Over 817,000 passengers pass through Tirana airport in March
Tirana International Airport (TIA) recorded over 817,000 passengers and 4,708 flights in March, connecting to 80 destinations across 27 countries. The data show strong travel demand and continued growth in air traffic through Tirana. The most requested destinations were Milan, London, Rome, Pisa, and Bologna, reflecting high travel flows between …
Former Finance Minister Arben Malaj warns of structural risks to growth in Albania
TIRANA, April 30 – A World Bank report forecasts a slowdown in Albania and the Western Balkans, raising concerns over growth prospects and social welfare. Speaking on “Mirëmëngjes Shqipëri” (“Good Morning Albania”), former Finance Minister Arben Malaj said international institutions projected continued growth but also highlighted structural weaknesses in the …
Abissnet Superiore on RTSH: Round 34 scheduled entirely for Saturday at 16:00
TIRANA, April 31 – All matches from round 34 of the Abissnet Superiore, broadcast on RTSH, take place on Saturday at 16:00. The league also schedules the final two rounds of the regular season on the same day and time next week, on Wednesday and Sunday. League leaders Elbasani face …
Fuel prices increase by 5 ALL, diesel reaches 208 ALL/litre and petrol 185 ALL/litre
TIRANA, April 30 – The Transparency Board has raised fuel prices by 5 ALL for both diesel and petrol in its decision dated 30 April 2026. Diesel now costs 208 ALL/litre, up from 203 ALL. Petrol is set at 185 ALL/litre. The Board also set wholesale limits. Diesel may not …
“Tourism Development Pole” project transforms former government residence in Sarandë
The Council of Ministers approves amendments to transfer the “Government Residence” property in Sarandë to the municipality. Authorities include the site in the “Tourism Development Pole of Sarandë” project. They design it as an Eco-Smart campus stretching from Qafa e Gjashtës to the former residence area. The government removes restrictions …
Golem substation upgrade strengthens coastal energy supply
TIRANA, April 30 – Energy and Infrastructure Minister Enea Karakaçi inspects the Golemi electricity substation in Golem, Kavaja, as part of ongoing investments to improve power supply in coastal and tourist areas. He says the upgrade doubles capacity from 31.5 MW to 80 MW and will secure long-term supply for …
PM Rama reacts to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report on Media and Information Agency, praises communication role
TIRANA, April 30 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to a report published by SIGMA under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which evaluates Albania’s Media and Information Agency (MIA). The report highlights the creation of the Media and Information Agency as a structure within the Prime …
EU-funded project boosts nature tourism in Elbasan and Funar
Elbasan expands nature tourism with the second phase of the EU IPA Cross-Border project. The Council of the Municipality approves the creation of the Dopaj–Funar hiking trail and new orientation signage. Mayor Gledian Llatja presents the project as part of a broader strategy to develop nature and adventure tourism in …
Finance Minister Malaj reports positive fiscal performance in first quarter of 2026
TIRANA, April 30 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj reported a positive and stable fiscal and economic performance during the first three months of 2026. He said key indicators showed higher budget revenues, improved fiscal administration, stronger tax compliance, as well as growth in employment and business activity. He attributed the …
“Reporters Without Borders” publish media freedom report
TIRANA, April 30 – “Reporters Without Borders” has published its latest report on media freedom in Albania. The report highlights pressure on press freedom and media independence. It links this pressure to conflicts of interest between business and politics, an incomplete legal framework, and political influence over media regulation. The …
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 …