Judge sets September for closing statements in Thaçi trial on obstruction charges
TIRANA, August 6 – The Kosova Specialist Chambers in The Hague announced that closing statements in the trial against former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi and four others will take place in mid-September. The court scheduled the hearings for September 10, 11 and 14. The case involves Thaçi, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni …
PM Rama shares message: Trust, empathy, service, commitment
TIRANA, August 6 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a handwritten message on social media with four key words: “trust, empathy, service, commitment”. Rama shared the message weeks after presenting the political document “Besa” [Good Faith]. He described the platform as a new effort to restore trust between citizens and …
President Begaj at ‘Ulqin Book Fair’ in Montenegro: Books keep Albanian language and identity alive
TIRANA, August 6 – President Bajram Begaj attended the opening ceremony of the 25th anniversary edition of the Ulqin Book Fair in Montenegro. The event is considered one of the region’s most important cultural gatherings and brings together authors, publishers and readers from Montenegro, Albania, Kosova, North Macedonia and other …
National Library inspires students and tourists across generations
TIRANA, August 6 – Despite technological developments, social media and wider access to online information, the number of visitors to the National Library’s “Sotir Kolea” Center continues to grow, even during the hot summer days. The increasing number of visitors shows that the love for books and the need for …
Rama Shares Photo Highlighting Government Priorities: Trust, Empathy, Service and Commitment
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media featuring a handwritten note that reads: “Trust, empathy, service and commitment.” Alongside the image, Rama included the Albanian flag and a red heart emoji. The values listed on the note reflect the government’s key priorities in serving citizens and advancing …
Public Consultations Begin in Maliq on Proposed Merger with Korçë
The Maliq Municipal Council has officially announced and invited residents to take part in public consultations regarding the new administrative-territorial reform of local government units. Under the proposed changes, the Municipality of Maliq would be merged with the Municipality of Korçë. According to the announcement, the consultations aim to gather …
Hague Court Sets September Dates for Closing Arguments in Obstruction of Justice Case Against Thaçi and Four Others
The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague announced on Thursday that September 10, 11, and 14 have been scheduled for the presentation of closing arguments in the obstruction of justice case against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu, and Hajredin Kuçi. The five defendants are …
Begaj at the Ulcinj Book Fair: Books Should Be Treated as a National Priority
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> President Bajram Begaj attended the opening ceremony of the 25th anniversary edition of the Ulcinj Book Fair. The fair is regarded as one of the region’s most important cultural events, bringing together authors, publishers, writers, and book enthusiasts from Montenegro, Albania, …
Defense Ministry Defends Procurement Process for Three Firefighting Aircraft
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”70e2f248-5867-4c1f-8cac-5495e6e2f2fb” data-turn-id-container=”70e2f248-5867-4c1f-8cac-5495e6e2f2fb” data-testid=”conversation-turn-15″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s Ministry of Defense has responded to recent claims made by the Democratic Party regarding the procurement process for the purchase of three firefighting aircraft. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> In its statement, the ministry said that …
Elbasan Begins Public Consultations on New Territorial Reform Following Protests
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-5″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-5″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Following protests in several municipalities across Elbasan County against the proposed Administrative-Territorial Reform, local authorities have officially launched the public consultation process. Opposition to the proposed territorial map first emerged in Prrenjas, where hundreds of residents protested against plans to merge …
The government is preparing to bring back online sports betting, seven years after a widespread gambling clampdown. But mental health experts warn that Albania is ill-equipped to deal with a rise in gambling addiction. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 13 – The fire situation in Priska has improved after firefighters and 2 helicopters worked to contain 3 fires that started on Wednesday evening. The fires emerged in Daias village, between Lundra and Priska. Ground and aerial operations helped stop the flames from spreading. Authorities continue to monitor …
TIRANA, August 13 – President Bajram Begaj urged citizens to remain cautious as high temperatures increase the risk of fires. He also expressed solidarity with firefighters and others fighting the flames. Begaj said firefighters, Armed Forces personnel and others fighting fires deserve public gratitude. He praised their courage and sacrifice …
TIRANA, August 13 – Albania will experience relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Thursday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with moderate cloud cover at times. Clouds will become denser over mountainous areas around midday and during the afternoon, mainly in the east and southeast. …
TIRANA, August 13 – Orikum, 15 km from Vlora, is one of Albania’s attractive coastal destinations. Its natural scenery, sea and history create a distinctive landscape. Crystal-clear waters, natural resources and historical heritage attract domestic and foreign tourists during August. Many visitors choose the area each year to enjoy its …
TIRANA, August 13 – The Armed Forces are supporting firefighting operations in Abaze neighbourhood in Kruja. Their teams are helping protect residents and property. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said the personnel are working with other emergency structures to contain the flames. He said the Armed Forces remain ready to support …
by Ferit Hoxha, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – There are moments in history when a country’s future is shaped by a single document. Such agreements are rare, but their impact can endure for generations. The Ohrid Framework Agreement is one such example. …
TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …
TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …
TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …