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Rama meets Ambassador Whitaker. Talks focus on NATO Summit in Tirana

Prime Minister Edi Rama met Matthew Whitaker today in Tirana. Rama said they discussed the close ties between the two countries. He stressed the strategic partnership. He highlighted strong diplomatic and military relations. He said both sides see their strengthening as a shared priority. They also discussed the upcoming NATO …

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Kos: Albania among leaders in EU integration process

Marta Kos said Albania ranks among the leading countries in the EU integration process. In an interview with Klan News, she spoke about Albania’s progress. She said the EU may approve interim rule of law benchmarks in May. Then the process of closing chapters can begin. She praised Albania’s progress. …

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Hoxha meets Kos in Delphi. Intensive work continues for EU membership

Ferit Hoxha met Marta Kos at the Delphi Economic Forum. They discussed Albania’s EU integration process. Hoxha said the EU membership process never stops. It requires constant work and energy. He stressed the role of both Albania and its partners. He said they discussed key issues for steady progress. They …

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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

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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, …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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I will emerge completely innocent at the end of this journey

The team of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has published a message from him on its official Facebook page, marking the sixth anniversary of his transfer to The Hague. “I want to shake each of your hands, embrace you all and assure you that I will emerge completely innocent at …

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Sveçla: Kosovo remains a reliable Europol partner

Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, met Europol Executive Director Jürgen Ebner on Thursday on the sidelines of the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice in Budva, Montenegro. Sveçla said Kosovo remains a reliable partner for Europol, with consistent results under their cooperation agreements. He also highlighted the success …

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Government introduces new resort regulations, preliminary certification required before construction permits

The Council of Ministers on Thursday approved a decision establishing new categories and requirements for tourist accommodation facilities, introducing stricter rules for resort developments. Under the new rules, tourism facilities must account for at least 60% of a project’s total construction area, while residential units cannot exceed 40%. The calculation …

News
EU Ambassador presents 2026 Progress Report to National Council for European Integration

European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa presented the 2026 Progress Report on Albania to the National Council for European Integration and its two co-chairs, Taulant Balla and Jorida Tabaku. In her remarks, the ambassador stressed the importance of political dialogue and public consultation in Albania’s EU integration …

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Rama: Albania making progress towards EU membership despite disinformation

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted Albania’s progress towards European Union membership on Thursday, describing the 2026 Progress Report as a clear assessment of his government’s performance. Speaking at a joint press conference with EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa, Rama welcomed the report’s findings. However, he argued that disinformation prevents …

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Government approves new rules for concession and PPP agency

The Council of Ministers has approved new rules governing the organisation and operation of the Agency for the Treatment of Concessions and Public-Private Partnerships (ATRAKO), defining its responsibilities, funding, service fees and additional payments for employees involved in feasibility studies. Under the decision, ATRAKO will operate as a public budgetary …

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2027 Fiscal Package takes centre stage at Tirana International Fair

The Tirana International Fair, organised by Klik Ekspo Group, continues to bring Albanian and international businesses together, offering opportunities to showcase products, exchange expertise and establish new partnerships. On the third day of this year’s edition, held at the Palace of Congresses, business representatives, industry associations and experts gathered for …

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Ibrahimaj: European Commission highlights progress in employment and vocational training

The European Commission has recognised Albania’s progress in employment, education and vocational training, highlighting developments in several programmes and policies designed to improve skills and expand access to the labour market. Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj shared the findings of the European Commission’s 2026 Albania Report on social …

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PM Rama Announces New Dialogue Platform for Students: To Go Live Tomorrow

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced the creation of a new communication platform for students and university lecturers, aimed at facilitating direct dialogue on issues and concerns they wish to raise with the government. During a joint press conference with the European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, …

News
Transparency Board Announces New Fuel Prices, Diesel and Petrol Prices Reduced

The Transparency Board decided on Thursday to lower fuel prices across the country. Under the new decision, diesel will be sold at a maximum price of 210 Albanian lek per liter at retail outlets, while the wholesale price must not exceed 198 lek per liter. Petrol prices have also been …

News

I will emerge completely innocent at the end of this journey

The team of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has published a message from him on its official Facebook page, marking the sixth anniversary of his transfer to The Hague. “I want to shake each of your hands, embrace you all and assure you that I will emerge completely innocent at …

News

Sveçla: Kosovo remains a reliable Europol partner

Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, met Europol Executive Director Jürgen Ebner on Thursday on the sidelines of the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice in Budva, Montenegro. Sveçla said Kosovo remains a reliable partner for Europol, with consistent results under their cooperation agreements. He also highlighted the success …

News

Government introduces new resort regulations, preliminary certification required before construction permits

The Council of Ministers on Thursday approved a decision establishing new categories and requirements for tourist accommodation facilities, introducing stricter rules for resort developments. Under the new rules, tourism facilities must account for at least 60% of a project’s total construction area, while residential units cannot exceed 40%. The calculation …

News

EU Ambassador presents 2026 Progress Report to National Council for European Integration

European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa presented the 2026 Progress Report on Albania to the National Council for European Integration and its two co-chairs, Taulant Balla and Jorida Tabaku. In her remarks, the ambassador stressed the importance of political dialogue and public consultation in Albania’s EU integration …

News

Rama: Albania making progress towards EU membership despite disinformation

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted Albania’s progress towards European Union membership on Thursday, describing the 2026 Progress Report as a clear assessment of his government’s performance. Speaking at a joint press conference with EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa, Rama welcomed the report’s findings. However, he argued that disinformation prevents …

News

Government approves new rules for concession and PPP agency

The Council of Ministers has approved new rules governing the organisation and operation of the Agency for the Treatment of Concessions and Public-Private Partnerships (ATRAKO), defining its responsibilities, funding, service fees and additional payments for employees involved in feasibility studies. Under the decision, ATRAKO will operate as a public budgetary …

News

2027 Fiscal Package takes centre stage at Tirana International Fair

The Tirana International Fair, organised by Klik Ekspo Group, continues to bring Albanian and international businesses together, offering opportunities to showcase products, exchange expertise and establish new partnerships. On the third day of this year’s edition, held at the Palace of Congresses, business representatives, industry associations and experts gathered for …

News

Ibrahimaj: European Commission highlights progress in employment and vocational training

The European Commission has recognised Albania’s progress in employment, education and vocational training, highlighting developments in several programmes and policies designed to improve skills and expand access to the labour market. Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj shared the findings of the European Commission’s 2026 Albania Report on social …

News

PM Rama Announces New Dialogue Platform for Students: To Go Live Tomorrow

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced the creation of a new communication platform for students and university lecturers, aimed at facilitating direct dialogue on issues and concerns they wish to raise with the government. During a joint press conference with the European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, …

News

Transparency Board Announces New Fuel Prices, Diesel and Petrol Prices Reduced

The Transparency Board decided on Thursday to lower fuel prices across the country. Under the new decision, diesel will be sold at a maximum price of 210 Albanian lek per liter at retail outlets, while the wholesale price must not exceed 198 lek per liter. Petrol prices have also been …