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Minister: 72% of Culture Ministry budget to go to arts and heritage, new management model planned for Byllis

TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA-By Maela Marini/ – Around 72% of the 2027 budget of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport will be allocated to the arts, culture and cultural heritage, with a focus on restoring and protecting castles, museums, archaeological sites and historic monuments, Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on …

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Berisha: Tackling depopulation and doubling wages and pensions are top priorities

TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ Democratic Party chairman Sali Berisha said today that Albania faced an existential threat from depopulation, adding that doubling wages and pensions was a central pillar of the party’s programme. Addressing residents of Kukës, Berisha also highlighted the need to transform the country’s national wealth into greater …

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Tirana introduces first fully electric buses as city pushes ahead with public transport overhaul

TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ – The Albanian capital is stepping up efforts to modernise its public transport system, with the introduction of its first fully electric buses as part of a broader strategy to reduce pollution, expand public transport and improve urban infrastructure, the Tirana Municipality said. The city’s Unaza …

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Week in Review: To Be Or Not To Be

Amid fresh starts and problems old and new, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week suggests that many countries in the region are at a crossroads. Which way will they go? Original post Here

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Heavy rain floods Theth in northern Albania, leaving tourist area without power

Heavy rainfall and rising water levels have caused flooding in Theth, a tourist destination in northern Albania. Overflowing streams have sent water towards several tourist businesses, reaching areas around guesthouses and disrupting their activities. Meanwhile, the area has been without electricity for around 24 hours due to the conditions. Continuous …

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Kosova assembly set to revote on law governing the Specialist Chambers

Kosova’s Assembly is expected to vote again on the law governing the Specialist Chambers in The Hague. The vote concerns the same text approved on October 6 and returned for reconsideration by President Justina Shiroka Pula on October 22. If at least 61 lawmakers vote in favour, the assembly will …

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Polish writer Małgorzata Rejmer visits Albania’s National Library for European Authors Day

Albania’s National Library hosted Polish writer Malgorzata Rejmer on Thursday as part of “READ FOR REAL – European Authors Day 2026”. The European literary initiative promotes authors, reading and cultural dialogue between countries. This marks Albania’s first participation in the initiative, joining the European network of countries hosting literary events. …

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Artificial intelligence takes centre stage at scientific conference

The Academy of Sciences of Albania has organised the two-day international scientific conference “AI Horizon – A New Space for Creativity and Innovation”. The conference focuses on developments in artificial intelligence and the opportunities it offers across different fields. It began on November 12. The Academy’s Section of Technical and …

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Butrint to launch emergency conservation of seven monuments

The Butrint Management Foundation is preparing to launch an emergency conservation project covering seven monuments at Butrint National Park. Experts identified the sites as priorities after documenting and assessing their condition. The project will focus on the Western Gate, the fresco near the Western Gate, the Northern Gate, the Lake …

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Draft law aims to strengthen cryptoasset market regulation

Albania is preparing a more comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptoasset markets to support new digital financial services, clarify operators’ responsibilities and strengthen consumer protection. Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Martin Kajo presented the draft law to the Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development. He said technological advances …

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Rama highlights modern wine and spirits production amid Përmet’s vineyards and mountains

TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama today published a video from the village of Gosnisht, in Përmet, where the Jashari family has established a business dedicated to grape cultivation and the production of alcoholic beverages. Through footage shared on social media, Rama showcases the Jashari family’s business, located …

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Tirana Marathon today: Roads to be closed from 08:00 to 16:00

TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The Tirana Marathon is holding its tenth edition today. In connection with the event, which will take place along the city’s main streets, Tirana Municipality, in cooperation with the State Police, has drawn up a traffic management plan involving road closures and diversions. Restrictions on vehicle …

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Shkodër begins to bounce back after heavy rainfall

TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The situation in Shkodër is gradually returning to normal after heavy rainfall, with the Theth–Ndëlysaj road passable for 4×4 and heavy vehicles as debris clearance continues. In Malësi e Madhe Municipality, water levels in the Përroi i Thatë stream near Kamicë village, in the Qendër Administrative …

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Exploring Luzat and breathtaking mountain scenery above Tepelenë

TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ Just four kilometres beyond Tepelenë, along the national road towards Gjirokastër, a turn-off leads to the village of Luzat, a hidden natural gem in one of Albania’s most beautiful yet largely unexplored areas. The village’s historic quarter, characterised by picturesque old houses set against mountains rising more …

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Spahiu announces expansion of alternative childcare, with 200 foster families to be involved

TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ Health and Social Welfare Minister Klodiana Spahiu paid a visit today to the “Hannah and Rozafa” Infant Home to assess the care services available to children, the conditions they live in and the work of the institution’s staff. She underlined the importance of advancing the deinstitutionalisation reform …

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Tirana hosts 10th marathon edition, with 5,800 participants taking to the streets

TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The tenth edition of the Tirana Marathon got underway today at 08:00, bringing together around 5,800 participants in one of the capital’s largest sporting events. The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) brings footage capturing the atmosphere and participation in the marathon. This year’s new addition is a …

News
Tirana hosts Bulgarian Folk Ensemble “Carevo” for celebration of traditional music and dance

TIRANA, Nov 15  /ATA/ The Bulgarian folk ensemble “Carevo” performed in Tirana on Saturday, presenting a programme of traditional songs, music and dances. The concert was performed at the Cultural Centre of the Orthodox Cathedral and organised by the Bulgarian Embassy in Albania to mark the Day of the National …

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Luiza Gega wins Tirana Marathon’s 42-kilometre race

TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ Albanian runner Luiza Gega emerged victorious in the full 42-kilometre race at the Tirana Marathon, finishing in 2 hours, 35 minutes and 35 seconds. Gega also secured the top prize of €5,000 at the event’s tenth edition, which attracted around 5,800 participants. The marathon kicked off …

News
Customs Administration collects 207 billion leks in revenue in first 10 months of 2026

TIRANA, Nov 14 /ATA/ – The Customs Administration collected 207 billion leks in revenue in the January-October period of 2026, an increase of 7.6 billion leks compared with the same period a year earlier, official data showed on Saturday. The figure marks the highest customs revenue recorded for the first …

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Berisha urges opposition parties to field joint candidates in local elections

TIRANA, Nov 14 /ATA/ – Main opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has called on opposition forces to unite behind joint candidates in the upcoming local elections. Speaking during an online exchange with citizens on Saturday, Berisha said guidelines setting out the procedures for selecting candidates for mayoral positions had …

News

Rama highlights modern wine and spirits production amid Përmet’s vineyards and mountains

TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama today published a video from the village of Gosnisht, in Përmet, where the Jashari family has established a business dedicated to grape cultivation and the production of alcoholic beverages. Through footage shared on social media, Rama showcases the Jashari family’s business, located …

News

Tirana Marathon today: Roads to be closed from 08:00 to 16:00

TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The Tirana Marathon is holding its tenth edition today. In connection with the event, which will take place along the city’s main streets, Tirana Municipality, in cooperation with the State Police, has drawn up a traffic management plan involving road closures and diversions. Restrictions on vehicle …

News

Shkodër begins to bounce back after heavy rainfall

TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The situation in Shkodër is gradually returning to normal after heavy rainfall, with the Theth–Ndëlysaj road passable for 4×4 and heavy vehicles as debris clearance continues. In Malësi e Madhe Municipality, water levels in the Përroi i Thatë stream near Kamicë village, in the Qendër Administrative …

News

Exploring Luzat and breathtaking mountain scenery above Tepelenë

TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ Just four kilometres beyond Tepelenë, along the national road towards Gjirokastër, a turn-off leads to the village of Luzat, a hidden natural gem in one of Albania’s most beautiful yet largely unexplored areas. The village’s historic quarter, characterised by picturesque old houses set against mountains rising more …

News

Spahiu announces expansion of alternative childcare, with 200 foster families to be involved

TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ Health and Social Welfare Minister Klodiana Spahiu paid a visit today to the “Hannah and Rozafa” Infant Home to assess the care services available to children, the conditions they live in and the work of the institution’s staff. She underlined the importance of advancing the deinstitutionalisation reform …

News

Tirana hosts 10th marathon edition, with 5,800 participants taking to the streets

TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ The tenth edition of the Tirana Marathon got underway today at 08:00, bringing together around 5,800 participants in one of the capital’s largest sporting events. The Albanian Telegraphic Agency (ATA) brings footage capturing the atmosphere and participation in the marathon. This year’s new addition is a …

News

Tirana hosts Bulgarian Folk Ensemble “Carevo” for celebration of traditional music and dance

TIRANA, Nov 15  /ATA/ The Bulgarian folk ensemble “Carevo” performed in Tirana on Saturday, presenting a programme of traditional songs, music and dances. The concert was performed at the Cultural Centre of the Orthodox Cathedral and organised by the Bulgarian Embassy in Albania to mark the Day of the National …

News

Luiza Gega wins Tirana Marathon’s 42-kilometre race

TIRANA, Nov 15 /ATA/ Albanian runner Luiza Gega emerged victorious in the full 42-kilometre race at the Tirana Marathon, finishing in 2 hours, 35 minutes and 35 seconds. Gega also secured the top prize of €5,000 at the event’s tenth edition, which attracted around 5,800 participants. The marathon kicked off …

News

Customs Administration collects 207 billion leks in revenue in first 10 months of 2026

TIRANA, Nov 14 /ATA/ – The Customs Administration collected 207 billion leks in revenue in the January-October period of 2026, an increase of 7.6 billion leks compared with the same period a year earlier, official data showed on Saturday. The figure marks the highest customs revenue recorded for the first …

News

Berisha urges opposition parties to field joint candidates in local elections

TIRANA, Nov 14 /ATA/ – Main opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has called on opposition forces to unite behind joint candidates in the upcoming local elections. Speaking during an online exchange with citizens on Saturday, Berisha said guidelines setting out the procedures for selecting candidates for mayoral positions had …