BBC: The quirky holiday spots on trend for 2026 – Albania among Europe’s rising destinations
TIRANA, April 20 – A new wave of travel interest is reshaping European tourism in 2026, with industry observers pointing to a growing preference for smaller, less commercial destinations across the continent. In a broader overview of emerging holiday trends, the BBC highlights several countries gaining attention from international travellers, …
Albania’s EU path built on concrete results, Hoxha says after meeting Commissioner Kos
TIRANA, April 20 – Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos to discuss progress in the country’s European Union accession process. Hoxha said talks focused on the pace of negotiations and the need to maintain current momentum. He described Albania’s EU path as based on …
Western Balkans risk losing over €700 million in EU Growth Plan funds, sources say
TIRANA, April 20 – European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has warned Western Balkan countries they risk losing more than €700 million in funding under the EU Growth Plan if reforms stall, according to sources cited by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. A letter sent on April 17 to regional capitals …
PM Rama tells Greek ‘Kathimerini’ nationalism reflects lack of maturity, addresses ties with Greece
TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said nationalism often reflects a lack of maturity in an interview with Kathimerini ahead of his visit to Greece for the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama discussed bilateral relations with Greece, including property issues in the southern coastal region of Himara. He …
Albanian delegation holds talks in Italian parliament to boost bilateral ties
TIRANA, April 20 – An Albanian parliamentary delegation held meetings in the Italian Senate as part of a two-day visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation. Members of the delegation met Italian senator Raffaele De Rosa to discuss economic ties, parliamentary cooperation, and Albania’s European Union accession process. Talks …
Saranda prepares for increased tourist flows, expands free public beach access
TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian authorities said the coastal city of Saranda is preparing for the upcoming tourist season with expanded public beach access and new infrastructure. Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja inspected recent investments alongside local officials, including the mayor of Saranda. Officials said designated public beaches will offer free …
Vikena Kamenica, for the first time as a director with “Misa a Buenos Aires”
A work not usually seen on the stage of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania, which delicately intertwines Catholic liturgical, sacred music with the sensual sounds of Argentine tango, is also known as a “tango mass.” “Misa a Buenos Aires” by Martín Palmeri, entirely unique in its …
Election of Kosovo’s president, Kurti: Going to elections is not an option, we are open to solutions
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, has stated that going to early parliamentary elections is not an option. At today’s government meeting, Kurti emphasized that the election of the president is a constitutional duty of the people’s elected representatives. “This requires willingness to find a solution, readiness for compromise, …
Himara, EU negotiations and his origin, Rama interview for Greek media
Prime Minister Edi Rama has given an interview to the Greek media outlet “Kathimerini” a few days before his participation in the 11th Delphi Economic Forum (April 22–25). In this interview, he spoke extensively about Greek-Albanian relations, economic developments in Albania, the property issue in Himara, as well as recent …
Hoxha meets Commissioner Kos in Brussels: Sustainable reforms toward the EU
The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, met in Brussels with the European Union Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. Minister Hoxha stated that the focus of the meeting was the advanced process of accession negotiations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the current momentum and continuing forward with consistency …
President Bajram Begaj has promulgated the new law on the administrative and territorial division of local government units, paving the way for the revised map to take effect in the local elections on May 9, 2027. The law, numbered 100/2026, establishes a new structure of 46 municipalities. Voters will elect …
Albania’s National Museum “Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg” marks 44 years since its inauguration today. The museum stands inside the historic Castle of Krujë, once the centre of the medieval Albanian state. The castle also witnessed three successive defeats of Ottoman armies in the 15th century. Architects designed the museum as a …
Kosova’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Dimal Basha, met with Arnaud Dauphin, the French Development Agency’s director for the Western Balkans, to discuss railway connections between Kosova and Albania. The talks focused on expanding cooperation on railway projects and advancing a three-way partnership between Kosova, Albania and the agency. The …
Albania will make its debut on the internationally acclaimed television show “The Amazing Race”, bringing Tirana’s culture, energy and hospitality to audiences around the world. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the news in a social media post. He said the production would showcase Albania as a …
Kosova’s Prime Minister and leader of the Self-Determination Movement, Albin Kurti, has denied the movement’s involvement in the protests in Tirana. He said it had never operated anonymously during protests and had always taken an open, leading role. Speaking at the movement’s 64th General Council meeting, Kurti said it now …
The National Cinematography Centre has announced the passing of actor and director Gjergji Mena at the age of 41. The centre paid tribute to the young artist, highlighting his contribution to theatre and screen productions. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja also expressed condolences, describing Mena as a talented …
Renowned Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho serves as an Artist Ambassador for Opera Rara, a London-based opera organisation dedicated to reviving neglected works and bringing rarely performed repertoire to modern audiences. Founded in 1970, Opera Rara specialises in researching, restoring, recording and performing operas that have largely disappeared from the mainstream …
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha says Albania aims to complete the technical phase of European Union accession negotiations by December 2027. The goal is to advance to the political phase and join the bloc within this decade. Presenting the 2027 budget priorities to the parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj says the 2027 draft budget provides for public spending exceeding €10 billion for the first time. The plan prioritises social welfare, fiscal stability, public investment and reforms linked to European Union integration. Revenue is projected at ALL 907.9 billion, or around €9.4 billion. The budget deficit …
Bank of Albania Deputy Governor Natasha Ahmetaj says the 2027 draft budget maintains fiscal consolidation. She told Parliament’s Economy, Employment and Finance Committee that the plan supports public finances and creates room for investment. Ahmetaj said economic activity, private-sector employment and wages have grown in recent years. Inflation remains low …