Up to 400,000 euros available for tourism and cultural projects, Investment Development Agency says
TIRANA, August 24 – The Albanian Investment Development Agency has announced its 7th call for proposals for small projects under Specific Objective 4.6 of the Greece–Albania Interreg IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme. The call offers new funding opportunities for projects focused on development and cross-border cooperation. The total fund amounts to …
Albania’s top-flight league opens with Egnatia win over Tirana
TIRANA, August 24 – The first round of Albania’s top-flight football league has ended, with all five matches played over three days. The opening round began on Friday with Vllaznia and Skënderbeu drawing 2-2. On Saturday, Partizani and Teuta played out a 0-0 draw, while Laçi and AF Elbasani finished …
32,000 foreigners held residence permits in Albania in 2025
TIRANA, August 24 – The number of foreigners holding residence permits in Albania continued to rise in 2025, reaching 32,163 by the end of the year. The figure was 46.6% higher than in 2024, according to the Institute of Statistics. Men accounted for 65% of residence permit holders, while women …
PM Rama shares exchange with “AI minister” ahead of government meeting
TIRANA, August 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video on social media featuring an exchange with Diella, described as the “AI minister”, shortly before the start of a government cabinet meeting in Pogradec. In the video, Rama asks Diella, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, about Education …
Pogradec’s Koran Fish Festival sees 2 million young fish released into Lake Ohrid
TIRANA, August 24 – Authorities released 2 million Koran fish fry into Lake Ohrid in Pogradec this weekend as part of efforts to replenish aquatic fauna and protect the endemic species. The Koran is important to the lake’s ecosystem and the local economy. The release took place during the Koran …
Ukraine marks 35 years of independence, ambassador highlights Albania’s support
TIRANA, August 24 – Ukraine marks 35 years of independence today, with Ambassador Volodymyr Shkurov stressing the country’s long struggle to defend its sovereignty and European choice. In a message marking the anniversary, Shkurov recalled that Ukraine declared independence on August 24, 1991. He said more than 90% of voters …
Clear skies, temperatures to reach 38 degrees Celsius
TIRANA, August 24 – Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Monday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with some cloudiness developing over eastern areas from midday into the afternoon. Light rain may affect mountain areas in the east and south, while the rest …
Fire situation improves, 4 blazes remain active
TIRANA, August 24 – Albania’s fire situation has improved, according to the Ministry of Defence. Civil Protection structures continue coordinated operations across the country. Authorities reported 11 fires during the day. Four remain active and 7 are under monitoring. A total of 332 operational personnel and 15 firefighting vehicles are …
The Toronto Star highlights Albania’s rapid tourism transformation
TIRANA, August 24 – Canadian newspaper The Toronto Star reports on Albania’s rapid transformation from a communist-era isolated state into a growing European tourism destination. Reporter Tim Johnson highlights its natural beauty, cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and expanding tourism infrastructure. According to Albania’s Institute of Statistics, foreign visitors travelling for …
Mediterranean Games 2030: Durrës set to become a major sports destination
As preparations continue for the “Prishtina & Durrës 2030” Mediterranean Games, Albania is working to strengthen Durrës as a major sports destination in the region. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja held talks in Taranto with newly elected International Committee of the Mediterranean Games President Francesco Purromuto and …
President of the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) Armand Duka met today with Paolo Zampolli, US President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for Global Partnerships. Zampolli is visiting Tirana as part of a wider tour. During his visit, he has met representatives of state institutions, political leaders and other stakeholders in Albania. …
Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi met today with Major General Jasper Jeffers, Commander of the US Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) and Commander of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza. During the meeting, the two sides highlighted the importance of the close Albania-US partnership in defense and security. “Our …
President Bajram Begaj called for cooperation, commitment and dialogue as Albania opened its new parliamentary session today. Begaj urged political forces to work together even when they disagree. He said they should always focus on the country’s interests. “Political mandates and beliefs differ, but our responsibility toward Albania is shared. …
President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) Fidel Ylli welcomed US Special Envoy for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli during a special visit focused on strengthening international cooperation through sport. According to KOKSH, the visit created a new opportunity to strengthen communication and international partnerships in sport. Albania is also …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha condemned tributes to Ratko Mladic in Serbia today. “Albania condemns the glorification of Ratko Mladic, a convicted war criminal who died while serving a life sentence for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes,” Hoxha wrote in a post on X. Hoxha …
Former Albania national team captain Lorik Cana has strongly reacted in an Instagram post, commenting on a photograph of a young woman and expressing concern over how younger generations are confronting the past and relations between peoples. Cana said the photograph made him “deeply sad,” stressing that the younger generation …
Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, has accused Serbia of “state worship of genocide” following the burial with state honors of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić. Mladić, who was convicted of genocide for the Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where 8,372 Bosniaks, mainly men and boys, were killed in …
The Albanian Parliament opened the third session of its 11th Legislature today, resuming parliamentary activity following the recess. At the first plenary sitting of the new session, Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing Parliament’s responsibility to continue working in the interests of citizens and the country. …
Director General, Senior Director Skender Hita has continued his meetings with local and border police structures as part of intensified measures to strengthen the rule of law across the country. During meetings in Vlorë, Gjirokastër, Shkodër and Lezhë, Director Hita focused on the crime situation, particularly serious crimes, as well …
The new EU Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, posted on X about her meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama earlier today. Alongside a photo from the meeting, the Ambassador wrote that the discussion focused on Albania’s European future, expressing optimism about it. Full statement: “Today I had my …