UNDP Approves New Albania Program Focused on Jobs, Economy and Justice
The Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has approved a new Country Programme for Albania for 2027–2031. The five-year programme will support Albania’s development. It will also accelerate reforms and advance the country’s European Union integration process. The programme has three main priorities. First, it will promote …
Hoxha: News Agencies Stand on the Front Line Against Disinformation
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” on Wednesday. The Italian news agency ANSA and the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies (ABNA) organized the conference. The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Central European Initiative (CEI) also supported the event. …
Former Deputy PM Balluku Faces New Corruption Evidence
Tirana Times, September 09, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has uncovered new evidence in its widening investigation of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, increasing pressure on one of the most powerful figures of the governing Socialist Party. SPAK said Wednesday that a special …
High Fire Risk in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier as temperatures reach 33°C
The Institute of GeoSciences (IGJEO) warns of a high fire risk this afternoon and tomorrow in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier counties. Meanwhile, other parts of the country will face a moderate risk. However, the high-risk level will affect only localised areas in some counties. These include northeastern Lezhë, northeastern Tirana …
Territorial reform, OSCE ambassador: No decision should be made without national-level consultation
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Michel Tarran, said in Pogradec that the territorial reform remains under discussion and that no final decision has been made so far. Asked about the consultation process, Tarran stressed that the OSCE does not impose a specific model for territorial organization. He …
Bank of Albania, World Bank step up cooperation on digital payments
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with a World Bank delegation to discuss Albania’s economic performance, EU integration and payment-system modernization. Sejko said the economy continues to perform well, supported by growth, stronger employment and incomes, and financial stability. He also highlighted Albania’s progress toward EU standards. The talks …
Lek strengthens against major foreign currencies on domestic market
The lek strengthened against major foreign currencies in the domestic foreign exchange market on Wednesday, compared with the previous day. According to the official exchange rate published by the Bank of Albania, the euro fell by 0.05 lek, to 92.02 lek, while the US dollar dropped by 0.19 lek, to …
“Balkans meet in Trieste”, FM Hoxha: Enlargement is Europe’s strength
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, was among the keynote speakers at the “Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference. Italy’s ANSA news agency organized the event. The conference took place during the 34th General Assembly of the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE). The Friuli …
FM Hoxha: Kosovo, an independent state and should be recognized; Regional cooperation remains a major priority
Speaking at the “Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference, Hoxha also addressed Albania’s positions on Kosovo, stressing that Albania considers it an independent state that should receive international recognition. “We have fundamental differences with Serbia over Kosovo,” he said. “Kosovo is an independent state and should be recognized.” At the same …
Gjirokastër’s Cold War Museum unveils new exhibition on Albania’s communist past
The Cold War Museum in Gjirokastër has unveiled a new exhibition inside the city’s historic underground bunker. The central hall now features uniforms worn by soldiers, generals and officials during Albania’s communist era. Visitors can also see banned books, newspaper articles from the 1950s to the 1990s, and publications by …
Prime Minister Edi Rama continued public consultations on the territorial administrative reform in Berat today. He focused on how the proposed reorganization of local units could affect public services. Rama stressed that the merger would not reduce services in Poliçan, Dimal or other local units. Instead, he said the reform …
Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu said that 12 hours of discussions cannot solve all the challenges citizens expect the healthcare system to address. She stressed that healthcare leaders must continue working directly with citizens and communities. During a coordination meeting with managers of primary healthcare and hospital …
Kosovo’s Assembly approved the new government led by Albin Kurti of the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV) with 62 votes in favor, eight against and no abstentions, giving Kurti his fourth term as prime minister. LVV holds 53 seats, while nine lawmakers from non-majority communities also supported the government. Eight represent non-Serb …
The Academy of Sciences of Albania today marked the 119th anniversary of the birth of Dhimitër Pasko, known in literature as Mitrush Kuteli. Kuteli was born in Pogradec on September 13, 1907. He became one of Albania’s most distinguished writers, translators, economists and scholars. He made major contributions to literature, …
“What truly makes a difference is the dream,” Prime Minister Edi Rama said during a discussion with professors from the World Economic Forum, linking Albania’s transformation and that of the region to the aspiration for European Union membership. Responding to a Mongolian professor’s question about Albania’s democratic transformation and transition …
Dinamo City defeated Partizani 4-2 in the capital derby today at Vora Stadium, securing its third consecutive victory in the fourth round of the Abissnet Superiore. Ilir Daja’s side started strongly and opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Hekuran Berisha took advantage of a defensive mistake and put Dinamo …
The National Historical Museum today marked the 158th anniversary of the birth of Carl Patsch, the Austrian archaeologist and historian who made important contributions to the study of Albania and the Illyrians. Patsch was born on September 12, 1868. He directed the Provincial Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and later …
The Goddess of Butrint, Dea, has returned to the ancient city where archaeologists discovered her. The work stands among Albania’s best-known archaeological treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed Dea’s return and said it adds further value to Albania’s history and cultural heritage. “Good news about Dea of Butrint returning home …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has brought back his “Flasim” podcast, focusing on education and Albania’s results in the international PISA 2025 assessment. In the first episode of the new season, titled “News from School,” Rama spoke about the start of the new school year and the progress of the education …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi describes the development of the defence industry as a strategic priority for Albania. In a video message, he said that the country has now entered a new phase in which the defence industry aims to strengthen national security, technological capabilities and economic development. “The development of …