Ahmetaj Calls for Stronger Transparency and Consumer Protection in Microfinance
Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Albania, Natasha Ahmetaj, called for stronger transparency and consumer protection in the microfinance sector. She spoke during the 28th Annual Conference of the Microfinance Centre. The event focused on the future of microfinance and its social mission. Ahmetaj said microfinance must remain an …
Council of Europe Report: Albania Among Countries with Highest Pre-Trial Detention Rates
Council of Europe reports that Albania is among European countries with the highest incarceration and pre-trial detention rates. The findings come from the annual SPACE I report for 2025. The data shows 192 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants in Albania. At the same time, prison occupancy remains relatively low. Albania records …
Peace Board calls UN Security Council to pressure Hamas to disarm
TIRANA, May 20 – The Peace Board, created to oversee the Gaza ceasefire, will ask the United Nations Security Council to pressure Hamas to disarm, according to AP. Albania is a member of the Peace Board. A report scheduled for discussion at the Security Council says Hamas’ refusal to surrender …
Green light for “Gateway to the Alps” as economy committee approves European Investment Bank funding for northern infrastructure
TIRANA, May 20 – The Committee on Economy, Employment and Finance has approved a draft law that opens the way for financing one of the most important infrastructure projects in northern Albania, known as “Gateway to the Alps”. The committee, led by chair Milva Ekonomi, reviewed the financial agreement between …
Clear weather across the country with light cloud cover
TIRANA, May 20 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. The weather will be clear across the territory. Light and temporary cloud cover will appear in mountainous areas in the east from midday to the afternoon. Wind will blow from the northwest to …
PM Rama meets South Korean counterpart Kim Min-seok in Seoul to boost trade, investment and artificial intelligence cooperation
TIRANA, May 20 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok during his visit to South Korea. The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen relations between the two countries. Rama said South Korea serves as an inspiration for Albania in national development. He added that both …
Mazniku: New Territorial Reform Must Close Development Gap Between Municipalities
Albania aims to reduce development gaps between municipalities through a new territorial reform. Administrative-Territorial Reform Co-Chair Arbjan Mazniku spoke during a public hearing in Durrës. He said balanced territorial development remains a major challenge for local government. Mazniku said the 2014 reform brought positive results. He noted better services and …
Tax Authorities and IMF Discuss Implementation of Fiscal Peace Measures
Albania’s tax administration met experts from the International Monetary Fund to discuss the implementation of the “Fiscal Peace” package. General Tax Director Ilir Binaj led the meeting in Tirana. The sides reviewed progress on tax reforms. They also discussed the EU Growth Plan, TADAT standards and debt management measures. Officials …
Albania to Host Socca European Championship Starting Tomorrow
Albania will officially launch the Socca European Championship tomorrow at the House of Football. Organizers built a modern mini stadium for the event. The venue will host matches from 28 national teams over five days. The tournament will begin at 09:00 with the match between Bulgaria and Ireland. Group stage …
Lamallari: Coastal Security and Territorial Control Key Priorities for Tourist Season
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said security and territorial control along Albania’s coastline remain key priorities for the tourist season. Lamallari spoke during a meeting in Sarandë with State Police officials, territorial inspectors and local institutions. He referred to recent events in the coastal city, where authorities detained four police officers …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said there is no reason for concern about the Zvërnec investment project, which he described as the largest tourism investment currently planned in Europe, worth €4 billion. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in Rome, Rama discussed Albania’s investment opportunities and strategic development plans. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that most Albanians support the Zvërnec investment project. He also warned that many fake videos are circulating on social media. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in Rome, Rama addressed concerns about the project and public reactions. He said the majority of Albanians …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to joining the European Union, describing membership as the country’s strategic and unwavering objective. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in Rome, Rama discussed geopolitical developments, Albania’s EU integration process, and the country’s investment prospects. First, he highlighted the importance of …
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MSHMS) held a technical consultation with gender equality officers from central public institutions as part of the review of the Action Plan for the National Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030. The revised Action Plan aims to strengthen measures against gender-based violence, promote women’s economic …
Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected claims that a recent European Parliament amendment targets the Zvërnec investment project. Rama stated that the amendment does not concern Zvërnec and criticized attempts to connect the two issues. He argued that some groups have misinterpreted the resolution and spread inaccurate information about its purpose. …
Representatives of the Albanian and Montenegrin customs administrations held a coordination meeting today to prepare for the opening of the joint border crossing point at Zogaj–Ckla/Skje. Border police officials, local authorities, and infrastructure representatives also attended the meeting to discuss the next steps in the project. Participants reviewed progress on …
The Municipality of Pogradec rejected reports that authorities had reduced public beach areas in favor of private businesses. Instead, municipal officials stated that they have increased public beach space over the past four years and continue to prioritize access for residents and tourists. According to the municipality, authorities have designated …
European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato highlighted the crucial role of the media in informing citizens about Albania’s European integration process and the reforms required for EU membership. He delivered his remarks at the closing event of the training programme “Reporting Effectively on the EU Integration Process,” which aimed …
The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, said in a statement to the media outside Parliament that the European Parliament’s amendment regarding protected areas is “nothing more and nothing less” than what Prime Minister Edi Rama has already stated: that no construction will be allowed without a …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again reacted to the citizen protests that have been taking place in Tirana for the past 18 days. In a lengthy message on social media, Rama said he understands the concerns of citizens who joined the demonstrations over environmental issues. However, he accused political …