Week in Review: High Ambitions and Missed Opportunities
Our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at future goals as well as lost opportunities from the past. Original post Here
Diaspora Summit seen as key cooperation platform, EU membership remains strategic priority for Albania
TIRANA, April 10 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said the Fourth Diaspora Summit represents an important national event aimed at strengthening ties between Albanian institutions and citizens living abroad. He spoke during a media conference ahead of the gathering. He said the main objective is to turn the summit into …
Finance minister urges wage transparency and sector formalisation in tourism meeting in Berat
TIRANA, April 10 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met tourism businesses in Berat to discuss sector challenges and tax compliance. He was joined by Tax Administration Director General Ilir Binaj. The meeting focused on cooperation with tax authorities and progress in implementing the operational plan for the region. During the …
PM Rama tells pensioners pensions could rise fivefold by 2030 as economy stabilises
TIRANA, April 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met pensioners in Tirana’s Unit 2 to discuss economic growth, social policies, and pension reform. He said the government will continue support through annual bonuses and gradual pension increases across categories. During the discussion, Rama said the government has entered a new …
“€100 Million to Connect the Mountains with the Sea”: Government Approves “Gateway to the Alps” Project for Shkodër
The Albanian government has approved a new project for the Shkodër region called “Gateway to the Alps.” Through this project, €100 million in infrastructure investments are planned across the entire region, aiming to give a significant boost to tourism development, from the Alps all the way to the coast of …
36 New Recruits from Non-Majority Communities Join the Kosovo Security Force
The Kosovo Security Force has announced that, in a solemn ceremony held today at the “Skënderbeu” barracks in Ferizaj, 36 recruits from non-majority communities were certified and have officially joined the force as its soldiers. During the ceremony, it was stated that the recruits came from Turkish, Ashkali, Bosniak, Roma, …
Minister of Justice: The System Must Not Punish Twice for the Same Offense
The Constitutional Court and the National Chamber of Advocates held a conference where one of the fundamental principles of criminal law was discussed — the prohibition of double trial or punishment for the same criminal offense. In essence, this principle guarantees that a person cannot be prosecuted or punished more …
Government Approves Rules for the Organization of Gambling Activities
The Council of Ministers approved this Friday the rules for the organization and functioning of the Project Support Council, a new structure established under the Gambling Supervision Authority. The decision defines in detail the procedures for establishing, organizing, and operating this council, which will play a key role in supporting …
Interview of the Ambassador of the European Union to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, for Euronews
Journalist: I’m in the TV studio with the Ambassador of the European Union in our country, Mr. Silvio Gonzato. Z. Ambasador, thank you for joining us. I would like to start with a question that every Albanian asks, although we hear at the news every day, and political parties give …
“Pensions Will Increase Every January,” PM Rama: Card for Basic Goods if Prices Rise
Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting on Friday with pensioners from Unit No. 2. Rama stated that the real increase in pensions began in January and will continue progressively every January. “At last, the moment has come when the economy has made this possible; starting from January, you are …
Albanian skier Lara Colturi is preparing for her next challenge as the new Ski World Cup season gets underway in Sölden, Austria. Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja shared footage of Colturi during training and wished her success in the upcoming competition. “Lara Colturi is ready for her next …
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met with Major General Roberto Vergori, the new commander of NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR), in Tirana on October 20. They discussed KFOR’s role in ensuring security and stability in Kosovo and maintaining peace across the region. During the meeting, Nufi highlighted the importance of KFOR …
Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has reaffirmed the government’s readiness to hold talks with students and citizens, while ruling out dialogue with those who damage public and private property. In an interview with Klan News on October 20, Koçiu condemned the violence during recent protests in Tirana. She said …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has invited protesting students and university lecturers to talks, saying he and his government are ready to meet anyone willing to engage in dialogue. In a video posted on social media on October 20, Rama said he remained available for discussions. To underline his offer, …
Albania will be represented by 12-year-old singer Eslin Kurti at the 2026 Junior Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place in Ta’ Qali, Malta, on October 24. Kurti will perform “Kërce me mua” (“Dance with Me”), a song that aims to bring energy, rhythm and a message of unity through …
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has responded to protests in Albania, Belgium, France, Italy and Portugal. Türk condemned all acts of violence during the demonstrations and called on all parties involved to immediately ease tensions and prevent further escalation. According to the senior UN official, the best …
Albanian and Turkish naval forces held a joint exercise in the Bay of Vlora and the naval base in it. The activity took place under NATO’s Neptune Strike 26-4 programme. The exercise involved Turkish warships TCG Anadolu and TCG Gaziantep, aircraft and the Albanian Boarding Team. According to the Ministry …
Kosova remains at Tier 2 in the US State Department’s 2025 report on human trafficking. The report notes more funding for victim assistance and more convictions, but highlights gaps in law enforcement, identifying children forced to beg and providing long-term support. Police investigated four trafficking cases in 2025, down from …
Ahmet Prençi, commissioner of the Ombudsman’s National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture, presented preliminary findings from monitoring police stations, the Security Block and the University Trauma Hospital on October 19. He said the investigation continued. Police escorted 50 people to stations, including 18 minors. The Security Block held 109 …
Demand for loans from businesses and individuals increased in the third quarter of 2026. Banks expect this trend to continue in the final quarter, according to the Bank of Albania’s lending survey. Businesses increased borrowing across all size categories for investment and liquidity needs. Higher investment needs, inventory financing and …