Actor and director Gjergji Mena passes away at 41
The National Cinematography Centre has announced the passing of actor and director Gjergji Mena at the age of 41. The centre paid tribute to the young artist, highlighting his contribution to theatre and screen productions. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja also expressed condolences, describing Mena as a talented …
Ermonela Jaho serves as Opera Rara Artist Ambassador
Renowned Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho serves as an Artist Ambassador for Opera Rara, a London-based opera organisation dedicated to reviving neglected works and bringing rarely performed repertoire to modern audiences. Founded in 1970, Opera Rara specialises in researching, restoring, recording and performing operas that have largely disappeared from the mainstream …
Albania targets completion of technical EU accession talks by December 2027
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha says Albania aims to complete the technical phase of European Union accession negotiations by December 2027. The goal is to advance to the political phase and join the bloc within this decade. Presenting the 2027 budget priorities to the parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs, …
Albania’s 2027 budget exceeds €10 billion in planned public spending
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj says the 2027 draft budget provides for public spending exceeding €10 billion for the first time. The plan prioritises social welfare, fiscal stability, public investment and reforms linked to European Union integration. Revenue is projected at ALL 907.9 billion, or around €9.4 billion. The budget deficit …
Bank of Albania Deputy Governor Ahmetaj says 2027 draft budget supports fiscal stability amid economic risks
Bank of Albania Deputy Governor Natasha Ahmetaj says the 2027 draft budget maintains fiscal consolidation. She told Parliament’s Economy, Employment and Finance Committee that the plan supports public finances and creates room for investment. Ahmetaj said economic activity, private-sector employment and wages have grown in recent years. Inflation remains low …
Albania’s 2027 Budget Hits €10 Billion, with Higher Pensions and New Family Benefits
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj has presented the draft 2027 budget to the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs, with spending projected to reach around €10 billion for the first time. The main priorities will be supporting pensioners, children with disabilities, and families with young children. During his presentation, Malaj announced that …
Albania Allocates €40 Million to Foreign Ministry in 2027, Minister Hoxha Says EU Negotiations Remain Top Priority
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs will have a budget of 3.9 billion lek, approximately €40 million, for 2027, marking a 6% increase compared to the previous year. The draft budget was presented by Minister Ferit Hoxha to the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. Of the total …
Dutch Ambassador Meets SPAK Chief and Prosecutor General, Judicial Cooperation in Focus
The Dutch Ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster, has met with Prosecutor General Olsian Çela and the head of SPAK, Klodian Braho. The meetings focused on cooperation between the two countries, strengthening the rule of law, and protecting the independence of justice institutions in Albania. During the discussions, the ambassador praised …
PM Rama Announces National Exam for Public Administration Jobs, Successful Candidates to Receive Four-Year Certificate
Prime Minister Edi Rama presented a new reform on Monday called the “Merit Ladder,” aimed at ensuring that the most qualified individuals are recruited and promoted within the public administration hierarchy. As part of the reform, Rama announced the creation of a national examination system that will allow candidates to …
Albanian Parliament Speaker Peleshi Visits Prague, Czech Republic Reaffirms Support for Albania’s EU Integration
Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi has paid an official visit to the Czech Republic, where he met with Tomio Okamura, Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, and Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate. The meetings focused on bilateral relations, strengthening interparliamentary cooperation, and the Czech Republic’s support for Albania’s …
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed Prime Minister Edi Rama at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Monday. Their meeting focused on Albania’s progress in defence and its commitment to NATO obligations. Following the meeting, Rama described Rutte as a strong friend of Albania and an attentive observer of developments in …
Prime Minister Edi Rama visited Brussels on Monday, where he took part in the Euronews Enlargement Summit. The high-level forum focused on EU enlargement and the European future of countries seeking membership. Discussions covered the progress of candidate countries, ongoing reforms and their commitments to the European Union. Participants also …
Albania is working to strengthen regional cooperation in aeronautical search and rescue. The country hosted the second 2026 meeting of the Regional Aeronautical Search and Rescue Advisory Committee (RASARAC), organised by the National Search and Rescue Centre. Deputy Defence Minister Blerina Abrazhda took part in the meeting. She reaffirmed Albania’s …
Albania is promoting its tourism potential at WTM London 2026, one of the world’s leading travel industry events. The country has opened its national pavilion with a programme that highlights tourism, culture, traditions and innovation. The fair runs from November 3 to 5 in London. It brings together tourism officials, …
The Durres Port Authority took part in Waterborne Transport Week 2026, an international event held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community organised the forum under the motto “Connecting Transport, Connecting People”. The event brought together representatives of European institutions, transport authorities and regional partners. …
Four NATO warships have arrived at the Port of Vlora as part of a joint military activity with the Albanian Navy. The fleet consists of two German vessels, one Italian vessel, and one Spanish vessel. The ships will remain in port until November 6. During this period, port activities and …
During an interview with journalist Maria Tadeo at the Euronews Enlargement Summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Edi Rama commented on the Western Balkans’ path toward the European Union and Serbia’s regional role. He emphasized that although Serbia’s EU integration is important for regional stability, Belgrade must demonstrate concrete progress, meet …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said during his speech at the Euronews Enlargement Summit in Brussels that Albania aims to conclude accession negotiations with the European Union by the end of 2027. Rama expressed skepticism about the deadlines periodically set by the European Union regarding Albania, but emphasized that the country …
Prime Minister Edi Rama commented on the student protests in Tirana, now in their 22nd day, during an interview in Brussels on Tuesday. The head of government emphasized that protesters are refusing dialogue and insisting on calls for his resignation, without presenting a clear set of demands. “It’s not easy …
The 29th Tirana Book Fair “Tirana 2026” will no longer take place from November 11 to 15, as originally scheduled. The Publishers’ Association and the organizing committee announced on Tuesday that the event has been postponed until December. In their statement, the organizers explained that the decision was made following …