Hoxha: No approved project in Zvërnec yet, full environmental impact assessment will be done
No approved project exists yet for the Zvërnec investment, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. He added that authorities will carry out a full environmental impact assessment before any decision. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha said institutions continue preparatory work. He also …
Hoxha: EU enlargement will be key priority of Irish Presidency in 2026
EU enlargement will be a key priority of the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2026, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha said his recent visit to Ireland focused on Albania’s EU …
TKOB prepares tribute evening for Albanian bass-baritone Lukë Kaçaj
The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB) is preparing a special evening dedicated to the great Albanian bass-baritone Lukë Kaçaj. The event will pay tribute to one of the most powerful voices in Albanian opera. It will also honor his life, marked by artistic achievement and personal hardship. Lukë …
Golem Becomes a Tourism Hotspot, Short-Term Rental Market Records Strong Growth
Golem is emerging as one of Albania’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, recording significant increases in both demand and supply in the short-term rental market. According to data from AirDNA, a platform specializing in short-term rental market analytics for platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, the area recorded the strongest growth in …
Non-Performing Loan Ratio Fell to 3.75% in April
The ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) returned to a downward trend in April. According to statistics from the Bank of Albania, the NPL ratio declined to 3.75%, down from 3.85% recorded in March. The indicator also continued to decrease on an annual basis, compared to 4.03% in April 2025. The …
Albanian Medicinal Plants Attract Tourists in Gjirokastër, Demand for Traditional Products Rises
Medicinal plants and traditional Albanian products are attracting growing interest from tourists in Gjirokastër, particularly foreign visitors seeking natural and authentic products from the region. Mountain tea, lavender, spices, and endemic plants are among the most sought-after products in the city’s historic bazaar, becoming an important part of its tourism …
Activists and Citizens Begin March Toward the Prime Minister’s Office
Although in smaller numbers than on previous days, activists and citizens once again gathered this Thursday, marking the 12th day of protests. After assembling in Skanderbeg Square at around 6:00 p.m., demonstrators began marching toward the Prime Minister’s Office, chanting slogans such as “Rama to prison, Berisha to prison” and …
Hoxha: We Aim to Close All EU Negotiation Chapters Within the Next Year
During a discussion with foreign journalists, Minister Ferit Hoxha stated that Albania has set an ambitious but achievable objective of concluding all European Union negotiation chapters within the next year. Hoxha emphasized that the achievements made so far in the European integration process were also considered ambitious, recalling that only …
Foreign Minister: Protests in Albania Are Not a Concern for the EU, Freedom of Expression at a High Level
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha stated that Albania is experiencing a high level of freedom of expression and that the protests taking place in the country do not currently constitute a concern for European Union member states. Asked by journalist Flora McCarthy from Dublin whether Ireland, which …
U.S. State Department Responds to Euronews Albania on Berisha’s ‘Non Grata’ Status
The Press Office of the U.S. Department of State has responded to an inquiry from Euronews Albania regarding reports circulating on Thursday morning that the United States had revoked the “non grata” designation imposed on Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha. In response to a question from journalist Thimi Samarxhiu, the …
The United States has donated a special aviation security training kit to Albania’s Civil Aviation Authority. The donation came at the end of a five-day training program organized by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), according to the U.S. Embassy in Tirana. The equipment will help aviation security personnel simulate …
Economy Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the government remains focused on reforms and Albania’s European Union integration process. Speaking after a government meeting, Ibrahimaj answered questions about an ongoing protest that has entered its 26th day. She said the government approved many important acts during the meeting. According to Ibrahimaj, Albania …
The Albanian government approved two draft laws to advance the country’s European Union integration process. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the new legislation will increase transparency in financial markets and improve commercial relations. The Ministry of Economy and Innovation drafted the bills as part of the EU negotiation …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the Shala River on social media, showcasing one of Albania’s most popular summer destinations. The Shala River has attracted growing numbers of Albanian and foreign visitors in recent years. Tourists visit the area for its untouched nature, crystal-clear blue waters, and adventure tourism …
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos expressed optimism about Albania’s progress toward European Union membership. Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Poland, Kos described Albania and Montenegro as two of the most advanced countries in the EU enlargement process. She praised Albania’s progress and noted that the country has …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the inauguration of a new zip line in Belsh, describing it as another reason to visit the popular tourist destination in the Dumre region. The new attraction, stretching 724 meters, adds a new dimension to Belsh’s tourism offer by combining nature, adventure, and local …
Connectivity, operational safety, and aviation security are the three main pillars of cooperation between the Transportation Security Administration and the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority. The Albanian Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) announced that the donation of a testing equipment set by the TSA, combined with specialized training for experts from the …
The Albanian government has declared the historic center of Dhërmi an immovable cultural heritage site. The Council of Ministers approved the decision and defined the protection zone of the historic center through zoning maps and coordinates in the Albanian Geodetic Reference Framework. The government also approved a plan to preserve, …
Like the weather, the political temperature across the region is rising, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here
TIRANA, June 26 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos during an official visit to Cyprus. The ministers discussed stronger bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of common interest. Meanwhile, Hoxha thanked Cyprus for its continued support for Albania’s European Union integration. …