In Focus
The big picture

Albania to review pension scheme with expert consultation
The Albanian government is continuing discussions with both international financial institutions and local experts regarding potential adjustments to the country’s pension system. Speaking at a recent conference, Prime Minister Edi...

Western Balkans advance toward SEPA integration for cross-border Euro payments
After the European Payments Council approved the inclusion of Albania and Montenegro in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) schemes in November 2024, financial institutions in both countries will begin...

CEC proposes simplified registration process for diaspora voters
The State Election Commissioner, Ilirjan Celibashi, has proposed a streamlined process to make voter registration easier for emigrants without a formal address in their name. The proposal would allow emigrants...

OECD ranks Albania as regional leader in public administration and digital procurement
A new report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and its SIGMA program has ranked Albania as a regional leader in public administration and digital public procurement....

U.S. Envoy Richard Grenell blasts Kosovo PM ahead of elections
Five days before Kosovo’s elections, U.S. Presidential Envoy for Special Missions Richard Grenell issued a strong criticism of Prime Minister Albin Kurti in X. Grenell accused Kurti’s government of damaging...

Tirana schools to introduce full-day schedule and lunch for pupils starting next year
Starting next year, all public primary and lower secondary schools in Tirana will provide lunch for students, enabling them to stay in school until 4:00 PM. The initiative aims to...