In a statement, the Bank of Albania said it was closely monitoring recent developments, stressing that the safety of citizens, bank customers and financial institution employees remained a priority.

“Payment services have continued to operate normally and without interruption, ensuring that the banking system can support business activity and meet households’ consumption needs,” the central bank said.

Damage to physical infrastructure at some bank branches did not affect the security of customer deposits or the financial stability of banks, it added, urging citizens not to worry about their savings.

The central bank said it remained in close contact with commercial banks and relevant institutions to monitor the situation and measures taken to protect employees, customers and banking infrastructure.

Temporary restrictions on services at certain branches were necessary to ensure the physical safety of staff and customers. The bank urged citizens and businesses to follow official notices from their banks and make greater use of alternative banking channels.

“The banking system is a vital pillar of the economy and citizens’ daily lives,” the statement said, noting that banks support households managing their savings, people receiving salaries and pensions, businesses paying employees and companies investing and creating jobs.

The Bank of Albania said it would continue to fulfil its mandate to maintain price and financial stability and ensure the safe and reliable operation of the banking system.

It also called on citizens exercising their right to peaceful protest to respect and protect the central bank, commercial banks, their premises, infrastructure and employees.

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Under a joint directive issued by the Education Ministry and the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, the use of Smart Labs, school performance and teachers’ professional development will be closely monitored during the academic year.

Technology will be used as a tool to support teaching, improve students’ learning experience and develop skills needed for the future.

Another priority will be strengthening teachers’ professional development through enhanced skills and support in meeting the changing demands of education.

Schools will also be assessed through the School Performance Card, an instrument aimed at monitoring and improving the quality of education.

The government will also focus on strengthening vocational education and expanding the “After School” programme, creating more opportunities for students and helping prepare them for the labour market and future challenges.

School safety will remain a key priority, with measures focused on preventing bullying and violence and creating a safer and more inclusive environment for students.

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Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared on social networks footage from the work of the Road Police on the Rrogozhina-Plepa highway, where police units are using specialized equipment to measure vehicle speed in real time.

Rama wrote in the caption that road safety remains our top priority. We are using advanced radar equipment on the Rrogozhina–Plepa highway to catch speeders in real time.

“The National Road Traffic Monitoring Center’s new cameras will also launch soon to boost safety on major highways. This week alone, police issued 1,100 fines for speeding, with some drivers reaching 230 km/h. Please slow down, avoid phones while driving and never drive under the influence”, Rama wrote.

Meanwhile, the State Police said that the intelligent means on the road are to enhance traffic monitoring, deter violations and improve overall road safety. /e.xh/a.f/p.s./

Minister Lamallari praised the Special Operations Force, the “Eagle” squad, and the Traffic Police for their recent operations across Tirana, stressing that these focused checks aim to strengthen public safety and stop dangerous lawbreaking.

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Speaking in the coastal city of Durrës alongside senior State Police officials, Lamallari said the State Police, Border Police and Maritime Police Unit would operate with additional personnel, modern equipment and enhanced readiness throughout the summer.

“Tourism is one of the most important sectors of our economy, and its growth brings greater responsibility. When tourists choose Albania, they choose a safe destination,” Lamallari said.

He said the State Police had implemented a dedicated operational plan to manage the expected increase in visitor numbers and ensure public order and safety.

Lamallari said the Maritime Police Unit, established in 2023, would play a key role in beach safety and preventing incidents involving recreational vessels.

According to the Interior Ministry, the Maritime Police Unit and Border Police assisted 231 people and 80 vessels in distress at sea in 2025. Authorities also inspected more than 5,600 vessels and sanctioned violations that endangered beachgoers’ safety.

For the 2026 tourist season, the Maritime Police Unit will patrol Albania’s coastline with 35 jet skis, trained personnel, intensified patrols and aerial surveillance using drones, Lamallari said.

He added that Border Police would also use integrated technology linked to the TIMS border management system to speed up entry procedures for yachts, sailing boats and other vessels visiting Albania.

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To keep vacationers safe, officials are setting up distinct boundaries between swimming areas and water sports zones.

Mayor of Himara Vangjel Tavo emphasized that the security perimeter is not just a warning; it is a mandatory boundary for all vessels.

“Watercraft are strictly prohibited from entering the security perimeter,” Tavo said.

Mayor of Himara underlined that the State and Municipal Police will strictly enforce all maritime safety regulations, with zero tolerance for violators. We urge citizens and visitors to help us protect swimmers by reporting any illegal movement of watercraft within or near the designated security zones.

Following the rules is essential to keep the Himara coast safe and ensure a successful tourist season, said Tavo. /e.i/r.e/a.f/p.s./

The meeting centered on strategies to ensure food safety this summer, focusing on stricter field inspections and categorizing industry operators according to EU standards.

With a record-breaking tourist season on the horizon, guaranteeing stringent food safety standards is more critical than ever. Minister Salla commended the National Food Authority, urging maximum operational readiness throughout the summer. A key focus of the meeting was the ongoing reform to categorize food business operators in alignment with European Union standards.

Food safety is a vital indicator of Albania’s European integration, driving institutional credibility and economic competitiveness. The government guarantees ongoing support for agri-food businesses through policies and EU funds, ensuring that compliance with regulations leads to concrete growth. /e.i/r.e/p.s./

Ambassador of Albania to the Netherlands Artur Kuko accompanied Gjylameti on this visit.

We leveraged innovation, digitalization and smart data to streamline workflows and integrate processes.

During the discussions, Gjylameti focused on issues of importance for strengthening the food safety system in Albania, including procedures for the establishment and operation of laboratories, the management of Border Inspection Posts, the use of the RASFF system, as well as the practices of official controls, audits and sampling.

We introduced a new categorization process for FBOs handling animal origin products to align the industry with European standards. Additionally, the new scoring system was highlighted as a tool to drive transparency, accountability, and rigorous food safety.

This cooperation represents an important step towards the exchange of best European experiences and the strengthening of institutional capacities in function of consumer protection and guaranteeing food safety. /k.s/j.p/p.s./

“Life, property, and safety are non-negotiable, yet the Albanian citizen faces a crisis of security that, outside of Haiti, is unmatched. From food safety to personal data, the state is failing its core mission to protect”, said Berisha.

Berisha argued that Albanians are fleeing a ‘narco-state’—a term he claims is widely accepted by international experts—seeking safety elsewhere because the government is, in his view, a captive entity in the hands of criminal networks.

The opposition leader also raised concerns about the devaluation of the euro in Albania, which he linked to the entry of drug money into the economy.

“In 10 years, the euro has depreciated by 32%. Albania is the world champion for the devaluation of the euro. The second country is Mexico with 17%, due to drug cartels,” he said.

According to Berisha, the devaluation of the euro has brought serious consequences for the Albanian economy and exports.

“It has wiped out any profits for exporters and forced them to close their businesses. Tens of thousands of Albanians have lost their jobs,” he said.

Berisha also stressed that the devaluation of the euro has increased costs for foreign tourists.

“Albania’s beaches are half empty even at the height of the tourist season because the devaluation of the euro has increased prices for tourists,” he said. /gj.m/j.p/p.s./

At the meeting held in Tirana on food safety, attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla, Head of the Food Safety Agency Blerina Gjylameti, EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato and Chief Inspector Dashnor Sula, Dhuka highlighted that with all 33 negotiating chapters opened in 2025, Albania has shifted into the critical final phase of technical preparation to close negotiations.

Dhuka underlined that Albania must achieve all EU food standards, becoming part of the European common market. She highlighted that adopting EU food safety standards is crucial for market integration, serving as a catalyst for agricultural modernization, infrastructure advancement and institutional reform.

As part of the ongoing negotiations, a national program is being developed to upgrade agricultural establishments. Dhuka said that the initiative has launched with a comprehensive assessment of processing plants, with priority given to the meat, fish, dairy, and egg sectors

“Initiated on April 14 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and implemented by the National Food Authority, this initiative covers over 900 nationwide establishments, focusing on enforcing strict hygiene standards across production, storage, transport, processing, and marketing,” Dhuka emphasized.

According to her, the necessary improvements in infrastructure, technology and logistics will be gradually implemented by 2030 and beyond, in accordance with EU regulations, which are the same for all member states. /e.i/j.p/p.s./