Italian ruling party delegation visits migrant facility in Albania, cites 536 cases processed
TIRANA, April 21 – Lawmakers from Italy’s ruling party Fratelli d’Italia visited a migrant facility in Gjadër, northern Albania, to assess its operations. The centre serves as a pre-removal detention site for migrants whose asylum requests Italy has rejected. The delegation included senior members of the Italian Chamber of Deputies …
Albania’s State Police Directorate and General Inspectorate sign cooperation deal targeting illegal construction and environmental crime
TIRANA, April 21 – Albania’s State Police and the General Inspectorate signed a cooperation agreement on Tuesday to strengthen joint action against illegal construction, environmental crime and labour violations. The deal also covers food safety, medicines and medical equipment oversight. The agreement sets a framework for coordinated inspections and enforcement …
Heavy rainfall causes urban flooding in northern Albania city of Lezha
TIRANA, April 21 – Heavy rainfall in recent hours has caused flooding in several urban areas of the northern Albanian city of Lezha. Water accumulation disrupted movement for residents and vehicles across affected zones. Authorities reported the most severe conditions in the “Besëlidhja” and “Skënderbeg” neighbourhoods. Drainage systems struggled to …
European Wrestling Championships kicks off in Tirana with over 600 athletes competing
TIRANA, April 21 – The European Wrestling Championships for seniors kicks off in Tirana, hosting more than 600 athletes from 38 countries from April 20 to 26, 2026. The event takes place at the Olympic Park “Feti Borova,” where the official opening ceremony marked the start of competitions. Organizers scheduled …
Rama: New port law to boost coastal investment
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the new law on tourist ports will support coastal investment. He said the changes are necessary to avoid blocking investors. Rama spoke at a meeting in Tirana with agrotourism representatives. He rejected claims that the government changes the law to favor oligarchs. He said the …
Balla meets Moldovan MPs to strengthen parliamentary cooperation
Taulant Balla met with Moldovan MPs and representatives of the Moldovan Football Federation. He focused on strengthening interparliamentary cooperation between Albania and Moldova. He said both countries share a common path toward European Union membership. He highlighted the need for closer cooperation in the EU integration process. Balla said Albania …
Rama: “Park of Faith” to attract tourists to Tirana
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the “Park of Faith” will attract tourists to Tirana. He described the project as a strong magnet for the Petrela area. He added that the park will develop step by step as vegetation grows. Rama noted a strong rise in tourist numbers in March. He …
Cultural week features films, theater, and exhibitions in Albania
This week features a rich calendar of cultural and artistic events in Albania. The “Italian Screens – Il Nuovo Cinema Italiano” cycle presents Italian films until April 25. Screenings take place in Tirana, Vlora, Shkodra, and Prishtina. The program promotes cultural dialogue between Italy, Albania, and Kosovo. One of the …
Gonxhja: Albania simplifies agrotourism licensing procedures
Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the government is simplifying licensing procedures for agrotourism. Authorities are working with the Agriculture Ministry under the “Mountain Package.” Gonxhja said the goal is faster and easier procedures. The government wants to remove unnecessary administrative barriers. He added that officials are waiting for final feedback …
Hoxha: Luxembourg strongly supports Albania’s EU membership
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha visited Luxembourg. He met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel. Both sides confirmed strong friendship and cooperation. They agreed to deepen ties in key areas. They focused on innovation, technology, and tourism. Hoxha said Luxembourg strongly supports Albania’s EU membership. He noted Luxembourg’s consistent …
TIRANA, April 22 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said the country has never been closer to the European Union during remarks at the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece. He made the comments during a discussion with Alexis Papahelas, editor-in-chief of Kathimerini. Rama addressed Albania’s position in a shifting geopolitical …
TIRANA, April 22 – Albania’s Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi was at construction of the Tirana 3 electricity substation near Petrela. He described the project as central to the capital’s energy security. The substation will create a ring connection with other grid facilities in Tirana. Karakaçi said rapid …
Edi Rama said in Athens that he aims to reach agreement with Greece within the year. He works with Kyriakos Mitsotakis to resolve all issues. During a talk with Alexis Papahelas of Kathimerini at the Delphi Economic Forum, Rama said the Beleri case created difficulties. However, he stressed that both …
Edi Rama said he informed Donald Trump about what he called “fantasy report” accusations against former KLA leaders. He spoke during a conversation with Alexis Papahelas at the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama said he raised concerns about the detention of Hashim Thaçi and other former KLA leaders in The Hague. …
Edi Rama said property issues affecting the Greek minority are the same as those affecting Albanians. He spoke during a discussion with Alexis Papahelas at the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama said the government treats these cases as a nationwide problem. However, he stressed that authorities give special attention to areas …
Edi Rama said Albania achieved judicial independence and called it a lifetime achievement. He spoke during a discussion with Alexis Papahelas at the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama said Albanians continue to emigrate. However, he noted that many are also returning. Therefore, he said the gap is narrowing. He added that …
Edi Rama said Albania has never been closer to the European Union. He spoke during a conversation with Alexis Papahelas at the Delphi Economic Forum during his visit to Greece. Rama said the Western Balkans are not forgotten. Instead, he said the region is in its best moment for EU …
Ferit Hoxha held a meeting with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis on the sidelines of the Delphi Economic Forum. They continued a constructive dialogue on Albanian–Greek relations. Hoxha said the meeting followed earlier talks between the two Prime Ministers in Athens. He said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen …
Taulant Balla met EU rapporteur Andreas Schieder in Brussels to discuss Albania’s EU integration process and progress on reforms. Balla said the EU report on Albania, which will be voted on in AFET on 5 May, recognizes the country’s achievements. He described the report as an important roadmap that evaluates …
Edi Rama said Albania has a strong tradition of hospitality during a discussion with Alexis Papahelas at the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama explained that Albania has historically protected people in danger. He mentioned that during World War II, Albania sheltered Jews and did not hand them over to the Nazis. …