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President Begaj at the 70th Anniversary of Cardinal Ernest Simoni’s Ordination: A Testament to Human Dignity

President Bajram Begaj attended the 70th anniversary of the priestly ordination of His Eminence, Cardinal Ernest Simoni. At the ceremony held at the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence, President Begaj praised Cardinal Simoni as a symbol of resilience, faith, and sacrifice—a “living martyr.” “Your story is living proof …

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Economic Confidence Falls: Citizens Cut Spending, Uncertainty in Some Sectors

Confidence in the economy declined in April. According to the latest survey by the Bank of Albania, the Economic Sentiment Indicator dropped by 1.5 points, marking a reversal after several months of optimism. Consumers, along with sectors such as services and trade, contributed to the decline in the monthly survey …

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Hoxha: No Blockage in Negotiations, Rama–Vučić Article Is Not Against the EU

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, reported this Monday to the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee during a hearing session, where he spoke extensively about the progress of Albania’s European integration process and the latest developments in negotiations with the European Union. The minister rejected claims of any …

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Document of Ambassadorial Nominee: Eric Wendt on Business Influence and Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

An ethics agreement signed on March 17, 2026, by the nominee for United States Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, outlines the measures he will take to avoid conflicts of interest while carrying out his duties. The document specifies that Wendt will not participate in decision-making processes directly related to his …

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President Haxhiu Signs Decree to Open Kosovo Consulate in Texas

The President of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, signed on Monday a decree for the opening of the Consular Mission of the Republic of Kosovo in Texas. According to a statement from the Presidency, Haxhiu emphasized that this is an important step. She noted that with this mission, Kosovo becomes closer to …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: May 4, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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PM Rama joins leaders’ meetings in Yerevan, appears in family photo and holds talks on security and economic connectivity summit

TIRANA, May 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is attending the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, Armenia. He shared a family photo with the participating leaders. Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed Rama and the Albanian delegation. This reception marked the start of the summit activities. The …

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FM Hoxha meets new Turkish ambassador to Albania

TIRANA, May 4 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha met the newly appointed Turkish ambassador to Albania, Barıs Erciyes, in Tirana. He said later on social media that the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the two countries. He also highlighted excellent relations developed over the years. …

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Albanian weightlifter Samoel Rrasa wins silver at World Youth Championships in Egypt

TIRANA, May 4 – Albanian weightlifting continues to achieve strong international results. Young athlete Samoel Rrasa won the silver medal at the World Youth Championships held in Egypt. The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) said the 18-year-old competed in the 65 kg category. He secured second place in the snatch …

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Tirana Launches First Chocolate and Sweets Festival

Tirana hosts the first Chocolate and Sweets Festival and brings together producers, artisans, and visitors in a celebration of flavor and creativity. The event takes place at “Tirana Moons” and receives support from the Municipality of Tirana, with organizers aiming to turn it into an annual tradition. Tourism director Ketrina …

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Former Speaker of Parliament Servet Pëllumbi Passes Away at 89

Former Speaker of Parliament Servet Pëllumbi has died at the age of 89. He co-founded the Socialist Party of Albania. He shaped the country’s democratic transition. Colleagues respected his integrity and leadership. He was born in Korça. He studied at the University of Saint Petersburg. He earned a PhD in …

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Rama: Do Not Let EU Membership Process Be Held Hostage

Prime Minister Edi Rama urged unity to safeguard Albania’s EU accession process. He warned against any attempt to derail it. First, he spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Gjirokastër. There, he focused on EU integration. He described negotiations as tough and complex. Next, he stressed that a dedicated team …

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Rama Reacts to Pëllumbi’s Death: “Farewell, Dear Professor”

Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted to the death of former Speaker Servet Pëllumbi. He expressed sorrow and paid tribute. “Farewell, dear professor,” Rama wrote. He shared a photo of Pëllumbi on social media. Servet Pëllumbi died today at the age of 89. He served as Speaker of Parliament from 2002 …

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Hoxha: EU Path Requires Engagement of the Young Generation

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha urged young people to actively engage in Albania’s EU integration process. He spoke during the “EU and You: Europe Starts Here” tour. He met students at “Sherif Hoxha” high school in Koplik, Malësi e Madhe. He highlighted the European Union as a …

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Mazniku: Need for New Approach to Local Governance Challenges

A new public consultation on administrative-territorial reform took place in Vlora, as the European Parliament report on Albania for 2025 welcomed the ongoing work of the bipartisan parliamentary commission on the issue. The report stressed that any reform in this area must follow an inclusive process and rely on objective …

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Rama Condemns Iran’s Missile Attack on the UAE

Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned Iran’s missile attack on the United Arab Emirates. He called it an act of aggression and terrorism. He reacted on the social network “X”. He said the attack is unprovoked and unjustified. He warned it threatens regional stability. He strongly condemned the strike. He said …

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Balluku Pays Tribute at Martyrs’ Cemetery in Lushnjë on May 5

Deputy Socialist Party MP and former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku attended memorial ceremonies in Lushnjë on Martyrs’ Day. She joined the event alongside Finance Minister Petrit Malaj, Lushnjë Mayor Eriselda Sefa, and other state and political representatives. She laid wreaths at the Partizane Monument. She honored those who fell …

News
Foreign Minister says Albania on the right track, European Parliament committee backs enlargement progress

TIRANA, May 5 – The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, reacted to the adoption of a resolution by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament with 58 votes in favour on the European Commission progress report on Albania for 2025. In a post on social media …

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Speaker Peleshi meets Belgian Senate President, discusses European Union path

TIRANA, May 5 – During his stay in Denmark, Speaker Niko Peleshi met the President of the Senate of Belgium, Vincent Blondel. According to Speaker, the meeting focused on coordination and support for Albania’s path toward the European Union. In a post on social media, he said Albania remains among …

News
Albania condemns Iran attacks on United Arab Emirates, calls for de-escalation

TIRANA, May 5 – The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs condemned recent missile and drone attacks carried out by Iran against the United Arab Emirates. In a statement, the Ministry said the strikes targeted critical infrastructure, including energy facilities. It added that these actions violate sovereignty and international law. …

News

Former Speaker of Parliament Servet Pëllumbi Passes Away at 89

Former Speaker of Parliament Servet Pëllumbi has died at the age of 89. He co-founded the Socialist Party of Albania. He shaped the country’s democratic transition. Colleagues respected his integrity and leadership. He was born in Korça. He studied at the University of Saint Petersburg. He earned a PhD in …

News

Rama: Do Not Let EU Membership Process Be Held Hostage

Prime Minister Edi Rama urged unity to safeguard Albania’s EU accession process. He warned against any attempt to derail it. First, he spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Gjirokastër. There, he focused on EU integration. He described negotiations as tough and complex. Next, he stressed that a dedicated team …

News

Rama Reacts to Pëllumbi’s Death: “Farewell, Dear Professor”

Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted to the death of former Speaker Servet Pëllumbi. He expressed sorrow and paid tribute. “Farewell, dear professor,” Rama wrote. He shared a photo of Pëllumbi on social media. Servet Pëllumbi died today at the age of 89. He served as Speaker of Parliament from 2002 …

News

Hoxha: EU Path Requires Engagement of the Young Generation

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha urged young people to actively engage in Albania’s EU integration process. He spoke during the “EU and You: Europe Starts Here” tour. He met students at “Sherif Hoxha” high school in Koplik, Malësi e Madhe. He highlighted the European Union as a …

News

Mazniku: Need for New Approach to Local Governance Challenges

A new public consultation on administrative-territorial reform took place in Vlora, as the European Parliament report on Albania for 2025 welcomed the ongoing work of the bipartisan parliamentary commission on the issue. The report stressed that any reform in this area must follow an inclusive process and rely on objective …

News

Rama Condemns Iran’s Missile Attack on the UAE

Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned Iran’s missile attack on the United Arab Emirates. He called it an act of aggression and terrorism. He reacted on the social network “X”. He said the attack is unprovoked and unjustified. He warned it threatens regional stability. He strongly condemned the strike. He said …

News

Balluku Pays Tribute at Martyrs’ Cemetery in Lushnjë on May 5

Deputy Socialist Party MP and former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku attended memorial ceremonies in Lushnjë on Martyrs’ Day. She joined the event alongside Finance Minister Petrit Malaj, Lushnjë Mayor Eriselda Sefa, and other state and political representatives. She laid wreaths at the Partizane Monument. She honored those who fell …

News

Foreign Minister says Albania on the right track, European Parliament committee backs enlargement progress

TIRANA, May 5 – The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, reacted to the adoption of a resolution by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament with 58 votes in favour on the European Commission progress report on Albania for 2025. In a post on social media …

News

Speaker Peleshi meets Belgian Senate President, discusses European Union path

TIRANA, May 5 – During his stay in Denmark, Speaker Niko Peleshi met the President of the Senate of Belgium, Vincent Blondel. According to Speaker, the meeting focused on coordination and support for Albania’s path toward the European Union. In a post on social media, he said Albania remains among …

News

Albania condemns Iran attacks on United Arab Emirates, calls for de-escalation

TIRANA, May 5 – The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs condemned recent missile and drone attacks carried out by Iran against the United Arab Emirates. In a statement, the Ministry said the strikes targeted critical infrastructure, including energy facilities. It added that these actions violate sovereignty and international law. …