Albanian folk ensemble to perform in Scotland for first time in 70 years
Albania’s National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble will travel to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time in 70 years to present the country’s cultural heritage to an international audience. The artists will perform “Albania Through Byron’s Eyes”, a production that combines Albanian traditions with the inspiration Albania and its culture …
Tirana police fine 37 protesters for blocking traffic
Tirana police said on Wednesday that they had issued 37 fines to protesters over the past two days. Police said the protesters had blocked the road and obstructed traffic on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Each protester was fined 5,000 lek. “In Tirana, 37 administrative penalties were imposed for blocking the …
Musicians with disabilities deliver moving rendition of patriotic song
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – For more than two decades, the “The Door Albania” brass band in Shkodra has demonstrated how music can foster inclusion, social interaction and the development of skills among people with disabilities. The band’s musicians have given a special performance of “Për ty Atdhe” (For You, …
Justice Minister meets Italian officials to discuss faster court proceedings, lower costs
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Justice Minister Toni Gogu held meetings in Rome with Italian institutional representatives to strengthen judicial cooperation between Albania and Italy, focusing on shortening court proceedings and reducing costs. During a visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met with Maurizio Gasparri, chairman of the Foreign Affairs …
Defense Minister: Armed Forces’ Special Operations capabilities assessed against NATO standards
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – The assessment of Albania’s Special Operations Land Task Group (SOLTG), a capability declared by the Albanian Armed Forces to NATO, is under way as part of the “Illyrian Shield 26” military exercise. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi, who shared footage from the exercise on Wednesday, said …
Socialists set Nov. 30 deadline for electoral reform, rule out extending committee’s mandate
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – The ruling Socialist Party will not support an extension of the parliamentary committee tasked with electoral reform beyond November 30, Socialist parliamentary group chairman Taulant Balla said on Wednesday, warning that the party would push through the legislation without opposition support if no agreement is …
CEC head hosts EU Ambassador to discuss Albania’s electoral reform, OSCE/ODHIR recommendations
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Electoral reform, the implementation of OSCE/ODIHR recommendations and improvements to Albania’s electoral processes were the focus of talks between Central Election Commission (CEC) Chairman Ilirjan Celibashi and European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa on Wednesday. In a social media post, Celibashi said …
Albania’s National Folk Ensemble to perform in Scotland for first time in 70 years
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Albania’s National Ensemble of Folk Songs and Dances is set to perform in Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time in its 70-year history, bringing the country’s rich cultural heritage to an international audience. The Albanian artists will present a show entitled “Albania Through Byron’s Eyes”, …
Berisha: DP ready to back fully open national electoral lists
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – Main opposition Democratic Party (DP) supports fully open electoral lists at the national level as part of ongoing discussions on Albania’s electoral reform, party leader Sali Berisha said on Wednesday. Berisha said he favoured the Kosovo electoral model, which allows voters greater freedom to express …
Government allocates 32.2 billion leks for hospital care, plans new facility in Korça
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – The government’s draft 2027 budget allocates 32.2 billion leks for hospital services, targeting around 370,000 patients across Albania’s public hospital network, Health Minister Klodiana Spahiu said on Wednesday. The funding is intended to support five tertiary hospitals, 12 regional hospitals and 23 municipal hospitals as …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha expressed Albania’s full solidarity with France following devastating cyberattacks on an unprecedented scale. He said an offensive cyber unit linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had carried out the attacks. Hoxha stressed that Albania understands the threat firsthand, as Iranian state …
State Police Director General Skënder Hita is leading a delegation on a working visit to Italy, where Italian Police Chief Prefect Vittorio Pisani welcomed him in Rome. During the meeting, both officials praised the excellent bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership and investigative and operational …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu met with his Italian counterpart, Carlo Nordio, in Rome on Tuesday to discuss strengthening cooperation between Albania and Italy in the field of justice. In a social media post, Gogu thanked Nordio for Italy’s continued support as Albania’s strategic partner on its path towards European integration. …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja attended an expanded meeting of the National Youth Council on Tuesday, stressing the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and greater youth involvement in decision-making. Gonxhja said the meeting highlighted the education, communication skills, critical thinking and social awareness of a generation eager …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha is on an official visit to Budapest, where Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Orbán welcomed him. During their talks on Albania’s European integration, Hoxha praised Hungary’s strong support and its role as an influential voice for the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said it was too early to express optimism about recent political developments in Serbia and their potential impact on the region’s European integration process. Speaking at a discussion in Dublin, Ireland, with European and Balkan experts and diplomats, organised by the Institute of International and European …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania aims to complete its European Union accession negotiations by the end of 2027, describing the target as ambitious but achievable. Speaking in Dublin, Ireland, at an event hosted by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), Rama addressed an audience of European and …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, is on an official visit to Budapest, where he was received by Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Orban. The meeting focused on Albania’s path to EU membership. Hoxha welcomed Hungary’s continued support for Albania’s integration and …
Albania’s State Police Director General, Skënder Hita, was received in Rome by his Italian counterpart, Prefect Vittorio Pisani, Director General of the Italian Police. The official meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in tackling organized crime, illicit trafficking and cybercrime. During the bilateral meeting, the two police …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has criticized Europe’s approach to the war in Ukraine, calling it a major mistake to abandon diplomacy with Russia and focus its efforts on arming Ukraine. Speaking at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) in Dublin, Rama said Europe had traditionally favored diplomacy …