Eurovision final 2026: Votes from abroad crucial for Albania’s No. 05, Alis urges support
TIRANA, May 16 – Europe’s attention turns to Vienna this Saturday as the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 grand final takes place at the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Austria. Albania will perform fifth among the 25 competing countries with singer Alis Kallaçi and the song “Nân” [Mother]. Alis qualified for the …
Gonzato: Cooperation with General Prosecution Important for EU Membership Priorities
Silvio Gonzato met with Albania’s Prosecutor General Olsian Çela to discuss stronger institutional cooperation in delivering justice and fighting crime. During the meeting, the parties reaffirmed support for Albania’s prosecution system at all levels. They also highlighted assistance for the Case Management System. Moreover, both sides agreed that justice and …
Koçiu: Albania Committed to Stronger Institutions Through UN80 Initiative
Albana Koçiu attended the UN80 initiative conference and highlighted the importance of reforming and modernizing the United Nations system. First, Koçiu said global challenges require stronger international cooperation. Therefore, she stressed that reforms within the UN are essential for supporting Albania’s European aspirations. Moreover, Koçiu reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to stronger …
Rama: Trump Forced Europe to Face Its Weaknesses
Edi Rama said U.S. President Donald Trump pushed Europe to recognize its weaknesses and rethink its future security strategy. He made the remarks during the Lennart Meri Conference in Estonia. First, Rama argued that Europe should take Trump seriously, even if not every statement should be interpreted literally. According to …
Rama: Europe Risks Distorting Economic Priorities Under Security Pressure
Edi Rama warned that Europe risks weakening its economic priorities if security concerns dominate political decision-making. He delivered the remarks during the Lennart Meri Conference in Estonia. First, Rama reaffirmed Albania’s strong commitment to NATO. He described Albanians as “Western Taliban,” explaining that Albania remains fully loyal to the transatlantic …
Gonzato: EU Remains Committed to Multilateralism and International Order
Representatives of the diplomatic corps and senior Albanian government officials gathered in Tirana to discuss how United Nations reform can deliver concrete improvements at the national level. During the discussions, participants highlighted the important role of the UN both globally and in Albania. Moreover, Silvio Gonzato stressed that the European …
Begaj: Albania Needs People Who Think Freely
Bajram Begaj visited the Mediterranean University of Albania, where he met with academics, professors, and students. He also toured classrooms, IT laboratories, and medical science facilities. During the visit, Begaj encouraged public and private universities to face modern challenges and prepare students for a rapidly changing world. Moreover, he said …
VanHorn Hosts Family of Former Embassy Employee Who Died Under Communist Regime
Nancy VanHorn welcomed the family of Loni Adami at the U.S. Embassy in Tirana. She honored his courage and sacrifice as symbols of the struggle for freedom. Loni Adami and his colleague Kol Kuqali worked for the American embassy during Albania’s communist regime. Moreover, both men faced imprisonment and torture …
Beja at UNCTAD: Albanian Customs Moving Toward Full EU Standards Alignment
Besmir Beja held an official meeting at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development in Geneva to discuss the modernization of Albania’s customs systems and their alignment with European Union standards. During the meetings with ASYCUDA program officials, participants highlighted the progress made by the Albanian customs administration in …
Albanian Film Artist Shyqyri Sako Passes Away at 89
Shyqyri Sako, one of Albania’s most respected film artists, passed away at the age of 89. During a career that lasted more than 50 years, Sako worked extensively in Albanian cinema and contributed to the visual identity of many films. First, he studied film painting for three years at the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama took to Facebook after a meeting of the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, saying the meeting focused on preparations for Albania’s accession to the European Union, which are set to begin in 2027. Citing the recommendation in the EU Enlargement Report, Rama said no “barrage of stones, …
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague will deliver its judgment at 10 a.m. on 17 November in the case against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi and four co-defendants over alleged offences against the administration of justice. The other defendants are Bashkim Smakaj, former head of the Kosovo Intelligence Agency …
Tirana police arrested three people and initiated criminal proceedings against 18 others as part of an investigation into acts of violence during Saturday’s protest in the capital. Police said they arrested a 33-year-old identified by the initials E.K. on suspicion of damaging road dividers and smashing advertising stands on Muhamet …
Luiza Gega won the women’s 42-kilometre race at the 10th edition of the Tirana Marathon. The Albanian athlete crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 35 minutes and 35 seconds, taking first place and a €5,000 prize. This year’s marathon drew around 5,800 participants. Organisers introduced a 5-kilometre race to …
Loris Qose, a student from Cërrik, has added another international medal to his record, winning gold in the History and Geography category at ASEF 2026. It is his 12th medal to date. Qose received the Gold Award for his research project, “The Harmony of the Cosmos: The Spatial Architecture and …
TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The feature-length documentary “I, Vjosa” will be screened tomorrow at 13:15 as part of the activities surrounding the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31), at the Albania Pavilion in Antalya, Türkiye. Through an artistic narrative, the documentary explores the history, natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the …
TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The 2027 budget includes new measures to support young couples in purchasing their first home by improving access to financing through subsidised loans and rent assistance for those not yet able to buy a property. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the new social housing package would …
TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama today published a video from the village of Gosnisht, in Përmet, where the Jashari family has established a business dedicated to grape cultivation and the production of alcoholic beverages. Through footage shared on social media, Rama showcases the Jashari family’s business, located …
TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The Tirana Marathon is holding its tenth edition today. In connection with the event, which will take place along the city’s main streets, Tirana Municipality, in cooperation with the State Police, has drawn up a traffic management plan involving road closures and diversions. Restrictions on vehicle …
TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The situation in Shkodër is gradually returning to normal after heavy rainfall, with the Theth–Ndëlysaj road passable for 4×4 and heavy vehicles as debris clearance continues. In Malësi e Madhe Municipality, water levels in the Përroi i Thatë stream near Kamicë village, in the Qendër Administrative …