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“Tour of Albania 2026” Cycling Race: Police Publish Traffic Restriction Plan for 5 Days

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”5b0f1cb6-6588-41e1-9b36-c1f3b3458222″ data-turn-id-container=”5b0f1cb6-6588-41e1-9b36-c1f3b3458222″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The Albanian State Police has published the traffic management plan for the “Tour of Albania 2026,” an event that will take place on May 18, 19, 20, 21, and 22, 2026, across the territory of the Republic of Albania. *]:pointer-events-auto …

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Albania-Italy Anti-Cannabis Air Campaign Launched

For the 15th consecutive year, the Albanian State Police and the Italian Guardia di Finanza officially launched this Friday their joint campaign for aerial monitoring of Albanian territory, focusing on the prevention and crackdown of narcotic plant cultivation. The ceremony took place at the General Directorate of the State Police, …

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Tax Administration Announces Cancellation of Fines for Businesses Before 2014

The Tax Administration and Customs Administration are required to remove from their balance sheets all business debts created before December 31, 2014. The General Directorate of Taxes has announced that businesses with unpaid liabilities from 2015 to 2024 will be able to begin installment payments starting June 10. According to …

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Ombudsman: Priority Must Be Given to Prisoners Who Have No Voice — Well-Known Inmates Already Have “Public Advocacy”

The Ombudsman of Albania, Endri Shabani, speaking from Pogradec in a statement to the media, addressed complaints submitted to the Ombudsman’s institution by imprisoned citizens. He stated that although public attention is mainly focused on famous inmates, priority should be given to citizens suffering from health problems and living in …

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Nufi: Focus on Modernizing Air Defense and Cyber Capabilities in the Armed Forces

Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi stated during a press conference on Friday that the country’s main priority is the development of military and technological capabilities for the modernization of the Armed Forces, as well as preparedness for civil emergencies during the summer season. According to Nufi, particular focus is being …

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U.S. Embassy in Tirana: Cybersecurity Essential for Sovereignty and Economic Growth

Cybersecurity has now become an inseparable element of economic growth and national security. This was stated by the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Tirana, Kathryn Hammond, during an event where American cybersecurity solutions were presented. Referring to the importance of protecting digital infrastructure, Hammond …

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Rama from Estonia: “I Came and Brought You the Sunshine — In Albania You Will Not Find Sympathy for Putin”

Prime Minister Edi Rama, during a joint press conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, spoke about the relationship between Albania and Estonia. Rama began his speech with a few jokes, humorously saying that he had “brought the sunshine to Estonia” with his arrival. At the same time, the Prime …

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Kurti Requests EU Candidate Status for Kosovo: “Serbia Attacks Instead of Cooperating”

Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, following a meeting with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, called for Kosovo’s advancement in the EU integration process, including obtaining candidate country status. He stated that Kosovo is not asking for shortcuts or a “back door,” but only for a merit-based process. At …

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Kos: “There Is a Place for Kosovo in the EU, but It Depends on Your Work”

European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos is visiting Pristina today, where she held meetings with Acting President Albulena Haxhiu and acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti. Following the meeting with Kurti, during a press conference, Kos stated that Kosovo belongs in the European Union and said she would work to …

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EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos visits Kosova today

TIRANA, May 15 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos visits Kosova today. She will meet Prime Minister Albin Kurti in Prishtina. Both sides hold a joint press conference at 10:45, according to the Office of the Prime Minister. Kosova hosts Kos during her first visit to the country …

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Week in Review: Polls and Storms

A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here

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Gjergj Fishta: The Pen That Gave Voice to Albania’s National Soul

Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …

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EU and Western Balkans leaders to meet in Brussels on November 25

European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …

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PM Rama urges young people to distance themselves from violent protests

Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged young people to distance themselves from violent protests. He called on them to express their views through peaceful democratic means. In remarks on social media, Rama defended the right to peaceful protest. He said citizens could challenge the government through debate and elections. He …

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Defense minister meets Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi has met Colonel Murat Ilhan, Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana. Turkish Ambassador to Albania Bariş Ceyhun Erciyes also attended the meeting. According to the Ministry of Defense, the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey and their shared commitment to closer cooperation in …

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Institute of Statistics: Albania records 10.7 million foreign arrivals in nine months

Albania recorded around 17.4 million entries by Albanian and foreign citizens from January to September 2026, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Foreign citizens accounted for 10.7 million entries, while Albanian citizens accounted for 6.7 million. Compared with the same period in 2025, foreign arrivals rose by 4.9%, while …

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Students continue protest outside prime minister’s office

Students continued their protest outside the prime minister’s office in Tirana for an 11th day. University lecturers and other citizens joined them again today. Lecturers and students first gathered outside the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Aleksandër Kovaçi, head of the University Lecturers’ Union, called for greater cooperation among intellectuals in …

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Albania holds 2026 National Water Rescue Championship

The Albanian Water Rescue Federation held the 2026 National Water Rescue Championship with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The competition tested speed, technique and endurance through events that combine sport with life-saving skills. A total of 34 competitors took part. The championship has taken place annually …

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Conference League: Egnatia draw 1-1 away to Aarhus

Albanian champions Egnatia drew 1-1 away to Denmark’s Aarhus in their second Conference League group-stage match, extending their unbeaten run in European competition. Egnatia took the lead in the 13th minute when Gruda scored after Adjesa’s assist. Aarhus had already lost Kahl to a red card in the third minute …

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Albania and Italy seek stronger defence and security partnership

Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation with Italy. Nufi made the statement while recognising Italian Military Attaché Colonel Agostino Piccirillo at the end of his mission in Albania. He praised Piccirillo’s professionalism and contribution to bilateral defence ties. The minister also …

News

Week in Review: Polls and Storms

A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here

News

Gjergj Fishta: The Pen That Gave Voice to Albania’s National Soul

Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …

News

EU and Western Balkans leaders to meet in Brussels on November 25

European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …

News

PM Rama urges young people to distance themselves from violent protests

Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged young people to distance themselves from violent protests. He called on them to express their views through peaceful democratic means. In remarks on social media, Rama defended the right to peaceful protest. He said citizens could challenge the government through debate and elections. He …

News

Defense minister meets Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi has met Colonel Murat Ilhan, Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana. Turkish Ambassador to Albania Bariş Ceyhun Erciyes also attended the meeting. According to the Ministry of Defense, the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey and their shared commitment to closer cooperation in …

News

Institute of Statistics: Albania records 10.7 million foreign arrivals in nine months

Albania recorded around 17.4 million entries by Albanian and foreign citizens from January to September 2026, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Foreign citizens accounted for 10.7 million entries, while Albanian citizens accounted for 6.7 million. Compared with the same period in 2025, foreign arrivals rose by 4.9%, while …

News

Students continue protest outside prime minister’s office

Students continued their protest outside the prime minister’s office in Tirana for an 11th day. University lecturers and other citizens joined them again today. Lecturers and students first gathered outside the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Aleksandër Kovaçi, head of the University Lecturers’ Union, called for greater cooperation among intellectuals in …

News

Albania holds 2026 National Water Rescue Championship

The Albanian Water Rescue Federation held the 2026 National Water Rescue Championship with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The competition tested speed, technique and endurance through events that combine sport with life-saving skills. A total of 34 competitors took part. The championship has taken place annually …

News

Conference League: Egnatia draw 1-1 away to Aarhus

Albanian champions Egnatia drew 1-1 away to Denmark’s Aarhus in their second Conference League group-stage match, extending their unbeaten run in European competition. Egnatia took the lead in the 13th minute when Gruda scored after Adjesa’s assist. Aarhus had already lost Kahl to a red card in the third minute …

News

Albania and Italy seek stronger defence and security partnership

Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation with Italy. Nufi made the statement while recognising Italian Military Attaché Colonel Agostino Piccirillo at the end of his mission in Albania. He praised Piccirillo’s professionalism and contribution to bilateral defence ties. The minister also …