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EU Ambassador Gonzato: Better services and infrastructure at core of “EU4Municipalities II”

TIRANA, May 8 – EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato attended today the official launch of the “EU4Municipalities II” project in Durrës. He described the initiative as a concrete programme that brings direct benefits at local level and places citizens at the centre of Albania’s EU integration process. Referring to …

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PM Rama: “EU4Municipalities II” a strategic EU investment in local governance modernisation

TIRANA, May 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended today in Durrës the official launch of the “EU4Municipalities II” programme. The initiative aims to strengthen local government and support Albania’s path toward the European Union. The programme will support municipalities through concrete investments. It also aims to strengthen institutional capacities …

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Kosova elections on 7 June; deadline closes at CEC, 22 parties in race and three coalitions registered

TIRANA, May 8 – The deadline for political parties in Kosova to notify the Central Election Commission (CEC) on participation or non-participation in elections and coalition formation closed at midnight. The obligation applied to 53 political parties registered in Kosova. The CEC said it received notifications from 22 parties for …

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Health Minister Sala presents national strategy for artificial intelligence in healthcare in Milan

TIRANA, May 8 – Minister of Health and Social Welfare Evis Sala presented Albania’s national strategy for the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare in Milan. The presentation focused on oncology during the First Congress on Artificial Intelligence in Oncology. The event was organised by the European Society for Artificial …

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“Pearl of Dibër” awakens in spring, Rama publishes images from Grama Pastures

TIRANA, May 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today images from Grama Pastures in Dibër, where nature wakes up in spring among greenery and mountain calm. Grama is called the pearl of Dibër. It is rich in flat pastures, a beautiful lake, and endless greenery. On the ascent to …

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Gonxhja: Archaeological Museum Project Will Meet International Standards

Blendi Gonxhja said the new Archaeological Museum project will meet international standards for preservation, exhibition, and public access. Speaking in Parliament, Gonxhja answered concerns raised by opposition MP Ina Zhupa over plans to relocate the museum collection to an underground space. He said the ministry follows international models that combine …

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National tax revenues reach 11.5 billion ALL in first quarter

TIRANA, May 8 – National tax revenues in January–March 2026 reached 11.5 billion ALL. They achieved 97.6% of the planned target for the first quarter, the Ministry of Finance said. The report on fiscal indicators showed revenues from this category stood around 500 million ALL lower than the same period …

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Judicial reform enters phase of consolidation of European standards

TIRANA, May 8 – Minister of Justice Toni Gogu reported today to the National Council for European Integration on progress in Chapter 23 “Judiciary and Fundamental Rights”. He said judicial reform is entering a consolidation phase of European standards. He also said Albania fulfilled 14 interim benchmarks during 2025–February 2026. …

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French ambassador: Negotiations continue, result is close

TIRANA, May 8 – French Ambassador to Albania Catherine Suard said Albania’s EU accession negotiations continue without interruption in an interview for “Klan News”. Reform momentum remains strong, she said, with judicial reform and the opening of negotiation clusters as key areas. She also underlined the need for reforms across …

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“Otello” Premieres at National Theatre with a Strong Cast

Othello will premiere soon at the National Theatre of Albania under the direction of Qëndrim Rijani. The production brings together a well-known cast of Albanian actors, including Arben Derhemi, Viktor Zhusti, Lulzim Zeqja, Linda Jarani, Donald Shehu, Luli Bitri, Artan Imami, and others. The play is based on Shakespeare’s tragedy, …

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Albania’s Recurrent Gasification Mirage

Before Albania can have gasification, it will need to have a functioning economy, a population wealthy enough to afford the costs of central heating and cooling, schools, kindergartens and nurseries equipped with air conditioning, and a substantial industrial base capable of consuming a volume of gas large enough to justify …

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Kanye West concert plan sparks controversy in Albania

Event raises concerns over antisemitism row, reported €50 million temporary stadium, wider European backlash and criticism from Jewish communities. TIRANA, May 11, 2026 – The planned concert of American rapper and producer Kanye West in Albania on July 11 has triggered growing public debate, with human rights activists and the …

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Albania and Netherlands reaffirm partnership in politics, security and European affairs

TIRANA, May 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels. The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations between Albania and the Netherlands. They confirmed a high level of cooperation and expressed …

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European Union to disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro, says Kos

TIRANA, May 11 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the European Union will disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro under the Growth Plan. Meanwhile, she stated that implementation of the Growth Plan is progressing well. She confirmed that nearly 200 million euros will be released …

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PM Rama: Only 12% of public tenders have single bidders, Albania below EU average

TIRANA, May 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has reached an advanced stage of progress in public procurement and in its position within European Union accession negotiations. Speaking at a joint press conference with Reida Kashta (Shahollari), head of the Public Procurement Agency and negotiator for Chapter 5 …

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Upper Grabova: The Hidden “Twin” of Voskopoja in Mount Valamara

Grabova e Sipërme sits hidden in the highlands between Gramsh and Korçë, on the slopes of Mount Valamara. First, the village stands at about 1,250 meters above sea level and preserves a striking natural landscape shaped by mountain waters and deep valleys. Then, its stone houses and traditional architecture reflect …

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Tirana International Airport on track for record year, 13.3 million passengers projected

TIRANA, May 11 – Tirana International Airport continued strong growth in 2026, confirming its position as one of the fastest-expanding airports in the region. Airport management data shows around 3.3 million passengers handled in the first four months of the year. This figure marks a 10.4% increase compared to the …

News
Travel + Leisure: Albania Emerges as Europe’s Hidden Coastal Gem

Travel + Leisure highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive and still underexplored destinations. First, the article describes the Albanian Riviera as a strong alternative to the French Côte d’Azur, thanks to its clear waters, historic villages, and ancient ruins. Then, writer Ada Calhoun shares her one-week journey through …

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Public procurement key chapter in EU negotiations, Albania advancing global agreement talks

TIRANA, May 11 – Public Procurement Agency Director General and Chapter 5 negotiator Reida Kashta said public procurement stands as one of the key chapters in Albania’s European Union integration process. She said the EU places it within the new negotiation methodology under the fundamental cluster. Kashta made the remarks …

News
Eurovision 2026: Alis draws attention at opening ceremony on turquoise carpet parade

TIRANA, May 11 – The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 turquoise carpet turned into a parade of colours, emotions, and international presentations, with 35 countries taking part in the opening event attended by global media and fans. At the same time, Albania joined the ceremony with Alis Kallaçi as this year’s …

News

Albania’s Recurrent Gasification Mirage

Before Albania can have gasification, it will need to have a functioning economy, a population wealthy enough to afford the costs of central heating and cooling, schools, kindergartens and nurseries equipped with air conditioning, and a substantial industrial base capable of consuming a volume of gas large enough to justify …

News

Kanye West concert plan sparks controversy in Albania

Event raises concerns over antisemitism row, reported €50 million temporary stadium, wider European backlash and criticism from Jewish communities. TIRANA, May 11, 2026 – The planned concert of American rapper and producer Kanye West in Albania on July 11 has triggered growing public debate, with human rights activists and the …

News

Albania and Netherlands reaffirm partnership in politics, security and European affairs

TIRANA, May 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels. The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations between Albania and the Netherlands. They confirmed a high level of cooperation and expressed …

News

European Union to disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro, says Kos

TIRANA, May 11 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the European Union will disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro under the Growth Plan. Meanwhile, she stated that implementation of the Growth Plan is progressing well. She confirmed that nearly 200 million euros will be released …

News

PM Rama: Only 12% of public tenders have single bidders, Albania below EU average

TIRANA, May 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has reached an advanced stage of progress in public procurement and in its position within European Union accession negotiations. Speaking at a joint press conference with Reida Kashta (Shahollari), head of the Public Procurement Agency and negotiator for Chapter 5 …

News

Upper Grabova: The Hidden “Twin” of Voskopoja in Mount Valamara

Grabova e Sipërme sits hidden in the highlands between Gramsh and Korçë, on the slopes of Mount Valamara. First, the village stands at about 1,250 meters above sea level and preserves a striking natural landscape shaped by mountain waters and deep valleys. Then, its stone houses and traditional architecture reflect …

News

Tirana International Airport on track for record year, 13.3 million passengers projected

TIRANA, May 11 – Tirana International Airport continued strong growth in 2026, confirming its position as one of the fastest-expanding airports in the region. Airport management data shows around 3.3 million passengers handled in the first four months of the year. This figure marks a 10.4% increase compared to the …

News

Travel + Leisure: Albania Emerges as Europe’s Hidden Coastal Gem

Travel + Leisure highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive and still underexplored destinations. First, the article describes the Albanian Riviera as a strong alternative to the French Côte d’Azur, thanks to its clear waters, historic villages, and ancient ruins. Then, writer Ada Calhoun shares her one-week journey through …

News

Public procurement key chapter in EU negotiations, Albania advancing global agreement talks

TIRANA, May 11 – Public Procurement Agency Director General and Chapter 5 negotiator Reida Kashta said public procurement stands as one of the key chapters in Albania’s European Union integration process. She said the EU places it within the new negotiation methodology under the fundamental cluster. Kashta made the remarks …

News

Eurovision 2026: Alis draws attention at opening ceremony on turquoise carpet parade

TIRANA, May 11 – The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 turquoise carpet turned into a parade of colours, emotions, and international presentations, with 35 countries taking part in the opening event attended by global media and fans. At the same time, Albania joined the ceremony with Alis Kallaçi as this year’s …