Albania making progress on key reforms, continued progress needed to conclude EU accession talks in 2027
BRUSSELS, Nov. 4 /ATA/ – Albania has made progress in implementing key reforms required for EU membership but the country must maintain momentum to meet the target of wrapping up accession negotiations by the end of 2027, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said on Wednesday. Kos was speaking at …
Ibrahimaj: An additional 24 billion lekë has been allocated for indexation and increase of pensions in 2027
TIRANA, November 4 /ATSH/ – While presenting the 2027 draft budget to the Committee on Health and Social Welfare, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj emphasized that the support for pensioners, improvement of their income and ensuring the sustainability of the social security system is a priority. “This program …
Cashless Payments, Sejko: Cutting annual transaction costs by over ALL 500 million for consumers and around ALL 1 billion for businesses
TIRANA, Nov 4 /ATA/ Albania is expected to take a significant step towards modernising its payment infrastructure through the regional TIPS Clone project, which will enable real-time fund transfers, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In his address at the 8th International Conference on Regional Card Schemes and …
Duka receives “Lega Nazionale Dilettanti” delegation at House of Football
TIRANA, November 4 /ATSH/ – President of the Albanian Football Association Armand Duka hosted a delegation from the “Lega Nazionale Dilettanti” this Wednesday at the House of Football. The delegation was led by Christian Mossino, the organization’s first vice president. In the beginning, the delegation toured the House of Football, …
Tabaku: EC Progress Report highlights need for far-reaching institutional reform in Albania
TIRANA, Nov 4 /ATA/ Democratic Party MP Jorida Tabaku today commented on the European Commission’s annual Progress Report on Albania, stressing that the country needs far-reaching changes in the way its institutions and state function. Tabaku said the report “reveals some sad truths about Albania, showing that, beyond the rhetoric, passing …
National libraries of Albania and Hungary establish scientific and professional cooperation
TIRANA, November 4 /ATSH/ – The National Library of Albania and the National Széchényi Library of Hungary have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening professional, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two institutions. Attending the signing ceremony was Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Lira Pipa and …
Gogu: ALL 250 million earmarked for forensic hospital, construction to begin in early 2027
TIRANA, Nov 4 /ATA/-By Maela Marini/ Justice Minister Toni Gogu announced today that ALL 250 million have been allocated in the 2027 draft budget for the forensic hospital, with construction set to begin early next year. Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs during a presentation of the 2027 draft …
Recently completed mural in Art Park of Tirana pays tribute to women of Albanian Film Archive
TIRANA, November 4, ATSH/ A new mural dedicated to the women who have worked at the Central State Film Archive over the years has been completed in Tirana’s Art Park. This artwork—a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports and the Central State Film Archive—serves as a …
Bank of Albania keeps key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%
The Bank of Albania has kept its key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%. The Supervisory Council announced the decision on November 3. Governor Gent Sejko also confirmed that the overnight deposit rate will remain at 1.5%. Meanwhile, the overnight lending rate will stay at 3.5%. Sejko said the decision reflects …
Albania strengthens aviation emergency response with search-and-rescue drill
Albania will test its aviation emergency response capabilities today through a planned search-and-rescue exercise near Tirana International Airport. The drill, named SAR-2026, will run from 10:30 to 12:00. The National Search and Rescue Centre is organising the exercise with institutions responsible for aviation emergencies. Participants include the Armed Forces, Tirana …
Police have started implementing new legislation aimed at curbing street protests against the government of Edi Rama, issuing scores of fines – a move that demonstrators describe as an “intimidation tactic”. Original post Here
Investor confidence, legal certainty and stronger institutions remain essential to attracting sustainable foreign investment. Experts discussed these challenges at the “Investing in Albania and the Western Balkans” panel on November 4, during the 32nd Tirana International Fair. Sara Zotaj of the Albanian Investment Development Agency highlighted the country’s geographic position, …
President Bajram Begaj received the European Commission’s 2026 progress report on Albania from European Union Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa on Thursday. Begaj described the report as evidence of Albania’s progress towards European Union membership. He thanked the European Commission for its continued support and commitment to enlargement in the …
Albania is showcasing its culture, traditions and digital innovation at the World Travel Market London 2026, held from November 3 to 5 at ExCeL London in the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared images of the Albanian stand, which brings together tourism, handicrafts, gastronomy and digital experiences. The …
Kosova’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has urged the European Union to grant the country candidate status and launch membership negotiations as soon as possible. Speaking after the European Commission presented its 2026 report on Kosova, Kurti said EU integration remained a long-term strategic priority. He stressed that the process enjoyed …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met European Union Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa on Thursday. The ambassador handed him the European Commission’s progress report on Albania. Following the meeting, Rama and Ambassador De Sousa are expected to hold a press conference on the report’s achievements and milestones on Albania’s path towards …
Democratic Party MP Jorida Tabaku says the European Commission’s latest progress report on Albania confirms opposition concerns over EU integration, the rule of law and democracy. Speaking at a press conference in parliament, Tabaku said citizens had protested peacefully for more than 150 days against a system that had impoverished …
Prime Minister Edi Rama and EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa presented the European Commission’s 2026 progress report on Albania at a joint press conference on Thursday. Rama said Albania had entered the final stretch of accession negotiations. He cited significant progress in at least 20 negotiating chapters and described …
A vibrant new mural dedicated to the women who have worked over the decades at the Central State Film Archive (AQSHF) now graces the Art Park in Tirana. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports completed the artistic project in collaboration with the Central State Film Archive. Consequently, the artwork …
Albania will play their final Group C1 match in League C of the UEFA Nations League against Belarus on November 15 at the Illovszky Rudolf Stadium in Budapest, Hungary. The match will take place without spectators due to UEFA sanctions against Belarus. Under a decision adopted by the UEFA Executive …