Albanian Government Approves New Measures to Prevent Violence During Protests
The Albanian government has approved a new legislative package aimed at preventing violence during public protests, introducing tougher fines, temporary restrictions on gatherings and additional police powers. Under the new measures, participation in a prohibited assembly and concealing one’s identity during protests may result in fines ranging from 10,000 to …
UNESCO Marks World Day for Audiovisual Heritage: “Your Window to the World”
The world marks the World Day for Audiovisual Heritage today, highlighting the importance of preserving films, recordings and other audiovisual materials for future generations. The annual observance recognises the work of specialists who protect materials at risk of being lost. It also raises awareness of the urgent need to preserve …
Updated port inspection standards seen as step towards EU integration
Deputy Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enkelejda Muça presented a draft law today to the Assembly’s Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. The bill concerns amendments adopted on May 30, 2025, to the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control, originally signed in 1982. The amendments aim to bring national …
Draft law seeks clearer rules for cryptoasset markets
Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Martin Kajo presented a draft law on cryptoasset markets to the Assembly’s Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. The bill aims to align national legislation with the European Union’s Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation, known as MiCA, and strengthen investor and consumer protection. Although Albania adopted …
Price stability remains central to proposed changes to Bank of Albania law
Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj presented amendments to the Bank of Albania law to the Assembly’s Law Committee today. He said price stability remains the law’s fundamental principle and the Bank of Albania’s primary objective. Yzeiraj described the legislation as a cornerstone of the country’s monetary and financial system. He …
Albania’s under-21 team to play Spain in a friendly on November 17
Albania’s under-21 team will face Spain in a friendly on November 17 at 19:00 at Air Albania Stadium, the Albanian Football Association has confirmed. The match follows another friendly against Luxembourg on November 13. Together, the two fixtures will help coach Alban Bushi prepare the team for the 2027 European …
Tirana opens archival museum showcasing Albania’s history through documents
Tirana has a new museum dedicated to the country’s documentary heritage. The Archival Museum opened at the General Directorate of Archives to bring history closer to the public, particularly younger generations. Unlike a traditional museum, it tells Albania’s story through written records, photographs, maps, publications, manuscripts and materials documenting society …
Rama Announces 32-Lek Cut in Diesel Prices as Road Tax Shifts to Vehicles
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a change in the way the road tax is collected, stating that it will be removed from the price of diesel and shifted to vehicles. “We will remove the road tax from the price of diesel, automatically reducing the price at the pump by …
PM Rama Calls Students’ and Lecturers’ Boycott Unacceptable, Urges Dialogue
Prime Minister Edi Rama also addressed the boycott of classes by students and lecturers during a press conference. Rama described the boycott as an unacceptable act that infringes on the freedom of those who wish to study. The prime minister warned that amendments would be made to the relevant legislation, …
2027 Budget –PM Rama: Pension Increases Will Double
Prime Minister Edi Rama commented on the student protests and acts of violence recorded during demonstrations in Tirana, focusing on the damage caused. He described these acts as a form of “inhumanity” that, according to him, imposes the will of protesters on the majority of citizens who wish to live …
Our selection of Premium stories this week seeks to unpack the aftermath of an eventful weekend, with dramatic and rapid changes in Serbia that could have a wider impact across the region. Original post Here
The Foreign Investors Association of Albania has called on the government to reconsider the proposed 2027 fiscal package. It urged officials to consult businesses meaningfully and assess the economic impact of planned tax increases. The association said major tax changes should rely on sound economic analysis and transparent consultation. Businesses …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj has defended Albania’s proposed 2027 fiscal package, saying its overall effect on state revenue will be neutral or slightly negative. He presented the changes to the Economy Committee. Malaj said the package aims to redistribute revenue, protect vulnerable groups and support the middle class. Higher dividend …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has begun consultations with parliamentary parties to set the date for the 2027 local elections. His first meeting was with Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla at the Brigades Palace at around 9:00 a.m. Representatives of the Social Democratic Party, led by Tom Doshi, were …
The Albanian Telegraphic Agency has held professional training with Germany’s Deutsche Presse-Agentur on verifying digital content amid growing challenges from artificial intelligence. Led by Deutsche Presse-Agentur journalist Stefan Voss, the session brought together 11 agency journalists and translators. Participants examined methods for detecting manipulated images and videos and checking the …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has decreed May 9, 2027, as the date for the country’s next local elections. The Electoral Code requires voting to take place on one of four Sundays between April 15 and May 15. During consultations, the Socialist Party, the Social Democratic Party and the State Election …
The protests by students and citizens against the government continue this Friday, marking their 18th consecutive day. Despite repeated calls for dialogue from Prime Minister Edi Rama, protesters remain firm in their position, demanding his resignation. Earlier today, Rama once again shared images on social media showing chairs placed outside …
Albania’s 2027 Local Elections: Opposition Boycotts President Begaj’s Consultations on Election Date
President Bajram Begaj will hold consultations with representatives of political parties this Friday to determine the date of the 2027 local elections, in a process that begins with most opposition parties rejecting his invitation. The first meeting is scheduled for 9:00 AM with representatives of the Socialist Party, while representatives …
The European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, visited Elbasan this Friday, where she attended the fourth meeting of the CoR-Albania Joint Consultative Committee. Referring to recent developments in the country, the ambassador stressed that violence cannot be a means of expressing discontent, while emphasizing the responsibility of …
Diplomat, former MP and publicist Bashkim Zeneli passed away this Friday at the age of 78. According to reports, Zeneli died in a hospital abroad. Zeneli served as a journalist, a member of the Albanian Parliament, and Albania’s ambassador to Germany and Greece. He was also one of the early …