PM Rama in South Korea: Albania on difficult but clear path toward EU
TIRANA, May 20 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said South Korea stands as proof that history and culture matter, but do not alone determine the fate of nations. Rama made the remarks during the Asian Leadership Conference in South Korea. Rama said he first visited South Korea more than two …
Rama to Estonian media: EU membership is a realistic goal. We acted correctly regarding Balluku’s immunity
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Prime Minister Edi Rama gave an interview to the Swedish media outlet Postimees, where he spoke about Albania’s European Union membership process and also responded to questions regarding the immunity case of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. Full Interview: …
EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans: European Commission allocates €158.9 million to Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia
The European Commission has today made available €49 million for Albania, €44.2 million for Montenegro, and €65.7 million for North Macedonia under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. According to the official website of the European Commission, this follows the third payment request and the Commission’s positive …
Rama in Seoul: Albania was the “North Korea of Europe,” today we are moving toward the EU
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Prime Minister Edi Rama held a press conference in South Korea, where he is on a several-day visit. During the visit, he also met today with his South Korean counterpart, Kim Minseok. In his remarks, Rama stressed that the Korean …
Under tight security measures, the third stage of the Tour of Albania cycling race concludes in Vlora
The third stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania, following the Elbasan–Vlora route, concluded this Wednesday in the coastal city under strict security measures and temporary traffic restrictions. The tour began on May 18 and lasted for two days. The post Under tight security measures, the third stage of the …
PM Kurti meets Ambassador Hamilton, focus on deepening cooperation with NATO
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met this Wednesday with NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Partnerships, Ambassador Kevin Hamilton. This marks Hamilton’s first visit to Kosovo. During the meeting, they discussed deepening cooperation with NATO. Prime Minister Kurti spoke about developments in the country, including in the fields of technology …
Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Albania, Wendt: We will support the country in the fight against corruption and organized crime
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”29ffcb7e-d35b-4b20-b5da-416375ac529e” data-turn-id-container=”29ffcb7e-d35b-4b20-b5da-416375ac529e” data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Eric Wendt, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the position of U.S. Ambassador to Albania, delivered his opening statement before the U.S. Senate, where he focused on his military experience, relations with Albania, and the objectives he hopes to achieve if …
Trump nominee for U.S. ambassador to Tirana, Eric Wendt, questioned by Senate about Trump family investments in Albania – here is his response
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”af7fec03-0c08-46eb-9dc4-a11509eee1fe” data-turn-id-container=”af7fec03-0c08-46eb-9dc4-a11509eee1fe” data-testid=”conversation-turn-15″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> During today’s Senate hearing on his nomination as U.S. ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt was asked by one of the senators about how he would institutionally respond to investments expected to be made by the Trump family in Albania. *]:pointer-events-auto …
Wendt speaks in the Senate about Porto Romano: It is an effective location for our forces, I hope it will be developed by 2030
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Eric Wendt spoke before the Senate about NATO’s role in Albania and his perspective as the future ambassador there, if confirmed by the Senate. Wendt specifically highlighted the importance of Porto Romano for NATO. “As for our NATO alliance, an …
University of Tirana students represent Albania in Venice sports competition
TIRANA, May 20 – Students from the University of Tirana took part in the international sports competition “2nd Lion Explorer in Venice 2026” in Venice. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja described the participation of Albanian students in the event as an important step for university sports. He said …
The Bank of Albania has kept its key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%. The Supervisory Council announced the decision on November 3. Governor Gent Sejko also confirmed that the overnight deposit rate will remain at 1.5%. Meanwhile, the overnight lending rate will stay at 3.5%. Sejko said the decision reflects …
Albania will test its aviation emergency response capabilities today through a planned search-and-rescue exercise near Tirana International Airport. The drill, named SAR-2026, will run from 10:30 to 12:00. The National Search and Rescue Centre is organising the exercise with institutions responsible for aviation emergencies. Participants include the Armed Forces, Tirana …
The National Library of Albania and Hungary’s National Szechenyi Library have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen professional, scientific and cultural ties. The signing ceremony brought together Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Lira Pipa and Hungarian Ambassador to Albania Martina Laura Kasnyik. The agreement provides for exchanges …
Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “EU Enlargement: Assessing New Concepts and the Outlook for 2027,” organised by the German Council on Foreign Relations. Hoxha said geopolitical realities had made enlargement a strategic and security necessity for Europe. However, he stressed that this …
Construction has begun on a new pedestrian promenade in Lezha, a project worth ALL 62 million funded by the municipal budget. The development aims to create new recreational spaces for residents and tourists. The municipality expects to complete the project by next summer. Deputy PM Albana Koçiu shared footage of …
The European Commission is expected to publish its 2026 Enlargement Package today at around 13:00, including its annual report on Albania. The report will assess reform progress, accession criteria and the challenges Albania must address on its path towards European Union membership. For the first time, the package is expected …
Interior Minister Ervin Demo has presented the government’s proposed 2027 budget for the Interior Ministry to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates around ALL 40 billion, a 12% increase from 2026 and the ministry’s highest budget allocation to date. It aims to strengthen public security, …
Located on the slopes of a mountain, the historic city of Kruja remains one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations. Just a short distance from Tirana, it attracts local and international visitors with its rich history, cultural traditions and natural beauty. Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared new images of …
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi has announced that the government’s draft budget for 2027 provides full funding for priority infrastructure and energy projects. It includes investment in roads and water supply and sewerage systems across all 12 counties. Key road projects include continued construction of the Elbasan bypass, completion …
The musical “The Lion King” will bring a colourful theatrical experience to children and families in Tirana this November and December. Melsi Qirici, director of the National Centre of Culture for Children, has announced the performance dates. The show will take place on November 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and …