“We are proud and motivated to represent Albania in the Mediterranean Games. This tournament is more than just a competition—it is a chance to showcase the true character, spirit and mentality of Albanian football. We face a tough group with Italy, Kosovo and Algeria. We respect our opponents, but we are not going there just to participate. Our clear objective is to qualify. Football is decided on the pitch through organization, belief, and hard work, not by names and history. Our squad is young and fresh, featuring players born in 2006, 2007, and 2008 who will form next season’s U-21 national team. This is a vital platform for them to prove their worth against top-level competition. Even though our domestic season has not started yet and we are building match fitness, I am confident we will deliver a strong performance”, said Bushi.

Alban Bushi, the U-21 national team coach, acknowledged that a short preparation time makes their upcoming Saturday match against Italy tough. He stressed that his staff will quickly implement key strategies, treating every game as a final with the ultimate goal of winning the tournament. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

August 20 marks the start of the annual pilgrimage to Mount Tomorri, a sacred mountain where Abbas Ali—a revered saint in the family of the Prophet Muhammad—is believed to rest. Every year from August 20 to August 25, the Bektashi community hosts its holy festival at the Kulmak Tekke, drawing thousands of pilgrims from across Albania and abroad. People of all backgrounds and faiths gather at the shrine to take part in the celebrations and experience the spiritual traditions of the Bektashi order.

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

Deputy Minister of Finance Endrit Yzeiraj noted that talks with the Erste Group focused on recent macroeconomic trends, international borrowing plans and financial partnerships. He added that such dialogue helps showcase Albania’s economic progress and builds investor confidence ahead of a Eurobond issuance.

With Q1 growth at 3.7%, inflation holding near target at 2.7%, and lower unemployment, the Ministry of Finance is preparing its next international bond issuance. The move capitalizes on strong economic momentum to secure advantageous financing conditions and support long-term debt sustainability.

On February 11, 2025, Albania returned to international capital markets for its seventh Eurobond issuance, raising €650 million. The 10-year instrument carries a 4.75% coupon and a 5% yield, with full repayment due in February 2035.

/e.xh/j.p/p.s./

The issues were discussed at the fourth meeting of the IPARD III Monitoring Committee, attended by representatives of the European Commission, the European Union Delegation to Albania, implementing bodies and international partners.

The Minister Agriculture and Rural Development, Andis Salla, said discussions focused on progress in meeting commitments under Chapters 11, 12 and 13 of Albania’s accession negotiations with the European Union, as well as next steps to modernise the agricultural sector and promote rural development.

According to Salla, the IPARD programme remains one of the main support instruments for improving the competitiveness of farms and the agro-processing industry by encouraging investment, raising standards and strengthening food safety.

He said that, alongside support provided through European Union funds, the 2026 National Support Scheme and the Sovereign Guarantee Instrument were creating additional financing opportunities for Albanian farmers and agribusinesses.

/j.p/u.sh/

Despite cold temperatures, rain and snowfall, the team – known as the Dardanians – has maintained high levels of commitment and focus during training sessions.

The Football Federation of Kosovo said the atmosphere within the squad remains positive, with all players in good physical condition and fully fit for what is being described as one of the most important matches in the country’s football history.

Players have expressed optimism ahead of the match, highlighting the support of fans as a key motivating factor.

The game will be played at the Fadil Vokrri Stadium, where tickets sold out shortly after going on sale, underlining strong public interest in the fixture.

Kick-off is scheduled for 2045 local time, with Kosovo aiming to secure a historic result and move one step closer to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

/u.sh/

Speaking at a press conference, Vengu said planning for the summit has already begun and that a permanent task force composed of civilian and military representatives has been established, led by a national coordinator.

According to him, national coordinators have been appointed for each segment of the preparations, including infrastructure, logistics, military cooperation, security-related defence assets and the political agenda.

“Progress has been very good in terms of interaction with the armed forces of allied countries, such as the Dutch forces that organised last year’s summit and the Turkish forces that are hosting it this year,” Vengu said.

He added that the goal is to complete the entire preliminary planning phase by May, enabling all institutions involved – including the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Defence Ministry, the Republican Guard, infrastructure institutions and intelligence agencies – to have clearly defined responsibilities for this year and next to ensure the smooth organisation of the summit.

Work is also under way on shaping the political agenda of the summit in coordination with allies, Vengu said, highlighting close civil-military cooperation in the preparations.

/a.f/u.sh/

The meeting was attended by UEFA representatives, as well as specialists and officials from various Federation departments directly involved in organising the international tournament.

Discussions focused on key organisational aspects, including marketing and communications strategy, public relations, logistics, operational management and the planning and use of social media platforms.

UEFA representatives shared guidance and best practices on organisational standards, while FSHF officials presented progress to date and outlined concrete plans for the next phases of preparation.

The meeting marked another step in preparations for Euro 2027 Under-21, with the Albanian Football Federation reaffirming its commitment to delivering the tournament in line with UEFA’s highest standards.

e.xh/j.p/u.sh/

The task force will be chaired by the prime minister or, in his absence, by a national coordinator appointed by him, the government said in its decision.

According to the Council of Ministers’ decision, the task force members include the foreign and defence ministers, the minister for local government, senior officials from the prime minister’s office and several ministries, the chief of the armed forces, the head of the intelligence service, and the directors of the public procurement agency and the government services directorate. A technical secretariat under the Defence Ministry will support its work.

The government said the task force will act as the decision-making body for defining institutional responsibilities for the summit. Representatives of other public bodies and domestic or foreign experts may be invited to meetings when needed.

A National Organisation Team will operate under the task force and report to the national coordinator. It will coordinate with NATO structures in Brussels, Albania’s mission to NATO and task forces in previous host countries. Its remit includes security arrangements for delegations, accommodation, transport and other logistics.

The decision takes immediate effect and will be published in the Official Gazette.

/e.i/j.p/u.sh/

In a meeting chaired by Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro and attended by representatives of relevant institutions, key points of the preparatory work plan were established, aiming to ensure a fair, orderly, and transparent process for every student.

Education Minister emphasized that stricter measures will be implemented this year to address any violations, whether committed by students who fail to respect the rules or by exam administrators and officials, safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the examination process.

She also highlighted the importance of an extensive information and awareness campaign in schools nationwide, designed to clarify rules, deadlines, and procedures for the 2026 State Matura.

“KOMSH has to ensure a clear and dignified process for every Albanian student. We will conduct a school-by-school communication and awareness campaign, informing students, teachers, and parents about all rules and deadlines for the 2026 State Matura,” Kumbaro stated.

The 2026 State Matura process will continue in the coming weeks with technical meetings, updates to guidelines, and the harmonization of procedures across all regions of the country. Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the credibility and transparency of this key national examination.

/e.r/a.f/r.e/u.sh/

Coach Sylvinho led the team through a final training session at Gradski stadion Dubočica following a pre-match press conference.

The Albanian Football Association (FSHF) confirmed that all players are fit and available for selection.

Speaking to the media earlier on Friday, Albania’s head coach Sylvinho stressed the importance of the clash, describing it as a key encounter between the two main rivals competing for a play-off spot.

“Every match is important. Today, absolutely. A month ago it was Latvia – if we hadn’t won, it wouldn’t have made sense. If we win, the next match against Andorra becomes even more decisive. It’s emblematic and exciting, as we saw in Tirana,” he said.

Albania currently sits second in Group K with eight points from five games, just ahead of Serbia on seven points from four games, while England leads with 15 points. The group runner-up advances to the World Cup play-offs.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 local time. A victory for Albania would mark a significant step toward qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, while a Serbian win could reshape the play-off race.

/a.f/u.sh/