Albania introduces new foreigners’ regulation with online applications and one-day provisional permit
TIRANA, April 17 – The Albanian government has approved a set of regulatory changes for foreign nationals aimed at reducing bureaucracy and speeding up procedures. The reform also seeks to align migration and labour rules with European standards. The changes were published in the Official Gazette. The new framework introduces …
Kategoria Superiore: “Final Four” match tickets go on sale
The Albanian Football Federation announced ticket sales for the “Final Four” of the Abissnet Superiore. Fans can buy tickets starting today. The four best teams will play six matches to decide the champion. All games will take place at Air Albania Stadium. First and second round matches will be held …
Ylli in Rome: Italian support for establishing Albanian Paralympic Committee
Fidel Ylli, President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee, visited the Italian Paralympic Committee headquarters in Rome. He met President Marco Giunio De Sanctis. They discussed technical assistance for creating the Albanian Paralympic Committee. They called it an important step for Paralympic sport in Albania. The process follows recent changes …
Director General of Albanian Customs meets World Customs Organization chief, focus on digitalisation and EU integration
TIRANA, April 17 – Director General of Albanian Customs Besmir Beja met World Customs Organization Secretary General Ian Saunders in Brussels during the Annual Meeting of European regional customs leaders. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation and accelerating customs digitalisation. The Albanian side highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at modernising customs …
Albania advances pharmaceutical system digitalisation to improve access to medicines
TIRANA, April 17 – Health and Social Protection Minister Evis Sala outlined reforms to modernise Albania’s pharmaceutical system at a national conference marking 20 years of the Order of Pharmacists. She said the government aims to improve access to safe and effective medicines for citizens. The ministry is advancing digitalisation …
OSCE hosts Albania–North Macedonia meeting on preventing violent extremism
TIRANA, April 17 – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe held a cross-border meeting in Pogradec on preventing violent extremism and radicalisation. The discussion focused on online radicalisation and related security risks. The OSCE Presence in Albania and the OSCE Mission to Skopje organised the roundtable. Officials from …
Albania and European Union hold second security and defence dialogue in Brussels
TIRANA, April 17 – Albania and the European Union held their second dialogue on security and defence under a joint partnership framework. The meeting took place as global security challenges continue to grow in complexity. European Union officials and Albanian representatives discussed cooperation in defence and foreign policy alignment. Albania …
FM Hoxha attends Antalya Diplomacy Forum
TIRANA, April 17 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has arrived in Turkey to take part in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The event gathers heads of state, ministers, diplomats and representatives of international organisations for high-level dialogue. This year’s forum runs from April 17 to 19, 2026, …
Summer tourism preparations intensify along Durrës coastline
TIRANA, April 17 – The municipality of Durrës has intensified work ahead of the summer tourism season across the coastal area. Efforts focus on preparing beaches that attract thousands of local and international visitors each year. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing ongoing preparation activities along …
Albania and Kosova launch first phase of joint Albanian language competition
TIRANA, April 17 – Ninth-grade students in Albania and Kosova begin the first phase of a joint Albanian language competition on Friday. The initiative enters its second consecutive year and brings together schools from both countries. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro invited students to take part and test their knowledge of …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said energy and transport links play a key role in economic growth and Albania’s integration with the European market. She made the remarks after meeting Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi. Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Albania in …
EU member states have approved an intergovernmental conference with Albania on October 13 in Luxembourg, paving the way for the provisional closure of Chapter 20 on Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) approved the meeting after reviewing Albania’s progress on business development and industrial reforms. Chapter …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has moved closer to its historic goal of joining the European Union after the bloc gave the green light to close negotiations on Chapter 20, which covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. In a social media post, Rama said the latest development strengthens Albania’s prospects …
Albania recorded around 788,000 euro transfers worth €8.7 billion during its first 11 months in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). The system has significantly reduced cross-border payment costs for individuals and businesses since it began operating in Albania on October 7, 2025. Bank of Albania data show that individuals …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met Albanian students studying at Gülhane Faculty of Medicine, part of the University of Health Sciences in Ankara, Türkiye. They discussed student life, their experiences abroad, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and their vision for Albania’s future. Nufi said the students’ presence at the Turkish university …
President Bajram Begaj has awarded US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin the title of Commander of the Supreme Order of the Eagle for their contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt attended the ceremony at the Palace of …
Tirana will host the 11th Golden Age Gym Festival from October 1 to 7, 2028, bringing together more than 2,000 participants from across Europe. The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) announced that its executive board unanimously approved Tirana’s bid, citing Albania’s organisational capacity. The Albanian Gymnastics Federation initiated the bid …
Albania, Greece and North Macedonia have launched preparations for a joint bid to add the Prespa region to UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The initiative aims to protect the area’s natural, historical and cultural heritage while promoting sustainable tourism and creating new opportunities for local communities. The European Union will provide …
Tirana will host Japanese Cultural Week from October 14 to 18, offering five days of activities that showcase Japan’s traditions, art, architecture, cuisine, cinema and martial arts. The programme will feature traditional tea ceremonies, Japanese food demonstrations, exhibitions, film screenings and judo and karate competitions. On October 16, visitors can …
Archaeologists have begun excavating the upper city’s defensive walls at Butrint for the first time, seeking new evidence about the ancient city’s fortifications and urban development. The research forms part of the “Urban Topography of Butrint in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages” project, which examines the site’s evolution between …