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Albania prepares systems for integration with European employment and social security networks

TIRANA, June 3 – Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Olta Manjani said Albania is continuing preparations under Chapter 2, “Freedom of Movement for Workers.” The chapter forms part of the country’s European Union accession negotiations. Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on European Affairs and Foreign Affairs, she outlined progress in …

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Albania’s Coastline Highlighted as One of Europe’s Hidden Summer Gems

The Wom presents Albania as one of Europe’s last hidden summer destinations, praising its coastline for crystal-clear waters, natural beauty, and affordable travel options. The magazine describes Albania as an emerging Mediterranean hotspot. It compares its beaches to the “Caribbean of Europe” because of their turquoise waters and untouched landscapes. …

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GB News: Himara among most sought-after destinations for British tourists in summer 2026

TIRANA, June 3 – British media outlet GB News reports that Himara is strengthening its position as one of the Mediterranean’s emerging tourism gems. Interest from UK travellers in the Albanian Riviera is rising significantly. Journalist Sarra Gray cites Airbnb data showing a shift among British holidaymakers toward less crowded …

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More than 29,000 visitors tour Rozafa Castle in May

TIRANA, June 3 – More than 29,000 domestic and foreign visitors toured Rozafa Castle during May, according to the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Shkodër. Meanwhile, the institution reported that 62,748 people visited the historic site between January 1 and May 31. The castle remains one of northern Albania’s …

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From Closeness to Strategic Partnership: Fincantieri’s Shipyard Project and a New Vision for the Future of Italy-Albania Relations

by Albert Rakipi, PhD In April 2026, Fincantieri, one of Italy’s industrial and defence champions, signed an agreement with the Albanian company KAYO to produce vessels at the Pashaliman shipyard. Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the project as part of a strategic partnership, noting that the new company would produce ships not only …

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Rama’s Arguments with RSF Draw Attention From Albanian Media’s Problems

Edi Rama’s public exchanges with Reporters Without Borders, RSF, over its latest Freedom Index are part of a familiar pattern of redirecting attention away from real problems in society, experts say. Original post Here

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Letter from London: Close to Boiling Point

The thermometer’s risen sharply, both literally and politically, this spring – but even with so much else to preoccupy Britons, the Balkans hasn’t quite slipped off the radar. Original post Here

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Mario Biondi Delivers Emotional Jazz Performance in Tirana Concert

The concert of Italian soul and jazz artist Mario Biondi took place on Monday evening at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania in Tirana, bringing strong emotions and high energy to the audience. Organizers held the event as part of the 20th anniversary of his hit “This …

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Rama: Independent Justice Is Key to Building a European State

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that justice reform and the independence of judicial institutions remain among the Socialist Party’s most important achievements. Speaking at an event marking the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Tirana, Rama reflected on the period when former Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano was imprisoned. …

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Rama: Socialist Party Has Always Defended Albania’s National Interest

Prime Minister Edi Rama said the ruling Socialist Party has consistently defended Albania’s national interest and urged citizens to support the country’s path toward membership in the European Union. Speaking at an event marking the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Tirana, Rama acknowledged that the party had made …

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Albanian Customs takes part in regional meeting in Sarajevo on firearms trafficking

TIRANA, June 4 – Representatives of the Albanian Customs Administration took part in a regional meeting on firearms trafficking held on 2–3 June in Sarajevo. The event took place under the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) project. It also …

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Albania loses 0–1 to Israel in friendly under new coach Rolando Maran

TIRANA, June 4 – Albania lost 0–1 to Israel in a friendly match at “Air Albania” stadium in Tirana. The result marked an unsuccessful start to the new era under Italian coach Rolando Maran. Maran started Anis Mehmeti in attack alongside Armando Broja and used Qazim Laçi in an advanced …

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Speaker Peleshi in Lithuania: Support reaffirmed for Albania’s European Union path and 2027 NATO summit bid

TIRANA, June 4 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi concluded a parliamentary diplomacy tour of the Baltic states with an official visit to Lithuania, where officials reaffirmed support for Albania’s European Union membership process and its bid to host a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in 2027. During meetings with Lithuanian …

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Malaj Meets IMF: Albanian Economy Shows Stable Growth

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj held a meeting with the head of the International Monetary Fund mission for Albania, Diego Cerdeiro, as part of regular consultations on economic and fiscal developments. During the meeting, both sides discussed the performance of the Albanian economy. They noted that it continues to show stable …

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PM Rama: Nature protection must go hand in hand with development

TIRANA, June 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said nature protection should not stand in opposition to development. He said both objectives can advance together through responsible planning and architecture. Rama made the remarks at the second edition of the Bread & Heart festival in Tirana. Speaking at the event, …

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Archaeologists uncover Roman thermal complex near Lushnja

TIRANA, June 4 – Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the discovery of significant archaeological remains near Lushnja. He said specialists identified a new archaeological site in the village of Zgjana. According to Gonxhja, experts from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage worked with the Department of Archaeology …

News
Institute of Statistics: Construction costs rise 1.1% in first quarter of 2026

TIRANA, June 4 – Albania’s Construction Cost Index rose 1.1% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, according to the INSTAT, Albania’s Institute of Statistics. According to the institute, higher labour costs drove the annual increase. The “Wage Expenses” group rose 4.8%. In …

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Shkodër tourism rises 30% as Alps, museums and Shiroka–Zogaj drive visitor growth

TIRANA, June 4 – Tourism in Shkodër has recorded a significant increase in recent years, strengthening the local economy and boosting activity across hotels, gastronomy, trade and tourism services. According to the Director of Tourism at Shkodër Municipality, Renato Lumçi, visitor numbers rose by 30% in the first five months …

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Fiscal Peace Agreement applications close on 5 June 2026

TIRANA, June 4 – The Tax Administration has set 5 June 2026 as the deadline for applications to the Fiscal Peace Agreement and called on taxpayers to meet all legal conditions. The procedure runs online through the “e-filing” system. Meanwhile, the process covers registered taxpayers, including individuals and business entities …

News
European Youth Film Festival, fourth edition in Tirana

The fourth edition of the Tirana European Youth Film Festival starts today at the “Agimi” art center in the capital. The festival will bring several days of European films for young audiences and film lovers. The festival promotes contemporary European cinema, supports young filmmakers, and encourages cultural dialogue through film. …

News

Albanian Customs takes part in regional meeting in Sarajevo on firearms trafficking

TIRANA, June 4 – Representatives of the Albanian Customs Administration took part in a regional meeting on firearms trafficking held on 2–3 June in Sarajevo. The event took place under the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) project. It also …

News

Albania loses 0–1 to Israel in friendly under new coach Rolando Maran

TIRANA, June 4 – Albania lost 0–1 to Israel in a friendly match at “Air Albania” stadium in Tirana. The result marked an unsuccessful start to the new era under Italian coach Rolando Maran. Maran started Anis Mehmeti in attack alongside Armando Broja and used Qazim Laçi in an advanced …

News

Speaker Peleshi in Lithuania: Support reaffirmed for Albania’s European Union path and 2027 NATO summit bid

TIRANA, June 4 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi concluded a parliamentary diplomacy tour of the Baltic states with an official visit to Lithuania, where officials reaffirmed support for Albania’s European Union membership process and its bid to host a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in 2027. During meetings with Lithuanian …

News

Malaj Meets IMF: Albanian Economy Shows Stable Growth

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj held a meeting with the head of the International Monetary Fund mission for Albania, Diego Cerdeiro, as part of regular consultations on economic and fiscal developments. During the meeting, both sides discussed the performance of the Albanian economy. They noted that it continues to show stable …

News

PM Rama: Nature protection must go hand in hand with development

TIRANA, June 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said nature protection should not stand in opposition to development. He said both objectives can advance together through responsible planning and architecture. Rama made the remarks at the second edition of the Bread & Heart festival in Tirana. Speaking at the event, …

News

Archaeologists uncover Roman thermal complex near Lushnja

TIRANA, June 4 – Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the discovery of significant archaeological remains near Lushnja. He said specialists identified a new archaeological site in the village of Zgjana. According to Gonxhja, experts from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage worked with the Department of Archaeology …

News

Institute of Statistics: Construction costs rise 1.1% in first quarter of 2026

TIRANA, June 4 – Albania’s Construction Cost Index rose 1.1% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, according to the INSTAT, Albania’s Institute of Statistics. According to the institute, higher labour costs drove the annual increase. The “Wage Expenses” group rose 4.8%. In …

News

Shkodër tourism rises 30% as Alps, museums and Shiroka–Zogaj drive visitor growth

TIRANA, June 4 – Tourism in Shkodër has recorded a significant increase in recent years, strengthening the local economy and boosting activity across hotels, gastronomy, trade and tourism services. According to the Director of Tourism at Shkodër Municipality, Renato Lumçi, visitor numbers rose by 30% in the first five months …

News

Fiscal Peace Agreement applications close on 5 June 2026

TIRANA, June 4 – The Tax Administration has set 5 June 2026 as the deadline for applications to the Fiscal Peace Agreement and called on taxpayers to meet all legal conditions. The procedure runs online through the “e-filing” system. Meanwhile, the process covers registered taxpayers, including individuals and business entities …

News

European Youth Film Festival, fourth edition in Tirana

The fourth edition of the Tirana European Youth Film Festival starts today at the “Agimi” art center in the capital. The festival will bring several days of European films for young audiences and film lovers. The festival promotes contemporary European cinema, supports young filmmakers, and encourages cultural dialogue through film. …