Government promotes cooperation model for grain farmers in Durrës
TIRANA, May 29 – Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla and Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako presented a new agricultural cooperation model for grain, corn and wheat farmers in Durrës. The initiative aims to strengthen farmer organisation and improve competitiveness in the agricultural sector. Salla said the model allows farmers …
Scientific Conference Focuses on Water Resources in Albanian-Speaking Regions
A two-day international scientific conference opened in Pristina on Thursday. The event focuses on “Water as a Source of Energy and Environmental Protection: Balance Towards a Sustainable Future.” The conference comes through cooperation between the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo and the Academy of Sciences of Albania. Moreover, …
e-Albania 2.0 improves digital independence and business efficiency
TIRANA, May 29 – Albania advanced its digital transformation with the presentation of Albanian Digital Solution Sh.A. on Thursday. The initiative supports e-government development and expands digital public services. Meanwhile, Agjencia Kombëtare e Shoqërisë së Informacionit Director Igli Tafa said technical teams drive the country’s digital ecosystem. Tafa said specialists …
Strategic Italy: Where Is Albania?
by Albert Rakipi, Ph.D. In April 2026, Fincantieri, one of Italy’s foremost industrial and defense champions, signed an agreement with the Albanian company KAYO to produce vessels at the Pashaliman shipyard. Prime Minister Rama presented the project as part of a strategic partnership, noting that the new company would produce …
President Begaj’s Eid Visit Signals Warmer Albania-Saudi Ties
Albania’s president attended a high-level Eid al-Adha ceremony in Saudi Arabia, in a visit seen as strengthening Tirana’s relations with a key Arab and Muslim world power. Tirana Times, May 29, 2026 – Albanian President Bajram Begaj was received by Saudi Arabia’s leadership during an official Eid al-Adha state ceremony hosted …
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani: Western Balkans EU enlargement is a strategic investment, process must be accelerated
TIRANA, May 29 – Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said European Union enlargement towards the Western Balkans represents a strategic investment and must be accelerated. Meanwhile, Tajani said Italy supports the launch of a process that will bring Ukraine into the European Union. He also said other candidate countries must not …
Rama: Socialist Party Moves Albania Closer to EU on 35th Anniversary
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama joined the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary celebration in Korça on Wednesday. He highlighted Albania’s latest step toward European Union membership after the recent intergovernmental conference with the EU. Rama said the Socialist Party moved Albania one step higher on its path to …
Government Launches “Smart City” Program for Smarter Urban Management
The Albanian government launched the “Smart City” program to support the development of smarter cities across the country. State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo presented the initiative on Wednesday. He said the program will connect different systems already used by municipalities. The goal is to improve urban management and …
Western Balkans Parliamentary Officials Meet in Tirana to Strengthen Regional Cooperation and EU Integration
General secretaries from the parliaments of the Western Balkans, Austria and Slovenia met in Tirana on Wednesday. The forum focused on regional cooperation, parliamentary diplomacy and European Union integration. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Agron Gjekmarkaj and Secretary General Genci Gjonçaj opened the meeting. They stressed the importance of parliamentary cooperation …
Korça Moves Toward Regional Events Hub with New Festival and Creative Industry Center
Korça is moving closer to becoming a regional center for festivals and cultural events. Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the construction site of the new Festival and Creative Industry Center on Wednesday. The project covers 18 hectares and aims to create a modern space for festivals, concerts and artistic events …
United States Ambassador Eric Wendt has outlined his priorities in a video message posted on X. He identified defence, economic prosperity and security as the main areas for cooperation. He also thanked President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their trust, along with the Albanian people for …
Personnel from Albania’s Civil Emergencies Support Base and the Kosova Security Force held a joint mountain search and rescue exercise in Prevalla, near Prizren. According to Defence Minister Ermal Nufi, the exercise took place from 2 to 5 November. Participants exchanged experience, tested new equipment and practised rescue techniques in …
Albania will allocate 2.08 billion lek to the Cultural Heritage and Museums programme in 2027, marking an 80% increase compared with 2026, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced on Thursday. Presenting the draft budget to the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Gonxhja said the increased …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Romania’s new Foreign Minister, Dan Neculaescu, in Bucharest to discuss bilateral ties and regional security. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation, with a particular focus on expanding economic and trade relations and making full use of their potential. Hoxha …
Albania and India are exploring ways to strengthen tourism ties following a meeting at the World Travel Market London 2026. Jola Hysaj, director general of the National Tourism Agency, met India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during the international travel fair. The two officials discussed exchanging experience …
Albania’s Arts and Culture programme will receive a budget of 3.37 billion lek in 2027, with around 1.5 billion lek, or 45% of the total, earmarked for public investment, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced. The draft budget also allocates 495.9 million lek to artistic projects, marking …
The European Commission’s 2026 report highlights Albania’s new law on the Bank of Albania and progress in central bank independence, payment systems and banking stability. The report notes that the new legislation aligns with European Union rules on central bank independence and the prohibition of monetary financing for the public …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has stressed the need for an inspection system that supports businesses and promotes economic growth without creating unnecessary barriers. Speaking at a conference organised by the General Inspectorate on investment and compliance with legal requirements, he said inspections should serve a practical purpose rather than burden …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu has pledged to align Albania’s anti-corruption legislation with European Union standards. He also proposed three priorities for stronger regional cooperation at the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs in Budva, Montenegro, on 5–6 November. Speaking at a session on the judicial dimension of …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi presented the 2027 draft budget to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates ALL 76.284 billion, a 10% increase on 2026, equivalent to 2.6% of gross domestic product. Capital spending accounts for ALL 43.6 billion, while current expenditure totals ALL 32.6 billion. …