Ursula von der Leyen in Tirana, welcomed by Rama with an official ceremony
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was welcomed by Prime Minister Edi Rama with an official ceremony at midday on Wednesday, as part of her visit to Tirana. Von der Leyen arrived at the Prime Minister’s Office, where she was received by the head of the Albanian government. Her …
U.S. State Department Report on Albania: Foreign Investment Rises, but Corruption and Informality Remain Concerns
The U.S. Department of State has published its 2026 report on Albania’s investment climate, highlighting challenges related to corruption, organized crime, money laundering, property rights and competition. The 40-page report notes that despite the increase in foreign investment, investors continue to face a lack of transparency, informality, difficulties in contract …
Skender Hita Attends European Police Chiefs Convention: Cooperation with International Partners
Director General of the Albanian State Police, Skender Hita, attended the European Police Chiefs Convention (EPCC). Ahead of the conference, Director Hita was received in a separate meeting by Europol’s Acting Executive Director, Jürgen Ebner. Also present at the meeting was the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the …
Will Albania’s Handling of ‘Flamingo’ Protests Affect its EU Accession Progress?
The anti-government protests that rocked Albania this summer will not jeopardise its EU membership prospects – but will feed into a broader assessment of Tirana’s respect for democracy and that rule of law. Original post Here
Demo meets Director for Western Balkans Superti: Chapters 24 and 22 in focus as Albania presses ahead toward its 2027 goal
Interior Minister Ervin Demo met with Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement, to discuss Albania’s progress toward EU membership. Their first meeting focused on the final milestones for Chapter 24, “Justice, Freedom and Security,” and Chapter 22, “Regional Policy and Coordination of …
Albania Customs Administration publishes new manual to standardize customs valuation practices
Albania’s Customs Administration has published the “Customs Valuation Manual”, a practical guide designed to standardize procedures and ensure the consistent application of rules for determining the value of goods for customs purposes. The manual brings together the relevant legal framework and customs valuation methods. It also addresses issues that customs …
Minister Gogu presents Criminal Procedure Code changes: Pre-trial detention should remain exceptional; Electronic monitoring to start by next spring
Justice Minister Toni Gogu, together with the Council of Europe, presented proposed amendments to Albania’s Criminal Procedure Code today. The initiative launches a public consultation on a broad reform of criminal procedures. The proposals focus on pre-trial detention, alternatives to imprisonment, stronger safeguards and the protection of individual rights. In …
Parliament honors Vendim Kapaj: Albanian traditional sounds featured in Nolan’s “The Odyssey”
On National Cultural Heritage Day, the Albanian Parliament expressed its appreciation for everyone who works to preserve and pass on the country’s cultural heritage from one generation to the next. In a social media post, Parliament highlighted the work of Vendim Kapaj, who holds the title “Grand Master” and has …
Finance Minister Malaj meets IMF mission: Significant improvements in public investment planning and management
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission assessing public investment efficiency (PIMA), led by Ian Hawkesworth. The meeting focused on the IMF’s findings and assessment of Albania’s public investment efficiency. The IMF plans to publish the full report soon. During the meeting, participants highlighted Albania’s …
Rama: No prison detention for offences carrying sentences of less than five years
Prime Minister Edi Rama today presented a draft package of amendments to Albania’s Criminal Procedure Code. Rama focused on the rules for imposing security measures. He also outlined plans to strengthen alternatives to pre-trial detention. During the presentation, Rama referred to an episode involving Professor Rafael Pariso. According to Rama, …
The University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” has put its new Cardiac Surgery Hospital into operation. The new facility has modern premises and services and aims to provide patients with higher standards of care. During an inspection of the new facilities, Prime Minister Edi Rama and Health and Social Welfare Minister …
Danish architecture studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has won the “Tirana Fountain Plaza” project in an international competition that presented architectural visions for Tirana 2030 from five international studios. The jury described the winning project as ambitious and distinctive. It said the proposal offers a strategy not only for the …
Countries such as Albania and Montenegro could send a commissioner to Brussels before formally joining the European Union. The European Commission is considering the idea as part of new plans, Magnus Lund Nielsen and Eddy Wax report, citing Rapporteur. Senior EU officials are considering ways to increase the involvement of …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with France’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, René Troccaz, during his stay in Pržno, Montenegro. The two officials discussed Albania’s European Union accession process, developments in the Western Balkans and the strategic importance of strengthening regional cooperation, connectivity and security. …
Danish architecture studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has won the international competition for the “Tirana Fountain Tower” project. The project includes a mixed-use building and plans to transform the public space at Rinia Park in the capital. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video presenting the project today. He said …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa praised Albania’s progress toward EU membership after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Tirana. In a social media post, Moreira de Sousa thanked von der Leyen for visiting Albania and thanked the Albanian authorities for their hospitality. “The goal is …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with German Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul today during the ministerial meeting of the Berlin Process in Pržno, Montenegro. The two ministers held substantive talks focused on Albania’s European path. Hoxha expressed his appreciation for Germany’s clear, consistent and continued support …
Tirana International Airport welcomed representatives of regional airports, aviation organizations and industry partners from across Europe on the first day of the 40th Regional Airports Forum of Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe). One of the main highlights of the event was the presentation of a new publication, “European Regional …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visits Kosova today for meetings with its institutional leaders. She first meets acting President Albulena Haxhiu at the Presidency. Von der Leyen then meets Prime Minister Albin Kurti at the Government building. Kurti and von der Leyen are to hold a press conference …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj took part in the Berlin Process Economic Ministerial in Cetinje, Montenegro. Ministers from the six Western Balkan countries, European Commission representatives, regional organizations and international financial institutions also attended. Discussions focused on the Regional Common Market action plan, economic cooperation and closer alignment with …