Rama announces new inspection framework for 2027, unannounced checks to be phased out
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ The 32nd Tirana International Fair (TIF32) featured a conference with the participation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and Economy Minister Delina Ibrahimaj, providing foreign businesses and prospective investors with guidance on Albania’s legal requirements, regulatory standards and inspection procedures. The conference featured three thematic panels focusing …
Dutch Ambassador: Protests reflect social tensions, violence is unacceptable
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ Dutch Ambassador Marleen Monster said Albania’s protests reflect public discontent and social tensions, stressing that while citizens have the right to demonstrate, violence is unacceptable. During a visit to Korçë, where she met with law enforcement representatives to discuss media freedom, Monster stressed that citizens have …
Gonxhja holds talks with World Bank Director on Sustainable Tourism Development
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja today held a meeting with Xiaoqing Yu, the World Bank’s Country Director for the Western Balkans, and other representatives of the institution. Gonxhja said the discussions focused on the progress of reforms and projects aimed at increasing tourism’s economic …
Albania and India explore new avenues for tourism cooperation
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ On the sidelines of the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026 international tourism fair, National Tourism Agency Director-General Jola Hysaj held a meeting with India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The talks focused on strengthening tourism relations and cooperation between Albania and India through …
US ambassador Eric Wendt outlines priorities for Albania: defence, investment and security
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 …
Albania and Kosova hold joint mountain search and rescue exercise
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 …
Gonxhja: ALL 2.08 BILLION LEK ALLOCATED TO CULTURAL HERITAGE AND MUSEUMS IN 2027
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 …
FM Hoxha and Romanian counterpart reaffirm support for Albania’s European integration
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 seek closer tourism cooperation
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 Allocates ALL 3.37 Billion to Arts and Culture in 2027, with ALL 1.5 Billion for Investment
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 …
Prime Minister Edi Rama took to Facebook after a meeting of the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, saying the meeting focused on preparations for Albania’s accession to the European Union, which are set to begin in 2027. Citing the recommendation in the EU Enlargement Report, Rama said no “barrage of stones, …
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague will deliver its judgment at 10 a.m. on 17 November in the case against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi and four co-defendants over alleged offences against the administration of justice. The other defendants are Bashkim Smakaj, former head of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency …
Tirana police arrested three people and initiated criminal proceedings against 18 others as part of an investigation into acts of violence during Saturday’s protest in the capital. Police said they arrested a 33-year-old identified by the initials E.K. on suspicion of damaging road dividers and smashing advertising stands on Muhamet …
Luiza Gega won the women’s 42-kilometre race at the 10th edition of the Tirana Marathon. The Albanian athlete crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 35 minutes and 35 seconds, taking first place and a €5,000 prize. This year’s marathon drew around 5,800 participants. Organisers introduced a 5-kilometre race to …
Loris Qose, a student from Cërrik, has added another international medal to his record, winning gold in the History and Geography category at ASEF 2026. It is his 12th medal to date. Qose received the Gold Award for his research project, “The Harmony of the Cosmos: The Spatial Architecture and …
TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The feature-length documentary “I, Vjosa” will be screened tomorrow at 13:15 as part of the activities surrounding the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), at the Albania Pavilion in Antalya, Türkiye. Through an artistic narrative, the documentary explores the history, natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the …
TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The 2027 budget includes new measures to support young couples in purchasing their first home by improving access to financing through subsidised loans and rent assistance for those not yet able to buy a property. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the new social housing package would …
TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama today published a video from the village of Gosnisht, in Përmet, where the Jashari family has established a business dedicated to grape cultivation and the production of alcoholic beverages. Through footage shared on social media, Rama showcases the Jashari family’s business, located …
TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The Tirana Marathon is holding its tenth edition today. In connection with the event, which will take place along the city’s main streets, Tirana Municipality, in cooperation with the State Police, has drawn up a traffic management plan involving road closures and diversions. Restrictions on vehicle …
TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The situation in Shkodër is gradually returning to normal after heavy rainfall, with the Theth–Ndëlysaj road passable for 4×4 and heavy vehicles as debris clearance continues. In Malësi e Madhe Municipality, water levels in the Përroi i Thatë stream near Kamicë village, in the Qendër Administrative …