Rama at Joint Press Conference with Costa: We Are 100% Aligned with the EU, Our Focus Is on Implementing Reforms
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking at a joint press conference with European Council President Antonio Costa, thanked the latter for his direct engagement in Albania’s European integration journey since the launch of the country’s EU accession negotiations. Rama stressed that Albania has no disagreements with the European Union, only common …
Zvërnec Resort Under SPAK Investigation, Rama: Probe into Property Ownership Is Welcome, Project Will Continue
Prime Minister Edi Rama said he welcomes the investigation launched by SPAK (the Special Anti-Corruption Structure) into the ownership history of the property on which a resort is planned to be built in the Zvërnec area. Rama stressed that the project will continue regardless of the investigation, adding that the …
“Enlargement Is a Necessity”: Antonio Costa Says Rule of Law and Judicial Independence Are Essential for EU Membership
European Council President Antonio Costa was in Tirana on Tuesday, where he held a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama. Costa stated that EU member states have viewed Albania’s progress in the accession process positively. He also emphasized that Albania must intensify its efforts in the fight against …
Trump Nominates New Ambassadors for Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated several candidates for ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to a number of Western Balkan countries. Michael Young of Utah has been nominated to serve as the United States Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Serbia. Ronald Johnson of Massachusetts has been nominated as Ambassador to Bosnia …
Albania Lost 28,500 Residents in 2025 as Average Age Reaches 45
Albania has entered a new phase of its demographic crisis. The latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) show that the country’s population fell to 2.33 million as of January 1, 2026, losing more than 28,000 residents in just one year. Although births continue to outnumber deaths, emigration is …
Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company Fined €110,000 Over Metering Irregularities
Kosovo’s Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation (MINTI) has imposed a €110,000 fine on the Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company (KEDS) following the discovery of irregularities in electricity meters. According to MINTI, inspections were carried out after consumer complaints received during May. Field verifications revealed that 18 electricity meters had …
Canada’s Local Partnerships Drive Change Across Albania
Tirana Times, June 01, 2026 – As Albania continues to strengthen democratic governance, promote inclusive growth, and support sustainable community-driven development, Canada is positioning itself as a constructive and pragmatic partner through one of its most distinctive instruments of international engagement: the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. Known as CFLI, the program …
Minister Blendi Gonxhja to present National Culture Strategy 2026–2030
TIRANA, June 2 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja invited citizens to join a public consultation on the National Culture Strategy 2026–2030. He said the process aims to present the vision for cultural development in the coming years. The strategy will be presented on June 3. Meanwhile, …
Travelpack promotes Albania with dedicated brochure, places it among Europe’s hottest destinations – Travel Week report
TIRANA, June 2 – Albania attracts growing attention in the international tourism market. Juliet Dennis reports this in “Travel Week”. Meanwhile, British operator Travelpack launches its first dedicated Albania programme. The move responds to rising demand. The company describes the country as one of Europe’s hottest tourism markets. A 32-page …
Albania-Poland social security deal to protect citizens’ rights, says Manjani
TIRANA, June 3 – Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani said a social security agreement between Albania and Poland will strengthen social protection for citizens who live and work in both countries. Speaking at the Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration, Manjani said the agreement ensures recognition …
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj stated that no official investment project for the development of the Zvërnec area has been submitted to the government. She clarified that authorities have granted only a permit for environmental studies and assessments. Speaking in a media interview, Ibrahimaj called for a fact-based …
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said authorities are currently conducting environmental studies for the proposed investment in the Zvërnec area. Speaking to ABC News, Ibrahimaj stressed that any future development must comply with environmental laws and EU standards. She said these rules protect the lagoon and the surrounding …
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj rejected criticism from Democratic Party MP Enno Bozdo about Albania’s economic situation. She argued that economic indicators show clear improvement compared with previous years. During a parliamentary debate, Bozdo raised concerns about income levels, structural reforms, pensions, and social assistance. He noted that …
Deputy Prime Minister Delina Ibrahimaj stated that the proposed €4 billion investment in Zvërnec could become a major driver of economic growth. She said the project could create jobs, boost tourism, raise service standards, and attract further investment across the country. In a social media post, Koçiu pointed to neighboring …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the planned investment in Zvërnec will combine economic development with environmental protection. He highlighted the role of landscape architect Dong Yugan, who has joined the project team. Rama introduced Yugan during the Bread & Heart Festival in Tirana. He noted that the investors selected him …
Prime Minister Edi Rama will take part in the EU–Western Balkans Summit on June 5, 2026, in Tivat. According to Albania’s Media and Information Agency, the summit will bring together leaders from the European Union and the Western Balkans. Participants will reaffirm their strategic partnership and discuss the region’s European …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met today in Tirana with President Gitanas Nausėda. The meeting focused on strengthening relations between Albania and Lithuania. Both sides discussed closer political and economic cooperation. President Nausėda reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Albania’s EU membership bid. He expressed backing for Albania’s progress in the European integration …
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj presented in Parliament the draft law to ratify the social security agreement between Albania and Poland. First, she said the agreement strengthens social protection for Albanian citizens inside and outside the country. In addition, she stressed that the deal guarantees recognition of work …
TIRANA, June 4 – Italian media outlet “Si Viaggia” says June marks an ideal period for choosing travel destinations. It describes the month as the start of the summer season. It links the period to coastal and mountain travel choices. In addition, the publication says travel experts suggest several destinations …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha stated in Parliament that Albania leads the Western Balkans in implementing reforms under the EU Growth Plan. First, he said the government views the EU Growth Plan and the National Reform Agenda as real opportunities to modernize the state and accelerate EU …