Health Minister Evis Sala discusses Children’s Rights Agenda 2027–2030 with students
TIRANA, June 12 – The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Evis Sala, initiated school-based sessions of the National Council for Child Rights and Protection. The initiative brings students from primary and secondary education directly into policy discussions across several cities. The first out-of-institution meeting took place at the “Petro …
Archaeologists uncover colorful mosaics near Early Christian Basilica in Elbasan
TIRANA, June 12 – Archaeologists have uncovered previously unknown mosaics in Elbasan. The discovery came during excavations under the project “The Roman-Byzantine Quarter outside the Walls of Castrum Scampis – The Early Christian Basilica Extra Muros.” The findings reveal an earlier phase of the Early Christian basilica outside the walls …
Lëpusha emerges as northern Albania’s tourism gem blending nature and agrotourism
Lëpusha, located in the heart of the Albanian Alps in Malësi e Madhe, is emerging as one of Albania’s most attractive mountain tourism destinations. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos of the area and highlighted its growing tourism potential and agrotourism development. He described Lëpusha as one of the “tourism …
President Begaj highlights regional cooperation at Adriatic-Ionian Euroregion anniversary
TIRANA, June 12 – President Bajram Begaj attended an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Adriatic-Ionian Euroregion. He praised the initiative for strengthening cooperation among countries and communities across the region. During his address, Begaj said the anniversary reflected the value of an idea that had delivered tangible results …
Selenicë hosts first school folklore festival “Brez pas brezi”
Selenicë hosted the first edition of the school folklore festival “Brez pas brezi” today in Gjorm, Brataj administrative unit. More than 100 students from schools in Gjorm, Kotë, Armen, Selenicë, Vllahinë, and Sevaster took part in the festival. They performed traditional songs and dances from the Labëria region and highlighted …
Ombudsman Shabani discusses human rights at U.S. State Department and United Nations
TIRANA, June 12 – Albania’s Ombudsman, Endrit Shabani, met officials at the U.S. Department of State this week. He held talks with the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, which prepares the annual U.S. human rights reports. The participants discussed stronger cooperation on human rights, independent monitoring, and the …
FM Hoxha marks Kosova Liberation Day
TIRANA, June 12 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha extended greetings on Kosova Liberation Day. In his message, Hoxha said June 12 marks one of the defining moments in Kosova’s modern history. He described the date as the end of a painful period of violence, repression and …
Albania and Kosova strengthen cooperation between tax administrations
TIRANA, June 12 – Albania’s General Directorate of Taxes and the Tax Administration of Kosova have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger strategic cooperation. The effort aims to modernize tax administration and improve institutional efficiency. As part of the initiative, Albania’s Director General of Taxes, Ilir Binaj, paid a working visit …
Craftsmanship as art and living heritage showcased in “Vazhdimësi” exhibition
The National Center for Traditional Activities opened the exhibition “Vazhdimësi” in Tirana, highlighting craftsmanship as both art and living cultural heritage. The exhibition focuses on Albanian handicrafts as one of the most authentic forms of cultural heritage and artistic creation. Curator Erilda Selaj, also director of the National Center for …
42 new companies express interest in Durana Park
TIRANA, June 12 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj told parliament that Durana Technology Park remains a strategic government project for innovation, technology and foreign investment. She said transparency and openness to businesses guide the park’s operations. During the plenary session, Ibrahimaj stated that the government continues to inform …
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said that Albania has recently made significant progress on its path toward European Union membership. According to Kos, Albania met the Interim Benchmarks Assessment Report (IBAR) requirements on the rule of law. As a result, the country can now begin the process of closing …
Andreas Schieder said the European Parliament will reaffirm Albania’s strong commitment to the European Union. Speaking during a plenary session of the European Parliament, Schieder praised Albania’s progress in the accession process. He noted that the country opened all negotiation clusters within just 13 months. In addition, Albania recently achieved …
Kosovo and the European Commission held the annual meeting of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Monitoring Committee. The meeting focused on the implementation of EU financial and technical support for Kosovo. In addition, participants reviewed reforms that support Kosovo’s path toward European integration. Since 2007, the European Union has …
Ferit Hoxha met with Günter Krichbaum during his visit to Luxembourg. The two officials discussed Albania’s path toward European Union membership. They also reviewed the current momentum of the EU enlargement process. Furthermore, Hoxha said they exchanged views on the opportunities created by the renewed focus on enlargement across Europe. …
In Albania, real civic society is no longer in donor-funded conference rooms. It is in the streets. By Mrika Temali Tirana Times, June 16, 2026 – Thirty-five years after the fall of communism, Albania offers a bitter paradox. The European Union, Western governments and international foundations have spent millions indeed …
UEFA representatives continued inspections in Albania as preparations advance for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027, which Albania will co-host. First, UEFA experts visited stadiums over a four-day inspection tour. They assessed technical and operational readiness for the tournament. They focused on lighting systems, backup generators, security measures, and other …
TIRANA, June 16 – Housing prices in Albania continued to rise during 2025. At the same time, transaction volumes fell in the second half of the year. The Bank of Albania said the trend requires more time and data to determine whether it reflects a slowdown or a correction after …
TIRANA, June 16 – The Transparency Board has decided to reduce fuel prices in Albania. It cut diesel by 3 ALL per litre and petrol by 2 ALL per litre. Under the decision, diesel will sell at a maximum retail price of 180 ALL per litre. The board set the …
Albania’s U-19 national team learned its opponents for the second round of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2027 qualifiers. UEFA held the draw in Nyon, Switzerland. It placed Albania U-19 in Group 6 of League B. First, Albania will face Armenia and Cyprus in the group stage. The team will …
TIRANA, June 16 – The United States is expected to adjust its contribution to NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosova. The move comes as part of a broader review of the Alliance’s military presence in the country. A US European Command (EUCOM) official told Radio Free Europe that the decision follows …