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EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans: European Commission allocates €158.9 million to Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia

The European Commission has today made available €49 million for Albania, €44.2 million for Montenegro, and €65.7 million for North Macedonia under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans. According to the official website of the European Commission, this follows the third payment request and the Commission’s positive …

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Rama in Seoul: Albania was the “North Korea of Europe,” today we are moving toward the EU

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Prime Minister Edi Rama held a press conference in South Korea, where he is on a several-day visit. During the visit, he also met today with his South Korean counterpart, Kim Minseok. In his remarks, Rama stressed that the Korean …

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Under tight security measures, the third stage of the Tour of Albania cycling race concludes in Vlora

The third stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania, following the Elbasan–Vlora route, concluded this Wednesday in the coastal city under strict security measures and temporary traffic restrictions. The tour began on May 18 and lasted for two days. The post Under tight security measures, the third stage of the …

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PM Kurti meets Ambassador Hamilton, focus on deepening cooperation with NATO

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met this Wednesday with NATO Deputy Assistant Secretary General for Partnerships, Ambassador Kevin Hamilton. This marks Hamilton’s first visit to Kosovo. During the meeting, they discussed deepening cooperation with NATO. Prime Minister Kurti spoke about developments in the country, including in the fields of technology …

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Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Albania, Wendt: We will support the country in the fight against corruption and organized crime

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”29ffcb7e-d35b-4b20-b5da-416375ac529e” data-turn-id-container=”29ffcb7e-d35b-4b20-b5da-416375ac529e” data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Eric Wendt, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the position of U.S. Ambassador to Albania, delivered his opening statement before the U.S. Senate, where he focused on his military experience, relations with Albania, and the objectives he hopes to achieve if …

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Trump nominee for U.S. ambassador to Tirana, Eric Wendt, questioned by Senate about Trump family investments in Albania – here is his response

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”af7fec03-0c08-46eb-9dc4-a11509eee1fe” data-turn-id-container=”af7fec03-0c08-46eb-9dc4-a11509eee1fe” data-testid=”conversation-turn-15″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> During today’s Senate hearing on his nomination as U.S. ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt was asked by one of the senators about how he would institutionally respond to investments expected to be made by the Trump family in Albania. *]:pointer-events-auto …

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Wendt speaks in the Senate about Porto Romano: It is an effective location for our forces, I hope it will be developed by 2030

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Eric Wendt spoke before the Senate about NATO’s role in Albania and his perspective as the future ambassador there, if confirmed by the Senate. Wendt specifically highlighted the importance of Porto Romano for NATO. “As for our NATO alliance, an …

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University of Tirana students represent Albania in Venice sports competition

TIRANA, May 20 – Students from the University of Tirana took part in the international sports competition “2nd Lion Explorer in Venice 2026” in Venice. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja described the participation of Albanian students in the event as an important step for university sports. He said …

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Albania supports Italy on illegal migration challenges

TIRANA, May 20 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said Albania continues to support Italy in challenges linked to illegal migration and regional security. During a press conference, Lamallari answered questions about contacts with Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and the latter’s visit to Tirana. He confirmed that Albanian and Italian …

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Slovak cyclist wins second stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania

TIRANA, May 20 – Slovak cyclist Samuel Fedor has won the second stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania, held from Lezha to Elbasan over 149.9 kilometres. Fedor of Dukla Banska Bystrica secured victory after a strong sprint finish and recorded a time of 3 hours, 6 minutes and 26 …

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Pushing Against Inertia: How Harnex Is Testing the Balkans’ Appetite for Innovation

Tirana loves a good spectacle. Walk through the capital today and you are greeted by sleek new glass towers, vibrant urban spaces, and a relentless political chorus proclaiming Albania as the next big digital hub of the Western Balkans. But scratch beneath the surface of this calculated showmanship, and a …

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Transparency Board lowers fuel prices, diesel drops to 197 ALL per litre

TIRANA, May 21 – The Transparency Board set new ceiling prices for fuel trading during its latest meeting. The new prices enter into force today at 13:00. According to the decision, the retail price of SSH EN 590 diesel will not exceed 197 ALL per litre. Meanwhile, the wholesale price …

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Lushnja hospital joins national investment programme

TIRANA, May 21 – Health and Social Protection Minister Evis Sala said the Lushnja municipal hospital forms part of the national investment programme for hospital infrastructure. She said services for citizens continue during reconstruction works. Sala said the investment started in 2026. Works officially began on March 4 with the …

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Ruling Socialist Party MP Balla: Germany praises Albania on negotiation chapters 23 and 24

TIRANA, Thursday, May 21 – Albania has received positive evaluations on European Union accession chapters 23 and 24, ruling Socialist Party parliamentary group chairman Taulant Balla said on Thursday. Germany views Albania as a model among candidate countries, citing justice reform, vetting, and efforts against corruption and organised crime. Meanwhile, …

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Arbëresh Museum Planned in Vuno to Preserve Cultural Heritage

The planned Arbëresh Museum in Vuno aims to preserve historical memory and cultural heritage. The museum will focus on the history of the Arbëresh community and their migration to Italy. The project was presented by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports in cooperation with the Municipality of Himara and …

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Stage III of the 83rd Tour of Albania, Swiss rider Guillaume Haldimann wins

TIRANA, May 21 – The third stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania concluded on Wednesday. The stage ran on the Elbasan–Vlora route over 149 kilometres. The average speed reached 48.3 km/h. The stage proved highly competitive. A leading group of five riders reached the finish together. Swiss rider Guillaume …

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Magical Views from Mount Korab

Spring temperatures have not removed the snow cover from Mount Korab. Snow still covers parts of the mountain. Wild crocus flowers form a golden carpet across the melted areas. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the mountain and called them magical. The Korab mountain range offers wide landscapes and …

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The Kosova Central Election Commission prepares postal ballot packages for voters abroad ahead of Kosova vote

TIRANA, May 21 – The Kosova Central Election Commission (CEC) has prepared individual ballot packages for voters registered abroad ahead of postal voting for early parliamentary elections. The CEC said its voter service has prepared 75,000 packages so far. In addition, around 30,000 more packages will be completed during Wednesday, …

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Socca European Championship: Albania opens with 5-0 win over Turkey

TIRANA, May 21 – The Socca European Championship officially kicked off in Albania on Wednesday in a festive atmosphere at the “House of Football”, which hosts the European minifootball tournament. Meanwhile, group-stage matches took place throughout the day. In addition, the opening ceremony brought music, artistic performances, and a strong …

News
“Gateway to the Alps” project transforms Shkodër with infrastructure, transport, and culture upgrades

TIRANA, May 21 – The Municipality of Shkodër worked with the Albanian Development Fund and international and local experts. It prepared a package of transformative projects. These projects target mobility, daily life, economic development, and tourism in the region. Meanwhile, Mayor Benet Beci presented the programme as “Gateway to the …

News

Pushing Against Inertia: How Harnex Is Testing the Balkans’ Appetite for Innovation

Tirana loves a good spectacle. Walk through the capital today and you are greeted by sleek new glass towers, vibrant urban spaces, and a relentless political chorus proclaiming Albania as the next big digital hub of the Western Balkans. But scratch beneath the surface of this calculated showmanship, and a …

News

Transparency Board lowers fuel prices, diesel drops to 197 ALL per litre

TIRANA, May 21 – The Transparency Board set new ceiling prices for fuel trading during its latest meeting. The new prices enter into force today at 13:00. According to the decision, the retail price of SSH EN 590 diesel will not exceed 197 ALL per litre. Meanwhile, the wholesale price …

News

Lushnja hospital joins national investment programme

TIRANA, May 21 – Health and Social Protection Minister Evis Sala said the Lushnja municipal hospital forms part of the national investment programme for hospital infrastructure. She said services for citizens continue during reconstruction works. Sala said the investment started in 2026. Works officially began on March 4 with the …

News

Ruling Socialist Party MP Balla: Germany praises Albania on negotiation chapters 23 and 24

TIRANA, Thursday, May 21 – Albania has received positive evaluations on European Union accession chapters 23 and 24, ruling Socialist Party parliamentary group chairman Taulant Balla said on Thursday. Germany views Albania as a model among candidate countries, citing justice reform, vetting, and efforts against corruption and organised crime. Meanwhile, …

News

Arbëresh Museum Planned in Vuno to Preserve Cultural Heritage

The planned Arbëresh Museum in Vuno aims to preserve historical memory and cultural heritage. The museum will focus on the history of the Arbëresh community and their migration to Italy. The project was presented by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports in cooperation with the Municipality of Himara and …

News

Stage III of the 83rd Tour of Albania, Swiss rider Guillaume Haldimann wins

TIRANA, May 21 – The third stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania concluded on Wednesday. The stage ran on the Elbasan–Vlora route over 149 kilometres. The average speed reached 48.3 km/h. The stage proved highly competitive. A leading group of five riders reached the finish together. Swiss rider Guillaume …

News

Magical Views from Mount Korab

Spring temperatures have not removed the snow cover from Mount Korab. Snow still covers parts of the mountain. Wild crocus flowers form a golden carpet across the melted areas. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the mountain and called them magical. The Korab mountain range offers wide landscapes and …

News

The Kosova Central Election Commission prepares postal ballot packages for voters abroad ahead of Kosova vote

TIRANA, May 21 – The Kosova Central Election Commission (CEC) has prepared individual ballot packages for voters registered abroad ahead of postal voting for early parliamentary elections. The CEC said its voter service has prepared 75,000 packages so far. In addition, around 30,000 more packages will be completed during Wednesday, …

News

Socca European Championship: Albania opens with 5-0 win over Turkey

TIRANA, May 21 – The Socca European Championship officially kicked off in Albania on Wednesday in a festive atmosphere at the “House of Football”, which hosts the European minifootball tournament. Meanwhile, group-stage matches took place throughout the day. In addition, the opening ceremony brought music, artistic performances, and a strong …

News

“Gateway to the Alps” project transforms Shkodër with infrastructure, transport, and culture upgrades

TIRANA, May 21 – The Municipality of Shkodër worked with the Albanian Development Fund and international and local experts. It prepared a package of transformative projects. These projects target mobility, daily life, economic development, and tourism in the region. Meanwhile, Mayor Benet Beci presented the programme as “Gateway to the …