Ernest Koliqi, founder of the modern Albanian novella
TIRANA, May 20 – On May 20, 1903, Ernest Koliqi was born in the city of Shkodër. He became one of the most influential Albanian writers, scholars, translators, and educators of the 20th century. Koliqi studied at the Saverian College and later graduated in literature from the University of Padua. …
10th edition of “Miss Summer World” takes place in Himara
TIRANA, May 20 – Miss Summer World held its 10th edition in Himara, bringing together contestants from 45 countries for the international final at Potam beach. Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo said the contestants added visibility and appeal to the coastal city, while the municipality supported the organisation of the event. …
Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Karakaçi and Swiss ambassador Huber sign agreement on building damage assessment
TIRANA, May 20 – Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi held a meeting with Swiss Ambassador to Albania Ruth Huber. The two sides signed the Agreement on the Building Damage Assessment Project. The Institute of Construction implements the project with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation …
Ahmetaj Calls for Stronger Transparency and Consumer Protection in Microfinance
Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Albania, Natasha Ahmetaj, called for stronger transparency and consumer protection in the microfinance sector. She spoke during the 28th Annual Conference of the Microfinance Centre. The event focused on the future of microfinance and its social mission. Ahmetaj said microfinance must remain an …
Council of Europe Report: Albania Among Countries with Highest Pre-Trial Detention Rates
Council of Europe reports that Albania is among European countries with the highest incarceration and pre-trial detention rates. The findings come from the annual SPACE I report for 2025. The data shows 192 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants in Albania. At the same time, prison occupancy remains relatively low. Albania records …
Peace Board calls UN Security Council to pressure Hamas to disarm
TIRANA, May 20 – The Peace Board, created to oversee the Gaza ceasefire, will ask the United Nations Security Council to pressure Hamas to disarm, according to AP. Albania is a member of the Peace Board. A report scheduled for discussion at the Security Council says Hamas’ refusal to surrender …
Green light for “Gateway to the Alps” as economy committee approves European Investment Bank funding for northern infrastructure
TIRANA, May 20 – The Committee on Economy, Employment and Finance has approved a draft law that opens the way for financing one of the most important infrastructure projects in northern Albania, known as “Gateway to the Alps”. The committee, led by chair Milva Ekonomi, reviewed the financial agreement between …
Clear weather across the country with light cloud cover
TIRANA, May 20 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. The weather will be clear across the territory. Light and temporary cloud cover will appear in mountainous areas in the east from midday to the afternoon. Wind will blow from the northwest to …
PM Rama meets South Korean counterpart Kim Min-seok in Seoul to boost trade, investment and artificial intelligence cooperation
TIRANA, May 20 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok during his visit to South Korea. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen relations between the two countries. Rama said South Korea serves as an inspiration for Albania in national development. He added that both …
Mazniku: New Territorial Reform Must Close Development Gap Between Municipalities
Albania aims to reduce development gaps between municipalities through a new territorial reform. Administrative-Territorial Reform Co-Chair Arbjan Mazniku spoke during a public hearing in Durrës. He said balanced territorial development remains a major challenge for local government. Mazniku said the 2014 reform brought positive results. He noted better services and …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the state budget has exceeded €10 billion for the first time in Albania’s history. He made the announcement in a message on economic performance and addressed students as well. The government has submitted the 2027 draft budget to the Assembly for discussion and approval. Rama …
The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination has brought together national stakeholders to explore new opportunities for regional cooperation and financing. The meeting also marked the first thematic workshop under the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region Stakeholders Engagement Point (StEP) project. Representatives of public institutions, development …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced plans to reduce the price of diesel by 32 Albanian Lek (ALL) per litre by removing the circulation tax from fuel. Under the proposed changes, the government would shift the tax to vehicles and collect it through the relevant road transport directorate. The measure …
The European Union has told Serbia’s incoming government, which will be formed following the elections, that it is expected to engage constructively in the dialogue aimed at normalizing relations with Kosovo, including implementing all agreements reached so far. An EU spokesperson made the statement, stressing that the outcome of the …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has reacted to the tragic train crash in Spain, where at least 68 people lost their lives following a collision between two high-speed trains. In a message posted on social media platform X, Begaj expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the Spanish …
The foreign policy programme of Serbia’s student movement, which won the parliamentary elections and removed Aleksandar Vučić from power, could fuel new tensions in the Balkans, particularly over Kosovo. This is the assessment of German journalist Michael Martens in an analysis published by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ). According to Martens, …
The Albanian government has approved a normative act introducing a state compensation scheme for businesses affected by violent protests held between October 13 and 22, 2026. Under the new measures, businesses with an annual turnover of up to 14 million Albanian lek, based on their 2025 tax declarations, will be …
The Albanian government has approved a new legislative package aimed at preventing violence during public protests, introducing tougher fines, temporary restrictions on gatherings and additional police powers. Under the new measures, participation in a prohibited assembly and concealing one’s identity during protests may result in fines ranging from 10,000 to …
The world marks the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage today, highlighting the importance of preserving films, recordings and other audiovisual materials for future generations. The annual observance recognises the work of specialists who protect materials at risk of being lost. It also raises awareness of the urgent need to preserve …
Deputy Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enkelejda Muça presented a draft law today to the Assembly’s Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. The bill concerns amendments adopted on May 30, 2025, to the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control, originally signed in 1982. The amendments aim to bring national …