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Mattarella: European Union is incomplete without Albania

TIRANA, Nov 10  /ATA/ – Italian President Sergio Mattarella said the European Union would remain incomplete without the accession of Albania and other candidate countries, reaffirming Italy’s support for the Western Balkans’ European integration. “Italy will always consider the European Union incomplete and diminished until Albania and the other candidate …

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Izmir steel factory blast: Albania expresses solidarity with Turkey, says Foreign Minister Hoxha

TIRANA, Nov 10 /ATA/ Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, on Tuesday offered his condolences following an explosion at an iron and steel factory in Turkey’s Izmir province, which left several people dead and others injured. In a social media statement, Hoxha expressed his sympathies to the families of …

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Rama: 2027 Defence budget to boost military modernisation and national security

TIRANA, Nov 10 /ATA/ Prime Minister Edi Rama said the 2027 defence budget would support the ongoing modernisation of Albania’s Armed Forces, enhance national security and ensure the country meets its commitments to NATO and its strategic allies. Rama also posted footage from the daily activities of first-year Bachelor’s students …

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Dhuka: 2027 Budget to accelerate EU accession efforts and prepare Albania for membership

TIRANA, Nov 10 /ATA/- By Maela Marini/ Minister of State and Chief EU Negotiator, Majlinda Dhuka, said the 2027 budget would help advance the country’s EU accession talks while laying the groundwork for its future membership in the bloc. Speaking at a hearing before the Committee on European Affairs and Foreign …

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Hita: Police step up anti-cannabis efforts, launch 31 operations targeting drug dealing near schools

TIRANA, Nov 10 /ATA/  State Police Director General Skënder Hita on Tuesday presented the results of the State Police’s efforts to combat the cultivation, production and distribution of narcotics throughout 2026, at a joint press conference with representatives of Italy’s Guardia di Finanza (GdF). In his remarks, Hita praised cooperation …

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Demo: Public safety is ultimate measure of success in fight against narcotics

TIRANA, Nov 10 /ATA/ The effectiveness of the Police is ultimately measured by the sense of security among citizens, the protection of young people and the ability to restrict the operating space of criminal groups by targeting their financial resources. Interior Minister Ervin Demo conveyed this message at a joint press …

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Spanish Culture Week kicks off in Tirana on Tuesday

Running through Nov. 13, the event will showcase Spanish history and contemporary culture through a series of activities hosted at cultural venues across the city. TIRANA, Albania — Spanish Culture Week will kick off in Tirana on Tuesday, Nov. 10, bringing a four-day program of exhibitions, film screenings, literature and …

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Albanian Talk Show Hosts Slam TV Regulator’s ‘Orwellian’ Fines

Sanctions imposed on several TV talk shows over language used by guests are raising concerns about restrictions about the right to freely debate the ongoing anti-government protests in Albania. Original post Here

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PM Edi Rama meets French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama is attending the Paris Peace Forum at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders held a bilateral meeting at the Élysée Palace on Monday evening, ahead of the forum. PM said on social media that they discussed issues of mutual interest. This …

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Spain’s democratic transition offers lessons for overcoming divisions, Koçiu says

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the presentation of the book “Spain in Democracy 1975–2000”, written by Charles Powell, in Tirana today. On this occasion, Koçiu took part in a discussion about Spain’s democratic transition, together with the author, Charles Powell, and the Albanian translator, Kita Sallabanda. During the discussion, …

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Finance Minister Petrit Malaj: 30% of 2027 budget allocated to social protection

Albania’s 2027 budget will reach €10 billion for the first time, with 30% allocated to social protection, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said in a television interview. As part of the plan, the government has allocated €250 million to pensions in 2027, including funding for pension indexation. In addition, it plans …

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Vlora port suspends small-vessel departures as weather conditions worsen

The Port of Vlora Harbour Master’s Office has banned departures by small vessels and fishing boats planning to operate outside the Bay of Vlora from November 11 to 14 due to worsening weather conditions. The forecast warns of southerly to southeasterly winds reaching force 7–8 on the Beaufort scale, with …

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Vlora hosts European Film Academy board, opening new cooperation opportunities

The European Film Academy’s Board held its three-day meeting in Albania, bringing leading European producers and filmmakers to Vlora. During their stay, board members met Albanian film professionals and explored the country’s history, culture and filming potential. The visit aimed to create new partnerships and promote Albania as a destination …

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U.S. President Trump nominates Mikhail Bogachek as ambassador to Kosova

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Mikhail Bogachek as the next US ambassador to Kosova, submitting his name to the Senate for confirmation. The White House announced the nomination on November 10. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina remains under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati. Former ambassador Jeff …

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Justice Minister Toni Gogu discusses faster court proceedings with Italian officials

Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu held three meetings in Rome with Italian officials to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of justice. During a visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met Maurizio Gasparri, chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. He thanked Gasparri for ratifying the …

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Agriculture budget rises 10% in 2027 to support farmers and food safety

Albania’s draft 2027 budget allocates around ALL 18 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, a 10% increase on the initial 2026 budget, Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said. Rural development remains the main priority, with ALL 8.4 billion, including ALL 5.3 billion for the national support scheme, up …

News
Kanina Castle reopens to visitors after restoration works

Restoration and improvement works have finished at Kanina Castle in Vlora. The historic monument is now ready to welcome visitors with improved infrastructure, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced. The project included conservation and structural works, alongside infrastructure upgrades, to protect the castle’s historical and cultural heritage. In …

News
Albania prepare for Finland in Nations League

Albania’s national team continued preparations for their upcoming matches against Finland and Belarus with a training session at the House of Football on Wednesday. The Albanian Football Association said all players trained at full intensity and were available to coach Rolando Maran. The team began the session in the gym …

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Albanian Football Association President Armand Duka honours Elseid Hysaj for over 100 appearances

Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Association, has honoured Elseid Hysaj for becoming the first Albania player to make over 100 appearances for the national team. At a ceremony on Wednesday, Duka personally presented Hysaj with a medal and a symbolic UEFA cap to mark the milestone. “Congratulations, Elsi! …

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Albanian folk ensemble to perform in Scotland for first time in 70 years

Albania’s National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble will travel to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time in 70 years to present the country’s cultural heritage to an international audience. The artists will perform “Albania Through Byron’s Eyes”, a production that combines Albanian traditions with the inspiration Albania and its culture …

News

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj: 30% of 2027 budget allocated to social protection

Albania’s 2027 budget will reach €10 billion for the first time, with 30% allocated to social protection, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said in a television interview. As part of the plan, the government has allocated €250 million to pensions in 2027, including funding for pension indexation. In addition, it plans …

News

Vlora port suspends small-vessel departures as weather conditions worsen

The Port of Vlora Harbour Master’s Office has banned departures by small vessels and fishing boats planning to operate outside the Bay of Vlora from November 11 to 14 due to worsening weather conditions. The forecast warns of southerly to southeasterly winds reaching force 7–8 on the Beaufort scale, with …

News

Vlora hosts European Film Academy board, opening new cooperation opportunities

The European Film Academy’s Board held its three-day meeting in Albania, bringing leading European producers and filmmakers to Vlora. During their stay, board members met Albanian film professionals and explored the country’s history, culture and filming potential. The visit aimed to create new partnerships and promote Albania as a destination …

News

U.S. President Trump nominates Mikhail Bogachek as ambassador to Kosova

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Mikhail Bogachek as the next US ambassador to Kosova, submitting his name to the Senate for confirmation. The White House announced the nomination on November 10. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina remains under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati. Former ambassador Jeff …

News

Justice Minister Toni Gogu discusses faster court proceedings with Italian officials

Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu held three meetings in Rome with Italian officials to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of justice. During a visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met Maurizio Gasparri, chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. He thanked Gasparri for ratifying the …

News

Agriculture budget rises 10% in 2027 to support farmers and food safety

Albania’s draft 2027 budget allocates around ALL 18 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, a 10% increase on the initial 2026 budget, Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said. Rural development remains the main priority, with ALL 8.4 billion, including ALL 5.3 billion for the national support scheme, up …

News

Kanina Castle reopens to visitors after restoration works

Restoration and improvement works have finished at Kanina Castle in Vlora. The historic monument is now ready to welcome visitors with improved infrastructure, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced. The project included conservation and structural works, alongside infrastructure upgrades, to protect the castle’s historical and cultural heritage. In …

News

Albania prepare for Finland in Nations League

Albania’s national team continued preparations for their upcoming matches against Finland and Belarus with a training session at the House of Football on Wednesday. The Albanian Football Association said all players trained at full intensity and were available to coach Rolando Maran. The team began the session in the gym …

News

Albanian Football Association President Armand Duka honours Elseid Hysaj for over 100 appearances

Armand Duka, president of the Albanian Football Association, has honoured Elseid Hysaj for becoming the first Albania player to make over 100 appearances for the national team. At a ceremony on Wednesday, Duka personally presented Hysaj with a medal and a symbolic UEFA cap to mark the milestone. “Congratulations, Elsi! …

News

Albanian folk ensemble to perform in Scotland for first time in 70 years

Albania’s National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble will travel to Edinburgh, Scotland, for the first time in 70 years to present the country’s cultural heritage to an international audience. The artists will perform “Albania Through Byron’s Eyes”, a production that combines Albanian traditions with the inspiration Albania and its culture …