Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja stated on social media that this milestone meeting will be held under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports and UNESCO, bringing together experts and representatives from countries across Southeast Europe in Albania.

“This milestone meeting brings together experts and representatives from countries in Southeast Europe to exchange experiences, best practices and new approaches regarding the preservation, promotion and transmission of intangible cultural heritage to future generations.

Hosting this meeting in Albania reaffirms our country’s active role and commitment to the protection of cultural heritage—a living asset that safeguards the identity, memory and traditions of our communities. From traditional craftsmanship to rituals, celebrations, music and knowledge passed down through generations, intangible cultural heritage serves as a bridge connecting the past to the future,” concluded Gonxhja.

/a.f/r.e/p.s./

The 2026 Albania Report also focuses on Chapter 29, which covers the Customs Union.

According to the Progress Report, the assessment specifically highlights the alignment of legislation with the EU acquis; the adoption of the Information Technology Strategy to modernise customs systems; the development of the CCN/CSI network; and preparations for the NCTS and AES systems, which will enable interconnection with the European digital customs environment.

The Albanian Customs Administration pledged to continue aligning the Customs Code and its implementing legislation with the EU acquis, bolstering administrative capacity and intensifying efforts to tackle smuggling, corruption and counterfeit goods.

It described the Commission’s assessment as a positive recognition of progress, as well as a responsibility to maintain the pace of reforms towards meeting European standards.

/m.q/j.p/sm/

During his presentation, Rusi outlined the budgetary requirements for the judicial system for 2027, noting that the draft law “On 2027 Budget” allocates 37% less funding than what the High Judicial Council had requested.

He emphasized the urgent need to approve 199 additional staff positions across the entire judicial system, along with the corresponding funding for personnel expenditures, providing the necessary justifications for this request. Furthermore, Rusi requested continued funding for the salaries of 90 full-time, fixed-term employees—hired during 2026—whose employment will extend for an additional two years.

Rusi emphasized the necessity of securing additional funding—beyond what is currently allocated in the draft budget—to cover expenses related to court security services, rental costs for two appeal’s courts, and the increased fees for postal and security services.

Additionally, Rusi highlighted the importance of increasing funds for capital investments, specifically for renovations and the procurement of security and computer equipment for courts at all three levels.

In conclusion, the Committee on Legal Affairs, Public Administration and Human Rights requested that the rapporteur MP Aulona Bylykbashi, in coordination with representatives from the High Judicial Council and the Ministry of Finance, hold discussions to identify the HJC’s priority funding requirements—to be incorporated into the draft law “On 2027 Budget.” /j.p/p.s./

One of the new initiatives is the establishment, for the first time, of the National Council for Older Persons, as part of the 2025–2030 National Action Plan on Ageing.

Speaking at the National Conference on Active and Inclusive Ageing, Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu stressed that the new plan seeks to go beyond healthcare and social support by ensuring the direct representation of older people in decision-making processes.

“We have a National Action Plan on Ageing, the second of its kind, which addresses new challenges. The 2025–2030 plan is far more ambitious. We aim to introduce supportive policies not only in the medical field but also in the social and societal spheres. One of the most important steps will be the establishment of the National Council for Older Persons, as it is essential that their voices are heard. Only by listening to their needs and concerns can we develop policies that genuinely address them,” Minister Spahiu said.

Speaking at the National Conference on Active and Inclusive Ageing, Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu stressed that the new plan seeks to go beyond healthcare and social support by ensuring the direct representation of older people in decision-making processes.

“We have a National Action Plan on Ageing, the second of its kind, which addresses new challenges. The 2025–2030 plan is far more ambitious. We aim to introduce supportive policies not only in the medical field but also in the social and societal spheres. One of the most important steps will be the establishment of the National Council for Older Persons, as it is essential that their voices are heard. Only by listening to their needs and concerns can we develop policies that genuinely address them,” Minister Spahiu said.

Spahiu highlighted the expansion of free medical check-ups to older people through the removal of the upper age limit, alongside efforts to strengthen specialised geriatric care. The latter includes establishing a Geriatrics service at the Mother Teresa University Hospital Centre and extending it to four municipal hospitals to ensure wider geographical coverage.

Through these initiatives, the Ministry aims to establish a more integrated care model for older people, combining health and social services with their active participation in society and decision-making, while promoting dignity, security and a better quality of life.

/sm/

In its Progress Report on Albania, the Commission found that the country has attained a high level of legislative alignment with EU standards, notably in prohibiting privileged access by public authorities to financial institutions.

The report further notes that Albania’s legislative framework complies with EU requirements on central bank independence and the ban on monetary financing of the public sector.

One of the developments highlighted in the report is the adoption of the new Law on the Bank of Albania in October 2026. The legislative change is regarded as part of Albania’s efforts to bring its institutional and regulatory framework into line with European standards.

/m.q/j.p/sm/

This artwork—a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports and the Central State Film Archive—serves as a tribute to the women who have dedicated themselves to preserving and enriching Albania’s film heritage.

This piece honors all the women who have worked, and continue to work, at the film archive, which is a vital asset for the nation’s audiovisual memory.

Painted by Franko Dine and Klevis Kita, the mural spotlights women’s contributions to preserving Albanian cinema history.

/p.s./

Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs during a presentation of the 2027 draft budget, Gogu answered questions from committee chairman Ulsi Manja regarding the management of the hospital.

“The conversion of the Shënkoll Prison Institution (EVP) into a hospital is set to get under way. The General Directorate of Prisons has selected a contractor to carry out a ALL 250 million contract at the beginning of next year, covering the construction of the first two hospital buildings. The remaining buildings will be developed in subsequent phases,” Gogu said.

Gogu explained that healthcare services at the hospital would be provided by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, while the General Directorate of Prisons would be responsible solely for securing the institution’s outer perimeter.

“From this point onwards, it will operate as a hospital rather than a penal institution. Construction of the hospital buildings within the prison facility is due to begin in early 2027,” Gogu stressed.

Gogu said the plans also envisage transferring responsibility for all healthcare services within the penitentiary system to the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, while ensuring that prison doctors enjoy the same employment conditions and status as their counterparts in the civil healthcare system.

He further announced that the Institute for the Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Young People in Conflict with the Law in Mëzez is due for completion by the end of this year, with nationwide services scheduled to begin in the first half of 2027.

/r.e/a.f/sm/

Tabaku said the report “reveals some sad truths about Albania, showing that, beyond the rhetoric, passing laws is not enough, and that Parliament has increasingly limited room to operate, with little opportunity to debate either EU integration reforms or government oversight”.

She stressed that Albania needs comprehensive electoral reform, genuine political dialogue, strong institutions and equality before the law. She also called for the implementation of Constitutional Court rulings and stronger parliamentary oversight of the executive.

“A democratic country requires Constitutional Court rulings to be enforced, the executive to be held accountable, and European values – so often invoked when politically convenient – to guide every decision, every contract awarded without a competitive tendering process, and every law that undermines or restricts competition,” she wrote.

Tabaku described the incumbent government as a stumbling block to Albania’s EU integration process.

“People are calling for closer ties with Europe, and the European Commission is demanding greater commitment to the European agenda. This should serve as a wake-up call to change course. The government has had ample time and opportunities to act differently and restore the political will it has lost along the way. The time has come for a new government – one dedicated to EU integration. The current administration has clearly become an obstacle to this process,” she wrote.

/m.q/j.p/sm/

In the beginning, the delegation toured the House of Football, getting a firsthand look at the infrastructure and amenities provided at the Albanian Football Association’s headquarters, including the national team clinic.

Subsequently, the delegation met with President Armand Duka to discuss developments in football and the importance of institutional cooperation for the growth and promotion of sports. The national team Head Coach Rolando Maran also participated in the meeting.

The delegation included Christian Mossino, first vice president of the “Lega Nazionale Dilettanti” and Mauro Foschia, President of the Piedmont-Valle d’Aosta Regional Committee.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of symbolic gifts and a group photograph taken on the premises of the House of Football. /e.i/j.p/p.s./

TIRANA, Nov 4 /ATA/ Albania is expected to take a significant step towards modernising its payment infrastructure through the regional TIPS Clone project, which will enable real-time fund transfers, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In his address at the 8th International Conference on Regional Card Schemes and Retail Financial Market Infrastructures in Tirana, Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, highlighted the country’s progress in modernising its payment systems and strengthening financial integration with the European Union.

Sejko said that Albania’s participation in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and the implementation of the TIPS Clone instant payments project were major milestones in the transformation of the country’s financial infrastructure. He noted that SEPA membership had reduced the cost of euro transfers to participating countries by up to 20 times, generating estimated annual savings of more than €71 million for the Albanian economy.

He also highlighted the growth in digital payments, which have increased from five to 29 transactions per capita annually over the past decade, while the number of cards in circulation has reached 1.6 million. For the first time in 2025, cards were used more frequently for purchases than for cash withdrawals.

Regarding instant payments, Sejko said the TIPS Clone project would enable real-time fund transfers around the clock, seven days a week, improving access to funds for citizens and liquidity management for businesses. A joint study by the World Bank and the Bank of Albania estimates that wider use of electronic payments could generate annual savings of up to ALL 38.7 billion, equivalent to approximately 1.5% of GDP.

The Governor also stressed the importance of promoting competition, financial inclusion, consumer protection and affordable payment services, particularly for small businesses. He underlined that digital payments, electronic invoicing and the wider use of POS terminals would help reduce reliance on cash, increase economic transparency and support the formalisation of economic activity.

Concluding, Sejko said that Albania’s payment system reforms and alignment with European standards were strengthening the country’s financial integration with the EU and bringing it closer to participation in the European Single Market ahead of EU accession.

Sejko stressed that the modernisation of payment systems must go hand in hand with stronger operational resilience, highlighting the need to protect against cyber threats, service disruptions and technology-related risks. He underlined the importance of ensuring service continuity, data protection and fraud prevention, while promoting financial inclusion through financial education and accessible digital services, particularly for people with limited digital skills.

He also called for closer cooperation between public authorities, financial institutions and international partners to turn infrastructure investments and regulatory reforms into wider adoption and tangible benefits, reaffirming the Bank of Albania’s commitment to developing a more efficient, inclusive and resilient payments ecosystem.

/sm/