Vlora hosts European Film Academy board, opening new cooperation opportunities
The European Film Academy’s Board held its three-day meeting in Albania, bringing leading European producers and filmmakers to Vlora. During their stay, board members met Albanian film professionals and explored the country’s history, culture and filming potential. The visit aimed to create new partnerships and promote Albania as a destination …
U.S. President Trump nominates Mikhail Bogachek as ambassador to Kosova
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Mikhail Bogachek as the next US ambassador to Kosova, submitting his name to the Senate for confirmation. The White House announced the nomination on November 10. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina remains under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati. Former ambassador Jeff …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu discusses faster court proceedings with Italian officials
Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu held three meetings in Rome with Italian officials to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of justice. During a visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met Maurizio Gasparri, chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. He thanked Gasparri for ratifying the …
Agriculture budget rises 10% in 2027 to support farmers and food safety
Albania’s draft 2027 budget allocates around ALL 18 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, a 10% increase on the initial 2026 budget, Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said. Rural development remains the main priority, with ALL 8.4 billion, including ALL 5.3 billion for the national support scheme, up …
Kanina Castle reopens to visitors after restoration works
Restoration and improvement works have finished at Kanina Castle in Vlora. The historic monument is now ready to welcome visitors with improved infrastructure, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced. The project included conservation and structural works, alongside infrastructure upgrades, to protect the castle’s historical and cultural heritage. In …
Albania prepare for Finland in Nations League
Albania’s national team continued preparations for their upcoming matches against Finland and Belarus with a training session at the House of Football on Wednesday. The Albanian Football Association said all players trained at full intensity and were available to coach Rolando Maran. The team began the session in the gym …
Albanian Football Association President Armand Duka honours Elseid Hysaj for over 100 appearances
Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Association, has honoured Elseid Hysaj for becoming the first Albania player to make over 100 appearances for the national team. At a ceremony on Wednesday, Duka personally presented Hysaj with a medal and a symbolic UEFA cap to mark the milestone. “Congratulations, Elsi! …
Albanian folk ensemble to perform in Scotland for first time in 70 years
Albania’s National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble will travel to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time in 70 years to present the country’s cultural heritage to an international audience. The artists will perform “Albania Through Byron’s Eyes”, a production that combines Albanian traditions with the inspiration Albania and its culture …
Tirana police fine 37 protesters for blocking traffic
Tirana police said on Wednesday that they had issued 37 fines to protesters over the past two days. Police said the protesters had blocked the road and obstructed traffic on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Each protester was fined 5,000 lek. “In Tirana, 37 administrative penalties were imposed for blocking the …
Musicians with disabilities deliver moving rendition of patriotic song
TIRANA, Nov 11 /ATA/ – For more than two decades, the “The Door Albania” brass band in Shkodra has demonstrated how music can foster inclusion, social interaction and the development of skills among people with disabilities. The band’s musicians have given a special performance of “Për ty Atdhe” (For You, …
Esmeralda Hasani is a lawyer specialising in international law and holds a doctorate in political science. She has more than 20 years of experience in government institutions, international organisations and European integration, with a career spanning law and public administration. Hasani has served as an adviser in the Prime Minister’s …
Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed several key domestic and international issues in remarks to reporters in Dublin, where he is attending the European Political Community meeting. Asked about the war in Ukraine and relations with Russia, Rama said it had been a mistake to focus exclusively on military support for …
US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt met with Rochester Institute of Technology students at the American Academy of Technology in Tirana (AATT). During the visit, Wendt learned about education and innovation programmes designed to prepare young people for future challenges and help them take on leadership roles in society. The …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to a protest by a group of Albanians in Dublin, where demonstrators threw eggs at him and chanted slogans against the Albanian government as he was leaving a venue. Asked by reporters about the incident, Rama played it down, describing it as an expression …
During an official visit to Italy, Albanian State Police Director General Skënder Hita and his delegation visited the Italian Police Academy in Rome, where they were welcomed by its director, Mario Viola. During the meeting, Hita praised the cooperation between the two institutions and stressed the importance of education and …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Dublin on Thursday, where both leaders were attending the ninth European Political Community summit. Footage released from the summit showed the two leaders talking at a table with a third person. Speaking to reporters in the Irish capital, Rama …
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ – Spanish cinema, known for its original storytelling and its ability to blend humour with human drama, is taking centre stage in Albania as part of Spanish Cultural Week. The programme features A House on Fire (Casa en flames), directed by Dani de la Orden, a …
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ – Marigo Posio School in the southern Albanian city of Vlora is set to reopen to pupils and teachers following a comprehensive renovation of its facilities. Renovation works have been completed, with the installation of classroom equipment and teaching materials still under way to ensure modern …
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ – Employers in Albania faced significantly higher labour costs in 2024, with average hourly labour costs reaching 559 leks, up 42.9% from 391 leks in 2020, according to a Labour Cost Survey published by the National Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The average monthly labour cost per …
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ – Main opposition Democratic Party (DP) leader Sali Berisha was questioned by the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) on Thursday as the complainant in a case involving judge Irena Gjoka, and said he would file further criminal complaints against senior judicial officials. Speaking to reporters after appearing …