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Hoxha meets Kos in Delphi. Intensive work continues for EU membership

Ferit Hoxha met Marta Kos at the Delphi Economic Forum. They discussed Albania’s EU integration process. Hoxha said the EU membership process never stops. It requires constant work and energy. He stressed the role of both Albania and its partners. He said they discussed key issues for steady progress. They …

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Week in Review: Moves Towards Change, But in Which Direction?

Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week tells a story of political change in key countries in the region, but associated uncertainty about future political directions. Original post Here

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DPA exhibits rare diaries and manuscripts in Tirana

The General Directorate of Archives (DPA) organized a special exhibition in Tirana to mark World Book and Copyright Day. The event showcased rare diaries and original manuscripts of prominent Albanian figures for the first time. The exhibition took place in the cultural space “Auditor” and brought together officials, writers, critics, …

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Albania pushes cash reduction as businesses face 30 May POS terminal deadline

TIRANA, April 24 – Businesses in Albania have 37 days left to meet legal requirements for cashless payments through POS terminals in selected sectors. The obligation applies to accommodation services, transport operators, and public institutions. The deadline for tourism and transport businesses is set for 30 May 2026. Separate provisions …

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Albania advances green finance framework with European Investment Bank support

TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s Financial Supervisory Authority held talks with the European Investment Bank on developing a national green investment guide and strengthening sustainable finance standards. The meeting brought together experts from the European Investment Bank, led by Alessandro de Concini, the institution’s representative in Albania. Discussions focused on …

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Dinamo City reach Albanian Cup final after narrow win over Vllaznia in Shkodër

TIRANA, April 24 – Dinamo City have qualified for the Albanian Cup final after defeating Vllaznia 1–0 at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium in Shkodër. The result followed a tightly contested semi-final second leg, where both sides created early chances but failed to convert in the first half. The first leg …

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Government advances redevelopment of Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana

TIRANA, April 24 – The government approved legal changes to move forward with the redevelopment of the Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana. The revised decision expands the role of the Albanian Investment Corporation, which will act as project developer through partnership contracts. The model allows the corporation to work with …

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Cruise ship “Monet” opens summer tourist season in Vlora

TIRANA, April 24 – The cruise ship “Monet” arrived at the port of Vlora on Friday, marking the start of the summer tourist season in the coastal city. Port authorities said the vessel, sailing under the Kingstown flag, carried 48 tourists from countries including Croatia, Portugal, Germany and the United …

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Nationwide coastal maintenance drive begins ahead of summer season

TIRANA, April 24 – Authorities have begun a nationwide coastal maintenance drive across municipalities and natural parks ahead of the summer tourist season. The Ministry of Environment is coordinating the effort with other institutions, local governments and volunteer groups. Teams are carrying out maintenance work along beaches and public areas, …

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German-backed projects advance in energy, water and public transport sectors

TIRANA, April 24 – German-supported projects are expanding in Albania across energy, water supply and public transport sectors. A senior official from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development highlighted ongoing investments in energy infrastructure. She said a newly financed substation in Petrela will strengthen electricity supply for …

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Albania hosts MONEYVAL mission, Deputy PM Koçiu highlights progress in anti-money laundering efforts

TIRANA, April 28 – Albania has welcomed the MONEYVAL assessment mission, which focuses on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing efforts. The FATF (Financial Action Task Force) removed Albania from its grey list in 2023. Authorities present this decision, along with improving financial indicators, as evidence of progress, saying it strengthens …

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Egnatia becomes third team to secure Final 4 spot in “Abissnet Superiore”

TIRANA, April 28 – Egnatia has become the third team to mathematically secure a place in the Final 4 of the “Abissnet Superiore” championship. Three rounds remain in the regular season. Despite losing its last match against Vora, Egnatia remains nine points ahead of Dinamo City and Partizani. The team …

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Rama Highlights “Huqi” Agrotourism as Growing Rural Success Story

Prime Minister Edi Rama promotes the agrotourism site “Huqi” in Radë, Durrës. He presents it as a successful example of a fast-growing sector in Albania. He says agrotourism investments attract more interest every year. He notes that people with strong rural ties join the sector. He also points out that …

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Adriatic coast hosts “La Nave della Salute” health services for citizens during tourist season

TIRANA, April 28 – The Adriatic coast has welcomed a new health initiative, “La Nave della Salute” [The Health Ship], launched by the One Health Foundation. The programme aims to bring prevention and healthcare services closer to citizens. Minister of Health and Social Welfare Evis Sala highlighted the importance of …

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Preparatory environmental campaign launched at Tale Beach in Lezha ahead of tourist season

TIRANA, April 28 – A nationwide environmental campaign has started in coastal municipalities as part of preparations for the tourist season. In Lezha, municipal structures are carrying out works at Tale Beach. The sandy coastline stretches around 7 kilometres. Its width ranges from 100 to 150 metres. Prime Minister Edi …

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“Vatra”, symbol of Albanian nationalism and patriotism

TIRANA, April 28 – On 28 April 1912, in Boston, Albanian diaspora leaders founded the Pan-Albanian Federation of America “Vatra” (the Hearth). Fan Noli, Faik Konica and other patriots led the initiative. They united several Albanian associations into one federation. The first meeting took place on 24 December 1911. The …

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Gjirokastër Hosts “Money Tells the Story” Exhibition Marking 100 Years of Bank of Albania

The Bank of Albania opened the traveling exhibition “Money Tells the Story: 100 Years of Life and Events, Bank of Albania” in Gjirokastër. The exhibition presents the history of the central bank and the Albanian currency. It showcases numismatic and museum objects, archival documents, photographs, film materials, and explanatory content. …

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eDreams: Tirana among top choices for Italian tourists during 1 May long weekend

TIRANA, April 28 – With the arrival of summer, the 1 May long weekend marks one of the first opportunities to travel for a few days away from home. eDreams analysed bookings made during the past month and tracked travel trends among Italian travellers and foreign visitors to Italy. This …

News
Expanded Tirana–Durrës motorway section opens to traffic up to Rinas (TIA) overpass

TIRANA, April 28 – The expanded section of the Tirana–Durrës motorway up to the Rinas (TIA) overpass has fully opened to vehicle traffic. Prime Minister Edi Rama, together with Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi, inspected the road section, which has now been upgraded to a Category A motorway. …

News
U.S. Special Forces Train Jointly with Albanian Special Forces in Zall-Herr

Albanian Special Forces conduct intensive training with U.S. Special Forces instructors at the Zall-Herr Special Forces Regiment. The exercise focuses on movement and reconnaissance in complex environments. The U.S. Embassy in Tirana announces the training. It says the program improves field operations and stealth movement. It also strengthens the unit’s …

News

Albania hosts MONEYVAL mission, Deputy PM Koçiu highlights progress in anti-money laundering efforts

TIRANA, April 28 – Albania has welcomed the MONEYVAL assessment mission, which focuses on anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing efforts. The FATF (Financial Action Task Force) removed Albania from its grey list in 2023. Authorities present this decision, along with improving financial indicators, as evidence of progress, saying it strengthens …

News

Egnatia becomes third team to secure Final 4 spot in “Abissnet Superiore”

TIRANA, April 28 – Egnatia has become the third team to mathematically secure a place in the Final 4 of the “Abissnet Superiore” championship. Three rounds remain in the regular season. Despite losing its last match against Vora, Egnatia remains nine points ahead of Dinamo City and Partizani. The team …

News

Rama Highlights “Huqi” Agrotourism as Growing Rural Success Story

Prime Minister Edi Rama promotes the agrotourism site “Huqi” in Radë, Durrës. He presents it as a successful example of a fast-growing sector in Albania. He says agrotourism investments attract more interest every year. He notes that people with strong rural ties join the sector. He also points out that …

News

Adriatic coast hosts “La Nave della Salute” health services for citizens during tourist season

TIRANA, April 28 – The Adriatic coast has welcomed a new health initiative, “La Nave della Salute” [The Health Ship], launched by the One Health Foundation. The programme aims to bring prevention and healthcare services closer to citizens. Minister of Health and Social Welfare Evis Sala highlighted the importance of …

News

Preparatory environmental campaign launched at Tale Beach in Lezha ahead of tourist season

TIRANA, April 28 – A nationwide environmental campaign has started in coastal municipalities as part of preparations for the tourist season. In Lezha, municipal structures are carrying out works at Tale Beach. The sandy coastline stretches around 7 kilometres. Its width ranges from 100 to 150 metres. Prime Minister Edi …

News

“Vatra”, symbol of Albanian nationalism and patriotism

TIRANA, April 28 – On 28 April 1912, in Boston, Albanian diaspora leaders founded the Pan-Albanian Federation of America “Vatra” (the Hearth). Fan Noli, Faik Konica and other patriots led the initiative. They united several Albanian associations into one federation. The first meeting took place on 24 December 1911. The …

News

Gjirokastër Hosts “Money Tells the Story” Exhibition Marking 100 Years of Bank of Albania

The Bank of Albania opened the traveling exhibition “Money Tells the Story: 100 Years of Life and Events, Bank of Albania” in Gjirokastër. The exhibition presents the history of the central bank and the Albanian currency. It showcases numismatic and museum objects, archival documents, photographs, film materials, and explanatory content. …

News

eDreams: Tirana among top choices for Italian tourists during 1 May long weekend

TIRANA, April 28 – With the arrival of summer, the 1 May long weekend marks one of the first opportunities to travel for a few days away from home. eDreams analysed bookings made during the past month and tracked travel trends among Italian travellers and foreign visitors to Italy. This …

News

Expanded Tirana–Durrës motorway section opens to traffic up to Rinas (TIA) overpass

TIRANA, April 28 – The expanded section of the Tirana–Durrës motorway up to the Rinas (TIA) overpass has fully opened to vehicle traffic. Prime Minister Edi Rama, together with Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi, inspected the road section, which has now been upgraded to a Category A motorway. …

News

U.S. Special Forces Train Jointly with Albanian Special Forces in Zall-Herr

Albanian Special Forces conduct intensive training with U.S. Special Forces instructors at the Zall-Herr Special Forces Regiment. The exercise focuses on movement and reconnaissance in complex environments. The U.S. Embassy in Tirana announces the training. It says the program improves field operations and stealth movement. It also strengthens the unit’s …