Gjirokastër attracts German tourists drawn to history, architecture and culture
TIRANA, May 7 – German tourists show rising interest in Gjirokastër, turning the historic southern Albanian city into a key destination in Albania. Visitors explore its architecture, cobblestone streets, and cultural heritage. Renata and Wolfgang, a German couple, visit Gjirokastër this spring during a longer trip across Albania. Spring travel …
Keti Meadows in Klos offers white lilies and a natural fragrance oasis near Tirana
TIRANA, May 7 – Keti Meadows in Mat, part of Klos municipality, offers a striking natural landscape rich in vegetation and floral scents. The site lies around 25 kilometres from Tirana and attracts visitors with its mountain scenery and seasonal flower bloom. White lilies dominate the area, creating a distinctive …
Tourism drives Albania’s economic growth
TIRANA, May 7 – Tourism remains a key driver of Albania’s economic growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said in an interview with the Montenegrin magazine “The Collection”. The interview is titled “Shaping the Future: Tourism as the Engine of Albania’s Economic Growth”. Gonxhja described tourism as a …
Government Launches 2026 Self-Employment Program to Support Young Entrepreneurs
The Ministry of Economy and Innovation has launched the 2026 call for the Self-Employment Program. The initiative aims to support unemployed jobseekers in starting their own businesses and creating new jobs. Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented the program and highlighted its importance. She said it supports young people, women, and vulnerable …
Sejko Warns Middle East Tensions Threaten Global and Albanian Economy
The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, said that tensions in the Middle East remain a major source of risk for the global and Albanian economy. He stressed that the impact of the conflict depends on its duration and intensity. As a result, inflation risks rise, while economic …
Bank of Albania Keeps Base Interest Rate Unchanged at 2.5%
The Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania has decided to keep the base interest rate unchanged at 2.5%. Governor Gent Sejko announced the decision during a press conference. He also said the Council kept the overnight deposit rate unchanged at 1.5% and the overnight lending rate at 3.5%. The …
VanHorn Praises Albania–US Defense Cooperation at Anniversary Ceremony
The Chargé d’Affaires of the United States in Albania, Nancy VanHorn, attended the 25th anniversary ceremony of the State Partnership Program between the New Jersey National Guard and the Albanian Armed Forces. She said the New Jersey National Guard and the Albanian Armed Forces train together and strengthen each other. …
President Begaj Welcomes AADF Chief Granoff and Discusses “Toka” Initiative
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj met with Michael Granoff, Chairman of the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), along with its executive directors. The discussion focused on the foundation’s latest projects. These projects aim to develop agriculture, tourism, education in artificial intelligence, and stronger links between diaspora researchers and Albanian institutions. …
EU Ambassador Urges Wider Participation in Lawmaking in Albania
A meeting focused on improving lawmaking and increasing transparency took place today in Tirana. Participants included members of Parliament, state institutions, civil society, and international partners. The discussions focused on more inclusive processes. These processes aim to ensure wider participation and faster alignment with EU standards. EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato …
President Begaj Calls US Strategic Partnership Cornerstone of Albania’s Foreign Policy
President Bajram Begaj attended the 25th anniversary ceremony of cooperation between the Albanian Armed Forces and the New Jersey National Guard in Zall-Herr. He said the strategic partnership with the United States is a key pillar of Albania’s foreign policy and security. He described the cooperation as one of the …
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry and eight business associations have condemned violence and property damage during recent protests in the capital. They have urged authorities to take concrete measures to protect public order and safety. In a joint statement, the organizations expressed concern over attacks on public institutions, …
Egnatia began its historic UEFA Conference League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Danish side Midtjylland at Elbasan Arena on Thursday. Gruda scored for the Albanian side, which claimed its first point in the competition’s league phase. Egnatia took the lead in the 26th minute when Gruda headed home a …
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Masked protesters continued to clash with police in Tirana on Thursday. They damaged public spaces and private businesses as unrest spread across the capital. After vandalizing businesses on Elbasan Street, masked youths set a kiosk ablaze on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Flames engulfed the structure and sent thick smoke into …
President Bajram Begaj has called on citizens and all parties involved in the recent protests to reject violence and prioritize dialogue. He stressed that Albania needs calm, responsibility and cooperation. In a message to the public, Begaj said he had followed both the protesters’ demands and the acts of violence …
The OSCE Presence in Albania has welcomed President Bajram Begaj’s call for calm and inclusive dialogue amid the recent unrest. It has also offered to help facilitate talks if the parties request its support. In a statement, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) joined the President’s appeal …
The EU Delegation in Tirana issued a statement on Thursday regarding the student protests, condemning the escalation of violence and damage to property. In its statement, the delegation called on protesters to refrain from violence. According to the EU, constructive dialogue among all parties is the only way forward to …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro has responded following three days of protests by university and high school students, calling on parents, teachers, and the wider community to work together to ensure the safety of young people and prevent the situation from escalating. In a message addressed to parents, pupils, and university …
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reacted to acts of violence and damage to public and private property during protests in the capital, condemning attacks on institutions, banks, shopping centers, and business premises. In its statement, the Chamber emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a …
Student protests continue to escalate in the capital. In the former Blloku area, private businesses have begun taking protective measures, installing security shutters and reinforcing their commercial premises. These security measures follow incidents reported in recent hours, during which some young protesters attacked and damaged private property, as well as …