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Hoxha: Sweden a valued partner for Albania’s reform agenda

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha meets Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard in Brussels. The meeting takes place during the EU Foreign Affairs Council session. First, Hoxha confirms excellent relations between Albania and Sweden. He also highlights their partnership as NATO allies. In addition, both sides exchange views …

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Malaj: Strengthening internal audit is a priority of public financial management reform

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj attends the “Strengthening Internal Audit” conference in Tirana. The Institute of Internal Auditors Albania organizes the event. Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko and IIA Global President Anthony Pugliese also attend. Malaj says internal audit is a key pillar of good governance, transparency, and financial integrity. …

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Albania’s Recurrent Gasification Mirage

Before Albania can have gasification, it will need to have a functioning economy, a population wealthy enough to afford the costs of central heating and cooling, schools, kindergartens and nurseries equipped with air conditioning, and a substantial industrial base capable of consuming a volume of gas large enough to justify …

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Kanye West concert plan sparks controversy in Albania

Event raises concerns over antisemitism row, reported €50 million temporary stadium, wider European backlash and criticism from Jewish communities. TIRANA, May 11, 2026 – The planned concert of American rapper and producer Kanye West in Albania on July 11 has triggered growing public debate, with human rights activists and the …

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Albania and Netherlands reaffirm partnership in politics, security and European affairs

TIRANA, May 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels. The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations between Albania and the Netherlands. They confirmed a high level of cooperation and expressed …

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European Union to disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro, says Kos

TIRANA, May 11 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the European Union will disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro under the Growth Plan. Meanwhile, she stated that implementation of the Growth Plan is progressing well. She confirmed that nearly 200 million euros will be released …

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PM Rama: Only 12% of public tenders have single bidders, Albania below EU average

TIRANA, May 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has reached an advanced stage of progress in public procurement and in its position within European Union accession negotiations. Speaking at a joint press conference with Reida Kashta (Shahollari), head of the Public Procurement Agency and negotiator for Chapter 5 …

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Upper Grabova: The Hidden “Twin” of Voskopoja in Mount Valamara

Grabova e Sipërme sits hidden in the highlands between Gramsh and Korçë, on the slopes of Mount Valamara. First, the village stands at about 1,250 meters above sea level and preserves a striking natural landscape shaped by mountain waters and deep valleys. Then, its stone houses and traditional architecture reflect …

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Tirana International Airport on track for record year, 13.3 million passengers projected

TIRANA, May 11 – Tirana International Airport continued strong growth in 2026, confirming its position as one of the fastest-expanding airports in the region. Airport management data shows around 3.3 million passengers handled in the first four months of the year. This figure marks a 10.4% increase compared to the …

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Travel + Leisure: Albania Emerges as Europe’s Hidden Coastal Gem

Travel + Leisure highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive and still underexplored destinations. First, the article describes the Albanian Riviera as a strong alternative to the French Côte d’Azur, thanks to its clear waters, historic villages, and ancient ruins. Then, writer Ada Calhoun shares her one-week journey through …

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Inaugural edition of Albanian Music Nights kicks off with world premieres by Albanian composers

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …

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Transport associations oppose VAT hike, warn of higher ticket prices from 2027

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …

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Mateu Boçi wins European championship; PM Rama praises achievement for Albanian chess

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …

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Excitement mounts in Tirana ahead of Albania’s Nations League showdown with Finland

TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …

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Works to begin tomorrow between former Eagle Square and Limuth Underpass, traffic diversions on Tirana–Durrës motorway

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …

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DP launches candidate selection process for local elections, nominations open until 30 November

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …

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Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, civil protection on alert

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …

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European Political Community Summit: Edi Rama shares a group photo alongside European leaders

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …

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Police step up security measures ahead of Albania–Finland match

TIRANA, Nov 12  /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …

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Tirana Observatory Releases New Issue on EU Enlargement and European Security

The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …

News

Inaugural edition of Albanian Music Nights kicks off with world premieres by Albanian composers

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …

News

Transport associations oppose VAT hike, warn of higher ticket prices from 2027

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …

News

Mateu Boçi wins European championship; PM Rama praises achievement for Albanian chess

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …

News

Excitement mounts in Tirana ahead of Albania’s Nations League showdown with Finland

TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …

News

Works to begin tomorrow between former Eagle Square and Limuth Underpass, traffic diversions on Tirana–Durrës motorway

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …

News

DP launches candidate selection process for local elections, nominations open until 30 November

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …

News

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, civil protection on alert

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …

News

European Political Community Summit: Edi Rama shares a group photo alongside European leaders

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …

News

Police step up security measures ahead of Albania–Finland match

TIRANA, Nov 12  /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …

News

Tirana Observatory Releases New Issue on EU Enlargement and European Security

The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …