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PM departs for Rome ahead of Albania-Italy intergovernmental summit

Published on November 12, 2025
Prime Minister Edi Rama will travel to Rome tonight, November 12, for the first-ever Government-to-Government (G2G) meeting between Albania and Italy — a joint cabinet...

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
Albania’s national team has concluded final preparations ahead of Thursday’s World Cup 2026 qualifier against Andorra, with all players fit and ready for the challenge....

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
Albania is set to receive a significant boost in its military capabilities through a new arms agreement with Israeli defense company Elbit Systems, which will...

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
Albania will formally open its last remaining negotiation cluster — Resources, Agriculture and Cohesion — during the upcoming seventh intergovernmental conference with the EU, scheduled...

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
Albania has become the 64th country in the world to join the Israel Allies Caucus, launching a bipartisan parliamentary group in support of Israel. The...

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
The Bank of Albania is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, marking a century since its founding on September 2, 1925. Initially proposed by Albania’s...

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
Non-performing loans (NPLs) in Albania have risen, highlighting continued pressure on family finances and small business operations. According to data published by the Bank of...

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
Despite being publicly condemned just a day earlier for his remarks against the EU ambassador to Albania, Sali Berisha has doubled down with fresh accusations...

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
Albania is hosting the United Kingdom Cultural Week from 10 to 16 November under the theme “Partners for Progress”, bringing a diverse program of music,...

SPAK summons Berisha over 21 January killings, former PM demands international prosecutor

Published on November 10, 2025
Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) has issued a summons for former Prime Minister Sali Berisha as part of its reopened investigation into the 21 January...

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.”