Parliament Speaker Peleshi: Vetting subjected justice system to strongest scrutiny
TIRANA, June 17 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi described the justice reform as one of the deepest and most ambitious reforms ever undertaken by the Albanian state during a ceremony marking the conclusion of the Vetting process. In his address, Peleshi said the event closes an important chapter in the …
Edi Rama’s Sculpture Featured at Art Basel 2026
Visitors to Art Basel 2026 will see a public artwork by Albanian Prime Minister and artist Edi Rama. His bronze sculpture, Untitled (2026), is on display in the “Parcours” public art section at the end of Clarastrasse, overlooking the Rhine River. According to The Art Newspaper, Rama presents a new …
Venice Commission: Party finance platform boosts transparency but needs stronger legal safeguards
TIRANA, June 17 – The Venice Commission published its opinion on Albania’s draft law on political party financing. It described the reform as an important step toward modernizing the political finance system. At the same time, it called for further improvements to ensure legal clarity, proportionality, and effective implementation. The …
U.S. Senate confirms Eric Wendt as ambassador to Albania
TIRANA, June 17 – The U.S. Senate confirmed retired Lieutenant General Eric Wendt as the next U.S. ambassador to Albania with 51 votes in favour and 47 against. The full Senate vote followed approval by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where Wendt secured majority support from committee members. Authorities now …
Kosova, European Commission review European Union financial and technical support
TIRANA, June 17 – Kosova and the European Commission held the annual meeting of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Monitoring Committee. Participants reviewed the implementation of European Union financial and technical support for Kosova. They also discussed reforms that support Kosova’s European integration path. The European Union has provided …
Saranda sees tourist surge as foreign visitors praise prices and services
TIRANA, June 17 – Saranda is experiencing a strong influx of tourists in the early summer season. Foreign visitors praise local offers, services, and relatively affordable prices. Beaches along the Ionian coast are already crowded in June. Many travelers choose the destination for its clear waters and natural scenery. Several …
Ibrahimaj: Startups Drive Albania’s Green and Digital Transformation
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj attended the “Green & Digital Innovation” event and highlighted the growing role of startups in transforming Albania’s economy. She said startups are helping drive innovation, technology, and sustainable development across the country. Moreover, Ibrahimaj noted that government support and cooperation with European partners are …
EU4Schools programme rebuilds 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities
TIRANA, June 17 – The European Union, the Albanian government and UNDP held the closing conference of the EU4Schools programme. The initiative repaired and rebuilt 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities affected by the 2019 earthquake. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro thanked all partners who contributed to the programme. She said …
Albanian Children’s Artwork to Be Showcased at International Art Event in Portugal
The National Center of Culture for Children (QKKF) will take part in the 27th International Meeting of Juvenile Art – Évora 2026 in Portugal. The center will represent Albania with 21 artworks created by children attending its painting course. The event is one of the most recognized international gatherings dedicated …
Caribbean to Adriatic: Albanian Prosecutors Target Drug Money and Construction Magnates
Albania’s Special Prosecution has issued 20 arrest warrants and seized over 100 million euros in assets as it maps out alleged drug money flowing into major construction projects across Albania, including a resort promoted by relatives of Donald Trump. Original post Here
A new report warns that weak oversight of lawyers, notaries, accountants and auditors helps facilitate money-laundering across the Western Balkans through real estate fraud and complex financial arrangements. Original post Here
TIRANA, June 18 – The NATO Defence Ministers’ meeting takes place in Brussels at NATO headquarters. Albania takes part in the ministerial. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attends the meeting. At the same time, the agenda focuses on security and strategic developments within the Alliance. It also addresses strengthening military capabilities. …
TIRANA, June 18 – Private producers and concessionaires generated more than half of Albania’s electricity output during the first four months of 2026, according to data from the Energy Regulatory Authority (ERE). The figures show that private operators surpassed the Albanian Power Corporation for the first time. Meanwhile, net domestic …
TIRANA, June 18 – More than 500 farmers in Gjirokastër Municipality have applied for support under the National Agriculture Support Scheme. Applications were submitted through the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development. Meanwhile, Agriculture Specialist Balil Bineri said most applications focus on four support measures. Farmers have shown the strongest …
TIRANA, June 18 – State Police Director General Skënder Hita met Italian police officials in Tirana. The delegation included Lorenzo Bucossi, Director of the International Police Cooperation Service, and Marco Cali, Director of the Central Operational Service of the Italian State Police. During the meeting, both sides praised the high …
TIRANA, June 18 – Academician Luan Omari received the Golden Star of the Veteran award on the occasion of his 101st birthday. The Academy of Sciences hosted a ceremony in his honour. The event opened with a song dedicated to Omari by “Thesaret labe” [Labëria Treasuries]. Academics, jurists, veterans, and …
The Embassy of Albania in Bern organized a commemorative evening at the “Kornhausbibliothek” library dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the birth of poet and writer Dritëro Agolli. The event brought together Albanian students, teachers, and friends of Albanian culture in Switzerland. Participants experienced an artistic journey through the life …
TIRANA, June 18 – Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla shared the story of farmer Krenar Lashi from Kukës on social media. He said Lashi represents farmers who are increasing investment and production through agricultural policies and the National Support Scheme. Meanwhile, Lashi has diversified his activity by combining …
On June 17, 1928, the artistic society Lira Artistic Society was founded in Korçë. It emerged as one of the most influential cultural associations of its time. The society operated under the dedicated leadership of Sotir Kozmo and the conducting of Arbëresh maestro Paskal Anibal. It energized cultural life from …
TIRANA, June 18 – The government is taking a new step to strengthen transparency and accountability in public finance management through the establishment of a Fiscal Council. The institution will operate independently and report to Parliament. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj announced that the draft law on the Fiscal Council …