Pope Leo XIV Welcomes Albanian Bishops and Diocesan Administrators in Rome
Pope Leo XIV welcomes the bishops and diocesan administrators of Albania in a private audience at the Vatican during their Ad Limina Apostolorum visit, a periodic visit made by bishops from each country to the Vatican every five years. During the meeting, which lasted more than an hour, the bishops …
Albania’s 2027 Fiscal Package Sparks Backlash Over Higher Taxes and Investment Risks
The American Chamber of Commerce warns of risks to foreign investment as the government’s 2027 fiscal package faces growing opposition from businesses, lawmakers and economists. by Sidonja Manushi TIRANA, Albania – Albania’s government has unveiled a controversial 2027 fiscal package, proposing significant changes to value-added tax, dividend taxation, personal income …
Migjeni, the Albanian writer who challenged social injustice through literature
Migjeni remains one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Albanian literature. Through his poetry and prose, he challenged social injustice, exposed poverty and gave a voice to people living on the margins of society. Born Millosh Gjergj Nikolla in Shkodër on October 13, 1911, he adopted the pen name …
Religious communities unite to address climate change and environmental protection
Religious leaders, local officials and civil society representatives met in Elbasan to discuss environmental protection and climate change. They called for stronger cooperation between faith communities, public institutions and schools. The meeting took place at the Elbasan Prefecture during Democracy Week. The Woman Center for Development and Culture Albania launched …
International art colony celebrates Albanian painter Vangjush Mio
Korçë has welcomed Albanian and international artists for the 16th edition of the “Days of Mio” International Art Symposium, dedicated to renowned Albanian painter Vangjush Mio. The event opened on October 28 at the Vangjush Mio House Museum. It brings artists together to share ideas, exchange experiences and explore the …
Albania inspects Kanina Castle as conservation work continues
Albania’s National Institute of Cultural Heritage has inspected Kanina Castle to assess the condition of its historic structures and review conservation work completed so far. During the inspection, specialists examined the fortress and focused on protecting its architectural features and historical authenticity. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja stressed …
Former diplomat Bashkim Zeneli passes away
Former Albanian diplomat, politician and publicist Bashkim Zeneli has passed away. Assembly Speaker Niko Peleshi paid tribute to Zeneli, extending condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. He described him as an early intellectual figure in the Socialist Party who devoted much of his life to public service. Peleshi also …
Spille wind farm set to begin construction, with operations planned for 2028
Albania has signed an agreement with Austrian energy company VERBUND to begin construction of the Spille wind farm. The 72.6-megawatt project is ready for construction, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said. Commercial operations are expected to start in the first quarter of 2028. The project marks a major step …
Albania 17th at U-15 world football festival after beating Peru
Albania’s under-15 team finished 17th at the 2026 FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan. The team secured another win in its final match, beating Peru on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time. Coach Armand Dama’s side won the penalty shootout 6-5. Albania also beat Algeria …
Documentary sheds light on communist-era internment camp at Korçë film festival
The documentary “The Other Side of Valias” has screened at the Korçë Film Fest, bringing the history of Albania’s communist-era internment and forced labour camp in Valias to a wider audience. Produced by the Authority for Information on Former State Security Files (AIDSSH), the film draws on archival documents and …
President Bajram Begaj has promulgated the new law on the administrative and territorial division of local government units, paving the way for the revised map to take effect in the local elections on May 9, 2027. The law, numbered 100/2026, establishes a new structure of 46 municipalities. Voters will elect …
Albania’s National Museum “Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg” marks 44 years since its inauguration today. The museum stands inside the historic Castle of Krujë, once the centre of the medieval Albanian state. The castle also witnessed three successive defeats of Ottoman armies in the 15th century. Architects designed the museum as a …
Kosova’s Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Dimal Basha, met with Arnaud Dauphin, the French Development Agency’s director for the Western Balkans, to discuss railway connections between Kosova and Albania. The talks focused on expanding cooperation on railway projects and advancing a three-way partnership between Kosova, Albania and the agency. The …
Albania will make its debut on the internationally acclaimed television show “The Amazing Race”, bringing Tirana’s culture, energy and hospitality to audiences around the world. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the news in a social media post. He said the production would showcase Albania as a …
Kosova’s Prime Minister and leader of the Self-Determination Movement, Albin Kurti, has denied the movement’s involvement in the protests in Tirana. He said it had never operated anonymously during protests and had always taken an open, leading role. Speaking at the movement’s 64th General Council meeting, Kurti said it now …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 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 …