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TKOBAP Polyphony Group Performs at Piccolo Opera Festival 2026 in Italy

The Albanian iso-polyphony group from the National Ensemble of Folk Songs and Dances (TKOBAP) performed at the Piccolo Opera Festival 2026 in Italy. As a result, Albanian traditional music reached an international audience. The group presented Albania’s rich iso-polyphonic heritage, which is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. In …

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Jonid Jorgji becomes member of European Film Academy

TIRANA, June 30 – The National Center of Cinematography announced Jonid Jorgji as a member of the European Film Academy. It confirmed his selection in an official statement. In addition, the institution described the appointment as recognition of his contribution and vision in the audiovisual sector. It framed the membership …

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97 years since adoption of statute of Albanian Orthodox Autocephalous Church

TIRANA, June 30 – Albania marked 97 years since the adoption of the Statute of the Albanian Orthodox Autocephalous Church on June 30, 1929. The development followed the country’s independence in 1912. Religious institutions also moved toward separation from traditional external dependencies shaped by political and administrative conditions. In the …

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Italian Foreign Minister says Western Balkans EU membership should be accelerated

TIRANA, June 30 – Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy will work to accelerate European Union membership for Western Balkan countries during the Dubrovnik Forum in Croatia. He said Albania and Montenegro are ready for membership. He also said other countries in the region should move forward so most …

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Albania U-21 to compete at Taranto 2026 Mediterranean games

TIRANA, June 30 – Albania’s U-21 national football team will compete at the Mediterranean Games “Taranto 2026” in Italy. The event runs from 23 August to 1 September 2026. The International Committee of the Mediterranean Games organizes the competition. The football tournament features eight national teams. Organizers split the teams …

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PM Rama: Zvërnec investment to create 10,000 jobs as Vlora Bay naval base deal strengthens maritime industry cooperation

TIRANA, June 30 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said foreign investment drives jobs and economic growth in Albania. He said the Zvërnec project alone will create 10,000 jobs. Speaking in Pashaliman, Vlora, Rama attended the signing of a cooperation memorandum between Italy’s “Fincantieri”, Albania’s “Kayo”, and the “Pavarësia” industrial school. …

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The Political Myth of the “Beautiful Protest”

A Barthesian Reading By Diana Gëllçi, Ph.D. Tirana Times, June 30, 2026 – A beautiful protest has been unfolding in Tirana for several weeks. What is particularly interesting is that the same description has been adopted not only by the protesters themselves but also by government officials and media outlets aligned …

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Bulldozers Leave Their Mark on Albanian Seafront Coveted by Developers

Preparatory works for construction of a resort linked to Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, which helped spark Albania’s ongoing demonstrations, have been suspended – but they’ve left their mark on this protected habitat. Original post Here

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Ibrahimaj: Copyright Protection Drives Innovation and Fair Competition

Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj has stressed the importance of respecting copyright. She said it is not only a legal obligation but also a key way to support creativity, innovation, and fair competition. In a social media message, Ibrahimaj noted that people enjoy music, films, books, photographs, and …

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German media “HolidayCheck”: Five reasons Albania is becoming a top holiday destination

TIRANA, June 30 – German media outlet HolidayCheck reports that Albania is emerging as one of Europe’s most attractive holiday destinations. It highlights the coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The report points to the Albanian Riviera, especially areas south of Vlora and the Ksamil region, as key tourist …