Dutch Ambassador: Protests reflect social tensions, violence is unacceptable
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ Dutch Ambassador Marleen Monster said Albania’s protests reflect public discontent and social tensions, stressing that while citizens have the right to demonstrate, violence is unacceptable. During a visit to Korçë, where she met with law enforcement representatives to discuss media freedom, Monster stressed that citizens have …
Gonxhja holds talks with World Bank Director on Sustainable Tourism Development
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja today held a meeting with Xiaoqing Yu, the World Bank’s Country Director for the Western Balkans, and other representatives of the institution. Gonxhja said the discussions focused on the progress of reforms and projects aimed at increasing tourism’s economic …
Albania and India explore new avenues for tourism cooperation
TIRANA, Nov 6 /ATA/ On the sidelines of the World Travel Market (WTM) London 2026 international tourism fair, National Tourism Agency Director-General Jola Hysaj held a meeting with India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. The talks focused on strengthening tourism relations and cooperation between Albania and India through …
US ambassador Eric Wendt outlines priorities for Albania: defence, investment and security
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 …
Albania and Kosova hold joint mountain search and rescue exercise
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 …
Gonxhja: ALL 2.08 BILLION LEK ALLOCATED TO CULTURAL HERITAGE AND MUSEUMS IN 2027
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 …
FM Hoxha and Romanian counterpart reaffirm support for Albania’s European integration
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 seek closer tourism cooperation
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 Allocates ALL 3.37 Billion to Arts and Culture in 2027, with ALL 1.5 Billion for Investment
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 …
European Commission praises progress on Bank of Albania legislation
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 once again presented the new “Speak to the Prime Minister” platform this Sunday, aimed at establishing a direct channel of communication and dialogue with citizens regarding their requests, complaints and concerns. In a Facebook post, Rama shared an excerpt from the platform’s description, emphasizing that it …
Four people have been arrested and seven others are facing criminal proceedings following acts of violence during a protest held in Tirana the previous day. According to police, protesters confronted officers, attacked them with hard objects and pyrotechnic devices, blocked traffic and set waste bins on fire. As part of …
Polling stations opened across Serbia on Sunday for the election of members of national minority councils. The Kosovo government and political representatives of Albanians in Serbia have called on the Albanian community to vote in the elections for the Albanian National Council. Polling stations will remain open from 7:00 a.m. …
TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Tourism will remain a key priority for Albania’s economic development in 2027, with a focus on increasing competitiveness, diversifying the tourism offering, extending the tourist season and improving the quality of services. For 2027, the “Tourism Development” program is supported by a budget of 848.5 …
TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Democratic Party Chairman Sali Berisha confirmed today that the Democratic Party (DP) is open and prepared to reach a compromise with opposition political forces in order to topple the government. During an online discussion with citizens, Berisha emphasized that, “The Democratic Party is sincere, open …
TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Over 300 Albanian and international enterprises from 12 countries gathered for four consecutive days in Tirana for the 32nd edition of Tirana International Fair. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared highlights today from this significant event—organized by the Klik Ekspo Group—which held its 32nd edition from …
TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Democratic Party Chairman Sali Berisha commented on yesterday’s protest in the capital, stating that there were no incidents involving the students themselves. In a message to citizens via social media, Berisha remarked that the “democratic public” was present at yesterday’s protest and he once again …
TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Gjirokastër Castle welcomed 300,000 domestic and international visitors between January and October 2026, marking a 6.5% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Sharing the latest visitor statistics for Gjirokastër Castle, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja highlighted that alongside the rise …
TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu announced that the 2027 draft budget includes an allocation of 50 million euros to revise the “Baby Bonus” scheme. The initiative aims to transform the bonus into a monthly support payment for children up to the age …
TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – The “Speak with the Prime Minister” platform is a new social space for direct communication with Prime Minister Edi Rama, open to students and any other citizen who wishes to engage in dialogue. Rama describes this as a space for dialogue—accessible via anyone’s phone or …