Transport associations oppose VAT hike, warn of higher ticket prices from 2027
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …
Mateu Boçi wins European championship; PM Rama praises achievement for Albanian chess
TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …
Excitement mounts in Tirana ahead of Albania’s Nations League showdown with Finland
TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …
Works to begin tomorrow between former Eagle Square and Limuth Underpass, traffic diversions on Tirana–Durrës motorway
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …
DP launches candidate selection process for local elections, nominations open until 30 November
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, civil protection on alert
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …
European Political Community Summit: Edi Rama shares a group photo alongside European leaders
TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …
Police step up security measures ahead of Albania–Finland match
TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …
Tirana Observatory Releases New Issue on EU Enlargement and European Security
The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …
Lasgush Poradeci, an unmistakable voice of Albanian lyric poetry
Albanian poet Lasgush Poradeci, born Llazar Gusho, died in Tirana on 12 November 1987. He remains one of the most distinguished figures in 20th-century Albanian literature. Born on 27 December 1899 in Pogradec, Gusho grew up in an urban family with strong cultural traditions. His hometown became his greatest source …
TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ – The National Gallery of Arts is being completely transformed to modernize its spaces and better preserve and showcase its artistic heritage. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in the social media photos from the construction site, where work is underway to completely transform the premises, as …
TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ — Light rain is falling across the entire Kukës region, and all national highways remain open to traffic. Prefect of Kukës region Dritan Baji stated to ATA today that, ” Heavy rainfall has triggered rockfalls and debris across several sections of the national highway network.” He …
TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – The Socialist Party Assembly has got underway today in Lalëzi bay, with a focus on preparations for the upcoming local elections. Socialist Party (SP) General Secretary Blendi Klosi opened today’s meeting, which features a key item on its agenda: the launch of the Socialist Party’s …
TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/- Shkodër Regional Prefecture reported that heavy rainfall has not caused any residential flooding in the county so far. In Shalë municipal unit, the crews are working to clear debris and reopen roads blocked by the downpour. Meanwhile, in the village of Kamicë, high water levels in …
TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – During a meeting of the Socialist Party’s (SP) National Assembly, Prime Minister Edi Rama—who also serves as the leader of the Socialist Party— emphasized this defining moment on the country’s road to the EU. According to the prime minister, this is a moment when politics …
TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – Albania is showcasing its tourism potential at the PHILOXENIA 2026 International Tourism Fair in Thessaloniki from November 13–15. The initiative aims to expand cooperation with international markets and strengthen tourism-related ties with neighboring countries. In this context, General Director of the National Tourism Agency Jola …
Gert Jan Koopman, the European Commission’s Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, discussed Kosovo’s prospects of obtaining EU candidate status. The senior EU enlargement official said he “personally believes” that the EU should begin reviewing Kosovo’s membership application, which was submitted in December 2022. “Personally, I believe it is very …
TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ Students and citizens staged another protest outside the Prime Minister’s Office this afternoon, marking the 167th consecutive day of demonstrations against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government. Gathered on the boulevard in front of the building, protesters renewed their call for Rama to step down. The protest is …
TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ – Albanian State Police Director General Skënder Hita met senior Italian police and anti-mafia officials during an official visit to Italy, with talks focusing on strengthening joint efforts against organised crime and criminal networks operating in both countries. Hita and his delegation were received at the …
Regional development priorities, support for strategic investments and new opportunities for economic growth were at the centre of the latest meeting of the Albanian Development Fund’s Board of Directors. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the meeting, alongside Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister …