EU Offers Up to €100,000 to Support Albania’s Wood Industry
The European Union has launched a new funding scheme to help Albanian wood-processing companies invest in innovative circular economy solutions. The Wood2Value scheme will support investments in technologies and production processes that reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and increase competitiveness. The EU Delegation in Tirana said selected companies can receive …
Over 20,000 Applications Qualify for Albania’s 2026 National Agriculture Support Scheme
Albania’s Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR) has qualified 20,636 applications under Measures 5–9 of the 2026 National Agriculture Support Scheme after completing the initial administrative review. The scheme supports sustainable agriculture, higher production standards and inland fisheries. AZHBR approved 362 applications under Measure 5, which supports biological pest …
Rama Condemns Berlin Attack: “No Tolerance for Hate, Violence or Extremism”
Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his solidarity with Germany and the German people following the tragic incident at the Pride Parade in Berlin. In a statement on social media, Rama condemned the attack and said there can be no tolerance for hate, violence or extremism in any form. He stressed …
Koçiu: Albania Expands Protected Areas Network to Strengthen Environmental Protection
Albania has expanded its protected areas network and placed nearly one-quarter of its territory under national nature protection. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared a video showing the country’s environmental progress from 2013 to 2026. She highlighted stronger environmental laws, better management of protected areas and new initiatives to protect …
Balla: “Double Your Business” Programme Opens New Financing Opportunities for SMEs
The “Double Your Business” programme supports Albanian entrepreneurs and creates new financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, said Taulant Balla during a visit to the “Belba” winery in Kavajë. Balla visited the winery, which two brothers established after bringing their experience from Italy and combining it with Albania’s traditional …
PM presents ‘Besa’ strategy and comments on recent protests
TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented “Besa”, a document he described as the political and governing strategy for the government’s fourth term, during a joint meeting of the government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group. Rama said recent protests should serve as a moment of reflection rather …
Week in Review: A Fighting Spirit
From Albania’s ‘Flamingo Revolution’ to Turkey’s embattled opposition, BIRN’s premium selection of stories this week tell a fighting mood is visible across south-east Europe, despite the summer heat. Original post Here
Kosovo’s Trade Deficit Rises 16%, Exports Cover Only 15% of Imports
Kosovo’s trade deficit increased by 16.1% in June 2026 compared with the same period last year, reaching €578.3 million. The deficit reflects the gap between the value of imports and exports. According to data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS), exports covered only 15% of imports. Kosovo exported goods …
Speaker Peleshi: Parliament approved 131 laws during current term
TIRANA, July 24 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi presented the work of the legislature during its first 2 sessions. He said the current parliamentary term has focused strongly on Albania’s European integration process. During an expanded meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, attended by Prime Minister and Socialist Party …
Albania presents ‘eArkiva’ digital document management platform
TIRANA, July 24 – The General Directorate of Archives and the National Agency of Information Society presented ‘eArkiva’, a platform for managing and digitising official documents. The National Agency of Information Society developed the system under the supervision of the General Directorate of Archives. Initially, ministries and other state institutions …
TIRANA, July 29 – State Election Commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi called for changes to the Electoral Code to strengthen the separation between state institutions and the ruling party. At the technical meeting of the Special Parliamentary Commission on Electoral Reform, Celibashi said the misuse of state resources and the blurred line …
TIRANA, July 29 – Nikaj-Mërtur has gained fresh attention as one of the Albanian Alps’ distinctive destinations, following new efforts to promote sustainable mountain tourism and strengthen cooperation with local tourism operators. Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the area’s tourism potential in a social media post. He described Nikaj-Mërtur as …
The “Si Era” villa in Brataj, in the heart of the Vjosa River region, offers visitors a unique experience that combines nature, local landscapes and Albanian hospitality. Located only 30 minutes from Vlora and Himara, the accommodation stands opposite the historic Brataj Bridge. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of …
TIRANA, July 29 – The Albanian Academy of Sciences marked the 40th anniversary of the death of distinguished writer Shefqet Musaraj, recognizing his contribution to 20th-century Albanian literature. Musaraj was born in Berat on February 15, 1914, and died in Tirana on July 28, 1986. He emerged on the literary …
TIRANA, July 29 – The Albanian government is supporting investment in agricultural processing, stronger cooperation with farmers and the expansion of exports through business financing programmes and sector policies. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla highlighted those priorities during a visit to Fenix, a company in Elbasan that processes …
TIRANA, July 29 – Albania’s Ministry of Education will fund two new research laboratories and 23 scientific projects in 2026 through the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation. The initiative will support biodiversity protection, ecosystem monitoring, sustainable management of natural resources and the development of green technologies. On World …
Kosovo judoka Akil Gjakova has started a new chapter in his career as he aims to qualify for his third Olympic Games. Gjakova announced that he is beginning the new Olympic qualification cycle after more than a decade competing at the highest level of international judo. He said that staying …
TIRANA, July 29 – On July 29, 1913, the Conference of Ambassadors in London granted de jure recognition to the independent Albanian state. The conference recognized Albania as a sovereign and autonomous state under the guarantee of the Great Powers. The decision established Albania’s international status and laid the foundations …
TIRANA, July 29 – A new publication documents the latest developments in contemporary Albanian architecture. It highlights the work of Albanian architects in the region. The book “Fragments of Contemporary Albanian Architecture” was presented as the third volume in a series. The series aims to promote and document architecture created …
TIRANA, July 29 – British broadcaster Channel 4 interviewed Prime Minister Edi Rama about the proposed investment in Zvërnec, focusing on environmental concerns and the project’s current status. Rama told Channel 4 that authorities have not approved a final project for Zvërnec. He also said Sazan Island is not part …