“Unbounded Voices”: Photo Exhibition in Tirana Celebrates Women of the Balkans
Agence France-Presse (AFP) has brought “Unbounded Voices: Women of the Balkans – Strength & Legacy” to Tirana. The photography exhibition opened today at Vila 31 x Art Explora with support from L’Oréal Group. The exhibition brings together intimate portraits of nine women from across the Balkans. Their stories explore daily …
Pirdeni Meets EU Ambassador: Focus on Public Administration Reform and Fight Against Corruption
Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni met today with European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa. During the meeting, Pirdeni and Ambassador Moreira de Sousa discussed the next steps in Albania’s EU accession negotiations, public administration reform and the fight against corruption. Pirdeni highlighted …
Former Intelligence Chief Accused of Blackmailing Leading Investigative Journalist
Vlora Hyseni’s public accusation against Klodiana Lala has triggered an unusually broad reaction from journalists’ organizations and opposition politicians, while raising a deeper question: was Albania’s intelligence service collecting information on investigative journalists, and could such information have been used to intimidate them? Tirana Times, September 24, 2026 – Klodiana …
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development raises Albania growth forecast to 3.5%
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has raised its forecast for Albania’s economic growth in 2026 to 3.5%, from 3.4% in June. The bank linked the revision to reforms and investment related to European Union accession. Albania’s economy grew by 3.8% in 2025 and by 3.7% in the first …
Archaeological research resumes at Paleolithic settlement in Gajtan near Shkodër
Archaeological research has resumed for a second consecutive year in Gajtan village, east of Shkodër, near the Gajtan Cave. The work forms part of the Gajtan Paleolithic Archaeological Research in Albania project. Archaeologist Rudens Ruka leads the project, which brings together Albania’s Institute of Archaeology and several French research institutions. …
FM Hoxha meets EU vice-president Kallas, reaffirms Albania’s commitment to regional cooperation
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended a lunch hosted by European Commission Vice-President and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. Western Balkan leaders and foreign ministers also attended. The discussions focused on current developments in the Western Balkans, regional challenges and closer …
Excellence and internship programmes offer entry to Albania’s public administration
The Excellence Programme and the National Internship Programme are government initiatives that help young graduates enter Albania’s public administration. The two programmes differ in the type and duration of the opportunity they offer. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared the experiences of two young women who have joined the public …
Albania collects record 164.9 billion ALL in customs revenue
Albania’s Customs Administration collected a record 164.9 billion ALL in revenue during the first eight months of 2026. The figure is 6.8 billion ALL higher than in the same period last year. According to the General Directorate of Customs, the result reflects stronger import activity, improved administration and tighter controls. …
President Begaj meets Albania’s top security officials
President Bajram Begaj met with Interior Minister Ervin Demo, General Director of the State Police Skënder Hita and acting State Intelligence Service director Elvis Lila on September 24. The Presidency said Begaj discussed current issues with the three officials. The meetings came after the Special Prosecution Office investigated former State …
Tirana-Durres railway and airport link targeted for 2027
Albania aims to improve its railway network in the coming years. Major projects will strengthen links between Tirana, Durrës, the airport and regional transport corridors. Deputy Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enkelejda Muçaj said the Tirana-Durrës railway and its connection to Tirana International Airport should become operational by that date. She …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, in a video message from Mother Teresa International Airport shortly after returning from the United States, described the measure imposed on the former head of Albania’s State Intelligence Service (SHISH) as extreme. “I have just returned from New York, where, as you know, I represented Albania …
Interest among public administration employees in 0% interest housing loans has significantly exceeded the number of available quotas. By the application deadline, 2,164 applications had been submitted for 300 new home-purchase loans, around seven times the number of expected beneficiaries. The Ministry of Health recorded the highest number of applications, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama responded to opposition demands for explanations regarding the appointment of Vlora Hyseni as head of Albania’s State Intelligence Service (SHISH). In a message from Mother Teresa International Airport, Rama said that Hyseni’s appointment to lead the State Intelligence Service was also based on assessments and references …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that during his years in politics he may have made mistakes, but, according to him, no one can accuse him of acting against Albania’s interests. In a video message from Mother Teresa International Airport, Rama said that various accusations may have been made against him, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the justice reform has created a justice system that, according to him, operates independently of political power. Rama said the reform was an achievement of himself and the Socialist Party (PS), describing it as a process through which political power handed the “sword of …
Albania opened their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Belarus at the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana on Saturday. Kristjan Asllani put Albania ahead from the penalty spot in the 34th minute, before Ernest Muçi doubled the lead shortly before half-time after an assist from Elseid Hysaj. …
The European Union has sent a clear message from Brussels regarding Albania’s justice system, expressing confidence in and support for SPAK in the investigation and prosecution of organized crime. The statement came in response to questions concerning the case of former SHISH director Vlora Hyseni, who has been placed under …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj welcomed the new U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, at the Presidency this Saturday, where the ambassador officially presented his Letters of Credence, marking the start of his diplomatic mandate in the country. During the ceremony, the Head of State wished Ambassador Wendt success …
“The General” Officially Takes Up Role as U.S. Ambassador to Albania — Who Were His 10 Predecessors?
Eric Wendt has officially taken office as the United States Ambassador to Albania, bringing a confirmed ambassador back to the helm of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Tirana after nearly three years. This Saturday, Wendt presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj, officially beginning his mandate in Albania. He succeeds …
The new United States Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, officially presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj this Saturday. In an official statement, the US Embassy in Tirana welcomed the new ambassador, noting that during his meeting with President Begaj, the strong strategic partnership between the two countries was reaffirmed. …