Director-General of the EC Esposito: New Criminal Procedure Code should strengthen justice and protect rights
“Drafting a Criminal Procedure Code ranks among a country’s most important undertakings. It defines how authorities collect evidence, conduct questioning, restrict freedom and enforce criminal penalties,” said Gianluca Esposito, Director General for Human Rights and the Rule of Law at the Council of Europe. Speaking at a meeting in Tirana …
Gonxhja: Objects from Ardenica’s “Mill Room” added to cultural heritage inventory
On National Cultural Heritage Day, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced that the National Institute of Cultural Heritage has registered and catalogued, for the first time, the objects preserved in the “Mill Room” at Ardenica Monastery. The objects will now become part of Albania’s cultural heritage inventory. …
German Cultural Week Brings Oktoberfest, Art and Music to Tirana
German Cultural Week 2026 will bring art, music, gastronomy and traditions to Tirana under the slogan “Culture Connects Us All,” as part of the International Cultural Weeks. From October 2 to 6, the city will celebrate German culture through a diverse program of events. Since the launch of the International …
FM Hoxha welcomes new U.S. ambassador: Stronger strategic partnership, expanded economic and investment opportunities
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, met today with the newly appointed U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt. Hoxha described the United States as one of Albania’s closest and most valued strategic partners. “Our relationship rests on shared democratic values, a strong security partnership within NATO, and …
New US Ambassador Eric Wendt Meets PM Rama
The new United States Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, has begun his first official meetings after taking up his post in Tirana. Wendt met with Prime Minister Edi Rama as part of his initial contacts with the leaders of Albanian institutions. Wendt officially began his diplomatic mission on September 26, …
Rama: 10 Years of Justice Reform Brought Down the ‘100-Year Cult of Impunity’
Prime Minister Edi Rama reviewed a decade of justice reform during the presentation of amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure. Rama praised the results of the reform, saying that over the past 10 years, achievements have been made that previously seemed impossible. According to him, the 2016 constitutional amendments …
PM Rama: A Phone Can No Longer Be an ‘Unlimited Licence’ to Access Private Life
Prime Minister Edi Rama has spoken about the proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, focusing on how police and prosecutors will be able to access data stored on phones during an investigation. Rama said that seizing a phone should not automatically give authorities the right to examine all …
Rama: No Pre-Trial Detention for Offences Carrying a Maximum Sentence of Under Five Years
Prime Minister Edi Rama, during the presentation of proposed amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, said that pre-trial detention will no longer be imposed for offences carrying a maximum sentence of less than five years. Under the proposed changes, the security measure of “detention in prison” will no longer …
Demo Meets Senior Western Balkans Official: Albania Continues Work Towards 2027 Target
Interior Minister Ervin Demo met with Valentina Superti, Director for the Western Balkans at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement, with discussions focusing on Albania’s progress in the European Union accession process. During their first meeting, discussions focused on the closing benchmarks for Chapter 24, “Justice, Freedom and Security,” and …
International Cultural Weeks: Pag brings Croatian traditions and heritage to Tirana
The colors, rhythms and traditions of the Croatian town of Pag reached the heart of Tirana today, introducing Albanian audiences to the rich cultural heritage of the Croatian island. At Skanderbeg Square, artists from Pag presented a festive performance featuring traditional music and dances in colorful folk costumes. They then …
The University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” has put its new Cardiac Surgery Hospital into operation. The new facility has modern premises and services and aims to provide patients with higher standards of care. During an inspection of the new facilities, Prime Minister Edi Rama and Health and Social Welfare Minister …
Danish architecture studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has won the “Tirana Fountain Plaza” project in an international competition that presented architectural visions for Tirana 2030 from five international studios. The jury described the winning project as ambitious and distinctive. It said the proposal offers a strategy not only for the …
Countries such as Albania and Montenegro could send a commissioner to Brussels before formally joining the European Union. The European Commission is considering the idea as part of new plans, Magnus Lund Nielsen and Eddy Wax report, citing Rapporteur. Senior EU officials are considering ways to increase the involvement of …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with France’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, René Troccaz, during his stay in Pržno, Montenegro. The two officials discussed Albania’s European Union accession process, developments in the Western Balkans and the strategic importance of strengthening regional cooperation, connectivity and security. …
Danish architecture studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has won the international competition for the “Tirana Fountain Tower” project. The project includes a mixed-use building and plans to transform the public space at Rinia Park in the capital. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video presenting the project today. He said …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa praised Albania’s progress toward EU membership after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Tirana. In a social media post, Moreira de Sousa thanked von der Leyen for visiting Albania and thanked the Albanian authorities for their hospitality. “The goal is …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with German Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul today during the ministerial meeting of the Berlin Process in Pržno, Montenegro. The two ministers held substantive talks focused on Albania’s European path. Hoxha expressed his appreciation for Germany’s clear, consistent and continued support …
Tirana International Airport welcomed representatives of regional airports, aviation organizations and industry partners from across Europe on the first day of the 40th Regional Airports Forum of Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe). One of the main highlights of the event was the presentation of a new publication, “European Regional …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visits Kosova today for meetings with its institutional leaders. She first meets acting President Albulena Haxhiu at the Presidency. Von der Leyen then meets Prime Minister Albin Kurti at the Government building. Kurti and von der Leyen are to hold a press conference …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj took part in the Berlin Process Economic Ministerial in Cetinje, Montenegro. Ministers from the six Western Balkan countries, European Commission representatives, regional organizations and international financial institutions also attended. Discussions focused on the Regional Common Market action plan, economic cooperation and closer alignment with …