Hoxha: Albania Targets Closing EU Negotiation Chapters by Next Year
Albania aims to close all EU negotiation chapters by next year, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha said Albania’s EU accession process has entered a decisive stage. He also described EU membership as the country’s top national …
Hoxha: Everything that happens in Albania draws EU attention, protests are part of freedom of expression
The European Union follows developments in Albania closely, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. Speaking at a press conference with journalists from EU member states, Hoxha addressed concerns over the proposed project in Zvërnec. He also commented on the European Commission’s reaction and recent protests …
Hoxha: Greece remains a strong supporter of Albania’s EU membership
Greece remains a strong supporter of Albania’s European Union membership, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha described relations between Albania and Greece as stronger than ever. He said both countries are working to address long-standing bilateral issues …
Hoxha: No approved project in Zvërnec yet, full environmental impact assessment will be done
No approved project exists yet for the Zvërnec investment, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. He added that authorities will carry out a full environmental impact assessment before any decision. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha said institutions continue preparatory work. He also …
Hoxha: EU enlargement will be key priority of Irish Presidency in 2026
EU enlargement will be a key priority of the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2026, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha said his recent visit to Ireland focused on Albania’s EU …
TKOB prepares tribute evening for Albanian bass-baritone Lukë Kaçaj
The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB) is preparing a special evening dedicated to the great Albanian bass-baritone Lukë Kaçaj. The event will pay tribute to one of the most powerful voices in Albanian opera. It will also honor his life, marked by artistic achievement and personal hardship. Lukë …
Golem Becomes a Tourism Hotspot, Short-Term Rental Market Records Strong Growth
Golem is emerging as one of Albania’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, recording significant increases in both demand and supply in the short-term rental market. According to data from AirDNA, a platform specializing in short-term rental market analytics for platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, the area recorded the strongest growth in …
Non-Performing Loan Ratio Fell to 3.75% in April
The ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) returned to a downward trend in April. According to statistics from the Bank of Albania, the NPL ratio declined to 3.75%, down from 3.85% recorded in March. The indicator also continued to decrease on an annual basis, compared to 4.03% in April 2025. The …
Albanian Medicinal Plants Attract Tourists in Gjirokastër, Demand for Traditional Products Rises
Medicinal plants and traditional Albanian products are attracting growing interest from tourists in Gjirokastër, particularly foreign visitors seeking natural and authentic products from the region. Mountain tea, lavender, spices, and endemic plants are among the most sought-after products in the city’s historic bazaar, becoming an important part of its tourism …
Activists and Citizens Begin March Toward the Prime Minister’s Office
Although in smaller numbers than on previous days, activists and citizens once again gathered this Thursday, marking the 12th day of protests. After assembling in Skanderbeg Square at around 6:00 p.m., demonstrators began marching toward the Prime Minister’s Office, chanting slogans such as “Rama to prison, Berisha to prison” and …
Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj said Albania continues to stand out as one of the most stable economies in the region. He said the country maintains positive growth prospects. This comes despite global uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and inflationary pressures. Furthermore, he referred to the latest World Bank report. He said …
Preparations for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027 are now underway in Albania. Work has started at the Arena e Demave Stadium to replace the artificial turf with natural grass. The process has already begun with the removal of the existing playing surface. Next, workers will install a modern irrigation …
Prime Minister Edi Rama praised a cleanup action held in Theth as part of environmental protection initiatives. The campaign brought together many young people and volunteers under the motto: “Nature gives to us, we take care of it.” He said the initiative showed strong civic responsibility and respect for the …
Chairman of the Socialist Party parliamentary group Taulant Balla held a meeting with the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States in Tirana Nancy VanHorn. He said cooperation between Albania and the United States remains at an excellent level across all bilateral areas. He also highlighted collaboration within shared international organizations. …
President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee Komiteti Olimpik Kombëtar Shqiptar, Fidel Ylli, attends the 55th General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees. The event takes place under the European Olympic movement and stands as one of the most important meetings in the continental sports calendar. The European Olympic Committees …
The extraordinary exhibition of Albanian icons opens in Chambéry, France, as organizers complete final preparations. First, teams finish setting up the exhibition “Icons of Albania – Treasures of the National Museum of Medieval Art of Korça.” The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Chambéry prepares to welcome visitors for the opening ceremony. …
Albania prepares for the upcoming international concert of artist Kanye West, scheduled for 11 July in Kashar, Tirana. First, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja attends an interinstitutional coordination meeting in Tirana. Officials discuss the necessary measures to ensure smooth organization of the event. Next, authorities focus on …
Archaeologists uncover new mosaics during excavations in Elbasan. First, the Institute of Archaeology of the Academy of Sciences carries out excavations under the project “Roman-Byzantine Quarter Outside the Walls of Castrum Scampis – Extra Muros Early Christian Basilica.” They discover previously unknown mosaics near the early Christian basilica outside the …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja meets Tobias Flessenkemper, Director at the Council of Europe’s Directorate for Democracy, in Tirana. First, they meet during the 42nd Conference of the European Youth Card Association (EYCA), which takes place in Albania for the first time. The event brings together more …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shares video highlights from the final of the competition “Eja këndo me ne” at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana. First, the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB) hosts the final event dedicated to children as part of the after-school program. The …