Finance Minister Malaj meets IMF mission: Significant improvements in public investment planning and management
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission assessing public investment efficiency (PIMA), led by Ian Hawkesworth. The meeting focused on the IMF’s findings and assessment of Albania’s public investment efficiency. The IMF plans to publish the full report soon. During the meeting, participants highlighted Albania’s …
Rama: No prison detention for offences carrying sentences of less than five years
Prime Minister Edi Rama today presented a draft package of amendments to Albania’s Criminal Procedure Code. Rama focused on the rules for imposing security measures. He also outlined plans to strengthen alternatives to pre-trial detention. During the presentation, Rama referred to an episode involving Professor Rafael Pariso. According to Rama, …
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 …
Tirana Times, October 2, 2026 – Saudi Arabia has introduced simplified visa procedures for Kosovo citizens, allowing them to apply for an electronic tourist visa or obtain a visa on arrival from October 1, 2026. The measure marks a significant easing of travel requirements for citizens visiting the Kingdom for tourism, family visits …
Security expert Arjan Dyrmishi tells BIRN the “whole system of governance” has been brought into question by the arrest of the head of Albania’s State Intelligence Service. Original post Here
Preza Castle rises on a rocky hill overlooking the Tirana plain. Its position gave the fortress a strategic view of the important economic and military routes that once crossed the area. The castle follows a rectangular plan, measuring about 80 by 50 meters. Four circular towers strengthen its corners, while …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says institutional stability is essential for Kosova. She made the remarks after meetings with Kosova’s state leaders. Von der Leyen says institutional stability provides the main foundation for further progress. She highlights reforms, growth and progress on the European path as key priorities. …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met France’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans Rene Troccaz in Przno, Montenegro. The meeting focused on Albania’s European Union membership process. The two officials also discussed developments in the Western Balkans. Regional cooperation, connectivity and security were also on the agenda. …
Clear weather is expected across Albania on Friday, with temperatures reaching up to 28 degrees Celsius. The Military Meteorological Service says stable atmospheric conditions will affect the country. Sunny periods will last throughout the day across Albania. Meanwhile, winds will blow from northwest to southeast at an average speed of …
British newspaper ‘Metro’ highlights Albania among three destinations worth exploring in October. The article points to milder temperatures, lower prices and fewer tourists during the autumn season. It highlights the Albanian Riviera, Berat, Tirana and the Albanian Alps. Metro also cites the British travel association ABTA, which has recorded growing …
Prime Minister Edi Rama says the ‘Faithful Presence’ (Prania besnike) meetings will continue across Albania every Friday at 5 p.m. Rama says the initiative forms part of a system designed to make listening to citizens a condition for public representatives to respond. Citizens should know in advance where and when …
Assembly of Albania Speaker Niko Peleshi received United States Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt at the Assembly’s headquarters. Peleshi welcomed Wendt and wished him success in his new post. He highlighted the special friendship and strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. Meanwhile, Peleshi stressed the role of the …
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi met electricity producers, members of the Assembly of Albania’s Natural Resources Committee and energy sector officials. The meeting focused on new developments and challenges linked to the rapid growth of renewable energy capacity. Karakaçi said Albania’s new energy law brings the country closer to …