Nexhmije Pagarusha, icon of Albanian music
TIRANA, May 7 – Nexhmije Pagarusha, one of the most iconic figures in Albanian music, was born 93 years ago in the village of Pagarusha in Malisheva of Kosova. Her career lasted more than five decades and moved between folk and operatic music, shaped by a distinctive soprano voice. “Baresha” …
More than 200 artists to perform during 10-day VjosArt festival in Albania
TIRANA, May 7 – More than 200 artists from Albania and across the region will perform during the 2026 edition of the VjosArt festival. The 10-day event combines art, tourism and environmental awareness along the Vjosa River. The festival will take place from May 21 to May 31 across several …
Albania, Kosovo Strengthen Defense Cooperation
Ermal Nufi met with Gegë Lleshi on Wednesday to discuss closer cooperation in defense and security. During the meeting, both sides highlighted their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in military education, joint training, and exercises. In addition, they discussed cooperation in civil protection and emergency management. Nufi stressed that Kosovo …
Demo Meets Austrian Delegation on EU Integration Cooperation
Ervin Demo welcomed Monika Zach and an Austrian delegation in Tirana on Wednesday. The delegation included 14 mayors and around 60 senior local government representatives. The group was led by Johannes Pressl. During the meeting, both sides discussed the role of local government in the European integration process. In addition, …
EU Calls for Quick Government Formation in Kosovo
Eva Palatova called for the rapid formation of a new government in Kosovo following the June 7 elections. Speaking during Europe Day activities in Prishtina, Palatova also urged political parties to reach a compromise on electing the country’s president. She stressed that the future government should have a strong parliamentary …
Prison System Modernization Discussed in US Embassy Meeting
Adriatik Kupi welcomed a delegation from the United States Embassy in Tirana during an introductory meeting held at the General Directorate of Prisons. During the meeting, the US representatives praised the cooperative approach of the prison administration. They also highlighted the importance of continued institutional cooperation in support of reforms …
Albania, EU Discuss Security and Defense Partnership
Ermal Nufi welcomed Cosmin Dobran in Tirana on Thursday. The meeting focused on the Security and Defense Partnership between Albania and the European Union. Both sides described the partnership as an important platform for structured cooperation. Albania reaffirmed its commitment to continuing dialogue and achieving concrete results. Meanwhile, Nufi stressed …
French minister praises Albania’s reforms, says rule of law key to EU integration
TIRANA, May 7 – Albania and France are deepening cooperation in the justice sector. Talks in Tirana focus on judicial reform, criminal legislation and the fight against organised crime during a visit by French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin. The issue featured in a joint press appearance with Albanian Justice Minister …
Jaupaj: Albania Launches 10-Year Plan for Climate and Air Quality
Sofjan Jaupaj presented a national climate plan for 2026–2036 in Tirana on Wednesday. He said the plan includes 66 priority measures. It targets climate impacts such as fires, floods, and droughts. Jaupaj explained that the measures fall into soft interventions, green actions, and infrastructure investments. He added that the total …
Malaj: Fuel Excise Cut Costs 37 Million Lek, Measures Remain Manageable
Petrit Malaj presented in Parliament a new emergency ordinance on excise tax changes for fuel. He said the government approved the measure to soften the impact of international fuel price fluctuations and to protect consumers. Malaj explained that the decision responds to global market shocks linked to the conflict in …
The European Commission has condemned violent incidents in Tirana and other Albanian cities, stressing that freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental rights that must be exercised peacefully. In a statement on Sunday, the Commission denounced arson, attacks on state institutions and damage to public and private property. It also …
The Muslim Community of Albania has called on all sides to preserve peace, show restraint and resolve differences through dialogue amid ongoing protests across the country. In a statement on Sunday, the community warned that tensions could threaten public safety and social cohesion. At the same time, it reaffirmed citizens’ …
Skënderbeu claimed their first win of the Albanian Superliga season on Sunday, beating Elbasan 2-1 in the seventh round. Meanwhile, media reports say Elbasan coach Ivan Gvozdenović has resigned following the defeat. Under coach Julian Ahmataj, the Korçë side overturned an early deficit thanks to Bismark, who scored twice to …
Nufi Condemns Attack on Socialist Party Headquarters as Protesters Set Fire to Tirana Police Station
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has condemned the attack on the Socialist Party headquarters, calling it a threat to political pluralism and democracy. Meanwhile, protesters set fire to Police Station No. 3 on Mine Peza Street in Tirana, injuring several police officers, according to reports. In a social media post, Nufi …
European Parliament rapporteur for Albania Andreas Schieder has expressed concern over clashes between protesters and police in Tirana, urging all sides to stop the escalation immediately. In a social media statement, Schieder noted that young people across Europe, from Paris and Berlin to Tirana, are demanding better education and equal …
Vora secured a commanding 4-1 win over Partizani in the seventh round of the Albanian Superliga on Sunday, with Bernard Karrica scoring a hat-trick. Arian Bellaj’s side controlled the match and made their chances count. Karrica opened the scoring in the 17th minute before converting a penalty in the 50th …
Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania Joan has called on decision-makers to make wise and mature choices in the interests of the country and all its citizens. Speaking at the end of the Divine Liturgy, Joan stressed that Albania belongs to all its citizens and that everyone has the …
Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi has condemned violence during protests in Albania, stressing that attacks on institutions and the destruction of public and private property have nothing to do with the right to demonstrate. Peleshi said young people have every right to demand greater opportunities and rights. They also deserve to …
Albert Nushi, Head of the Management Sector at the Public Security Department, announced at a press conference that 54 people were taken into police custody following the previous day’s violent protest. Of those, 27 were arrested and 27 others face criminal proceedings for property destruction and violence against police officers. …
The official visit that Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama had planned to make to Vienna, Austria, on Monday, October 19, has been cancelled by the Albanian side. The news was published by the Austrian press release portal OTS.at. According to the announcement, the scheduled meeting between the Albanian Prime Minister …