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 …
PM Rama says businesses must drive economic development
Prime Minister Edi Rama has stressed the need for an inspection system that supports businesses and promotes economic growth without creating unnecessary barriers. Speaking at a conference organised by the General Inspectorate on investment and compliance with legal requirements, he said inspections should serve a practical purpose rather than burden …
Justice minister Gogu says anti-corruption is key to Albania’s European path
Justice Minister Toni Gogu has pledged to align Albania’s anti-corruption legislation with European Union standards. He also proposed three priorities for stronger regional cooperation at the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs in Budva, Montenegro, on 5–6 November. Speaking at a session on the judicial dimension of …
Albania allocates ALL 76.284 billion (approximately $943 million) for defence in 2027
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi presented the 2027 draft budget to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates ALL 76.284 billion, a 10% increase on 2026, equivalent to 2.6% of gross domestic product. Capital spending accounts for ALL 43.6 billion, while current expenditure totals ALL 32.6 billion. …
Tirana to Host Second EU–Western Balkans Investment Conference, with Focus on Investment Opportunities
Tirana will host the Second EU–Western Balkans Investment Conference on November 25 and 26, 2026, an event aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and encouraging new investments between the European Union and countries in the region. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that the forum will bring together high-level government representatives, international …
PM Rama and Minister Karakaçi Inspect Tirana Bypass: Project to Ease Traffic Congestion in the Capital
Prime Minister Edi Rama, together with Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi and Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH) Director Ami Kozeli, inspected the construction site of the Tirana Bypass. They emphasized that work on the project is progressing rapidly. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi stated that more than …
Dutch Ambassador to Albania: Media Freedom Requires Attention, Violence at Protests Has Shocked Us
The Dutch Ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster, has expressed concern over acts of violence during protests in Albania, stating that they have shocked and surprised the Dutch side. Speaking to the media in Korça following a meeting with representatives of law enforcement institutions, which focused on media freedom, Monster commented …
“Talk to the Prime Minister”: PM Rama Introduces New Platform for Dialogue with Citizens
Prime Minister Edi Rama on Friday introduced a new platform aimed at facilitating communication and dialogue with citizens, particularly students, regarding their demands and complaints. According to Rama, the platform, called “Talk to the Prime Minister,” will serve as a 24-hour communication channel, with a dedicated team ensuring the exchange …
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 …
TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – The Valbona Valley remains one of the gems of Albanian mountain tourism, offering a unique experience for visitors seeking tranquility, pristine nature and breathtaking scenery. Autumn colors make this destination even more alluring, transforming it into a living postcard of the Albanian Alps. Prime Minister …
TIRANA, Nov 7 /ATA/ – The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on Saturday expressed shock and condolences following a deadly shooting in Krakow, Poland, in which six people were killed and at least 15 others injured. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the ministry extended its …
Two separate protests took place in Tirana on Saturday, one organised by students and the other by the opposition Democratic Party. Students gathered outside the Ministry of Education. Democratic Party supporters marched from the Prime Minister’s Office towards the Education ministry, seeking to join the students. The students rejected their …
TIRANA, Nov. 7 /ATA/ – Albania has made progress in aligning its legislation on culture and intellectual property with European Union standards, Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja said following a meeting with EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa on Saturday. The talks focused on the country’s …
TIRANA, Nov. 7 /ATA/ – Clashes escalated outside the Ministry of Education in Tirana on Saturday after several protesters set fire to two rubbish bins and pushed them towards police officers. Protesters also threw various objects at police, who responded with pepper spray and tear gas. Tensions intensified further when …
TIRANA, Nov. 7 /ATA/ – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has condemned acts of violence during Saturday’s protest outside the Ministry of Education in Tirana, after footage she shared on social media showed masked demonstrators throwing stones at police officers. In her post, Koçiu denounced the violence and expressed support …
TIRANA, Nov. 7 /ATA/ – Protesters moved from the area outside the Ministry of Education, where clashes with police had erupted earlier, and marched towards the Prime Minister’s office in Tirana on Saturday. The march was marked by rising tensions and further incidents, with protesters attempting to block the road …