Albania Closes First EU Chapters, Hard Tests Ahead
The provisional closure of three negotiating chapters represents an important milestone for Albania. Yet the Brussels conference also showed that the country’s further progress will depend on difficult reforms concerning the rule of law, environmental protection and the implementation of European standards. Tirana Times, July 16, 2026 – Albania provisionally …
Albanian Infrastructure Minister Karakaçi and Irish counterpart discuss energy and aviation cooperation
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Infrastructure and Energy Minister, Enea Karakaçi, met Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, to discuss closer bilateral cooperation. Karakaçi said the meeting focused on renewable energy. He highlighted battery development as a key area for future cooperation. He added that Ireland’s …
Ksamil attracts visitors with crystal-clear waters and warm hospitality
TIRANA, July 16 – Ksamil continues to rank among Albania’s most popular summer destinations, attracting visitors from around the world with its crystal-clear waters, small islands and Mediterranean scenery. Many tourists describe the resort as an ideal place to relax. They praise the clear sea, stunning coastal views and peaceful …
Government approves procedure for public announcement of underwater cultural discoveries
The Albanian government has approved a new procedure for the public announcement of cultural heritage assets discovered at sea, strengthening the protection and preservation of the country’s underwater cultural heritage. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said Albania’s location along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, together with its …
Vllaznia exit European campaign after defeat against Kosova’s Malisheva
TIRANA, July 16 – Vllaznia of Shkodër have ended their UEFA Conference League campaign after losing 5-0 to Malisheva in the second leg of the first qualifying round. The match took place at the “Zahir Pajaziti” Stadium in Podujeva. Malisheva overturned the result from the first leg and secured qualification …
Tirana opens forest access routes to strengthen wildfire response
TIRANA, July 16 – Authorities have started opening forest access routes across Tirana County to improve wildfire response during the summer fire season. The Tirana Prefecture and the Tirana Agency of Parks and Recreation are clearing existing former military tracks to allow fire engines to reach forested areas more quickly. …
Artificial intelligence in filmmaking sparks debate on regulation and innovation
TIRANA, July 16 – The integration of artificial intelligence into the film industry and the need for a legal framework for its use topped the agenda at a roundtable organised by Albania’s National Center of Cinematography during the International AI Film Festival. Film professionals, including director Fatmir Koçi, Professor Shpend …
Kurti: Kosovo considers using US liquefied natural gas in the future
Kosovo is exploring the possibility of using liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States in the future, acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on Wednesday. Kurti made the statement during the foundation ceremony for a 105-megawatt solar park in Rahovec, southwestern Kosovo. He said Kosovo aims to use coal …
New waste strategy aims to align Albania with European Union standards
TIRANA, July 16 – An inter-institutional working group held its first meeting to review Albania’s National Strategy and Action Plan for Integrated Waste Management, as well as the National Sectoral Waste Plan. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said the revised strategy would align the objectives of the European Union Waste Framework …
Agritourism “Nëna Dashuri” in Dibër welcomes visitors from around the world
The agritourism destination “Nëna Dashuri” in Dibër has become a popular attraction for local and international visitors by combining Albanian hospitality, traditional cuisine, and fresh farm products. Prime Minister Edi Rama recently shared images from the guesthouse in Peshkopi, highlighting its journey from a small family business into a successful …