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“It is being said that negotiations have been blocked, halted,” Rama: Completely untrue, we are on schedule

At the event held for the presentation of job vacancies in the public sector, Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about the importance of public administration as well as the negotiations for accession to the European Union. The Prime Minister pointed out that public administration has contributed to Albania’s development in …

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Berisha calls on citizens to join April 17 protest and demands halving of fuel taxes

The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, accused the government of negligence and lack of sensitivity toward pensioners and vulnerable groups, while calling on citizens to mobilize for the April 17 protest in Tirana. He stated that this date should mark “the most powerful peaceful uprising” to respond to …

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Training with Albanian border police, U.S. Embassy: Enhancing expertise for national security

The U.S. Embassy in Tirana shared images on “X” from a recent training conducted between the Albanian border police and a U.S. overseas investigative unit. The embassy emphasized that the specialized training focused on practical techniques for detecting fraudulent documents and strengthening risk assessment skills. Further in the statement, the …

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The 5Ps of Service Excellence: A Practical Roadmap for Albanian and Western Balkan Service Providers

By Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, April 07, 2026 – In my earlier article for Tirana Times, I described Albania as a country that moves from being visited to being remembered. Having since deepened my engagement with the Albanian health tourism and hospitality ecosystem, and having had the privilege of …

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New road to Ksamil nearing completion ahead of summer season

TIRANA, April 7 – Ksamil, a top tourist destination in southern Albania, is preparing for the summer season with improved access and infrastructure. Visitor numbers have risen in recent years, prompting upgrades to support tourism. The new road connects Ksamil to the Pulëbardha beach junction. It features panoramic sidewalks and …

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Austria ranks fifth-largest investor in Albania in 2025

Austria ranked as the fifth-largest investor in Albania in 2025. Austrian investments reached €146 million, up 22.7% from 2024, according to the Bank of Albania. Austrian capital flows target key sectors. They focus on insurance, energy, and hospitality services. Businesses see strong growth potential in these areas. Austria’s total investments …

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From Emigration to Agritourism: Reçi Urges Return to Albania

Esat Reçi spent years working in Greece. Then, he returned to his hometown in Kurbin. Before, he worked in construction. Now, he invests in agritourism. He turned his grandparents’ house into a guesthouse. Today, it attracts both local and foreign visitors. “Lahuta e Vjetër” sits among green hills. Moreover, it …

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Deputy Speaker Spahiu visits Arbëresh community in Italy

TIRANA, April 7 – Deputy Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Klodiana Spahiu visited Italy, stopping in Hora e Arbëreshëvet, a key center of the Arbëresh community and Albanian cultural heritage. During her visit, Spahiu met with the town mayor, Rosario Petta. They discussed ways to strengthen institutional cooperation and preserve …

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Tourism in Gjirokastër shows positive trend but service improvements needed

TIRANA, April 7 – Tourism in Gjirokastër is showing strong growth this season, with increased interest from domestic and international visitors. Tour operators report satisfactory bookings and expect visitor numbers to rise further in the summer months. Despite this growth, several challenges persist that require urgent attention. One major concern …

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Justice Minister Gogu meets students in Elbasan: European integration guides daily justice

TIRANA, April 7 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu met students in Elbasan to discuss European Union integration and judicial reform. Gogu emphasized on social media that “Europe is not just a political destination. It is a daily standard of operation.” He highlighted concrete results from judicial reform, including new institutions, …