AI-backed “Smart City” project enters implementation phase, PM Rama says
TIRANA, July 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s “Smart City” project marks a new stage in strengthening public security through artificial intelligence. Speaking at the project’s Command and Control Center, Rama said the system is now entering implementation and will gradually expand across the country. He said artificial …
Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship makes first call at Port of Durrës
TIRANA, July 16 – The Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, arrived at the Port of Durrës for the first time with about 650 passengers on board. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the ship’s arrival on social media. He said company representatives praised …
Albania Closes First EU Chapters, Hard Tests Ahead
The provisional closure of three negotiating chapters represents an important milestone for Albania. Yet the Brussels conference also showed that the country’s further progress will depend on difficult reforms concerning the rule of law, environmental protection and the implementation of European standards. Tirana Times, July 16, 2026 – Albania provisionally …
Government approves procedure for public announcement of underwater cultural discoveries
The Albanian government has approved a new procedure for the public announcement of cultural heritage assets discovered at sea, strengthening the protection and preservation of the country’s underwater cultural heritage. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said Albania’s location along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, together with its …
Ksamil attracts visitors with crystal-clear waters and warm hospitality
TIRANA, July 16 – Ksamil continues to rank among Albania’s most popular summer destinations, attracting visitors from around the world with its crystal-clear waters, small islands and Mediterranean scenery. Many tourists describe the resort as an ideal place to relax. They praise the clear sea, stunning coastal views and peaceful …
Albanian Infrastructure Minister Karakaçi and Irish counterpart discuss energy and aviation cooperation
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Infrastructure and Energy Minister, Enea Karakaçi, met Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, to discuss closer bilateral cooperation. Karakaçi said the meeting focused on renewable energy. He highlighted battery development as a key area for future cooperation. He added that Ireland’s …
Agritourism “Nëna Dashuri” in Dibër welcomes visitors from around the world
The agritourism destination “Nëna Dashuri” in Dibër has become a popular attraction for local and international visitors by combining Albanian hospitality, traditional cuisine, and fresh farm products. Prime Minister Edi Rama recently shared images from the guesthouse in Peshkopi, highlighting its journey from a small family business into a successful …
New waste strategy aims to align Albania with European Union standards
TIRANA, July 16 – An inter-institutional working group held its first meeting to review Albania’s National Strategy and Action Plan for Integrated Waste Management, as well as the National Sectoral Waste Plan. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said the revised strategy would align the objectives of the European Union Waste Framework …
Kurti: Kosovo considers using US liquefied natural gas in the future
Kosovo is exploring the possibility of using liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States in the future, acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on Wednesday. Kurti made the statement during the foundation ceremony for a 105-megawatt solar park in Rahovec, southwestern Kosovo. He said Kosovo aims to use coal …
Artificial intelligence in filmmaking sparks debate on regulation and innovation
TIRANA, July 16 – The integration of artificial intelligence into the film industry and the need for a legal framework for its use topped the agenda at a roundtable organised by Albania’s National Center of Cinematography during the International AI Film Festival. Film professionals, including director Fatmir Koçi, Professor Shpend …
Germany supports Albania’s membership in the European Union. However, Berlin says the pace of accession talks will depend on the implementation of reforms. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, German Ambassador to Tirana Karl Bergner praised Albania’s progress. He also stressed the importance of strengthening the rule of law and …
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Albania rose sharply during the first six months of 2026. FDI reached €1.144 billion, marking a 50% increase compared with the same period last year. Data from the Bank of Albania on the country’s balance of payments show that FDI flows reached €741 million in …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced today that Luxair will launch direct flights between Luxembourg and Tirana. Hoxha welcomed the arrival of another European airline in Albania. He described the development as excellent news for the country. Starting March 29, 2027, Luxair will operate the new route …
Albania is exploring plans to build an LNG terminal on its Adriatic coast. The proposed terminal would receive US liquefied natural gas (LNG) by ship. It would then store the LNG and convert it from a liquid into gas. The gas could enter regional pipelines and reach countries across the …
Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi met with Michael Hammer, chairman of the Austrian National Council’s Friendship Group with Albania, and its delegation. Peleshi highlighted the long-standing friendship between Albania and Austria. He said the two countries have strengthened their ties over the years through political cooperation and exchanges …
The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, has been honored with the Key to the City of Mesquite, Texas, as part of his visit to the United States. The key was presented to Berisha by Mesquite Mayor Daniel Aleman Jr., according to the Democratic Party’s press office. “During the …
Judges across the Republic gathered for an extraordinary meeting at the Justice Center, where they adopted a joint position regarding the freezing of magistrates’ salaries. The statement was read by Judge Alda Sadiku, who stressed that the judiciary’s demands are not subject to negotiation because, according to the judges, they …
The average salary in Albania exceeded 92,000 lek in the second quarter of the year, increasing by 10% in one year. However, significant disparities remain, with the finance and technology sectors paying more than double the national average. The average salary in Albania continued to rise during the second quarter …
Following the closing arguments presented by Chief Prosecutor Kimberly West and the prosecutor in the case, the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office in The Hague has requested a six-year prison sentence for former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi in the case concerning obstruction of justice. “Based on all the evidence and facts, the …
The government is expected to take a new approach to housing. The new National Housing Program provides for six new schemes, focusing on young families and young people who face difficulties in securing a home. During the presentation, Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the program is not simply a …