Week in Review: Moves Towards Change, But in Which Direction?
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week tells a story of political change in key countries in the region, but associated uncertainty about future political directions. Original post Here
DPA exhibits rare diaries and manuscripts in Tirana
The General Directorate of Archives (DPA) organized a special exhibition in Tirana to mark World Book and Copyright Day. The event showcased rare diaries and original manuscripts of prominent Albanian figures for the first time. The exhibition took place in the cultural space “Auditor” and brought together officials, writers, critics, …
Albania pushes cash reduction as businesses face 30 May POS terminal deadline
TIRANA, April 24 – Businesses in Albania have 37 days left to meet legal requirements for cashless payments through POS terminals in selected sectors. The obligation applies to accommodation services, transport operators, and public institutions. The deadline for tourism and transport businesses is set for 30 May 2026. Separate provisions …
Albania advances green finance framework with European Investment Bank support
TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s Financial Supervisory Authority held talks with the European Investment Bank on developing a national green investment guide and strengthening sustainable finance standards. The meeting brought together experts from the European Investment Bank, led by Alessandro de Concini, the institution’s representative in Albania. Discussions focused on …
Dinamo City reach Albanian Cup final after narrow win over Vllaznia in Shkodër
TIRANA, April 24 – Dinamo City have qualified for the Albanian Cup final after defeating Vllaznia 1–0 at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium in Shkodër. The result followed a tightly contested semi-final second leg, where both sides created early chances but failed to convert in the first half. The first leg …
Government advances redevelopment of Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana
TIRANA, April 24 – The government approved legal changes to move forward with the redevelopment of the Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana. The revised decision expands the role of the Albanian Investment Corporation, which will act as project developer through partnership contracts. The model allows the corporation to work with …
Cruise ship “Monet” opens summer tourist season in Vlora
TIRANA, April 24 – The cruise ship “Monet” arrived at the port of Vlora on Friday, marking the start of the summer tourist season in the coastal city. Port authorities said the vessel, sailing under the Kingstown flag, carried 48 tourists from countries including Croatia, Portugal, Germany and the United …
Nationwide coastal maintenance drive begins ahead of summer season
TIRANA, April 24 – Authorities have begun a nationwide coastal maintenance drive across municipalities and natural parks ahead of the summer tourist season. The Ministry of Environment is coordinating the effort with other institutions, local governments and volunteer groups. Teams are carrying out maintenance work along beaches and public areas, …
German-backed projects advance in energy, water and public transport sectors
TIRANA, April 24 – German-supported projects are expanding in Albania across energy, water supply and public transport sectors. A senior official from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development highlighted ongoing investments in energy infrastructure. She said a newly financed substation in Petrela will strengthen electricity supply for …
Dutch PM holds phone call with Albanian PM, highlights strategic role of Albania in Western Balkans
TIRANA, April 24 – The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, held a phone call with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Jetten posted details of the conversation on social media platform X, describing Albania as a key strategic partner in the Western Balkans for both the Netherlands and the …
Police have started implementing new legislation aimed at curbing street protests against the government of Edi Rama, issuing scores of fines – a move that demonstrators describe as an “intimidation tactic”. Original post Here
Investor confidence, legal certainty and stronger institutions remain essential to attracting sustainable foreign investment. Experts discussed these challenges at the “Investing in Albania and the Western Balkans” panel on November 4, during the 32nd Tirana International Fair. Sara Zotaj of the Albanian Investment Development Agency highlighted the country’s geographic position, …
President Bajram Begaj received the European Commission’s 2026 progress report on Albania from European Union Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa on Thursday. Begaj described the report as evidence of Albania’s progress towards European Union membership. He thanked the European Commission for its continued support and commitment to enlargement in the …
Albania is showcasing its culture, traditions and digital innovation at the World Travel Market London 2026, held from November 3 to 5 at ExCeL London in the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared images of the Albanian stand, which brings together tourism, handicrafts, gastronomy and digital experiences. The …
Kosova’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has urged the European Union to grant the country candidate status and launch membership negotiations as soon as possible. Speaking after the European Commission presented its 2026 report on Kosova, Kurti said EU integration remained a long-term strategic priority. He stressed that the process enjoyed …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met European Union Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa on Thursday. The ambassador handed him the European Commission’s progress report on Albania. Following the meeting, Rama and Ambassador De Sousa are expected to hold a press conference on the report’s achievements and milestones on Albania’s path towards …
Democratic Party MP Jorida Tabaku says the European Commission’s latest progress report on Albania confirms opposition concerns over EU integration, the rule of law and democracy. Speaking at a press conference in parliament, Tabaku said citizens had protested peacefully for more than 150 days against a system that had impoverished …
Prime Minister Edi Rama and EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa presented the European Commission’s 2026 progress report on Albania at a joint press conference on Thursday. Rama said Albania had entered the final stretch of accession negotiations. He cited significant progress in at least 20 negotiating chapters and described …
A vibrant new mural dedicated to the women who have worked over the decades at the Central State Film Archive (AQSHF) now graces the Art Park in Tirana. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports completed the artistic project in collaboration with the Central State Film Archive. Consequently, the artwork …
Albania will play their final Group C1 match in League C of the UEFA Nations League against Belarus on November 15 at the Illovszky Rudolf Stadium in Budapest, Hungary. The match will take place without spectators due to UEFA sanctions against Belarus. Under a decision adopted by the UEFA Executive …