Western Balkan leaders meet in Montenegro to discuss economy, security and EU integration
Leaders of the six Western Balkan countries are expected to meet in Miločer, Montenegro, on Thursday for the Berlin Process summit. They will discuss economic cooperation, regional security and European integration. Representatives from Albania, Kosova, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina are expected to attend. European countries and …
Shkodra: A Cradle of Albanian Culture and History
Shkodra’s rich cultural heritage lives on through its music, art and literature. Generations of talented musicians, artists and writers have shaped Albanian culture, while traditional music and dances remain central to local festivals and celebrations. The city is also famous for its residents’ wit and humour. Their ability to find …
Justice minister highlights peaceful protests and youth employment opportunities
Justice Minister Toni Gogu met young interns at the Ministry of Justice and its subordinate institutions. They discussed protests, employment opportunities, professional experience and young people’s future in Albania. For 2026, the ministry and its subordinate institutions have included 82 interns. Gogu stressed the importance of listening to young people …
PM Rama in Montenegro: Berlin Process summit an important annual tradition
Prime Minister Edi Rama has described the Berlin Process summit as an important annual tradition for the Western Balkans. He made the remarks upon arriving at the summit in Montenegro. Rama opened his comments with a joke about the host country, saying he was happy to be in such a …
Albanian Puppet Show Wins Award at International Festival in Mostar
Albania’s National Puppet Theatre won an award at the sixth edition of the International Puppet Art Festival (FLUM) in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The theatre presented The Circus Show, directed by Klajd Ymeri, which received the award for best puppet articulation. The production stands out because it tells its story …
AKSK Urges Immediate Updates to PHP Systems Over Critical Security Flaws
The National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK) has urged institutions, businesses, organizations and system administrators to address two critical vulnerabilities in PHP, a technology widely used to run websites and web applications. If exploited, the flaws could allow attackers to execute code remotely without authorization, putting systems and sensitive data at …
Rama Offers Dialogue to Student Protester, Says Violence Is the Enemy of Freedom
Prime Minister Edi Rama is traveling to Budva, Montenegro, to attend the Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit on October 21–22. The summit will bring together Western Balkan leaders and European partners to strengthen regional cooperation, advance economic integration and support the region’s European prospects. During the journey, Rama held a virtual …
Balluku’s Immunity, Rama Says Government Did Not Obstruct SPAK but Defended Justice Against Bias
Prime Minister Edi Rama has defended Parliament’s decision not to lift MP Belinda Balluku’s immunity while SPAK investigates her. He said the government did not obstruct justice but sought to protect it from bias. Rama addressed the issue during a virtual exchange with a student protester. He also criticised recent …
Ibrahimaj: €60 Million Youth Guarantee to Support 10,000 Jobs in 2027
Albania plans to help 10,000 young people find jobs in 2027 through its Youth Guarantee Programme. To support this goal, the government has allocated nearly €60 million, Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said. Speaking to Euronews Albania, Ibrahimaj explained that the government developed the programme in cooperation with the …
Rama Meets Young Man with Disability, Calls for Peaceful Dialogue
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared footage of his meeting with a young man with a disability, describing him as “a special visitor with no stones in his pockets, but with his heart in the right place.” In a social media post, Rama said the young man had contacted him …
A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here
Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …
European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged young people to distance themselves from violent protests. He called on them to express their views through peaceful democratic means. In remarks on social media, Rama defended the right to peaceful protest. He said citizens could challenge the government through debate and elections. He …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi has met Colonel Murat Ilhan, Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana. Turkish Ambassador to Albania Bariş Ceyhun Erciyes also attended the meeting. According to the Ministry of Defense, the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey and their shared commitment to closer cooperation in …
Albania recorded around 17.4 million entries by Albanian and foreign citizens from January to September 2026, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Foreign citizens accounted for 10.7 million entries, while Albanian citizens accounted for 6.7 million. Compared with the same period in 2025, foreign arrivals rose by 4.9%, while …
Students continued their protest outside the prime minister’s office in Tirana for an 11th day. University lecturers and other citizens joined them again today. Lecturers and students first gathered outside the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Aleksandër Kovaçi, head of the University Lecturers’ Union, called for greater cooperation among intellectuals in …
The Albanian Water Rescue Federation held the 2026 National Water Rescue Championship with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The competition tested speed, technique and endurance through events that combine sport with life-saving skills. A total of 34 competitors took part. The championship has taken place annually …
Albanian champions Egnatia drew 1-1 away to Denmark’s Aarhus in their second Conference League group-stage match, extending their unbeaten run in European competition. Egnatia took the lead in the 13th minute when Gruda scored after Adjesa’s assist. Aarhus had already lost Kahl to a red card in the third minute …
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation with Italy. Nufi made the statement while recognising Italian Military Attaché Colonel Agostino Piccirillo at the end of his mission in Albania. He praised Piccirillo’s professionalism and contribution to bilateral defence ties. The minister also …