In rare move, Albania files official protest note over UK migration minister’s ‘shameful’ remarks
TIRANA, Jan. 16, 2022 – Albania’s foreign ministry has called in the UK ambassador to hand over an official protest note following remarks made by UK’s minister in charge of migration, which were called “a verbal lynching” of the Albanian people and “shameful” by Albania’s foreign minister. Typically such protests …
Economy to remain anemic, says World Bank as it slashes growth forecasts for Albania, Eurozone and much of the world
TIRANA, Jan. 17, 2023 – Albania is likely to escape a recession in 2023, but growth will remain anemic at 2.2 percent, the World Bank has announced, lowering a 7-month old projection for a 3.5 percent growth in GDP. By those numbers 2023 is seen as a bad year, since …
Albanians gain visa-free access to China as Tirana and Beijing sign bilateral deal
TIRANA, Jan. 18, 2022 – Albanians will soon have a new — and rather large — global destination they can access without a visa: mainland China. While Chinese citizens have already had the right to visit Albania without a visa, first as part of a tourist season program which Albania …
Albania had Europe’s fastest post-pandemic recovery in tourism sector, official data show
TIRANA, Jan. 19, 2023 – The visible increase in foreign tourists in Albania in the past two years now has statistical backing: Albania has had the fastest post-pandemic recovery in tourism in the entire continent, according to official numbers by Albanian and European statistical bodies. Experts say pent up demand …
Obituary: Isuf Kalo, 80, one of Albania’s top physicians and a key witness to communist history
TIRANA, Jan. 19, 2023 – Isuf Kalo, one of Albania’s most renowned medical doctors and a key witness to the country’s communist history as the personal doctor of the former dictator, has passed away at the age of 80, his family has announced. Professor Kalo was born in Albania’s southern …
U.S. arrest of former senior FBI official with ties to PM leads to opposition calls for investigation in Albania
TIRANA, Jan. 23, 2023 – The ties of the Albanian prime minister to a former senior FBI official recently arrested in the United States have led to calls by the political opposition for a full investigation of any possible Albania-related wrongdoings. The retired FBI senior official has been arrested on …
Op/Ed: Italy and the Western Balkans talk cooperation
By Antonio Tajani* The fate of Europe in these last months is being played, dramatically, around Ukraine. But the future of our continent is also connected with what will happen in the Western Balkans. History teaches us the strategic importance that this region has for our security. Therefore, the international …
Collaku contributes to international conference on women’s contribution to interfaith relations hosted by Pope Francis
TIRANA, Jan. 26, 2023 – An Albanian civil society representative, Rudina Collaku, founder and executive director of Women’s Center for Development and Culture, has addressed a conference on women and interfaith relations organized by Pope Francis. Pope Francis upheld the importance of protecting dignity of and caring for women and …
In Albania’s olive oil boom, lack of proper export system means producers go bust
TIRANA, Jan. 26, 2023 – One the largest olive harvests ever has led to a record production of olive oil in Albania this year. But the boom in production has exposed another problem: Albania’s inability to export. Most oil producers have not been able to secure the needed certification to …
Op/Ed: Serbia, Kosovo, and Russia’s interest in another conflict in continental Europe
By Arash Toupchinejad* Serbia recently found itself in a perilous standoff with Kosovo this past December when ethnic Serbs in northern Kosovo established roadblocks to protest the arrest of a former Kosovo Serb police officer who had assaulted serving police officers. In response to this provocation, Kosovo called upon NATO-led …
The Albanian Parliament approved today the resolution on Albania’s European Union membership process. Lawmakers passed the resolution with 114 votes in favor and one abstention. The ruling majority and the opposition joined votes to support the resolution. Meanwhile, Democratic Party MP Bujar Leskaj abstained. The resolution calls for broad cooperation …
Alis will represent Albania tonight at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with the song “Nân”. The song delivers an emotional message about motherhood. Albanians living abroad can support Alis by voting with code 13 during the live semifinal televote. Meanwhile, Albanians living in non-participating countries can vote online through esc.vote. …
Ferit Hoxha said today that Albania’s European integration remains a non-negotiable strategic objective. Speaking in Parliament, Hoxha responded to an interpellation requested by Democratic Party MP Tritan Shehu. The discussion focused on a joint article published in a German newspaper by Prime Minister Edi Rama and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …
Bajram Begaj received today the credentials of the Ambassador of Palestine, Rana Abusibaa, in Tirana. He welcomed the ambassador and wished her success in her diplomatic mission in Albania. Furthermore, Begaj said he is confident she will help strengthen friendly relations and cooperation between the two countries. He also said …
Bajram Begaj received today the credentials of the Ambassador of Kuwait, Mohsen Alajmi, in Tirana. He welcomed the ambassador and expressed confidence in strengthening relations between the two countries. Furthermore, Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s solidarity with Kuwait in the face of recent attacks from Iran. He described them as a clear …
Edi Rama attended the Charlemagne Prize ceremony in Aachen, Germany, where Mario Draghi was honored. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, Rama described his participation as a special privilege. He praised Draghi as a key European figure in moments of crisis and difficult decision-making. Rama said Draghi represents European courage …
Erjona Ismaili said today in Parliament that European Union integration must remain a national project above political divisions. She called on the opposition to contribute constructively to Albania’s path toward the EU. Furthermore, she said Albania is at a historic moment, aiming to close negotiations by 2027 and achieve full …
Petrit Malaj said today in Parliament that Albania achieved strong macroeconomic progress. He referred to international reports from the U.S. Department of State and the European Commission. Furthermore, Malaj said Albania recorded 4% economic growth in 2024. He added that inflation remained controlled at 2.2%. In addition, he noted that …
Alis performed “Nan” on the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 semifinal. The audience across Europe applauded the performance. The song delivered a strong emotional message about motherhood. The staging included powerful visuals, including references to the Albanian mother figure. Furthermore, the performance attracted attention from international media as …
TIRANA, May 14 – Albania has secured a place in the Grand Final of Eurovision 2026 after Alis qualified from the second semi-final in Vienna with the song “Nân”. Alis delivered an emotional performance that combined Albanian musical elements with a modern stage presentation, earning Albania one of the 10 …