Italian Vintage Car Exhibition Draws Attention in Gjirokastër
The historic bazaar of Gjirokastër became a unique attraction as 30 vintage cars were displayed in the city’s museum district. The classic vehicles traveled from Italy as part of a tour across Albania, making a stop in the UNESCO-listed “Stone City.” The retro automobiles captured the attention of numerous tourists, …
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 …
TIRANA, June 5 – President Bajram Begaj received the credentials of North Macedonia’s new ambassador to Albania, Vele Trpevski, and the new ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Albania, Turki Ibraheem Almadhi. During talks with Trpevski, Begaj praised the strong neighbourly relations and cooperation between Albania and North Macedonia. He expressed …
The Permanent Commission on Linguistics and Literature and the Institute of Linguistics and Literature at the Academy of Sciences presented a new book by Bardhyl Demiraj titled Don Gjon Buzuku and His Meshari. The event highlighted the importance of the Meshari, the earliest known monument of the Albanian language. At …
TIRANA, June 5 – The Chair of the Steering Council of Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH), Fatjon Hoxhalli, presented the institution’s financial and organisational situation before the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Public Information Media. He outlined revenue sources, financial obligations and investment constraints. Hoxhalli said the TV licence …
TIRANA, June 5 – The Director General of Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH), Eni Vasili, said 2025 marked a major financial challenge for the public broadcaster, while the institution continued to fulfil its public service mission. Presenting the annual balance sheet, Vasili said RTSH inherited weak operational conditions in both …
TIRANA, June 5 – The Transparency Board set new maximum wholesale and retail fuel prices on Friday. The new rates entered into force at 1300 local time. Under the decision, retail diesel prices under the SSH EN 590 standard cannot exceed 192 ALL per litre. Wholesale diesel prices cannot exceed …
Organizers opened the Albanian-language Book Fair “Shkup 2026” in Skopje’s “Skënderbeu” Square. The event became one of the key cultural platforms for promoting reading and Albanian-language literature. First, the fair brought together publishers, writers, researchers, and readers from North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania. It created a shared space for cultural …
TIRANA, June 5 – Albania on Thursday marked the 106th anniversary of the Vlora War, one of the most significant events in the country’s efforts to consolidate statehood. The conflict began on June 5, 1920, at a time when Albania’s future remained under discussion in international forums and concerns over …
TIRANA, June 5 – Minister for Relations with Parliament Erjona Ismailaj said the planned investment in Zvërnec will not damage the flora and fauna of the Narta Lagoon. She said the project will support economic development and create thousands of jobs in the Vlora region. Speaking in a media interview, …
TIRANA, June 5 – The second edition of the “Bread & Heart” festival featured the promotion of A Private Glossary, a book by Italian architect Stefano Boeri and Israeli film director Amos Gitai. The festival serves as a meeting point for architecture, culture and urban development. The book combines architecture, …
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 …