany supports Albania’s membership in the European Union. However, Berlin says the pace of accession talks will depend on the implementation of reforms. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, German Ambassador to Tirana Karl Bergner praised Albania’s progress. He also stressed the importance of strengthening the rule of law and …

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Foreign Direct Investment Rises 50% to €1.14 Billion in Six Months

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Albania rose sharply during the first six months of 2026. FDI reached €1.144 billion, marking a 50% increase compared with the same period last year. Data from the Bank of Albania on the country’s balance of payments show that FDI flows reached €741 million in …

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Direct Luxembourg-Tirana Flights to Launch in 2027, Hoxha: Another European Airline Enters Albania

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced today that Luxair will launch direct flights between Luxembourg and Tirana. Hoxha welcomed the arrival of another European airline in Albania. He described the development as excellent news for the country. Starting March 29, 2027, Luxair will operate the new route …

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Albania, US Company Argent LNG Sign Deal to Explore Adriatic Gas Terminal

Albania is exploring plans to build an LNG terminal on its Adriatic coast. The proposed terminal would receive US liquefied natural gas (LNG) by ship. It would then store the LNG and convert it from a liquid into gas. The gas could enter regional pipelines and reach countries across the …

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Peleshi: Parliamentary Cooperation with Austria Will Continue to Grow

Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi met with Michael Hammer, chairman of the Austrian National Council’s Friendship Group with Albania, and its delegation. Peleshi highlighted the long-standing friendship between Albania and Austria. He said the two countries have strengthened their ties over the years through political cooperation and exchanges …

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Berisha Honored with the Key to the City of Mesquite, Texas

The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, has been honored with the Key to the City of Mesquite, Texas, as part of his visit to the United States. The key was presented to Berisha by Mesquite Mayor Daniel Aleman Jr., according to the Democratic Party’s press office. “During the …

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Judges Issue Joint Statement: Salaries Must Be Unblocked Immediately or We Will Reduce Court Proceedings

Judges across the Republic gathered for an extraordinary meeting at the Justice Center, where they adopted a joint position regarding the freezing of magistrates’ salaries. The statement was read by Judge Alda Sadiku, who stressed that the judiciary’s demands are not subject to negotiation because, according to the judges, they …

News
Average Salary Reaches 92,150 Lek, 1 in 4 Employees Earn the Minimum Wage

The average salary in Albania exceeded 92,000 lek in the second quarter of the year, increasing by 10% in one year. However, significant disparities remain, with the finance and technology sectors paying more than double the national average. The average salary in Albania continued to rise during the second quarter …

News
The Hague Prosecution Seeks Six-Year Prison Sentence for Hashim Thaçi

Following the closing arguments presented by Chief Prosecutor Kimberly West and the prosecutor in the case, the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office in The Hague has requested a six-year prison sentence for former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi in the case concerning obstruction of justice. “Based on all the evidence and facts, the …

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Rama Unveils “Housing Program”: Confiscated Properties to Be Used for Housing

The government is expected to take a new approach to housing. The new National Housing Program provides for six new schemes, focusing on young families and young people who face difficulties in securing a home. During the presentation, Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the program is not simply a …

News

German Ambassador Bergner: Justice Reform a Key Factor in Albania’s Advancement Toward the EU

Germany supports Albania’s membership in the European Union. However, Berlin says the pace of accession talks will depend on the implementation of reforms. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, German Ambassador to Tirana Karl Bergner praised Albania’s progress. He also stressed the importance of strengthening the rule of law and …

News

Foreign Direct Investment Rises 50% to €1.14 Billion in Six Months

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Albania rose sharply during the first six months of 2026. FDI reached €1.144 billion, marking a 50% increase compared with the same period last year. Data from the Bank of Albania on the country’s balance of payments show that FDI flows reached €741 million in …

News

Direct Luxembourg-Tirana Flights to Launch in 2027, Hoxha: Another European Airline Enters Albania

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced today that Luxair will launch direct flights between Luxembourg and Tirana. Hoxha welcomed the arrival of another European airline in Albania. He described the development as excellent news for the country. Starting March 29, 2027, Luxair will operate the new route …

News

Albania, US Company Argent LNG Sign Deal to Explore Adriatic Gas Terminal

Albania is exploring plans to build an LNG terminal on its Adriatic coast. The proposed terminal would receive US liquefied natural gas (LNG) by ship. It would then store the LNG and convert it from a liquid into gas. The gas could enter regional pipelines and reach countries across the …

News

Peleshi: Parliamentary Cooperation with Austria Will Continue to Grow

Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi met with Michael Hammer, chairman of the Austrian National Council’s Friendship Group with Albania, and its delegation. Peleshi highlighted the long-standing friendship between Albania and Austria. He said the two countries have strengthened their ties over the years through political cooperation and exchanges …

News

Berisha Honored with the Key to the City of Mesquite, Texas

The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, has been honored with the Key to the City of Mesquite, Texas, as part of his visit to the United States. The key was presented to Berisha by Mesquite Mayor Daniel Aleman Jr., according to the Democratic Party’s press office. “During the …

News

Judges Issue Joint Statement: Salaries Must Be Unblocked Immediately or We Will Reduce Court Proceedings

Judges across the Republic gathered for an extraordinary meeting at the Justice Center, where they adopted a joint position regarding the freezing of magistrates’ salaries. The statement was read by Judge Alda Sadiku, who stressed that the judiciary’s demands are not subject to negotiation because, according to the judges, they …

News

Average Salary Reaches 92,150 Lek, 1 in 4 Employees Earn the Minimum Wage

The average salary in Albania exceeded 92,000 lek in the second quarter of the year, increasing by 10% in one year. However, significant disparities remain, with the finance and technology sectors paying more than double the national average. The average salary in Albania continued to rise during the second quarter …

News

The Hague Prosecution Seeks Six-Year Prison Sentence for Hashim Thaçi

Following the closing arguments presented by Chief Prosecutor Kimberly West and the prosecutor in the case, the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office in The Hague has requested a six-year prison sentence for former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi in the case concerning obstruction of justice. “Based on all the evidence and facts, the …

News

Rama Unveils “Housing Program”: Confiscated Properties to Be Used for Housing

The government is expected to take a new approach to housing. The new National Housing Program provides for six new schemes, focusing on young families and young people who face difficulties in securing a home. During the presentation, Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the program is not simply a …