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“Revenues have reached historic levels,” says Minister Malaj: We forecast an additional €1 billion in 2026

The Minister of Finance, Petrit Malaj, held a press conference today where he presented an overview of the country’s economic growth. Increasing revenues, improving digital services, and developing systems through Artificial Intelligence are strategic objectives aimed at meeting European standards. During his remarks, Minister Malaj stated that the Albanian economy …

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Rama: The EU integration process is historic; it transforms the Albanian state

Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking during a conference with negotiators on Albania’s path toward the European Union, stated that the process carries significant weight. According to him, it is historic and transformative for the Albanian state. “This process substantially increases the institutional capacities of the state. It brings extraordinary benefits …

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Presidential election, Kurti: We will begin meetings with the opposition

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, announced that he will invite leaders of opposition parties to meetings in an effort to secure the necessary votes for the election of the country’s new president. He stated that so far he has not had enough time to conduct internal consultations regarding …

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Appointment of CEC members, Constitutional Court declares Osmani’s request inadmissible

The Constitutional Court has declared inadmissible the request of the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, regarding the appointment of members of the Central Election Commission (CEC). Osmani had requested an assessment of a “conflict between constitutional competencies under Article 113” of the Constitution—specifically between herself and “parliamentary groups as bodies …

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AIIS Honors Ilir Ikonomi with “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize

Tirana Times, March 26 , 2026 –  The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has awarded its prestigious annual “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize for 2025 to historian and translator Ilir Ikonomi, recognizing his outstanding contribution to bringing major works of international scholarship to the Albanian audience. Ilir Ikonomi received the award …

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Week in Review: Alignment, Collision and Scandal

From a political spying scandal to MAGA alignment and a brewing collision with the law, selection of BIRN Premium stories this week makes for an exciting read. Original post Here

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Iran-Linked Hackers Target Albanian Post in Latest Attack

The now-notorious hacker group Homeland Justice claimed that it had breached the computer defences of Albania’s postal service following its attack on parliament’s systems earlier this month. Original post Here

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In Albania, Leveraging Celebrity Exposure to Stay out of Jail

Charged with corruption, money laundering and concealment of wealth, ex-politician Monika Kryemadhi is rebranding herself as a showbiz celebrity on the Big Brother reality show, but can it keep her out of prison? Original post Here

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Albanian Ex-Mayor Convicted in Second Abuse of Office Case

An appeals court upheld the verdict jailing the former Socialist Party mayor of Himara, Jorgo Goro, who was at the centre of a political storm during a controversial election in 2023. Original post Here

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Rama’s Collision With Justice Shatters Illusions About Albania’s Democracy

The prime minister’s moves to shield his deputy from arrest feel like the beginning of the end of an era for Albanians’ hopes that the powerful would finally be held accountable. Original post Here

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Former Speaker of Parliament Servet Pëllumbi Passes Away at 89

Former Speaker of Parliament Servet Pëllumbi has died at the age of 89. He co-founded the Socialist Party of Albania. He shaped the country’s democratic transition. Colleagues respected his integrity and leadership. He was born in Korça. He studied at the University of Saint Petersburg. He earned a PhD in …

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Rama: Do Not Let EU Membership Process Be Held Hostage

Prime Minister Edi Rama urged unity to safeguard Albania’s EU accession process. He warned against any attempt to derail it. First, he spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Gjirokastër. There, he focused on EU integration. He described negotiations as tough and complex. Next, he stressed that a dedicated team …

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Rama Reacts to Pëllumbi’s Death: “Farewell, Dear Professor”

Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted to the death of former Speaker Servet Pëllumbi. He expressed sorrow and paid tribute. “Farewell, dear professor,” Rama wrote. He shared a photo of Pëllumbi on social media. Servet Pëllumbi died today at the age of 89. He served as Speaker of Parliament from 2002 …

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Hoxha: EU Path Requires Engagement of the Young Generation

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha urged young people to actively engage in Albania’s EU integration process. He spoke during the “EU and You: Europe Starts Here” tour. He met students at “Sherif Hoxha” high school in Koplik, Malësi e Madhe. He highlighted the European Union as a …

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Mazniku: Need for New Approach to Local Governance Challenges

A new public consultation on administrative-territorial reform took place in Vlora, as the European Parliament report on Albania for 2025 welcomed the ongoing work of the bipartisan parliamentary commission on the issue. The report stressed that any reform in this area must follow an inclusive process and rely on objective …

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Rama Condemns Iran’s Missile Attack on the UAE

Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned Iran’s missile attack on the United Arab Emirates. He called it an act of aggression and terrorism. He reacted on the social network “X”. He said the attack is unprovoked and unjustified. He warned it threatens regional stability. He strongly condemned the strike. He said …

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Balluku Pays Tribute at Martyrs’ Cemetery in Lushnjë on May 5

Deputy Socialist Party MP and former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku attended memorial ceremonies in Lushnjë on Martyrs’ Day. She joined the event alongside Finance Minister Petrit Malaj, Lushnjë Mayor Eriselda Sefa, and other state and political representatives. She laid wreaths at the Partizane Monument. She honored those who fell …

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Foreign Minister says Albania on the right track, European Parliament committee backs enlargement progress

TIRANA, May 5 – The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, reacted to the adoption of a resolution by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament with 58 votes in favour on the European Commission progress report on Albania for 2025. In a post on social media …

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Speaker Peleshi meets Belgian Senate President, discusses European Union path

TIRANA, May 5 – During his stay in Denmark, Speaker Niko Peleshi met the President of the Senate of Belgium, Vincent Blondel. According to Speaker, the meeting focused on coordination and support for Albania’s path toward the European Union. In a post on social media, he said Albania remains among …

News
Albania condemns Iran attacks on United Arab Emirates, calls for de-escalation

TIRANA, May 5 – The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs condemned recent missile and drone attacks carried out by Iran against the United Arab Emirates. In a statement, the Ministry said the strikes targeted critical infrastructure, including energy facilities. It added that these actions violate sovereignty and international law. …

News

Former Speaker of Parliament Servet Pëllumbi Passes Away at 89

Former Speaker of Parliament Servet Pëllumbi has died at the age of 89. He co-founded the Socialist Party of Albania. He shaped the country’s democratic transition. Colleagues respected his integrity and leadership. He was born in Korça. He studied at the University of Saint Petersburg. He earned a PhD in …

News

Rama: Do Not Let EU Membership Process Be Held Hostage

Prime Minister Edi Rama urged unity to safeguard Albania’s EU accession process. He warned against any attempt to derail it. First, he spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Gjirokastër. There, he focused on EU integration. He described negotiations as tough and complex. Next, he stressed that a dedicated team …

News

Rama Reacts to Pëllumbi’s Death: “Farewell, Dear Professor”

Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted to the death of former Speaker Servet Pëllumbi. He expressed sorrow and paid tribute. “Farewell, dear professor,” Rama wrote. He shared a photo of Pëllumbi on social media. Servet Pëllumbi died today at the age of 89. He served as Speaker of Parliament from 2002 …

News

Hoxha: EU Path Requires Engagement of the Young Generation

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha urged young people to actively engage in Albania’s EU integration process. He spoke during the “EU and You: Europe Starts Here” tour. He met students at “Sherif Hoxha” high school in Koplik, Malësi e Madhe. He highlighted the European Union as a …

News

Mazniku: Need for New Approach to Local Governance Challenges

A new public consultation on administrative-territorial reform took place in Vlora, as the European Parliament report on Albania for 2025 welcomed the ongoing work of the bipartisan parliamentary commission on the issue. The report stressed that any reform in this area must follow an inclusive process and rely on objective …

News

Rama Condemns Iran’s Missile Attack on the UAE

Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned Iran’s missile attack on the United Arab Emirates. He called it an act of aggression and terrorism. He reacted on the social network “X”. He said the attack is unprovoked and unjustified. He warned it threatens regional stability. He strongly condemned the strike. He said …

News

Balluku Pays Tribute at Martyrs’ Cemetery in Lushnjë on May 5

Deputy Socialist Party MP and former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku attended memorial ceremonies in Lushnjë on Martyrs’ Day. She joined the event alongside Finance Minister Petrit Malaj, Lushnjë Mayor Eriselda Sefa, and other state and political representatives. She laid wreaths at the Partizane Monument. She honored those who fell …

News

Foreign Minister says Albania on the right track, European Parliament committee backs enlargement progress

TIRANA, May 5 – The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, reacted to the adoption of a resolution by the Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament with 58 votes in favour on the European Commission progress report on Albania for 2025. In a post on social media …

News

Speaker Peleshi meets Belgian Senate President, discusses European Union path

TIRANA, May 5 – During his stay in Denmark, Speaker Niko Peleshi met the President of the Senate of Belgium, Vincent Blondel. According to Speaker, the meeting focused on coordination and support for Albania’s path toward the European Union. In a post on social media, he said Albania remains among …

News

Albania condemns Iran attacks on United Arab Emirates, calls for de-escalation

TIRANA, May 5 – The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs condemned recent missile and drone attacks carried out by Iran against the United Arab Emirates. In a statement, the Ministry said the strikes targeted critical infrastructure, including energy facilities. It added that these actions violate sovereignty and international law. …