In Focus
In Focus
News in short
All latest stories
PM departs for Rome ahead of Albania-Italy intergovernmental summit
Published on November 12, 2025
Why is this important: The summit marks a strategic shift in the Albania-Italy relationship, upgrading ties through shared projects in energy, defense, infrastructure, environment, and labor mobility. One key agreement includes a new underwater power line to export renewable energy from Albania to Italy.
Published on November 12, 2025
Why is this important: The match marks Albania’s penultimate game in Group K and is crucial for maintaining momentum ahead of the highly anticipated showdown with England on November 16 in Tirana. A win against Andorra would boost morale and consolidate Albania’s strong campaign.
Albania to acquire advanced artillery and drones from Israeli firm Elbit Systems
Published on November 12, 2025
Why is this important: This marks a major step in Albania’s effort to modernize its defense infrastructure, deepen its strategic ties with Israel, and develop its domestic military industry through cooperation with state-owned company KAYO.
Albania to open final EU negotiation cluster at intergovernmental conference on November 17
Published on November 12, 2025
Why is this important: The milestone means that Albania will have opened all EU accession clusters within just 12 months — a feat Prime Minister Edi Rama called a “record” in the history of European integration. The rapid pace significantly strengthens Albania’s goal to complete technical negotiations by 2027 and become a full EU member by 2030.
Albania joins Israel Allies Group, signaling bipartisan support for Israel
Published on November 11, 2025
Why is this important: The formation of the group signals rare cross-party unity in Albania and deepens its alignment with Israel on diplomatic and interfaith grounds — particularly notable for a Muslim-majority country. The move has been widely covered in Israeli media as an expansion of faith-based diplomacy in the Balkans.
Bank of Albania marks 100th anniversary with tribute to national currency and central banking legacy
Published on November 11, 2025
Why is this important: The central bank has played a pivotal role in Albania’s economic development and institutional consolidation. As it enters its second century, the Bank of Albania is being recognized both domestically and internationally for its contribution to financial stability, monetary policy, and EU integration efforts.
Non-performing loans rise in Albania, signaling strain on households and small businesses
Published on November 11, 2025
Why is this important: The gradual increase in bad loans — despite overall economic stability — underscores the financial vulnerability of borrowers amid rising costs and uneven income growth. While banks remain confident in the system’s stability, the uptick could signal risks ahead if left unchecked.
Berisha escalates attacks on EU ambassador, blames “biased reporting” for positive progress report
Published on November 11, 2025
Why is this important: Berisha claims that Ambassador Gonzato’s individual stance is distorting the reports sent to EU institutions, which he says fail to reflect the country’s deep corruption and criminality. He directly linked this to the European Commission’s latest progress report, which praised Albania’s “excellent” EU integration trajectory.
“Partners for Progress”: Albania hosts British Cultural Week
Published on November 11, 2025
SPAK summons Berisha over 21 January killings, former PM demands international prosecutor
Published on November 10, 2025
Why is this important: The move marks the first time Berisha has been formally called in relation to the 21 January case. The incident remains one of the most politically sensitive and unresolved tragedies in Albania’s post-communist history, with SPAK now investigating allegations of “murder under qualifying circumstances,” “abuse of office,” and “obstruction of justice.”