PM Rama in South Korea: Albania on difficult but clear path toward EU
TIRANA, May 20 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said South Korea stands as proof that history and culture matter, but do not alone determine the fate of nations. Rama made the remarks during the Asian Leadership Conference in South Korea. Rama said he first visited South Korea more than two …
Rama to Estonian media: EU membership is a realistic goal. We acted correctly regarding Balluku’s immunity
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Prime Minister Edi Rama gave an interview to the Swedish media outlet Postimees, where he spoke about Albania’s European Union membership process and also responded to questions regarding the immunity case of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. Full Interview: …
EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans: European Commission allocates €158.9 million to Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia
The European Commission has today made available €49 million for Albania, €44.2 million for Montenegro, and €65.7 million for North Macedonia under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. According to the official website of the European Commission, this follows the third payment request and the Commission’s positive …
Rama in Seoul: Albania was the “North Korea of Europe,” today we are moving toward the EU
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Prime Minister Edi Rama held a press conference in South Korea, where he is on a several-day visit. During the visit, he also met today with his South Korean counterpart, Kim Minseok. In his remarks, Rama stressed that the Korean …
Under tight security measures, the third stage of the Tour of Albania cycling race concludes in Vlora
The third stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania, following the Elbasan–Vlora route, concluded this Wednesday in the coastal city under strict security measures and temporary traffic restrictions. The tour began on May 18 and lasted for two days. The post Under tight security measures, the third stage of the …
PM Kurti meets Ambassador Hamilton, focus on deepening cooperation with NATO
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met this Wednesday with NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Partnerships, Ambassador Kevin Hamilton. This marks Hamilton’s first visit to Kosovo. During the meeting, they discussed deepening cooperation with NATO. Prime Minister Kurti spoke about developments in the country, including in the fields of technology …
Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Albania, Wendt: We will support the country in the fight against corruption and organized crime
*]: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=”29ffcb7e-d35b-4b20-b5da-416375ac529e” data-turn-id-container=”29ffcb7e-d35b-4b20-b5da-416375ac529e” data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Eric Wendt, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the position of U.S. Ambassador to Albania, delivered his opening statement before the U.S. Senate, where he focused on his military experience, relations with Albania, and the objectives he hopes to achieve if …
Trump nominee for U.S. ambassador to Tirana, Eric Wendt, questioned by Senate about Trump family investments in Albania – here is his response
*]: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=”af7fec03-0c08-46eb-9dc4-a11509eee1fe” data-turn-id-container=”af7fec03-0c08-46eb-9dc4-a11509eee1fe” data-testid=”conversation-turn-15″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> During today’s Senate hearing on his nomination as U.S. ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt was asked by one of the senators about how he would institutionally respond to investments expected to be made by the Trump family in Albania. *]:pointer-events-auto …
Wendt speaks in the Senate about Porto Romano: It is an effective location for our forces, I hope it will be developed by 2030
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Eric Wendt spoke before the Senate about NATO’s role in Albania and his perspective as the future ambassador there, if confirmed by the Senate. Wendt specifically highlighted the importance of Porto Romano for NATO. “As for our NATO alliance, an …
University of Tirana students represent Albania in Venice sports competition
TIRANA, May 20 – Students from the University of Tirana took part in the international sports competition “2nd Lion Explorer in Venice 2026” in Venice. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja described the participation of Albanian students in the event as an important step for university sports. He said …
Vora and Elbasani claimed important victories on Tuesday as the ninth round of Albania’s Abissnet Superliga got underway. Meanwhile, Skënderbeu and Laçi shared the points after a 1-1 draw. Vora beat Vllaznia 2-1 at home in a closely contested match. Kashari opened the scoring in the 16th minute, while Daka …
The Ministry of Environment has opened a public grant call for small and medium-sized enterprises under the ASCEND project. The programme has a total fund of €80,000. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said the initiative aims to support businesses that promote sustainable adventure tourism and showcase natural and protected areas. He …
Albania plans public investments of ALL 201.5 billion in 2027, equivalent to 6.9% of gross domestic product. Social protection and education will also receive substantial funding under the draft budget. Presenting the 2027 draft budget, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said capital expenditure would average around 6.6% of gross domestic product …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented Albania’s 2027 draft state budget and fiscal package at the Assembly’s Conference of Chairpersons. The meeting is expected to set the timetable for parliamentary discussions and approval. The Democratic Party did not attend, saying its lawmakers had not received the supporting documents needed to review …
Albania’s 2027 draft budget will double monthly pension bonuses from January 1, while increasing support for children with disabilities and families in need. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the measures at the Conference of Chairpersons. Pension indexing is scheduled for April 2027, with around ALL 1.35 billion allocated for the …
Durrës has become a meeting point for screenwriters and filmmakers from across Europe, as Albania hosts the international Equinoxe script development programme for the first time. The National Center of Cinematography said the programme has more than 30 years of experience in developing film scripts through professional guidance and collaboration …
Korça continues to welcome groups of foreign tourists in autumn, with its traditions, local cuisine and hospitality drawing visitors from Albania and abroad. Tourists are visiting the city’s main attractions and exploring its streets. Tour operator Eriketa Koçollari said foreign groups from around the world continued to visit the city …
Strategic Group and Qatar-based Ocean B Holding have signed a strategic cooperation framework targeting up to $2 billion in investments in Kosova and Albania. Under the agreement, Ocean B Holding has authorised Strategic Group to represent its investment interests across the region. The mandate also covers Montenegro, North Macedonia and …
Albania plans to allocate ALL 76.7 billion to the Ministry of Defence in 2027, including ALL 7 billion in additional funding. The allocation will bring defence spending to 2.35% of gross domestic product, reflecting Albania’s commitments as a NATO member. Presenting the 2027 draft budget at the Conference of Chairpersons, …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the 2027 fiscal package at the Conference of Chairpersons. He said the proposed changes would have a neutral overall effect. The package aims to redistribute income and protect vulnerable groups and the middle class. The plan rests on 3 principles: income redistribution, greater tax fairness …