Albania registers nearly 2,000 new businesses in September
Albania registered 1,985 new businesses in September 2026, according to the National Business Centre. Tirana accounted for 1,085 registrations, or 54.7% of the national total. Durrës followed with 212, while Vlora recorded 132. Trade led the sectors attracting new businesses, with 464 registrations. Accommodation and food services followed with 220, …
EU enlargement chief highlights key decisions for Western Balkans
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos says the coming weeks and months will bring decisive moments for Western Balkan countries pursuing European Union membership. Speaking ahead of the Berlin Process summit in Montenegro, Kos highlighted different priorities across the region. Montenegro must complete its accession negotiations, Serbia faces upcoming elections, …
Albanian customs revenue reaches 186 billion ALL in nine months
Albania’s customs administration collected around 185.9 billion ALL in revenue from January to September 2026, an increase of 7.2 billion ALL compared with the same period in 2025. The General Directorate of Customs said the results represented 104% of the revenue target. It described the first nine months of 2026 …
Government plans four-pillar package to support up to 16,000 young people
Albania is preparing a new package to support young people through employment, housing, education and greater transparency, Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani said. The package initially aims to reach 10,000 young people, with the number potentially rising to 16,000. It includes expanding employment support to 5,000 young …
Rama Renews Invitation for Dialogue with Protesters, This Time Placing Invitations on Stone Benches
Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again invited protesters to engage in dialogue. In a video published on Thursday morning, Rama placed the invitations on stone benches, unlike the previous day, when he had placed them on chairs. Alongside the video, the Prime Minister wrote: “Good morning.” A day earlier, …
Opposition Blocks Parliamentary Podium, Peleshi Moves Directly to Voting Amid Tensions
Following tensions in Parliament, where opposition MPs blocked the podium and Flamur Noka removed the microphone from Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla, Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi announced that the session would proceed directly to voting. As the electronic voting system had been damaged, Peleshi said the vote would …
Kos: Coming Months Crucial for Western Balkans’ EU Integration, Albania Must Maintain Reform Momentum
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has praised Montenegro’s progress towards European Union membership, stressing that the coming weeks and months will be decisive for the European future of the Western Balkan countries. Speaking at the Berlin Process Summit in Budva, Montenegro, Kos highlighted that each country in the region …
Rama Compares Number of Injured Police Officers in Tirana with Other Countries Experiencing Protests
Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again commented on the protests that have been taking place in Tirana for more than a week. In a Facebook post, Rama criticised the media, accusing them of failing to report transparently on the number of police officers injured during clashes with protesters. Rama’s …
Berlin Process Needs to Level the Playing Field in Bilateral Disputes
A decade of declarations and commitments on good neighbourly relations have not prevented bilateral issues from impeding EU enlargement in the Balkans. A new solution must be found. Original post Here
Discover Durrës: The Perfect Coastal Getaway in Albania
Welcome to Durrës, a beautiful coastal city where sunshine, sandy beaches and ancient history come together. With its seaside charm, rich heritage and affordable experiences, Durrës offers an ideal escape for every traveller. Fascinating Facts About Durrës Durrës is home to one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans, …
The maritime, air and amphibious capabilities of Allied forces took centre stage aboard the Turkish ship TCG ANADOLU and along the Albanian coast during Neptune Strike 26-4 on October 19, 2026, demonstrating the cooperation and readiness that underpin NATO’s collective defence. The event was attended by senior officials, including defence …
By Denis Jukni Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from an experimental technology to a new infrastructure of the economy and public administration. Generative models, automation, robotics, cloud infrastructure, large-scale data processing and algorithmic systems are changing how companies produce, how institutions deliver services and how citizens receive information. This transformation …
A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here
Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …
European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged young people to distance themselves from violent protests. He called on them to express their views through peaceful democratic means. In remarks on social media, Rama defended the right to peaceful protest. He said citizens could challenge the government through debate and elections. He …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi has met Colonel Murat Ilhan, Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana. Turkish Ambassador to Albania Bariş Ceyhun Erciyes also attended the meeting. According to the Ministry of Defense, the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey and their shared commitment to closer cooperation in …
Albania recorded around 17.4 million entries by Albanian and foreign citizens from January to September 2026, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Foreign citizens accounted for 10.7 million entries, while Albanian citizens accounted for 6.7 million. Compared with the same period in 2025, foreign arrivals rose by 4.9%, while …
Students continued their protest outside the prime minister’s office in Tirana for an 11th day. University lecturers and other citizens joined them again today. Lecturers and students first gathered outside the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Aleksandër Kovaçi, head of the University Lecturers’ Union, called for greater cooperation among intellectuals in …
The Albanian Water Rescue Federation held the 2026 National Water Rescue Championship with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The competition tested speed, technique and endurance through events that combine sport with life-saving skills. A total of 34 competitors took part. The championship has taken place annually …