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Begaj: EC Progress Report, evidence of advancement in integration process

TIRANA, November 5 /ATSH/ – President Bajram Begaj met today with the Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa, who presented him with the European Commission’s progress report on Albania. The president appreciated this year’s progress report as evidence of advancement in the integration process …

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EU Progress Report on Albania: PM Rama receives Ambassador De Sousa

TIRANA, November 5 /ATSH/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama met today with the European Union Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa who presented him with the European Commission’s progress report on Albania. Following the meeting, Rama and Ambassador De Sousa are expected to hold a press conference to discuss the achievements …

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Ambassador De Sousa: Albania has made great strides forward; any grievances should be resolved through dialogue

TIRANA, November 5 /ATSH/ – During a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama today—following the handing over of the Progress Report on Albania—European Union Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa stated that the report’s message is simple: “Albania has made great strides forward.” Addressing Prime Minister Edi Rama, Moreira …

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Rama: EC’s progress report outlines a new roadmap as Albania enters final stretch of EU negotiations

TIRANA, November 5 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama appreciated the European Commission’s 2026 progress report today as the best one Albania has ever received. PM Rama held a joint press conference with Ambassador of the European Union Delegation Sofia Moreira de Sousa who officially presented the European Commission’s progress …

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Albanian Prosecution Urged to Probe PM’s Alleged Blackmail of Jailed Mayor

Mayor Erion Veliaj’s claims that PM Edi Rama used a minister to try to exert pressure on him have prompted civil society organisations to demand a thorough investigation. Original post Here

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Kallas: Albania among four leading EU candidates, but must speed up reforms

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas has praised Albania’s progress towards European Union membership. She ranked Albania among the four most advanced candidate countries, alongside Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine. Speaking at the presentation of the European Commission’s 2026 Enlargement Report, Kallas highlighted Albania’s rapid progress. …

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Rama: Albania receives its strongest-ever EU progress assessment, membership prospects more realistic than ever

Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania had received its strongest assessment yet in the European Commission’s annual Progress Report. He described the report as another source of pride for the country and an encouraging step towards its historic goal of joining the European Union. “Another meaningful and encouraging report card …

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Albania moves towards instant payments, saving citizens and businesses millions

Albania is taking an important step towards modernising its payment system through the regional TIPS Clone project. The new system will allow people and businesses to transfer money instantly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko announced that the system is expected to …

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Design and innovation take centre stage at Tirana International Fair, with over 70 Italian companies

Design, innovation and business cooperation are in the spotlight at the 32nd Tirana International Fair. More than 70 Italian companies are presenting their products, services and projects, while exploring new opportunities in the Albanian market. The panel “Tradition as a Living Project” brought together Italian companies and design professionals to …

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Hoxha meets German lawmaker, calls for stronger German engagement in the Western Balkans

Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, met with German MP Peter Beyer in Berlin to discuss bilateral relations and Germany’s role in the Western Balkans. Beyer is a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which leads Germany’s governing coalition. He also serves on the Bundestag’s Foreign …

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I will emerge completely innocent at the end of this journey

The team of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has published a message from him on its official Facebook page, marking the sixth anniversary of his transfer to The Hague. “I want to shake each of your hands, embrace you all and assure you that I will emerge completely innocent at …

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Sveçla: Kosovo remains a reliable Europol partner

Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, met Europol Executive Director Jürgen Ebner on Thursday on the sidelines of the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice in Budva, Montenegro. Sveçla said Kosovo remains a reliable partner for Europol, with consistent results under their cooperation agreements. He also highlighted the success …

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Government introduces new resort regulations, preliminary certification required before construction permits

The Council of Ministers on Thursday approved a decision establishing new categories and requirements for tourist accommodation facilities, introducing stricter rules for resort developments. Under the new rules, tourism facilities must account for at least 60% of a project’s total construction area, while residential units cannot exceed 40%. The calculation …

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EU Ambassador presents 2026 Progress Report to National Council for European Integration

European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa presented the 2026 Progress Report on Albania to the National Council for European Integration and its two co-chairs, Taulant Balla and Jorida Tabaku. In her remarks, the ambassador stressed the importance of political dialogue and public consultation in Albania’s EU integration …

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Rama: Albania making progress towards EU membership despite disinformation

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted Albania’s progress towards European Union membership on Thursday, describing the 2026 Progress Report as a clear assessment of his government’s performance. Speaking at a joint press conference with EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa, Rama welcomed the report’s findings. However, he argued that disinformation prevents …

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Government approves new rules for concession and PPP agency

The Council of Ministers has approved new rules governing the organisation and operation of the Agency for the Treatment of Concessions and Public-Private Partnerships (ATRAKO), defining its responsibilities, funding, service fees and additional payments for employees involved in feasibility studies. Under the decision, ATRAKO will operate as a public budgetary …

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2027 Fiscal Package takes centre stage at Tirana International Fair

The Tirana International Fair, organised by Klik Ekspo Group, continues to bring Albanian and international businesses together, offering opportunities to showcase products, exchange expertise and establish new partnerships. On the third day of this year’s edition, held at the Palace of Congresses, business representatives, industry associations and experts gathered for …

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Ibrahimaj: European Commission highlights progress in employment and vocational training

The European Commission has recognised Albania’s progress in employment, education and vocational training, highlighting developments in several programmes and policies designed to improve skills and expand access to the labour market. Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj shared the findings of the European Commission’s 2026 Albania Report on social …

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PM Rama Announces New Dialogue Platform for Students: To Go Live Tomorrow

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced the creation of a new communication platform for students and university lecturers, aimed at facilitating direct dialogue on issues and concerns they wish to raise with the government. During a joint press conference with the European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, …

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Transparency Board Announces New Fuel Prices, Diesel and Petrol Prices Reduced

The Transparency Board decided on Thursday to lower fuel prices across the country. Under the new decision, diesel will be sold at a maximum price of 210 Albanian lek per liter at retail outlets, while the wholesale price must not exceed 198 lek per liter. Petrol prices have also been …

News

I will emerge completely innocent at the end of this journey

The team of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has published a message from him on its official Facebook page, marking the sixth anniversary of his transfer to The Hague. “I want to shake each of your hands, embrace you all and assure you that I will emerge completely innocent at …

News

Sveçla: Kosovo remains a reliable Europol partner

Kosovo’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Xhelal Sveçla, met Europol Executive Director Jürgen Ebner on Thursday on the sidelines of the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice in Budva, Montenegro. Sveçla said Kosovo remains a reliable partner for Europol, with consistent results under their cooperation agreements. He also highlighted the success …

News

Government introduces new resort regulations, preliminary certification required before construction permits

The Council of Ministers on Thursday approved a decision establishing new categories and requirements for tourist accommodation facilities, introducing stricter rules for resort developments. Under the new rules, tourism facilities must account for at least 60% of a project’s total construction area, while residential units cannot exceed 40%. The calculation …

News

EU Ambassador presents 2026 Progress Report to National Council for European Integration

European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa presented the 2026 Progress Report on Albania to the National Council for European Integration and its two co-chairs, Taulant Balla and Jorida Tabaku. In her remarks, the ambassador stressed the importance of political dialogue and public consultation in Albania’s EU integration …

News

Rama: Albania making progress towards EU membership despite disinformation

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted Albania’s progress towards European Union membership on Thursday, describing the 2026 Progress Report as a clear assessment of his government’s performance. Speaking at a joint press conference with EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa, Rama welcomed the report’s findings. However, he argued that disinformation prevents …

News

Government approves new rules for concession and PPP agency

The Council of Ministers has approved new rules governing the organisation and operation of the Agency for the Treatment of Concessions and Public-Private Partnerships (ATRAKO), defining its responsibilities, funding, service fees and additional payments for employees involved in feasibility studies. Under the decision, ATRAKO will operate as a public budgetary …

News

2027 Fiscal Package takes centre stage at Tirana International Fair

The Tirana International Fair, organised by Klik Ekspo Group, continues to bring Albanian and international businesses together, offering opportunities to showcase products, exchange expertise and establish new partnerships. On the third day of this year’s edition, held at the Palace of Congresses, business representatives, industry associations and experts gathered for …

News

Ibrahimaj: European Commission highlights progress in employment and vocational training

The European Commission has recognised Albania’s progress in employment, education and vocational training, highlighting developments in several programmes and policies designed to improve skills and expand access to the labour market. Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj shared the findings of the European Commission’s 2026 Albania Report on social …

News

PM Rama Announces New Dialogue Platform for Students: To Go Live Tomorrow

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced the creation of a new communication platform for students and university lecturers, aimed at facilitating direct dialogue on issues and concerns they wish to raise with the government. During a joint press conference with the European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, …

News

Transparency Board Announces New Fuel Prices, Diesel and Petrol Prices Reduced

The Transparency Board decided on Thursday to lower fuel prices across the country. Under the new decision, diesel will be sold at a maximum price of 210 Albanian lek per liter at retail outlets, while the wholesale price must not exceed 198 lek per liter. Petrol prices have also been …