Albania’s foreign minister Hoxha meets Austrian, Czech and Slovak counterparts, strong backing for EU path
TIRANA, April 30 – Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha hosted counterparts from Austria, Czech Republic and Slovakia in Tirana. Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Petr Macinka and Juraj Blanár joined him in a joint media statement. They confirmed continued support for Albania’s European Union path. At the start, Hoxha described the visit as …
Battle of Kaçanik Gorge marks symbol of Albanian resistance and sacrifice
TIRANA, April 30 – April 30, 1910 remains recorded in history as the day of a major confrontation between Albanian insurgents and Ottoman forces in Kaçanik Gorge. Idriz Seferi, one of the best-known leaders of the Albanian uprisings, chooses Kaçanik Gorge as a strategic position to stop the advancing Ottoman …
Berisha at IDU Forum in Zagreb: Electoral Autocracy and “Narco-State” Hindering EU Integration
The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, spoke at the forum of the International Democrat Union (IDU) in Zagreb, where he addressed Albania’s European Union integration process and the factors he claims are obstructing it. He identified what he described as “electoral autocracy” and a “narco-state” as the main …
Malaj: Only Two Secondary Acts Remaining Before Launch of Online Betting
The Minister of Finance, Petrit Malaj, stated today that the process for opening online sports betting is in its final stage, with only two secondary legal acts remaining to be approved before licensed operators can begin operating legally. In a press conference, Malaj said that these acts are being coordinated …
Rama Responds to Criticism of Government Information Agency: SIGMA Report Shows the Truth
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted this Thursday on the social network X (formerly Twitter), referring to a SIGMA OECDreport on the Media and Information Agency (MIA). In his response, Rama emphasized that the institution has received a positive evaluation in an international report, rejecting what he described as earlier criticism …
Kosovo Elections: EU Expresses Regret
The European Union has expressed regret that political parties in Kosovo failed to identify a unifying figure for the position of president, leading the country to organize its third election in less than a year and a half. An EU spokesperson told Radio Free Europe that the bloc has continuously …
50,000 Trauma Cases Annually, Doctor Calls for Education to Reduce Harm
Albania records over 50,000 trauma cases per year, with the majority resulting from road accidents and workplace incidents. This figure was highlighted by Agron Dogjani, a surgeon at the University Hospital of Trauma (Albania), during a conference on lifestyle and risk reduction. He emphasized that trauma cases peak during the …
Judges’ Salaries: Parliament Begins Review of Constitutional Court Rulings
The Council on Legislation in Parliament has begun reviewing two decisions of the Constitutional Court related to the determination of judges’ salaries and the parliamentary rules of procedure. The legal service of Parliament has proposed that, regarding the new formula for judges’ salaries, the Council should decide whether to address …
Albulena Haxhiu Sets June 7 as Date for New Elections in Kosovo
In a statement to the media, Albulena Haxhiu announced that June 7 has been set as the date for holding new early parliamentary elections. Haxhiu’s decision comes shortly after a meeting with leaders and representatives of political parties in the country to determine the election date. “After hearing the proposals …
Serbian Government Blocks Funds for the Presevo Valley
The head of the Albanian National Council, Enkel Rexhepi, stated that the Serbian government has blocked transfers and donations from Kosovo intended for development and the preservation of national identity in the Presevo Valley. “This is not a technical issue. It is about blocking funds… that directly affect 3,650 students, …
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 …
Archaeologists have begun excavating the upper city’s defensive walls at Butrint for the first time, seeking new evidence about the ancient city’s fortifications and urban development. The research forms part of the “Urban Topography of Butrint in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages” project, which examines the site’s evolution between …