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NATO Defence ministerial meets in Brussels, Albanian Defence Minister highlights defence investment

TIRANA, June 18 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attended the meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels. Participants discussed the Alliance’s key priorities for strengthening security and collective defence across the Euro-Atlantic area. Meanwhile, ministers highlighted the importance of maintaining unity among allies. The meeting also focused on increasing operational …

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Finance and Legal Professionals Fuel Money-Laundering in Western Balkans: Report

A new report warns that weak oversight of lawyers, notaries, accountants and auditors helps facilitate money-laundering across the Western Balkans through real estate fraud and complex financial arrangements. Original post Here

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Albania attends NATO ministerial in Brussels as alliance focuses on military capability growth

TIRANA, June 18 – The NATO Defence Ministers’ meeting takes place in Brussels at NATO headquarters. Albania takes part in the ministerial. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attends the meeting. At the same time, the agenda focuses on security and strategic developments within the Alliance. It also addresses strengthening military capabilities. …

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Private producers surpass Albanian Power Corporation in electricity generation during first four months of 2026

TIRANA, June 18 – Private producers and concessionaires generated more than half of Albania’s electricity output during the first four months of 2026, according to data from the Energy Regulatory Authority (ERE). The figures show that private operators surpassed the Albanian Power Corporation for the first time. Meanwhile, net domestic …

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More than 500 Gjirokastër farmers apply for national agriculture support scheme

TIRANA, June 18 – More than 500 farmers in Gjirokastër Municipality have applied for support under the National Agriculture Support Scheme. Applications were submitted through the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development. Meanwhile, Agriculture Specialist Balil Bineri said most applications focus on four support measures. Farmers have shown the strongest …

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Hita meets Italian police officials as cooperation targets organized crime and trafficking

TIRANA, June 18 – State Police Director General Skënder Hita met Italian police officials in Tirana. The delegation included Lorenzo Bucossi, Director of the International Police Cooperation Service, and Marco Cali, Director of the Central Operational Service of the Italian State Police. During the meeting, both sides praised the high …

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Academician Luan Omari receives Golden Star of the Veteran award

TIRANA, June 18 – Academician Luan Omari received the Golden Star of the Veteran award on the occasion of his 101st birthday. The Academy of Sciences hosted a ceremony in his honour. The event opened with a song dedicated to Omari by “Thesaret labe” [Labëria Treasuries]. Academics, jurists, veterans, and …

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Special Event in Bern Honors Icon of Albanian Literature, Dritëro Agolli

The Embassy of Albania in Bern organized a commemorative evening at the “Kornhausbibliothek” library dedicated to the 95th anniversary of the birth of poet and writer Dritëro Agolli. The event brought together Albanian students, teachers, and friends of Albanian culture in Switzerland. Participants experienced an artistic journey through the life …

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Subsidies encourage investment in agriculture and livestock, minister says

TIRANA, June 18 – Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla shared the story of farmer Krenar Lashi from Kukës on social media. He said Lashi represents farmers who are increasing investment and production through agricultural policies and the National Support Scheme. Meanwhile, Lashi has diversified his activity by combining …

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Artistic Society “Lira” Becomes a Major Cultural and Patriotic Center

On June 17, 1928, the artistic society Lira Artistic Society was founded in Korçë. It emerged as one of the most influential cultural associations of its time. The society operated under the dedicated leadership of Sotir Kozmo and the conducting of Arbëresh maestro Paskal Anibal. It energized cultural life from …

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Albania Could Face Costly Arbitration Battle After Scrapping Vlora Airport Plans

Experts say the government’s move to ditch a controversial concession contract to build Vlora International Airport, at significant cost to taxpayers, highlights structural weaknesses in Albania’s public-private partnership framework. Original post Here

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Zelenskyy’s Kosovo Stance Puts Solidarity With Ukraine to the Test

Pristina and Tirana push back against Kyiv’s stance, insisting that Kosovo’s sovereignty cannot be diminished or equated with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Tirana Times , August 09, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation in Belgrade that Kyiv has not changed its position on Kosovo has triggered criticism in Albania and …

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Mecca Defense Pact Signals Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Shape a New Security Order

The agreement with Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan strengthens Riyadh’s position as a central architect of regional security, while reflecting a broader shift toward a more multipolar international system. Tirana Times, August 08, 2026 – The signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan represents more …

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Albanian Court Puts Turkish Activist in Custody After Extradition Demand

Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here

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“Fustanella” exhibition showcases Albanian cultural identity in Berat

TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …

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Defense minister visits Italian shipyard to support Fincantieri Albania project

TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …

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Power distributor strengthens grid for summer season in Lezha and Shëngjin

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …

News
Civil Protection reports eight active wildfires across Albania

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …

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Albania welcomes nearly two million foreign visitors in July

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …

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SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku

Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …

News

Albania Could Face Costly Arbitration Battle After Scrapping Vlora Airport Plans

Experts say the government’s move to ditch a controversial concession contract to build Vlora International Airport, at significant cost to taxpayers, highlights structural weaknesses in Albania’s public-private partnership framework. Original post Here

News

Zelenskyy’s Kosovo Stance Puts Solidarity With Ukraine to the Test

Pristina and Tirana push back against Kyiv’s stance, insisting that Kosovo’s sovereignty cannot be diminished or equated with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Tirana Times , August 09, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation in Belgrade that Kyiv has not changed its position on Kosovo has triggered criticism in Albania and …

News

Mecca Defense Pact Signals Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Shape a New Security Order

The agreement with Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan strengthens Riyadh’s position as a central architect of regional security, while reflecting a broader shift toward a more multipolar international system. Tirana Times, August 08, 2026 – The signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan represents more …

News

Albanian Court Puts Turkish Activist in Custody After Extradition Demand

Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here

News

“Fustanella” exhibition showcases Albanian cultural identity in Berat

TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …

News

Defense minister visits Italian shipyard to support Fincantieri Albania project

TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …

News

Power distributor strengthens grid for summer season in Lezha and Shëngjin

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …

News

Civil Protection reports eight active wildfires across Albania

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …

News

Albania welcomes nearly two million foreign visitors in July

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …

News

SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku

Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …