Tourism students graduate from Swiss program in Albania
The Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, attended the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of students from the professional Hotel and Tourism school program in Albania. The students studied under the Swiss École Hôtelière de Lausanne program. They received internationally recognized training that improves their job prospects and …
Diaspora seen as key partner in Albania’s EU integration push
TIRANA, April 15 – Albania’s chief EU negotiator Majlinda Dhuka said on Wednesday that the country stands at a decisive stage in its European integration process. She described the current phase as both historic and transformative. Speaking at the 4th Diaspora Summit in Tirana, Dhuka said the “Albania 2030 in …
FSHF changes Superiore calendar, Dinamo City–Tirana moved to Saturday
The FSHF Competitions Department announced changes to the Week 32 schedule of the Abissnet Superiore. Officials adjusted the fixtures following a request from the State Police. The request relates to security measures during an opposition protest planned for April 17. The department rescheduled Dinamo City vs Tirana for Saturday at …
Education minister calls for structured policies to protect Albanian language in diaspora
TIRANA, April 15 – Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro on Wednesday called for a new and structured approach to teaching the Albanian language in diaspora communities. She warned that younger generations face a real risk of losing the language without concrete and long-term intervention. Speaking at the Diaspora Summit in Tirana, …
Municipalities seen as key drivers of local economic development, MP Mazniku says
TIRANA, April 15 – Municipalities must act as key drivers of economic development, not just service providers, Arbjan Mazniku said on Wednesday. He spoke at the conference “Implementation of the City Climate Contract” in Elbasan. Mazniku, co-chair of the Special Parliament Committee on Territorial Reform, addressed the session on structuring …
Fuel prices capped as diesel set at 207 Lek per litre
TIRANA, April 15 – Albania’s Transparency Board set new maximum fuel prices on Wednesday, with diesel capped at 207 Lek per litre. The decision takes effect at 13:30 local time. Under the ruling, retail diesel (SSH EN 590 standard) must not exceed 207 Lek per litre. Wholesale diesel stands at …
Speaker Peleshi and North Macedonian Parliament Speaker Gashi discuss parliamentary cooperation and EU integration
TIRANA, April 15 – Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi met North Macedonian Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi on Wednesday for talks focused on bilateral parliamentary cooperation and European integration. Both officials reviewed relations between Albania and North Macedonia. They described ties as friendly and stable. In addition, they stressed the need …
Parliamentary Committee approves ratification of Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development multilateral convention on tax rules
TIRANA, April 15 – Albania’s Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration approved on Wednesday a draft law ratifying the Multilateral Convention on facilitating the implementation of Pillar Two tax rules developed by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The committee examined the draft in its advisory …
Shockwaves or Spillovers: How Will the Iran War Affect the Western Balkans?
Western Balkan leaders are taking diplomatic sides in the US-Israeli war on Iran and the region faces escalating energy prices – with the economic impact likely to be more serious than any potential security risks. Original post Here
How Voice of America ‘Opened a Window’ in Isolated, Communist Albania
Afrim Krasniqi’s new book highlights the US radio station’s crucial role in bringing about change in Albania in 1990 – then ‘the most closed society in Europe’. Original post Here
European Union Ambassador to Kosovo Dirk Schuebel has called for stronger cooperation between local and central institutions, stressing that closer coordination is important for Kosovo’s European integration process. Schuebel met separately on Wednesday with the mayors of Kosovo’s four northern municipalities and with the Mayor of South Mitrovica, Faton Peci. …
The European Commission is moving to formally back Albania’s goal of completing European Union accession negotiations by the end of 2027, according to Euronews. For years, Albania has promoted the 2027 target as a key milestone on its path toward EU membership. Now, European officials say the Commission plans to …
International credit rating agency Moody’s has upgraded Albania’s outlook from “stable” to “positive”. At the same time, it has affirmed the country’s sovereign rating at “Ba3”, the General Directorate of Taxes said. According to the Tax Administration, Moody’s identified strong budget revenue performance and the implementation of the Medium-Term Revenue …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa met with Prosecutor General Olsian Çela to discuss the main challenges facing Albania’s prosecution system. During the meeting, the two officials focused on ensuring justice for citizens and fighting crime. Moreira de Sousa highlighted the importance of a strong and effective justice …
Minister of Interior Ervin Demo held a courtesy meeting with Montenegro’s Minister of Public Administration, Marash Dukaj, on Wednesday. The two officials discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Albania and Montenegro. They also focused on local government and the region’s European path. Demo highlighted local government as an area where …
Albania continues to align its environmental standards with those of the European Union. The country is focusing on reforms, investments and stronger environmental regulations. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said he presented Albania’s progress during a meeting in Brussels with European Commissioner for Environment Jessika Roswall. The meeting also focused on …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Adriatic Charter, held under Croatia’s chairmanship. During the meeting, Hoxha called for stronger cooperation within the mechanism. He also stressed the need for a more inclusive regional approach to address emerging …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Dame Karen Pierce, the United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, in New York, USA. During the meeting, the two officials discussed current developments and dynamics across the Western Balkans. They also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and …
Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi attended the Global Sustainable Transport Forum in China, one of the world’s major events dedicated to transport. Speaking at the forum, Karakaçi called for stronger international cooperation in transport. He also highlighted Albania’s role in major European transport networks. Karakaçi described Albania as …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met with ambassadors and Friendship Groups representing the “Friends of the Western Balkans” countries at the Parliament on Wednesday. The group includes Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Croatia, Slovakia and Slovenia. Peleshi described these countries as important partners for Albania. He also thanked …