Foreign tourist arrivals in Albania rise 11% in March amid shifting travel patterns
TIRANA, April 24 – Albania recorded a 10.8% rise in foreign tourist arrivals in March, as more than 600,000 foreign nationals visited the country, official data showed. The national statistics agency reported that the increase followed a slower start to the year. Travel activity recovered during March, with stronger flows …
Reform aims to strengthen Albanian municipalities through territorial reform
TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s special parliamentary committee on administrative-territorial reform continued nationwide consultations, focusing on concerns over municipal competencies. In Lezha, local hearings highlighted concerns raised by municipal leaders regarding the scope of local government powers. During the discussion, the Minister of State for Local Governance, Ervin Demo, addressed …
Justice or Realpolitik? Two Prime Ministers, Two Futures for the Balkans
Kosovo’s Albin Kurti and Albania’s Edi Rama have distinct and divergent approaches to governing, each with its own set of risks and rewards. Original post Here
Hoxha meets Greek business leaders at Delphi Forum
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met representatives of the Greek Businessmen’s Union at the Delphi Economic Forum. The meeting focused on economic diplomacy and Albania’s potential for foreign investment. Hoxha said Albania offers an open market and a dynamic economy that is increasingly friendly to foreign investors. …
Himara to open tourist season on May 1–3
Himara will open the tourist season on May 1–3. The coastal city will welcome local and foreign visitors. The three-day event will create a festive atmosphere in the southern destination. The program will promote the area’s history, cultural heritage, pristine beaches, traditions, and rich Albanian cuisine. Minister of Tourism, Culture, …
Traffic resumes in Llogara Tunnel after accident
Traffic has resumed in the Llogara Tunnel after a temporary closure caused by a collision between two vehicles. The Albanian Road Authority said police, ambulance, and firefighters arrived quickly and managed the situation. Authorities reopened the tunnel shortly after clearing the scene. The Llogara Tunnel includes a main tunnel and …
Marta Kos notes progress for Albania toward EU membership
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos reported positive developments for Albania and Montenegro on their path to EU membership. She met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens. They discussed EU enlargement and the Western Balkans. Mitsotakis said enlargement had not made the expected progress but noted a new momentum. He …
Qosja leaves final letter with burial wishes for family
Academic Rexhep Qosja passed away at the age of 89. He wrote a final letter before his death and stated his last wishes. He asked for a simple burial ceremony. He rejected religious rituals and official attendance. He requested that only close family members attend the funeral. He chose to …
Hoxha meets Moldovan foreign minister at Delphi Forum
At the Delphi Economic Forum, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi. Hoxha said the meeting gave both sides a chance to exchange views on EU accession. He stressed that Albania actively engages in the European integration process. He …
Hoxha meets Moldova’s Foreign Minister, shares details from talks
The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, announced in a post on X that he held a meeting with Moldova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mihai Popșoi, during the Delphi Economic Forum. Hoxha wrote that during the meeting they exchanged views and shared their assessments regarding their …
Five joint scientific research projects between Albanian and Turkish universities have been selected for funding under the 2026–2028 Albania–Türkiye Bilateral Call. The projects will give new impetus to cooperation in scientific research and innovation. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced that the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (AKKSHI) and …
Academy of Sciences marks 135th anniversary of Osman Myderrizi’s birth with scholarly memorial event
The Academy of Sciences of Albania held a scholarly memorial event to mark the 135th anniversary of the birth of Osman Myderrizi. The event focused on his life, work and contributions to linguistics, literature, history and Albanian national culture. The Academy’s Permanent Commission on Linguistics and Literature organized the event. …
Defence ministers from six Adriatic and Ionian countries met in Venice to discuss stronger regional cooperation in defence and security. The participating countries were Albania, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia. The ministers focused on the increasingly complex strategic environment. They also discussed ways to strengthen regional coordination and joint …
Parliament held today the “Green Week” plenary session, chaired by Speaker Niko Peleshi. The session focused on issues that lawmakers identified during meetings with constituents in their electoral districts. During the proceedings, MPs brought citizens’ concerns and requests to Parliament. They discussed issues that directly affect the daily lives of …
Prof. Dr. Agron Lufi (1947–2026), a renowned architect, professor and researcher, has died at the age of 79. For more than five decades, he contributed to education, scientific research, architecture and urban planning in Albania. The Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism and the Polytechnic University of Tirana expressed their condolences …
New magistrate candidates began the new academic year today at the School of Magistrates in Tirana. During the opening ceremony, EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa stressed the importance of the rule of law as Albania advances toward EU membership. Addressing the new candidates, Moreira de Sousa said …
The United States has reaffirmed its role as Albania’s leading defence partner. The US Embassy in Tirana said Ambassador Eric Wendt discussed stronger defence cooperation and enhanced security capabilities during a meeting with Defence Minister Ermal Nufi. The meeting focused on strengthening operational readiness through Albania’s 25-year partnership with the …
The fight against transnational crime, drug trafficking and illegal migration took center stage at a meeting between US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt and SPAK chief Klodian Braho. Wendt also met with Joni Keta, head of the National Bureau of Investigation. The US Embassy in Tirana said the meetings focused …
Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted a US congressional delegation at the Prime Minister’s Office, where US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt also attended. Rama shared footage from the meeting on social media. Earlier, a delegation from the US House of Representatives, led by Congressman Vern Buchanan, chairman of the Committee …
The United States Ambassador to Tirana, Eric Wendt, met with the leadership of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), with discussions focusing on challenges related to transnational crime, drug trafficking, and illegal migration. In a social media post, the US Embassy in Tirana said these issues are …