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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
Socialist Party to Convene Assembly in November, November 14 Under Discussion as Possible Date
The Socialist Party Assembly is expected to convene during November, with November 14 among the dates being discussed. However, no official date has been confirmed so far. Euronews Albania journalist Eksiola Shehu reports that sources within the Socialist Party have indicated that the meeting will take place this month, while …
Speaker receives 2026 progress report, says parliament fully committed to Albania’s EU membership
TIRANA, Nov 5 /ATA/ – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi on Thursday reaffirmed parliament’s commitment to Albania’s European Union membership bid during a meeting with EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa, who formally presented the 2026 European Commission Progress Report. The report assesses the implementation of reforms and Albania’s …
General Directorate of Prisons and Council of Europe step up cooperation to improve penitentiary system
TIRANA, Nov 5 /ATA/ The General Directorate of Prisons and the Council of Europe are seeking to deepen their cooperation to improve Albania’s penitentiary system, ensure respect for human rights and align institutional practices with European standards. Director General of Prisons Sadleva Bodo met with Giulia Re, Head of the Council …
Ibrahimaj: European Commission highlights progress in employment and vocational training
TIRANA, Nov 5 /ATA/ The European Commission has acknowledged Albania’s progress in employment, education and vocational training, noting advances in various programmes and policies designed to strengthen skills and facilitate access to the labour market. Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj shared key findings from the European Commission’s 2026 Albania …
FM Hoxha meets Romanian Prime Minister Niculescu, secures support for Albania’s EU accession
TIRANA, Nov 5 /ATA/ – The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Romanian Prime Minister Luca Niculescu in Bucharest on Thursday , with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral ties and Romania’s support for Albania’s European Union membership bid. The talks centred on further strengthening the partnership …
United States Ambassador Eric Wendt has outlined his priorities in a video message posted on X. He identified defence, economic prosperity and security as the main areas for cooperation. He also thanked President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their trust, along with the Albanian people for …
Personnel from Albania’s Civil Emergencies Support Base and the Kosova Security Force held a joint mountain search and rescue exercise in Prevalla, near Prizren. According to Defence Minister Ermal Nufi, the exercise took place from 2 to 5 November. Participants exchanged experience, tested new equipment and practised rescue techniques in …
Albania will allocate 2.08 billion lek to the Cultural Heritage and Museums programme in 2027, marking an 80% increase compared with 2026, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced on Thursday. Presenting the draft budget to the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Gonxhja said the increased …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Romania’s new Foreign Minister, Dan Neculaescu, in Bucharest to discuss bilateral ties and regional security. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation, with a particular focus on expanding economic and trade relations and making full use of their potential. Hoxha …
Albania and India are exploring ways to strengthen tourism ties following a meeting at the World Travel Market London 2026. Jola Hysaj, director general of the National Tourism Agency, met India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during the international travel fair. The two officials discussed exchanging experience …
Albania’s Arts and Culture programme will receive a budget of 3.37 billion lek in 2027, with around 1.5 billion lek, or 45% of the total, earmarked for public investment, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced. The draft budget also allocates 495.9 million lek to artistic projects, marking …
The European Commission’s 2026 report highlights Albania’s new law on the Bank of Albania and progress in central bank independence, payment systems and banking stability. The report notes that the new legislation aligns with European Union rules on central bank independence and the prohibition of monetary financing for the public …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has stressed the need for an inspection system that supports businesses and promotes economic growth without creating unnecessary barriers. Speaking at a conference organised by the General Inspectorate on investment and compliance with legal requirements, he said inspections should serve a practical purpose rather than burden …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu has pledged to align Albania’s anti-corruption legislation with European Union standards. He also proposed three priorities for stronger regional cooperation at the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs in Budva, Montenegro, on 5–6 November. Speaking at a session on the judicial dimension of …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi presented the 2027 draft budget to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates ALL 76.284 billion, a 10% increase on 2026, equivalent to 2.6% of gross domestic product. Capital spending accounts for ALL 43.6 billion, while current expenditure totals ALL 32.6 billion. …