Germany’s New Enlargement Formula and Albania’s European Illusion
For Albania, the real issue is not which accession model Europe chooses, but whether democracy, rule of law, and state integrity can still be restored. By Genc Pollo Tirana Times, May 24, 2026 – Europe’s enlargement debate has entered a new phase and Albania should pay attention.On May 18, German …
Rama: Tokyo Welcome Shows Respect for Albania
Prime Minister Edi Rama concluded his official visit to Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed Rama with a state ceremony in Tokyo. Rama shared moments from the visit on social media. He thanked Japan for the warm reception. He said the state ceremony showed respect for a transformed Albania …
Albanian Actor Birçe Hasko Dies at 84
Renowned Albanian actor Birçe Hasko has died at the age of 84. Hasko was born in Dukat, Vlora, on March 15, 1942. After finishing high school, he worked as a teacher in Memaliaj. He also joined the city’s amateur theater troupe. In 1965, he started acting studies at the Higher …
Atlas Corporation acquires Edil Centro: A strategic move in business expansion
One of the latest developments attracting attention in Albanian business circles involves Atlas Corporation. Without major public attention, the ATLAS Group has finalized the acquisition of Edil Centro, a move that is being seen as another signal of the growing strength of Albanian companies to invest in and further develop …
Bank Resolution Fund Reaches 8.2 Billion Lek
The Emergency Intervention Fund has reached 8.2 billion lek (around 85 million euros) after annual contributions from commercial banks for 2026. The Bank of Albania said the fund was created in 2018. It aims to support the resolution of banks that face financial difficulties in the future. At the same …
Museum Week 2026: Visual Projections and Stories at the Mosaic of Tirana
Museum Week 2026 has transformed one of the capital’s top attractions. History, contemporary art, and music met at the Mosaic of Tirana. The site hosted the “Beautiful Minds of Albania” 2026 event. Blendi Gonxhja, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, shared details about the gathering. The organizers presented innovative …
8th Intergovernmental Conference: Albania Enters EU Negotiation Closing Phase
Albania is entering a new phase in its European Union membership talks. The 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference will take place in Brussels on May 26, 2026. This meeting opens the path to the closing phase of EU accession negotiations. The Media and Information Agency announced the news today. The EU’s …
Shabani Meets Canadian Ambassador: Strengthening Independent Institutions in Albania
The Ombudsman, Endrit Shabani, hosted the non-resident Ambassador of Canada to Albania, Elissa Golberg, today. During the meeting, the pair discussed the importance of bilateral cooperation. They also focused on strengthening independent institutions in Albania. Shabani outlined the current priorities of the Ombudsman’s office. He emphasized protecting human rights, increasing …
De Fabritiis Wins Stage 5 of the Tour of Albania
Gabriele De Fabritiis won Stage 5 of the Tour of Albania 2026 on Thursday. The final stage started in Vlorë and ended in Fier after 121.3 kilometers. De Fabritiis crossed the finish line first after nearly three hours of racing. Georgios Bouglas finished second, while Alin Toader took third place. …
Koçiu: Automotive Fair Albania Drives Innovation Forward
The fourth edition of “Automotive Fair Albania” opened in Tirana and brought together car enthusiasts, technology experts, and industry professionals. The fair will continue until May 24. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the opening ceremony on Thursday evening. Koçiu said the event reflects a modern Albania that moves quickly …
The team of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has published a message from him on its official Facebook page, marking the sixth anniversary of his transfer to The Hague. “I want to shake each of your hands, embrace you all and assure you that I will emerge completely innocent at …
Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, met Europol Executive Director Jürgen Ebner on Thursday on the sidelines of the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice in Budva, Montenegro. Sveçla said Kosovo remains a reliable partner for Europol, with consistent results under their cooperation agreements. He also highlighted the success …
The Council of Ministers on Thursday approved a decision establishing new categories and requirements for tourist accommodation facilities, introducing stricter rules for resort developments. Under the new rules, tourism facilities must account for at least 60% of a project’s total construction area, while residential units cannot exceed 40%. The calculation …
European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa presented the 2026 Progress Report on Albania to the National Council for European Integration and its two co-chairs, Taulant Balla and Jorida Tabaku. In her remarks, the ambassador stressed the importance of political dialogue and public consultation in Albania’s EU integration …
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted Albania’s progress towards European Union membership on Thursday, describing the 2026 Progress Report as a clear assessment of his government’s performance. Speaking at a joint press conference with EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa, Rama welcomed the report’s findings. However, he argued that disinformation prevents …
The Council of Ministers has approved new rules governing the organisation and operation of the Agency for the Treatment of Concessions and Public-Private Partnerships (ATRAKO), defining its responsibilities, funding, service fees and additional payments for employees involved in feasibility studies. Under the decision, ATRAKO will operate as a public budgetary …
The Tirana International Fair, organised by Klik Ekspo Group, continues to bring Albanian and international businesses together, offering opportunities to showcase products, exchange expertise and establish new partnerships. On the third day of this year’s edition, held at the Palace of Congresses, business representatives, industry associations and experts gathered for …
The European Commission has recognised Albania’s progress in employment, education and vocational training, highlighting developments in several programmes and policies designed to improve skills and expand access to the labour market. Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj shared the findings of the European Commission’s 2026 Albania Report on social …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced the creation of a new communication platform for students and university lecturers, aimed at facilitating direct dialogue on issues and concerns they wish to raise with the government. During a joint press conference with the European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, …
The Transparency Board decided on Thursday to lower fuel prices across the country. Under the new decision, diesel will be sold at a maximum price of 210 Albanian lek per liter at retail outlets, while the wholesale price must not exceed 198 lek per liter. Petrol prices have also been …