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PM Rama rejects Zvërnec project claims, calls narratives hybrid warfare

TIRANA, June 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said no approved project exists for Zvërnec. He made the remarks in an interview with foreign media at the Western Balkans–European Union summit in Tivat. Meanwhile, he rejected claims about the project and described the debate as part of what he called …

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Europe’s Enlargement’s Bargain on Ukraine, Balkans, Risks Backfiring

As EU moves to prioritise geopolitical needs over old merit-based approaches, the concern is that rushed membership for Ukraine and Albania could come at a cost. Original post Here

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Prattipati Urges Kosovo to Join U.S. LNG Energy Projects

The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Pristina, Anu Prattipati, called on Kosovo to enter a long-term energy partnership with the United States through liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects. First, she said the partnership would strengthen Kosovo’s energy security and support long-term economic stability. She added that the U.S. and Kosovo could …

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MBZHR Adopts Animal Health Law, Aligning Albania with EU Standards

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MBZHR) has approved the Law on Animal Health. The government described it as an important step in Albania’s EU integration process and in the implementation of the Growth Plan. The new law aligns Albanian legislation with EU Regulation 2016/429. It strengthens the prevention …

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Ramadani and Mitaj: Friendlies Against Luxembourg Help National Team Preparation

The Albanian national team continues preparations for the second friendly match against Luxembourg. Coach Rolando Maran leads training sessions at the “House of Football.” First, midfielder Ylber Ramadani analyzed the match against Israel. He said the team played well in the first half but lost balance in the second. Next, …

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EU – Western Balkans summit in Tivat, PM Rama attends opening reception

TIRANA, June 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is in Montenegro to take part in the EU Western Balkans Summit, which holds its main proceedings on Thursday in Tivat. Meanwhile, the summit brings together European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders. It confirms the strategic partnership. It confirms the joint …

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Sunny weather with light clouds in mountain areas today

TIRANA, June 5 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will remain under stable weather conditions on Thursday. Meanwhile, the weather is forecast to stay mostly clear across the country. In addition, light to moderate cloudiness is expected during midday and afternoon hours. The clouds will be more present in …

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“Si Viaggia”: Saranda among Mediterranean gems for June holidays

TIRANA, June 5 – Saranda appears among recommended June holiday destinations in an article published by Italian media outlet “Si Viaggia”, written by Flavia Cantini. Meanwhile, the article states that June is an ideal period for seaside travel. It highlights warm weather conditions and lower tourist flows compared to July …

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European Commissioner for Enlargement: Albania and Montenegro entering decisive phase toward EU membership

TIRANA, June 5 – Leaders of the European Union and the Western Balkans are gathering in Tivat for the EU–Western Balkans Summit, reported europeanwesternbalkans.com. Meanwhile, the meeting focuses on accession negotiations, the implementation of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, gradual integration proposals for candidate countries, and regional cooperation. …

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Germany and France present initiative to accelerate Western Balkans EU accession

TIRANA, June 5 – Germany and France are expected to present a new initiative to accelerate European Union accession for Western Balkan countries and Moldova. The plan aims to offer greater integration benefits before full membership. Meanwhile, a joint document states that candidate countries would receive rewards for meeting accession …

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EU-Western Balkans Summit 2026: New Impetus for the Enlargement Debate?

By Odeta Barbullushi and Marina Vulovic Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – A new proposal on enlargement was tabled by the French President Emmanuel Macron and the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, on June 5, 2026. Its timing could not be more strategic: …

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Kushner’s Sazan Island Project Under Scrutiny

As Albania faces growing protests over protected coastal areas, a draft government decision to transfer Sazan Island from the Defence Ministry raises new questions over transparency, public assets and strategic investments. Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – Albania’s debate over strategic investments along its coastline has entered a new and …

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Letter from Brussels: Getting Creative about EU Enlargement in the Balkans

A new Franco-German proposal is heralding a possible new approach to the European bloc’s enlargement process – and leaving the door open for Kosovo. But it was Serbia’s president who grabbed the headlines at the latest EU-Balkans summit. Original post Here

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Digitrips/L’Écho: Albania ranked most affordable Mediterranean destination in ticket price barometer

TIRANA, June 9 – Albania stands out as one of the most attractive summer 2026 destinations, not only for its coastline and landscapes but also for increasingly competitive travel costs, Anna Duplantis writes in an article published by the French media outlet “Ulysse”. In addition, a price barometer by Digitrips …

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Switzerland strong supporter of vocational education and training reforms in Albania

TIRANA, June 9 – Swiss Ambassador to Albania Ruth Huber said Switzerland strongly supports reforms that place vocational education and training at the centre of social and economic development in Albania. She made the statement during the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education and Training, where participants discussed reform results. …

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PM Rama: Tourism success boosts foreign investment, rejects claims on cheap labour and environmental harm

TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s success in tourism has triggered growing interest from foreign capital and international businesses to invest in the country. He made the remarks during the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education and Training. Meanwhile, Rama rejected claims that foreign investors come …

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The Pope, AI and the Future of Humanity

The most important political text of the 21st century comes not from politicians but from Pope Leo XIV by Milena Harito I am an atheist, but today I can do nothing but thank Pope Leo XIV, who with his first encyclical, wrote the most reasonable and meaningful political text I …

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Restoration of Turan Tower continues, Gonxhja says historic values preserved for future generations

TIRANA, June 9 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared images on social media showing progress in the restoration of Turan Tower. He described it as a monument of special historical and architectural importance. Meanwhile, he said restoration and consolidation work continues on the monument. He said …

News
Tirana to host European Bank for Reconstruction and Development annual meeting in 2028

TIRANA, June 9 – Tirana will host the 2028 annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a major international event expected to bring together financial institution leaders, government representatives, investors, and development partners from dozens of countries. Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj announced the decision at …

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Gonxhja Warns Political Uncertainty Could Affect Tourism and the Economy

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja highlighted record figures at Tirana International Airport and warned that political uncertainty could affect both tourism and the national economy. According to Gonxhja, the airport recorded its highest daily traffic on May 30. On that day, 51,420 passengers traveled through the airport, while …

News

EU-Western Balkans Summit 2026: New Impetus for the Enlargement Debate?

By Odeta Barbullushi and Marina Vulovic Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – A new proposal on enlargement was tabled by the French President Emmanuel Macron and the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, on June 5, 2026. Its timing could not be more strategic: …

News

Kushner’s Sazan Island Project Under Scrutiny

As Albania faces growing protests over protected coastal areas, a draft government decision to transfer Sazan Island from the Defence Ministry raises new questions over transparency, public assets and strategic investments. Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – Albania’s debate over strategic investments along its coastline has entered a new and …

News

Letter from Brussels: Getting Creative about EU Enlargement in the Balkans

A new Franco-German proposal is heralding a possible new approach to the European bloc’s enlargement process – and leaving the door open for Kosovo. But it was Serbia’s president who grabbed the headlines at the latest EU-Balkans summit. Original post Here

News

Digitrips/L’Écho: Albania ranked most affordable Mediterranean destination in ticket price barometer

TIRANA, June 9 – Albania stands out as one of the most attractive summer 2026 destinations, not only for its coastline and landscapes but also for increasingly competitive travel costs, Anna Duplantis writes in an article published by the French media outlet “Ulysse”. In addition, a price barometer by Digitrips …

News

Switzerland strong supporter of vocational education and training reforms in Albania

TIRANA, June 9 – Swiss Ambassador to Albania Ruth Huber said Switzerland strongly supports reforms that place vocational education and training at the centre of social and economic development in Albania. She made the statement during the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education and Training, where participants discussed reform results. …

News

PM Rama: Tourism success boosts foreign investment, rejects claims on cheap labour and environmental harm

TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s success in tourism has triggered growing interest from foreign capital and international businesses to invest in the country. He made the remarks during the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education and Training. Meanwhile, Rama rejected claims that foreign investors come …

News

The Pope, AI and the Future of Humanity

The most important political text of the 21st century comes not from politicians but from Pope Leo XIV by Milena Harito I am an atheist, but today I can do nothing but thank Pope Leo XIV, who with his first encyclical, wrote the most reasonable and meaningful political text I …

News

Restoration of Turan Tower continues, Gonxhja says historic values preserved for future generations

TIRANA, June 9 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared images on social media showing progress in the restoration of Turan Tower. He described it as a monument of special historical and architectural importance. Meanwhile, he said restoration and consolidation work continues on the monument. He said …

News

Tirana to host European Bank for Reconstruction and Development annual meeting in 2028

TIRANA, June 9 – Tirana will host the 2028 annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a major international event expected to bring together financial institution leaders, government representatives, investors, and development partners from dozens of countries. Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj announced the decision at …

News

Gonxhja Warns Political Uncertainty Could Affect Tourism and the Economy

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja highlighted record figures at Tirana International Airport and warned that political uncertainty could affect both tourism and the national economy. According to Gonxhja, the airport recorded its highest daily traffic on May 30. On that day, 51,420 passengers traveled through the airport, while …