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 …
Diaspora Summit IV: Albanians abroad say patriotism knows no distance
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs shared messages from Albanians worldwide. They participated in the fourth Diaspora Summit. They expressed strong emotional ties to their homeland. Participants said distance does not weaken their sense of belonging. “Our hearts beat Albanian wherever we are,” they said. Albanians living in Brussels, …
“Publik Galeri” exhibition turns confiscated space from crime symbol into art center
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu and Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari attended the opening of the “Publik Galeri” exhibition. The initiative aims to transform confiscated spaces into art and community centers. Authorities converted the space from a site linked to illegal profits and criminal activity into a public venue. It now …
Transport Strategy 2030 focuses on TEN-T integration, €7.9 billion investments
The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy has released the Transport Sector Strategy and Action Plan 2030 for public consultation. The documents set the direction for transport development aligned with national priorities and EU integration. The strategy aims to build a modern, safe, and sustainable transport system. It seeks to improve …
Serbian strongman Aleksandar Vucic vowed to defeat the student protest movement, but lost in the end. Other movements across the region can learn lessons from the Serbian students about tactics and perseverance. Original post Here
Kosova Assembly Speaker Albulena Haxhiu has begun an official visit to North Macedonia. Her counterpart, Assembly Speaker Afrim Gashi, welcomed her with a state ceremony. During her stay in Skopje, Haxhiu is expected to meet North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova and Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski. Her agenda also includes meetings …
The National Museum of Photography “Marubi” continues to host “Gjon Mili: Retrospective,” an exhibition celebrating the Albanian-American photographer who transformed motion photography and brought art and science into closer dialogue. Through bold experiments with light, movement and photographic techniques, Mili challenged traditional ways of seeing images. He captured fleeting moments …
The World Bank expects economic growth across the Western Balkans to accelerate in 2026 and strengthen further in 2027. Consumption and investment will support this growth. The region’s economies have remained resilient to shocks and continue to converge with the European Union. However, businesses need more efficient trade rules to …
Shaip Kamberi, an elected Albanian member of Serbia’s parliament, questioned whether the Student List would change its position on Kosova after the new government takes office. He said Serbian politicians continue to use the Kosova issue for political gain. He also argued that nationalist voters play a key role in …
Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) President Fidel Ylli attended the “European City of Sport” Gala as a special guest, representing ACES Europe in his capacity as honorary president for the Balkans. The ceremony took place at the Hall of Honour of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). In his address, …
Deputy Justice Minister Elona Hoxha outlined six proposed legal instruments to prevent violence during protests, property damage and threats to public order. Speaking to Vizion Plus, she said the package aims to protect citizens and institutions while safeguarding the right to peaceful protest. The proposed Criminal Code amendments would penalise …
Albania and Italy have extended their agreement on the mutual recognition and conversion of driving licences for another five years. Albania’s Council of Ministers has approved the amendment, which continues the arrangement through an exchange of notes. The agreement allows Albanian citizens living in Italy and Italian citizens living in …
Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Enkelejd Musabelliu presented a bill on cross-border transformations, mergers and divisions of companies to the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. The bill aims to align Albanian legislation with European Union rules under Chapter 6 on company law. The proposal transposes EU Directive 2019/2121 …
Construction of the new Bahçallëk Bridge continues at a rapid pace at the entrance to Shkodër. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the works today, highlighting the investment in modern infrastructure. The project aims to improve road safety and ease traffic entering and leaving the city. It will also …